Keep Statutory Books Up to Date – Accurate, Accessible, Fully Compliant.
Maintaining statutory registers is a legal requirement, not an administrative afterthought. Under the Companies Act 2006, every private company must keep accurate records of members, directors, and Persons with Significant Control (PSC). In 2026, inconsistencies between your internal records and filings with Companies House can lead to rejected submissions or compliance risk.

Coddan CPM provides a structured service to keep your statutory books fully up to date and aligned with your filings. We manage register maintenance, updates following company changes, and ongoing record accuracy—ensuring your governance framework remains consistent and audit-ready.

You can choose how your records are maintained—digitally via a secure dashboard or in traditional format. Registers can be held at your registered office, a SAIL address, or maintained in line with Companies House requirements. Where needed, electronic records can be reproduced as compliant hard copies.

This is not passive record-keeping. We review and synchronise your registers with filed data, preventing discrepancies before they become issues. Our approach is clear and transparent, with defined service scope and no hidden costs. Keep your records accurate. Stay compliant. Be ready for audit, due diligence, or inspection at any time.

Unlocking Business Potential in the UK – Build It Right from Day One

As a Grounded Expert and licensed Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), Coddan CPM moves beyond basic incorporation. We provide the institutional-grade framework required to navigate the UK’s high-transparency economy, ensuring your entity is "compliant by design" from day one.

As a Grounded Expert, we view incorporation as a three-dimensional challenge: structural selection, identity anchoring, and digital maintenance.

The 2026 Strategic Incorporation Framework
Starting or scaling a venture in this environment requires a "Forensic Setup" to prevent immediate operational blocks.

1. Tailored Entity Architecture
   Choosing between an LTD, LLP, LP, or PLC is no longer just about liability; it’s about your "Regulatory Footprint." We align your structure with your commercial trajectory, ensuring your Articles of Association are drafted to support future share allotments, investment rounds, or cross-border scaling while meeting the Registrar's strict transparency benchmarks.
2. Identity Anchoring via ACSP
   The most significant barrier to entry in 2026 is the Identity Verification (IDV) mandate. For many founders—particularly international ones—the standard digital apps often fail. As an ACSP, Coddan CPM performs manual forensic verification. We anchor your identity to the mandatory 11-character Personal Code, ensuring your board is "Green-Lit" for banking and public record filings before the company is even registered.
3. The Digital "Source of Truth"
   A "DIY" setup often leads to Notices of Inconsistency within the first 12 months. We manage your statutory registers in a digital-first environment, ensuring that your internal records, share certificates, and public filings are 100% synchronized.

This prevents the "Data Drift" that triggers automated AML queries and banking restrictions.

Operational Resilience: Maintaining Your Standing
In 2026, compliance is not a "once-a-year" task; it is a continuous state of readiness. Our ongoing secretarial support acts as your compliance shield:

• Confirmation Statement (CS01) Management: We perform a pre-filing audit to ensure your identity data and share capital remain accurate.
• Real-Time Register Maintenance: We manage your Register of PSCs and directors, ensuring any board changes are reflected instantly via our secure API-priority filing pipeline.
• Liaison & Advocacy: When the Registrar issues a query, we handle the forensic response, resolving technical blocks before they impact your ability to trade.

Strategic entity selection in this environment is no longer just a matter of limiting liability; it is about defining your "Regulatory Footprint." Whether you are establishing an LTD, LLP, or a specialized partnership, your choice dictates your future transparency obligations and banking accessibility. We provide structured, practical guidance to align your foundational Articles of Association with your commercial trajectory, ensuring your governance framework is "compliant by design" and capable of supporting future capital allotments or international scaling without triggering automated "Query Notices" from the Registrar.

The most significant barrier to entry in 2026 remains the Identity Verification (IDV) mandate, which frequently stalls international founders relying on standard government apps. As an ACSP, Coddan CPM provides a forensic manual override, anchoring your board’s identity to the mandatory 11-character Personal Code through expert-led verification. This proactive anchoring secures your "License to Trade" before the company is even formed, allowing for seamless banking applications and preventing the "Data Drift" that often leads to filing rejections and AML red flags for DIY incorporations.

