Virtua Software Blog

Since January 1st 2007, changes to UK law mean that your business web site must include certain information. The good news is that you might already be in full compliance.

What Are the New Rules?

The Companies Act 2006 has been updated and companies now have to make sure that particular information is displayed on their electronic correspondance. All businesses, even those who dont trade online, are affected.

What Types of Information Do I Need to Display?

All web sites, emails and electronic order forms must carry the following information:

• Name of the company providing the service (any difference from the trading name must be explained)
• Geographic Address - Not just a P.O. Box number. If the business is a company then include the registered office.
• Email Address

If your business is a company, then you must also include the following:

• Registration number
• Place of registration
• Registered office address
• Details of any trade or professional association membership, including registration number
• Limited companies that are exempt from the obligation to use the word ‘limited’ must state that they are limited
• VAT number (if applicable)
• Any Prices must be clear and unambiguous, with details of tax and delivery costs

Information courtesy of Pinsent Masons

Where Do I Need to Show This Information?

This information does not have to be on every page, but it will help your credibility in the eyes of your site visitors if you place this information where it is easily found. You also need to make sure that you include this information on all electronic correspondance such as emails (just add it to your email signature) and order forms. Help on setting up an email signature in Microsoft Outlook

Why Do I Need to Do This?

This new legislation is intended to protect consumers by helping them identify the real company behind the website. The changes are also designed to modernise and simplify company law. This can also go some way to reassuring your visitors that it is safe to buy from you, as they can see that you are a real business. Placing this information prominently along with your privacy policy anywhere your visitors may be asked to submit their personal details and/or credit card information can help to maximise the number of visitors who purchase via your web site.

Will I Get In Trouble If I Dont?

You may be liable for a fine if someone complains that you are in breach of the law. As no grace period has been announced by the Government, you are potentially liable right away.

What Do I Do Now?

Ideally, you should have all of this information in the required places as a matter of good practice anyway. Check all of the pages of your site and make a note of all order forms. Decide where else to show this information - I would recommend placing this on every page but it makes sense to at least put it in your ‘Contact Us’ pages and also possibly your ‘About Us’ pages. Any good web designer should be able to help you with this if you have problems.