Many business owners don’t realise their website could be breaking the law — not because of what’s on it, but because of what’s missing.
UK legislation sets out specific details that must be displayed on a business website. Failing to include them can lead to fines, enforcement action, or loss of customer trust.
This guide explains the key requirements for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies, with direct references to the laws that apply.
Business name and ownership details
- Limited Companies: Must display the registered name exactly as it appears at Companies House, along with the company registration number and the part of the UK where it’s registered.
- Sole Traders & Partnerships: Must display the proprietor’s or partners’ names as well as any trading name.
Legal References:
- Companies Act 2006, Part 6, Chapter 4
- Business Names Act 1985 (as amended)
A real, physical address
You must provide a geographical address where official correspondence can reach you. This could be your business premises, your home address, your accountant’s address (if they’ve agreed), or a virtual office address.
PO Boxes alone are not permitted.
Legal Reference:
- Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002, Reg. 6
Contact details
Websites must give an email address and a method of direct, rapid communication — this can be a phone number or a contact form, but it must be easy for users to reach you.
Legal Reference:
- Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002, Reg. 6
VAT number
If your business is VAT-registered, your VAT number must appear on your website as it counts as a business document.
Legal Reference:
- Value Added Tax Regulations 1995, Reg. 25
Privacy policy
If you collect personal data — such as via contact forms, newsletter sign-ups, or through cookies — you must tell users how that data will be used, stored, and protected. This is typically done via a privacy policy.
Legal References:
- UK GDPR
- Data Protection Act 2018
Cookies policy
If your website uses cookies (especially tracking or marketing cookies), you must: tell visitors what cookies you use and why, get their consent before setting most cookies, and provide a cookie policy explaining each cookie’s purpose and duration. Consent must be clear and affirmative — no pre-ticked boxes. You must also give visitors a way to change or withdraw their consent. Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent, but should still be disclosed.
Legal References:
- Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003
- UK GDPR
Why this matters
These rules aren’t just red tape — they’re about transparency and trust. Customers are more likely to do business with companies that are open about who they are and how they can be contacted. Run through your website today with this checklist and make sure you’re covered. It’s a small task that can save you big headaches later.
Is your website working as hard as it could be?
Making sure your website includes the legally required information is an important first step, but it’s only part of the picture.
Many of the business owners I speak to are unsure whether their website is actually helping their business. Common concerns include:
- We’re embarrassed by our website
- We don’t get enough enquiries through it
- We struggle to appear in Google search results
- Updating the website feels difficult or time-consuming
- The website is slow or frustrating to use
- We know it could be better, but we’re not sure where to start
If any of those sound familiar, you’re not alone.
The good news is that most website problems can be fixed with a clear plan and a few targeted improvements.
If you’d like some practical advice, explore the pages above and download one of the free Help Sheets, packed with tips to help you get more from your website.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to talk things through, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to have a friendly, no-obligation chat and point you in the right direction.