Beyond the initial setup, maintaining your corporate standing requires a shift to continuous governance. Our ongoing secretarial support provides a digital "Source of Truth," synchronizing your internal statutory registers with the public record via secure, priority API pipelines. By managing your Confirmation Statements and officer updates with forensic precision, we eliminate the risk of "Verification Lag." Our approach is built on total transparency, with clearly defined service fees and statutory costs, ensuring you can focus on scaling your business while we maintain your institutional-grade compliance shield.

The Bottom Line
The UK remains a premier global jurisdiction, but the 2026 rules demand a professional intermediary. By partnering with Coddan CPM, you turn a regulatory burden into a mark of corporate excellence.

Is your proposed structure audit-ready for the 2026 filing cycle? We can perform a "Pre-Incorporation Assessment" to ensure your board and business are fully prepared for the UK market.

ACSP Business Setup Services – Formation, Tax Registration, and Compliance in One Place
Setting up a UK business now requires more than incorporation alone. From tax registrations to identity verification, each step must be completed accurately to avoid delays or compliance issues. A licensed Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) ensures everything is handled correctly from the outset.

Coddan CPM, as a regulated ACSP, provides a complete setup service aligned with the Companies Act 2006 and HMRC requirements.

We manage company formation for limited companies and LLPs across England, Wales, and Scotland, ensuring all registration details are accurate and compliant with Companies House.

We also handle essential tax registrations with HM Revenue & Customs:

• VAT Registration: Including threshold-based (£90,000) or voluntary registration
• PAYE Registration: Required before your first payroll—even for single-director companies
• Self Assessment Setup: For directors and self-employed individuals

In addition, we provide a registered office address and manage statutory communications to ensure your company maintains a compliant UK presence.

Our process is fully digital—no need for paper forms or postal delays. Most applications are completed through secure online workflows, saving time while maintaining accuracy.

This is not just setup—it is a structured, compliant foundation for your business. Register correctly. Stay compliant. Launch with confidence using an ACSP.

Streamline UK Business Registration – Fast, Verified, and Fully Compliant
UK company formation no longer needs to be slow or fragmented—but it does need to be done correctly. With identity verification, banking checks, and stricter oversight from Companies House, a structured approach is essential to avoid delays or rejected applications.

Coddan CPM, as a licensed Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), delivers a streamlined registration process for UK residents and international founders. In straightforward cases, we can incorporate a limited company or LLP within hours—while ensuring all compliance requirements are met under the Companies Act 2006.

We manage identity verification (IDV), company registration, certificates of good standing and statutory setup through secure digital workflows—removing the need for paper forms or manual submissions. For non-UK directors, we provide ACSP-led verification and documentation support to overcome common onboarding barriers.

Beyond incorporation, we assist with practical setup requirements, including registered office address services and introductions to UK banking providers. This helps you move from formation to operation without unnecessary friction.

This is not just speed—it’s controlled, compliant execution. We ensure your company is correctly formed, verified, and ready for trading from day one. Our pricing is transparent, with statutory fees clearly separated from service costs. Register faster. Verify properly. Launch your UK business with confidence.

Strategic Entity Selection: Building on a Verified Foundation

In 2026, the Registrar’s automated auditing systems treat different structures with varying levels of scrutiny. Selecting the correct vehicle is a strategic decision that impacts your operational friction.

1. Companies Limited by Shares (LTD)
   The standard for commercial scalability. We ensure that your share allotments and PSC (Person with Significant Control) registers are perfectly synchronized with the mandatory 11-character Personal Codes of your directors. This prevents the "verification loops" that often stall new LTDs during their first banking application.
2. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)
   Blending partnership flexibility with corporate protection, LLPs are the 2026 favorite for professional services. We manage the complex "Designated Member" verification requirements, ensuring that the partnership's governance structure meets the latest anti-money laundering (AML) benchmarks.
3. Companies Limited by Guarantee
   For non-profits and social enterprises, this structure offers robust protection without share capital. We provide the forensic oversight needed to manage member registers, which are now under increased scrutiny to prevent "shadow governance."
4. Limited Partnerships (LP) & Cooperatives
   From specialized investment vehicles to community-focused models, these entities require high-touch secretarial management. We ensure that even the most complex "General Partner" arrangements are fully transparent and compliant with current UK statutory standards.

