What does strike off mean in Companies House?

"Strike off" refers to the formal process of removing a company from the official register maintained by Companies House, the registrar of companies in the UK. Once a company is struck off, it ceases to legally exist, and its name becomes available for reuse.

There are two main types of strike-off:

1. Voluntary Strike Off

This occurs when the company directors apply to dissolve the company, typically because it is no longer trading, has fulfilled its purpose, or is no longer needed. To be eligible for voluntary strike-off:

• The company must not have traded or sold off any assets in the last three months.
• It must not be involved in ongoing legal proceedings.
• It must have settled all debts and closed its bank accounts.

An application is made using Form DS01, and if there are no objections, the company will be dissolved approximately 2–3 months later.

2. Compulsory Strike Off

This is initiated by Companies House when a company fails to meet statutory obligations, such as:

• Not filing annual accounts or confirmation statements
• No longer having a valid registered office address

A notice is published in The Gazette, giving time for the company to comply or object. If unresolved, the company will be forcibly removed from the register.

Implications of Strike-Off

• All assets remaining at dissolution become bona vacantia (property of the Crown).
• The company can no longer trade or operate legally.
• It may be restored only through a formal court process.