The correct spelling of the UK government's registrar of companies is "Companies House". It is pronounced as [ˈkʌmpəniz haʊs], with emphasis on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription breaks it down into individual sounds: /k/ for the first sound, /ʌ/ and /ə/ for the second and third vowels respectively, /m/ and /p/ for the consonants in the first syllable, /n/ and /ɪ/ for the second syllable, followed by /z/ in "companies" and /h/ and /aʊ/ in "house".
Companies House is a government agency in the United Kingdom that acts as the official registrar of companies and maintains a central repository of information on all registered companies in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Established in 1844, it operates under the oversight of Her Majesty's Government and is responsible for implementing and enforcing company law.
As a vital part of the UK's business regulatory system, the primary objective of Companies House is to ensure transparency and accuracy in the information held about companies. It is responsible for the registration, incorporation, and dissolution of companies, as well as maintaining up-to-date records of company details, such as names, addresses, directors, shareholders, and accounts.
Companies House plays a crucial role in providing access to this extensive database of company information to the public, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other interested parties. Its website serves as a gateway for individuals to search and access vital data regarding UK companies.
Furthermore, Companies House oversees compliance with legal requirements related to filing annual returns, financial statements, and other statutory documents by registered companies. It also monitors and investigates any suspicious or fraudulent activities concerning corporate entities.
In summary, Companies House is a key institution in the UK, acting as the official register and repository of information on companies. It works to ensure transparency, legal compliance, and public accessibility to accurate company data.
The word "Companies House" is derived from the combination of two distinct words.
1. Company: The word "company" comes from the Old French word "compaignie", which originated from the Late Latin word "companio". The original meaning referred to a group of people who were associated together or shared an activity. Eventually, the term evolved to represent a business organization that is formed by a group of people for a specific purpose.
2. House: The word "house" originates from the Old English word "hūs", which traces its roots back to the Proto-Germanic word "hūsą". It was used to describe a building or structure that provided shelter or accommodation. Over time, it became associated with various organizations or institutions that operated from specific buildings, such as the "House of Representatives" or the "House of Commons".