The "ACSP Advantage" in Incorporation

In the current environment, a "DIY" incorporation often leads to a Notice of Inconsistency within months. Coddan CPM eliminates this risk through a forensic setup process:

• Verified Digital Identity: We bridge the gap between international founders and the GOV.UK One Login system. As an ACSP, we perform the manual IDV required to secure your board’s Personal Codes before the company is even formed.
• Source of Truth Documentation: We draft Articles of Association and statutory registers that are audit-ready, preventing "Data Drift" between your internal books and the public record.
• API-Priority Filing: Our status as a licensed agent grants us access to secure filing pipelines, ensuring your incorporation is processed with "Trusted Status" at Companies House.

Ongoing Governance: The License to Operate

Establishment is only the first milestone. To thrive in 2026, a business must maintain a "Green-Lit" public record. Our corporate secretarial suite provides continuous protection:

• Real-Time Register Maintenance: We manage your statutory books in a digital-first environment where "historical errors" are no longer tolerated.
• Managed Confirmation Statements (CS01): We perform a pre-filing audit of your data to ensure every officer, address, and share transfer is 100% aligned with the Registrar’s live data.
• Regulatory Liaison: We act as your forensic advocate, resolving any queries or "Hard Fails" from the Registrar before they escalate into personal liability for directors.

The Bottom Line for 2026
The UK remains a premier global market, but the cost of "compliance neglect" has never been higher. By partnering with Coddan CPM, you aren't just hiring a service provider; you are securing an ACSP-backed shield for your commercial interests.

Don't let governance friction stall your UK expansion. Secure your entity's standing today with the expert-led solutions at Coddan CPM.

Strategic Capital Restructuring & Governance in 2026

In 2026, corporate governance is no longer a passive, back-office function—it is a frontline compliance priority. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, the UK Registrar—Companies House—now uses AI-driven systems to cross-check share capital movements, director data, and verified identities in real time.

This means even minor inconsistencies—known as “data drift”—can trigger automated flags, rejected filings, or delays in critical transactions.

At Coddan CPM, we act as a forensic bridge between your commercial strategy and regulatory requirements—ensuring every structural change is accurate, compliant, and “green-lit” before submission.

Strategic Capital Restructuring: What We Manage

Structural Foundation: Holding Companies & Share Exchanges
When forming group structures or executing share-for-share exchanges, precise data alignment is essential. We ensure all shareholders and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) are correctly mapped, including verified identity linkage through Personal Codes—preventing “identity lag” that can halt transactions.

Capital Optimisation: Buy-Backs & Reductions
From share buy-backs to capital reductions, these transactions now face increased scrutiny. We manage solvency statements, statutory filings, and ensure all changes are accurately reflected in your confirmation statement (CS01), maintaining your company’s standing with lenders and regulators.

Equity Calibration: Subdivisions & Allotments
Whether handling share subdivisions, consolidations, or new allotments, we ensure your internal registers match the public record exactly. This guarantees an audit-ready cap table aligned with modern transparency standards.

The Coddan CPM Advantage

Without professional oversight, companies face:

• Filing rejections due to mismatched data
• Delays caused by unverified directors or PSCs
• Inefficient structures lacking tax alignment
• Increased regulatory scrutiny and risk

With Coddan CPM, you gain:

• Pre-filing forensic audits ensuring 100% data accuracy
• ACSP-led identity verification for all stakeholders
• Integrated tax and governance planning
• Fully synchronised company records and filings

Built for the 2026 Regulatory Environment
Today, the Registrar has the authority to block filings where identity or share capital data is inconsistent. Governance, identity verification, and capital structuring are now interconnected—and must be managed as a single compliance system.

Secure Your Structure Before You Scale
If your company is undergoing restructuring, investment preparation, or international expansion, ensuring your governance framework is compliant is critical.

Coddan CPM offers a Structural Integrity
Audit—designed to identify risks, correct inconsistencies, and position your business for growth in a high-transparency environment. Get compliant. Stay scalable. Move forward with confidence.

Articles of Association in 2026: Your Digital “Governance Engine”

In 2026, your Articles of Association are no longer static boilerplate—they are the operating system of your company’s governance. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House now uses AI-driven auditing to reconcile share capital, control structures, and verified identities. Any ambiguity in share rights, transfer rules, or control thresholds can trigger a Query Notice, delaying or freezing corporate actions.

