Companies House/ Filing Requirements
What happens if I do not meet the Companies House requirements for the filing of information about my Company?
The sanctions vary. In an extreme case the company could be struck off the Companies Register. There are also fines for late filing.
Companies House is becoming increasingly vigilant in enforcing the prompt and correct filing of company documentation.
We can offer a company secretarial service for a fixed annual fee (plus disbursements such as Companies House filing fees) under which we can:
- Provide a company secretary if required via Ellis Jones Company Secretarial Limited
- Provide a registered office address for your company
- Complete the Annual Return and submit it to Companies House
- Forward any official mail received on behalf of the Company (for example from Companies House or HMRC). Your normal trading correspondence should still be addressed to your principal place of business
- Maintain the statutory books and register any amendments with Companies House (you will need to keep us informed of any changes)
- Provide you with assistance in the procedures for holding meetings etc.
Consumer Protection
What are the rights that Consumers have under the law?
Most people are aware of the so called ‘statutory rights’ which consumers have relating to the quality of goods and their fitness for a specified purpose. However, there are many other rights to which consumers are entitled relating to how and where an agreement to purchase was formed and the marketing techniques used to secure the purchase. Special rules apply to distance selling on the internet (see below).
What are the consequences of failing to comply with consumer protection legislation?
In extreme cases failure to comply with consumer protection legislation may be regarded as fraud and can result in criminal proceedings against those involved. More commonly, failure to comply will result in an investigation by trading standards officers which may result in the business owner having to provide undertakings which are made publically available and can prejudice the good name of the business.
In addition to this contracts can be rendered unenforceable and money may have to be refunded.
I have been summoned to attend an interview with trading standards, can you help?
Yes, we can attend at the interview with you and help to ensure that you do not prejudice your position by incriminating yourself. We can also review your marketing literature and paperwork to ensure that these are compliant with the consumer protection regulations.
