legal updates
Friday, 12 Jan 2007
more criminal offences for companies and directors
CCW's Legal Update 12th January 2007
From 1st January 2007, a new piece of legislation came into force without any notice which makes company officers (directors and secretaries) liable to criminal prosecution if the company’s website does not contain certain details about the company, including the company’s name and registered office address. This also applies to e-mails and many other documents.
Companies House is clamping down much more rigorously on this sort of “compliance” and, for those of a nervous disposition, it is one more piece of red tape to reduce the diligent director’s peaceful slumber or consume valuable management time.
While the argument is potentially a little circular - if the website does not say that it is the website of a company, then it is open to doubt that it is indeed that company’s website – the potential fine and criminal record can be easily avoided. Changes to all electronic communications and order forms also may take a little time, and there may be some reprinting or reworking costs, but making sure of compliance with the new legislation is not technically difficult.
The full information needed to be displayed is set out in the relevant Statutory Instrument, and from CCW's Pamela Abbott.