We are sharing this update from ACCA, our professional body, for the interest of clients and contacts. The content is (c) ACCA
News from Companies House and other partners in government
Official statistics – incorporated companies January to March 2026
Companies House has published its quarterly release of information about the size of the register of companies in the UK. This includes number of companies incorporated, dissolved and in the process of being removed.
More about the size of the companies register
Late filing penalties – online appeals service
All companies must send their accounts and reports to Companies House every year. If you submit accounts late, the law imposes an automatic late filing penalty.
Encourage clients to file their accounts in good time to avoid a late filing penalty. You can appeal a penalty, but it will only succeed if you can show that the circumstances are exceptional. The registrar has very limited discretion to not collect a late filing penalty.
The Companies House online service to appeal a penalty for filing your company accounts late is the quickest and easiest way to appeal. Most people complete it in 15 to 20 minutes.
If you cannot use the online service, you can appeal by email or post. This may take longer to process and Companies House may contact you for more information. Companies House recommends using the online service wherever possible.
Read the guidance on late filing penalties from Companies House
Employment Rights Act – guidance for businesses
6 April saw new measures from the Employment Rights Act take effect. These changes are being introduced gradually across 2026 and 2027, giving employers time to prepare and ensuring workers have clear information about their new rights.
Find further guidance and support, to share with clients, on the government’s campaign site.
ACCA has also produced a suite of employment factsheets which are regularly updated.
Protect your business – Stop! Think Fraud
Stop! Think Fraud is a UK government-led initiative designed to help tackle fraud by providing guidance to individuals and businesses on how to spot fraud, stay safe and what to do if targeted.
Their practical guidance for businesses sets out the steps they can take to protect themselves from common fraud risks, including payment diversion scams, invoice fraud and cyber-enabled crime.
The guidance is designed to help businesses reduce the risk of financial and reputational harm by spotting the warning signs early and putting simple preventative measures in place.
For more information and a helpful checklist, visit the government’s Stop! Think Fraud website.