If you find yourself unable to recall the SIC code you used during your company setup or in updating your business activities on a previous confirmation statement, there’s no need to fret. Although not frequently used, it’s straightforward to retrieve when you know where to look.

Here, we outline the different methods available for finding your company’s SIC code. Additionally, we provide pertinent information about the function of these codes, procedures for modifying or adding them, and instances where you may be required to furnish your SIC code.

If you formed a company with 1st Formations

If your company was established through 1st Formations, you have a client account accessible via our Online Company Manager tool. To locate your important company details, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Client Login page on our website and log in using your username and password.
2. Choose ‘My Companies’ from the menu.
3. Click on the ‘View’ button next to your company name.
4. Navigate to the ‘Company Particulars’ section where your SIC code is listed.

This platform also allows you to manage company updates, report changes to Companies House, and submit confirmation statements conveniently online.

Register a free account with us

If you did not establish your company through 1st Formations, you can still utilize our Online Company Manager. Just register for an account on our website and import your current company details into our system. This service is provided at no cost to you, and you’ll have access to all the advantages enjoyed by our initial company formation clients.

If you formed a company elsewhere

No matter if your company was registered directly at Companies House or through another agent, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can easily locate your SIC code:

1. Visit the Companies House service.
2. Enter your company name in the search bar and click on the magnifying glass icon.
3. Choose your company from the search results.
4. Look for your SIC code at the bottom of the ‘Overview’ tab, under ‘Nature of business (SIC)’.

The details displayed on the screen are publicly accessible. If any of your company information is incorrect or needs updating, you can make these changes directly at Companies House when you file your next confirmation statement or at an earlier time if preferred. Keeping your company record current ensures accuracy at all times.

What is a SIC code?

The term ‘SIC’ stands for ‘Standard Industrial Classification’. Each SIC code comprises a 5-digit number paired with a description of the trade or nature of business activity. For instance, ‘10320 – Manufacture of fruit and vegetable juice’ is an example.

These codes serve the purpose of categorizing registered businesses according to the industries in which they operate, providing Companies House with valuable insights. This data is widely utilized by government agencies, academic researchers, and various organizations for statistical analyses of economic trends and activities within the UK.

Furthermore, some companies utilize SIC codes to segment their commercial clientele and identify competitors. Marketing departments also find SIC codes beneficial for developing targeted campaigns based on industry-specific insights.

When will I be asked to provide a SIC code?

When you proceed with registering a company, you must select a SIC code to indicate your primary business activity. During the online company formation process with 1st Formations, you will encounter a concise list of SIC codes. Simply choose the code that best matches your main business operation.

The list comprises over 600 different SIC codes, ranging from very specific to broader categories. Finding the appropriate code that accurately describes your company’s activities may require some browsing.

If your company offers diverse products or services, you may need to assign multiple SIC codes – you can select up to four codes if necessary.

Additionally, Companies House will require your SIC code if you apply to remove a standard industrial classification that no longer applies to your business. This request should be completed in the supplementary section (Part 1) of the confirmation statement.

Other organisations who may ask you for a SIC code

Various entities such as banks, building societies, mortgage lenders, insurance companies, service providers, and suppliers may request your SIC code when you initiate contracts or utilize their services. Financial institutions and creditors often use this data to assess whether your business operates within a potentially high-risk industry.

Likewise, your SIC code is necessary when pursuing government contracts or applying for loans and grants. Specific projects and funding opportunities are often restricted to particular industries or businesses of a specific size.

Furthermore, some local councils and commercial waste management companies may require your company’s SIC code. This information helps them determine the appropriate type of trade waste service you need.

Which types of companies have to provide standard industrial classifications?

When registering with Companies House, public limited companies (PLCs), private companies limited by shares or guarantee, unlimited companies, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are required to provide SIC codes.

However, if you register as a sole trader business, general partnership, or limited partnership (LP), you are not obligated to provide a standard industrial classification code. Instead, you can simply describe your business activities using your own words.

How do I find the right SIC code for my business activities?

To identify the appropriate SIC code for your business activities, utilize the condensed list of standard industrial classifications available on the Companies House website.

Companies House provides a SIC search feature where you can input keywords related to your business. However, this tool sometimes may not yield exact matches, requiring you to manually navigate through the list to find the most suitable classification.

Can I use more than one standard industrial classification code?

If a single standard industrial classification does not fully encompass your company’s activities, you have the option to select up to four SIC codes. While many businesses find that one SIC code adequately describes their operations, it is common for companies with diverse activities to choose multiple codes to ensure comprehensive recording of all their business activities.

How do I change a SIC code at Companies House?

If you need to modify a SIC code, add additional classifications, or correct an inaccurate code, you must submit a confirmation statement to Companies House. This can be done either online or through postal submission.

Changes to SIC codes are handled in a specific section of the confirmation statement known as Part 1: Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code change.

If you inadvertently used the wrong SIC code during your company’s setup, you can rectify this during the filing of your next confirmation statement. Alternatively, you have the option to file an early confirmation statement if you wish to update your SIC code promptly.

So, there you have it…

If you’ve forgotten the SIC code for your limited company, unlimited company, or LLP, retrieving it is a simple and straightforward process that doesn’t demand much effort.

We trust this information has been beneficial and enhanced your understanding of the role of standard industrial classification codes in the UK.

For any further inquiries on this topic, or if you have questions about limited companies in general, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to our dedicated company formation team.