Does your Company Website comply with Companies Act?

Lisa Potter looks at the new Companies Act changes regarding business stationery.  

Most business know the requirements for business letters but I feel that the change that took effect during December 2006 on the passing of a statuory instrument has probably gone unnoticed by many businesses.   Companies that require an audit especially need to take note as non-compliance with the Companies Act can result in a qualified audit opinon.

To recap company stationery must include the following information:

• Company Registration Number 
• Place of Registration (for example England and Wales) 
• Registered Office Address 
• All or none of the Directors

This is old news I hear you cry, well since 1st January 2007 a statutory instrument has been passed that amends the Companies Act and extends beyond ‘business letters’ and now includes: 

• Websites 
• Order Forms
• Electronic Documentation which includes Emails

Now I ask again, does your company comply with the Companies Act 1985 because if it doesn’t you need to do something quickly to ensure that it does.

For websites there is a minimum amount of information that should be stated and these are listed below excluding the changes already stated above. 

• Name, geographic address and email address of the service provider. Name of the organisation with which the customer is contracting especially if different from the trading name. 
• It is not sufficient to include a ‘contact us’ form without also providing an email and geographic address somewhere easily accessible on the website. A PO Box is unlikely to suffice but a registered office address would. 
• If the business is a member of a trade or professional association, membership details including any registration number should be provided. 
• If the business is VAT registered the number should be stated even if website not used for e-commerce.
• Prices must be unambiguous and clearly state inclusive/exclusive of tax and delivery costs.

For further information please refer to http://www.out-law.com/page-7594

If you wish to discuss this article further please contact Lisa at 01376 326266 or by email: lisa.potter@lambert-hapman.co.uk

Date:12 January 2007