Coddan CPM delivers ACSP-backed, forensic drafting and on-demand secretarial execution—ensuring your “source of truth” is commercially robust and digitally compliant.

Bespoke Articles: Built for Digital Transparency

Specialised Share Structures
We draft alphabet shares with clear, distinct rights to enable flexible dividend strategies while maintaining transparent PSC reporting. For scaling teams, we embed growth shares and employee equity mechanics (including Good/Bad Leaver provisions) to keep your cap table clean and audit-ready. Investor-ready drag and tag clauses ensure efficient exits and minority protection.

Transfer Controls & Compulsory Buybacks
Share movements are now scrutinised in real time. We design transfer restrictions and buyback mechanisms that align with board strategy and ensure every “change of control” is correctly captured in statutory records and the public register.

Institutional-Grade Frameworks
Whether you operate a company limited by guarantee or a PLC, we tailor Articles to meet heightened disclosure and transparency requirements—reducing friction during audits, funding, or regulatory review.

Ad-Hoc Secretarial Execution: Speed Without Risk

Priority Incorporation & Identity Anchoring
Same-day incorporations and name changes—paired with pre-verification of directors (Personal Codes)—to avoid post-registration blocks.

Registered Office & SAIL Management
A consistent physical and digital address of record, ensuring inspection locations and filings are always aligned.

Restorations & Re-registrations
From administrative or court restorations to private-to-public transitions, we manage complex filings with precision and regulator liaison.

Global Legalisation
Notarisation and apostille workflows so your UK records are recognised internationally as “in good standing.”

The Coddan CPM Edge

• Forensic drafting aligned to ACSP digital submission standards
• Synchronized data between statutory books and the public register
• Verified execution that minimises rejections and delays

Make Your Governance Future-Proof

In a high-transparency environment, governance is your license to operate. Generic templates create risk; precision creates momentum.

Coddan CPM offers a Governance Health Check to assess and upgrade your Articles—so your company is compliant, scalable, and ready for investment.

Statutory Record Upkeep in 2026: From Paper Registers to Real-Time Compliance

The UK’s corporate framework has fundamentally shifted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. As of late 2025 and 2026, Companies House has become the primary source of truth for most company data, transforming statutory record-keeping into a real-time, accuracy-driven discipline.

At Coddan CPM, statutory upkeep is no longer about maintaining books—it’s about ensuring perfect alignment between internal records and the public register.

What Has Changed in 2026

Centralised Director & PSC Data
Companies are no longer required to maintain internal registers of directors, directors’ residential addresses, secretaries, or Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). This data now sits exclusively with Companies House and must be kept accurate at all times through timely filings.

Register of Members Remains Critical
The register of members (shareholders) is now the only core statutory register that must still be maintained locally—either at the registered office or a SAIL address.

From January 26, 2026, companies can no longer rely on the central register option for shareholder data. This makes your internal register legally essential.

Mandatory Identity Verification (IDV)
By November 2026, all directors and PSCs must complete identity verification. Companies must confirm this status in their filings, linking identity directly to governance and ownership records.

Why Professional Upkeep Is Now Essential

Legal Compliance
Failure to maintain accurate records—particularly the register of members—can result in statutory breaches, exposing the company and its officers to unlimited fines.

Transaction Readiness
During investment, sale, or due diligence, the register of members is the definitive proof of ownership. Any inconsistency can delay or derail transactions.

Reconstruction of Records
If records are incomplete or lost, they must be rebuilt using historical filings. This is a complex forensic process requiring expert handling to avoid discrepancies.

Alignment with the Public Register
In 2026, misalignment between internal records and Companies House data triggers automated compliance checks. Even minor differences can lead to filing rejections or regulatory flags.

The Coddan CPM Approach

Coddan CPM ensures:

• Continuous synchronisation between your internal records and Companies House
• Accurate maintenance of the register of members
• Real-time updates following share transfers or structural changes
• Full readiness for audits, due diligence, and regulatory review

The Bottom Line
Statutory record upkeep is no longer administrative—it is mission-critical compliance infrastructure.

