How to check if a company is a partnership?

How to Check if a Company Is a Partnership in the UK

Wondering whether a business is operating as a partnership? In the UK, one of the most reliable ways to find out is through the official Companies House register. While sole traders and general partnerships aren’t always required to register publicly, limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are a different story—they must be formally registered, and their details are fully accessible online.

If you're looking up a specific business, head to the Companies House website and use their free name search tool. Simply type in the company name, and the system will return any matching records. If the business is an LLP, you’ll see clear indicators—like “LLP” in the name or its registration number starting with “SC” (in Scotland) or “OC” (in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland). You’ll also be able to view key information such as the registered address, members (known as “designated LLP members”), and confirmation statements.

It’s important to note that general partnerships—where two or more people run a business together without incorporating—don’t need to be registered with Companies House, so they won’t appear in the database. This means a lack of record doesn’t necessarily rule out a partnership, but it does mean it’s not an LLP.

For due diligence, legal agreements, or business collaboration, verifying a company's structure is crucial. The Companies House database is not only free but regularly updated, making it a trustworthy source for anyone looking to understand how a business is legally structured. So before shaking hands on a deal, take a few minutes to search the register—it could save you time and risk down the line.