Significant changes to UK company law are being rolled out in 2025 under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).

One of the key updates is that every company must now keep its own statutory registers at its registered office or at a Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL), rather than relying on Companies House to hold certain information on its behalf.

This marks a shift back to company-level record-keeping and greater responsibility for transparency and accuracy.

What has changed

Until recently, many UK companies were permitted to rely on central registers held at Companies House for:

• directors,
• secretaries, and
• people with significant control (PSC).

From March 2025, this will no longer be allowed. Every company must keep its own up-to-date statutory registers, and ensure they are available for inspection at the correct location.

In addition, Companies House will gain stronger powers to query, reject, and remove inaccurate information, so it’s more important than ever that internal records match what is filed publicly.

What you must record (The "register")

This is the main "list" of your company's members (shareholders). Based on the sections you sent, it's not just a simple list of names; it needs to be detailed.

• For ALL members, you must record:
  
  • Their names and addresses.
  • The date they officially became a member.
  • The date they stopped being a member (if this has happened).
• If your company has shares (most common), you must ALSO add:
  
  • How many shares each member holds.
  • The "class" of those shares (e.g., "Ordinary", "Preference").
  • The amount paid, or agreed to be paid, on those shares.
• There are specific rules for what details to record :
  
  • For an individual person: You must list their full name (forename and surname) and a "service address" (a contact address).
  • For a company or firm: You must list its official corporate name and its "service address" (which is usually its registered office).

Where you must keep it

You can't just have this file hidden on a laptop somewhere. The law is specific about where it must be "kept available for inspection."

• You have two choices:
  
  1. At your company's Registered Office (this is the default option).
  2. At a "Single Alternative Inspection Location" (SAIL). This is another address (like your accountant's office) that you have officially notified Companies House about.
• You must notify Companies House if you change this location (unless it's always been at your Registered Office).

Who can see it (and how)

This is the "make this register available" part you asked about. It doesn't mean you have to post it online. It means you must make it available for in-person inspection at the location above (your RO or SAIL).

• Right to Inspect :
  
  • Any member (shareholder) of your company can inspect the register for FREE.
  • Any other person (e.g., a member of the public, a journalist) also has the right to inspect it, but you are allowed to charge them a fee.
• Right to get a Copy :
  
  • Any person (member or public) can also request a copy of the register (or just part of it).
  • You must provide this copy within 5 working days.
  • You are allowed to charge a fee for this service.‍

Why this matters

These reforms are part of the UK government’s broader agenda to improve corporate transparency and combat economic crime.

The practical effects are:

• Companies must take personal responsibility for maintaining accurate internal records.
• Companies House will no longer be a substitute for keeping statutory registers.
• Failure to maintain registers or allow inspection can lead to criminal offences for the company and its officers.

Penalties include fines and, in serious cases, prosecution of directors or even company strike-off for persistent non-compliance.

What this means for your business

The 2025 reforms mark a major shift in how UK companies manage their statutory information. By removing the option to rely on Companies House as a central register, the government is putting the responsibility for transparency and accuracy squarely back on company directors.

Keeping proper statutory registers isn’t just a legal formality, it’s a core part of good corporate governance. Up-to-date records help demonstrate who controls the business, how decisions are made, and that the company operates transparently and lawfully.

In short, 2025 is the year to take ownership of your company’s records. Keeping accurate, accessible registers at your registered office or SAIL isn’t just about meeting the letter of the law,  it’s about proving that your company is well-run, trustworthy, and ready for the future.

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