With Coddan CPM, your records remain accurate, aligned, and legally robust—ensuring your company stays compliant, credible, and ready for growth in a high-transparency environment.

Statutory Registers in 2026: What You Must Still Maintain

The UK’s corporate framework has changed significantly under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, but one misconception persists: that Companies House now replaces all internal company records.

While Companies House is now the central repository for most officer data, companies still have critical internal obligations—and failing to meet them can expose directors to serious compliance risks.

What You No Longer Need to Keep Internally

From 18 November 2025, companies are no longer required to maintain internal registers of:

• Directors
• Directors’ residential addresses
• Secretaries
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)

This information must still be filed and kept accurate at Companies House, but it no longer needs to be duplicated in internal statutory books.

In addition, companies are no longer required to provide a business occupation when appointing directors.

The End of the Central Register Option

The ability to rely on Companies House as a substitute for internal registers has been fully removed:

• Officer registers (directors, secretaries, PSCs): central option removed 18 November 2025
• Register of members (shareholders): central option removed 26 January 2026

This means companies must now take full responsibility for maintaining required internal records where applicable.

What You MUST Still Maintain

The register of members (shareholders) remains a legal requirement. You must:

• Create and maintain a complete and accurate register of members
• Keep it at your registered office or SAIL address
• Make it available for public inspection upon request

This register is the definitive legal proof of ownership—not Companies House. If your company previously relied on the central register, you must now reconstruct and maintain this record internally.

The Dangerous Myth: “Everything Is at Companies House”

Many directors assume:

• “We don’t need records—it’s just us running the company”
• “All information is already at Companies House”

This is incorrect.

Companies House reflects filed data, but it does not replace internal governance records, such as:

• Shareholder ownership (register of members)
• Board decisions and resolutions
• Share transfers and allotments

Without proper internal records, companies risk:

• Compliance breaches and fines
• Delays in investment or sale transactions
• Disputes over ownership or control

Why Professional Support Matters

In 2026, statutory record-keeping is about precision and alignment, not duplication.

Coddan CPM ensures:

• Your register of members is accurate and legally compliant
• Internal records align perfectly with Companies House filings
• Historical gaps are reconstructed correctly
• Your company is fully prepared for audits, due diligence, or investment

The Bottom Line
Companies House is now the public record—but not your only record.

Maintaining accurate internal registers—especially your register of members—is essential to proving ownership, ensuring compliance, and protecting your business.

With Coddan CPM, your statutory records remain complete, compliant, and ready for scrutiny at any time.

Why You Must Keep Company Records in 2026

Maintaining proper company records is not optional—it is a core legal obligation under the Companies Act 2006. Even with the shift toward a centralised register at Companies House, internal record-keeping remains a critical part of corporate governance.

1. It’s a Legal Requirement
   Every company incorporated in England and Wales must maintain specific statutory and governance records, including:
   • Register of members (shareholders)
   • Minutes of board meetings
   • Shareholder resolutions and general meeting minutes
   • Decisions made by a sole member (if applicable)
   • Accounting and financial records
   These documents form the legal backbone of your company’s operations. They provide evidence of ownership, decision-making, and financial accountability. Failure to maintain or produce these records—especially when requested—can constitute a criminal offence for company officers, exposing directors to fines or enforcement action.
2. Beyond Compliance: Protecting Your Business
   For SMEs and early-stage companies, it’s common to underestimate the importance of record-keeping—particularly when ownership and management overlap. However, poor documentation can create serious problems later, including:
   • Disputes over ownership or control
   • Delays in securing investment or selling the business
   • Challenges during audits or due diligence
   • Regulatory scrutiny or penalties
   Accurate records are not just about compliance—they are about protecting your position as a director or shareholder.
3. The 2026 Reality: Companies House Is Not Enough
   While Companies House holds official filings, it does not replace your internal records. The public register reflects submitted data—but it does not capture the full legal history of decisions, agreements, or ownership changes. Your internal records remain the primary legal evidence in disputes, transactions, and compliance reviews.

A Practical Challenge for SMEs
Many small businesses lack the time or expertise to maintain these records consistently. However, neglecting them can create far greater costs and risks in the future—especially as regulatory scrutiny increases.

Secure Your Compliance and Governance
Professional oversight ensures your records are complete, accurate, and legally defensible.

