What does "Active" mean on the Companies House register?

What it means

An active company is on the live Companies House register. It has not been dissolved, it is not in liquidation, administration, receivership or a voluntary arrangement, and no strike-off is under way.

A company is shown as active from the day it is incorporated until its status changes. That includes companies that have never traded and dormant companies, so "active" is not evidence that a business is trading, profitable or paying its bills.

What to check before you trade with an active company

• Filing deadlines. Overdue accounts or an overdue confirmation statement are an early warning sign, and the usual reason Companies House starts a compulsory strike-off.
• The latest accounts. Net assets below zero, falling cash or a shrinking balance sheet are worth asking about. Many small companies file only a balance sheet.
• Charges. Outstanding charges show lenders who rank ahead of ordinary suppliers if the company fails.
• Recent changes. Frequent changes of director, owner or registered office can be a sign of trouble, or simply of a sale.

How long it lasts

Until the status changes. If the company starts an insolvency procedure or a strike-off, Companies House updates the status when the relevant notice or document is registered.