Coddan CPM supports businesses by maintaining statutory records, preparing compliant documentation, and ensuring alignment with UK corporate law—so you can operate with confidence and avoid unnecessary risk.

The Bottom Line
Keeping company records is not just a formality—it is a legal safeguard and strategic necessity.

Accurate documentation protects your company today and ensures you are fully prepared for tomorrow’s opportunities.

New Rules for Company Registers in 2026

The UK’s corporate framework has undergone a fundamental shift under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, redefining how statutory registers are maintained and relied upon. While Companies House now acts as the central repository for most company data, internal record-keeping remains critical—especially for ownership and governance.

The Register of Members: Your Legal Proof of Ownership

The register of members (shareholders) is now the most গুরুত্বপূর্ণ internal statutory record a company must maintain. It is the legal evidence of share ownership, not the Companies House register.

Previously, some companies could elect to keep shareholder information solely on the public register. However, this option has now been fully removed (January 2026). All companies must:

• Maintain a complete and accurate register of members internally
• Keep it at the registered office or SAIL address
• Ensure it is available for inspection when required

Failure to maintain this register correctly can lead to compliance breaches and complications in proving ownership.

What Must the Register Include?

Under the Companies Act 2006, your register of members must contain:

• Names and addresses of shareholders
• Dates of becoming or ceasing to be a member
• Details of shares held (including class, number, and amount paid)

This information must be accurate, current, and aligned with filings.

What Has Been Centralised

From 18 November 2025, companies are no longer required to maintain internal registers of:

• Directors
• Directors’ residential addresses
• Secretaries
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

These are now maintained centrally by Companies House, with stricter filing and verification requirements to ensure accuracy.

Strengthening Corporate Governance

Accurate company records are essential for demonstrating proper governance—especially for SMEs where ownership and management often overlap.

Well-maintained records provide:

• Evidence of how and why decisions were made
• Proof that directors complied with their statutory duties
• Documentation of conflicts of interest and how they were managed

Essential for Investment and Transactions

When raising investment, onboarding shareholders, or preparing for a sale, your records become a critical part of due diligence.

Investors and buyers expect:

• Complete statutory registers (especially the register of members)
• Properly documented board minutes and resolutions
• Accurate and timely filings at Companies House

Incomplete or inconsistent records can delay transactions, reduce valuation, and signal governance risk.

Reducing Legal and Financial Risk

Company records are your primary legal defence in disputes or regulatory reviews. They demonstrate that actions were properly authorised and compliant with:

• The company’s Articles of Association
• Directors’ statutory duties
• Shareholder agreements

This becomes particularly important in financial distress, where insolvency practitioners may review past decisions, including dividends and director transactions.

H ow Professional Support Helps

Coddan CPM provides structured, expert support to ensure your records are accurate, compliant, and audit-ready:

• Review and update statutory registers
• Conduct full corporate record health checks
• Prepare board minutes and shareholder resolutions
• Manage Companies House filings
• Provide ongoing governance and compliance support
• Assist with disputes, restructuring, and transactions

The Bottom Line
In 2026, corporate records are not just administrative—they are legal infrastructure.

While Companies House holds the public record, your internal documentation—especially the register of members—remains essential for proving ownership, ensuring compliance, and supporting growth.

With Coddan CPM, your governance framework is accurate, aligned, and ready for scrutiny at every stage of your business journey.

Director, PSC, and Secretary Registers: What to Know in 2026

Under the Companies Act 2006 and reforms introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, the way UK companies maintain statutory registers has changed significantly. While much director and PSC information is now held centrally by Companies House, understanding what these registers include—and your remaining obligations—is still essential.

What Should a Register of Directors Include?
Historically, a company’s register of directors (for individual directors) included:

• Full name (forename and surname), including any former names
• Country or state of usual residence
• Service address (which may be the registered office)
• Nationality (one selected if multiple apply)
• Business occupation (now no longer required for new filings)
• Date of birth

2026 Update: Companies are no longer required to maintain this register internally, but the same information must still be accurately filed and kept up to date at Companies House.

Register of Directors’ Residential Addresses
Previously, companies also maintained a separate register containing each director’s usual residential address.

• If identical to the service address, this could be noted accordingly

2026 Update: This register is now held centrally and no longer needs to be kept internally.

PSC Register (Persons with Significant Control)
The PSC register identifies individuals or entities with control over the company (typically 25%+ ownership or voting rights).

2026 Update: This register is also now maintained centrally by Companies House, with mandatory identity verification requirements reinforcing accuracy.

Register of Secretaries
Where applicable, this register historically included:

• Full name (and former names)
• Date of appointment and termination
• Service address

2026 Update: This is now also centralised, removing the need for an internal register.

Additional Registers (Best Practice)
Although not always legally required, it is considered good governance to maintain internal records such as:

• Share applications and allotments
• Share transfers and certificates
• Dividend records
• Director appointments and interests
• Debentures and charges

These records support transparency and are often critical during audits or transactions.

Updating Requirements
All company records—whether internal or filed—must be updated immediately when changes occur.

Most changes must also be reported to Companies House within 14 days, ensuring the public register remains accurate.

Where Should Registers Be Kept?
Where internal registers are still required (notably the register of members):

• They must be kept at the registered office or a SAIL address
• They must be available in electronic or paper format
• They must be accessible within 5 working days upon request

Who Can Inspect Company Registers?

• Shareholders: Free access
• Public: Can request access for a statutory fee

This transparency reinforces accountability in UK corporate governance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to maintain accurate and up-to-date registers is a criminal offence under the Companies Act 2006.

Consequences include:

• Unlimited fines for the company and its officers
• Increased scrutiny from regulators
• Risks during audits, funding, or legal disputes

The 2026 Reality
While many registers have moved to Companies House, companies remain responsible for:

• Filing accurate data
• Maintaining required internal records (especially the register of members)
• Ensuring full alignment between internal and public records

Stay Compliant with Expert Support

Coddan CPM ensures your statutory records, filings, and governance framework remain fully compliant, aligned, and audit-ready—so you avoid risk and operate with confidence. In 2026, accuracy isn’t optional—it’s enforceable.

Phase 1: Discovery & Audit – Your Compliance Health Check
Moving an existing UK company from a DIY or unmanaged setup into a professional secretarial package begins with one essential step: a full Discovery & Audit process. In 2026, under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, stricter rules on filing accuracy and identity verification mean that before any professional secretary can properly take over, your company’s current compliance position must be carefully reviewed.

Step 1: The Statutory Health Check
Before onboarding your company, Coddan CPM carries out a detailed Statutory Health Check to assess the condition of your company records and identify any hidden risks.

This includes comparing your internal statutory registers against the public record held at Companies House. We review director details, shareholder data, PSC records, filing history, registered office information, and company appointments to ensure everything aligns correctly.

What We Look For
During the audit, we identify issues such as:

• Late or missed filings
• Inaccurate director or shareholder records
• Outdated PSC information
• Missing statutory registers
• Address discrepancies
• Historic filing errors
• Notices of inconsistency or unresolved warnings
• Governance gaps that may affect banking or due diligence

Identity Verification Readiness

We also confirm whether current directors have their required Companies House Personal Codes and are ready for any necessary identity verification processes. This is now a key part of ongoing board compliance in 2026.

Why This Matters
Taking over a company without first checking its compliance position can leave serious problems hidden beneath the surface. Our audit ensures issues are discovered early and corrected before they escalate into penalties, rejected filings, or regulatory complications.

The Result
You receive a clear picture of your company’s standing and a practical roadmap to bring everything into order before transitioning into a fully managed professional secretarial service.

With Coddan CPM, your move starts with clarity, control, and confidence.

Step 2: KYC & AML Onboarding – Mandatory 2026 Verification
Once the initial compliance audit is complete, the next stage of transferring your company into a professional secretarial package is KYC and AML onboarding. In 2026, this is no longer a routine paperwork exercise. It is a core legal requirement for regulated service providers acting on behalf of UK companies.

As an Accredited Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), Coddan CPM must carry out formal Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks before managing filings or representing your company with Companies House.

What We Need From You
To complete onboarding, identification and address verification will usually be required for:

• Company directors
• Secretaries (if appointed)
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Beneficial owners where applicable
• Authorised representatives signing instructions

Typical documents include a passport or photo ID, plus recent proof of residential address such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Why It Is Different in 2026
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, professional providers must ensure their digital filing authority is connected to verified individuals. This means an ACSP cannot simply file forms based on unverified instructions or unknown parties.

The regulatory focus is now on identity certainty, ownership transparency, and accurate control data. Without completed checks, service providers may be unable to proceed with appointments, resignations, shareholder changes, or other statutory filings.

Why This Protects Your Company
Robust KYC and AML onboarding helps:

• Reduce fraud and impersonation risk
• Protect directors from unauthorised filings
• Support faster future transactions
• Improve banking and due diligence readiness
• Ensure lawful ongoing corporate administration

A Smooth Professional Process
Our onboarding is handled efficiently, securely, and with clear guidance throughout. Once verification is complete, your company can move into fully managed support with confidence.

With Coddan CPM, compliance starts with verified trust.

Phase 2: The Formal Appointment – Making the Transition Official
Once the compliance audit and onboarding checks are complete, the next stage is the formal appointment of your new secretarial provider. This phase ensures the change is properly authorised internally and correctly updated with Companies House.

Step 3: Board Approval
Any change to company officers or registered office details should be formally recorded in the company’s governance history. To achieve this, Coddan CPM prepares the required Board Minutes or written resolutions for approval.

These resolutions may include:

• Appointment of the new Company Secretary
• Resignation or removal of the outgoing Secretary (if applicable)
• Change of Registered Office address (for example, transfer to a professional London address)
• Confirmation of authority to submit statutory filings

Properly drafted minutes provide clear legal evidence of the decision and strengthen corporate records for future due diligence, banking, or shareholder review.

Step 4: Statutory Filings – The Public Handshake
Once approved internally, the transition is made official through electronic filing with Companies House. Depending on the changes involved, the following forms may be submitted:

• AD01 – Change of Registered Office Address
• AP03 – Appointment of Company Secretary
• TM02 – Termination of Secretary

These filings update the public register so your company records accurately reflect the new structure.

The 14-Day Rule
Where applicable, statutory notifications should normally be submitted within 14 days of the effective decision date. Late filings can create avoidable risk, including inaccurate public records, compliance concerns, or potential penalties.

Why Professional Handling Matters
Errors in officer appointments or address changes can delay transactions, affect banking relationships, or create governance confusion. Our team ensures forms are prepared accurately, filed promptly, and fully aligned with the board resolutions.

A Clean and Controlled Transition

With Coddan CPM, your move to a professional secretarial service is completed smoothly, lawfully, and with full administrative clarity.

Phase 3: Digital Integration – Future-Proofing Your Company Administration
Once the formal appointment is complete, the final stage of moving your company to a professional secretarial provider is Digital Integration. This phase modernises your records, secures your historical documents, and creates an efficient compliance system for the future.

Step 5: Digital Register Migration
In 2026, relying on paper files, outdated spreadsheets, or unmanaged minute books creates unnecessary risk. Modern compliance requires organised, accessible, and accurate records that can be updated quickly when company details change.

Coddan CPM will migrate your company data into professional secretarial software platforms commonly used for regulated administration and governance management.

This may include:

• Register of directors
• Register of shareholders
• Persons with Significant Control (PSC) records
• Share allotment history
• Board resolutions and minutes
• Filing history and key dates
• Registered office data

The Outcome
Your company gains a structured digital record system with a reliable “live link” between your internal governance records and future statutory filings with Companies House. This means future changes—such as a director changing address, a shareholder transfer, or board appointment—can be handled faster, more accurately, and with far less disruption.

Step 6: Handover of the Statutory Seal
The final transition step is the secure handover and organisation of all core historical company documents.

This typically includes:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Articles of Association
• Share certificates
• Historic minutes and resolutions
• Previous statutory registers
• Prior filing confirmations

We review, organise, and safeguard these records to ensure continuity and stronger due diligence readiness.

Compliance Lock System
To prevent missed deadlines going forward, we implement a proactive Compliance Calendar covering future obligations such as:

• Confirmation Statements
• Annual Accounts deadlines
• Director changes
• PSC reviews
• Corporate actions and updates

A Company Fully Under Control With Coddan CPM, your business moves from reactive administration to a professionally managed digital governance system—accurate, efficient, and built for 2026 compliance standards.