A Standard Industrial Classification code (or SIC) describes the main business activity of a company.
The only way to update the SIC code stored at Companies House is by filing a Confirmation Statement.
You can update the stored SIC code on Inform Direct and then file the Confirmation Statement to report this to Companies House.
How Do I File a Confirmation Statement? (CS01)
Why Might I File a Confirmation Statement Early?
Changing or adding a new SIC code using Inform Direct is easy.
What SIC Codes are available for use?
1. Go to the Company tab and select 'Edit Company Information'.
2. In Trade Classification #1, start writing a word that best describes your business.
3. Possible options will then start being displayed.
Note: If your company is dormant start typing "dormant," and that option will be presented.
4. Click on the description(s) that best fits the company. You need to click on the suggestion and let Inform Direct populate the field for you. Do not just type the 5 digit number.
5. If you need to update a SIC code, just repeat the above steps. You can also delete any codes that are no longer applicable.
6. When complete, click on the green 'Save changes to details' button.
Note: The updated SIC code will only be reported to Companies House in the next confirmation statement.
Note: Some companies agonise over which SIC codes to select and fear the consequences of “getting it wrong.” At Inform Direct we’ve never heard of Companies House taking action against companies that have selected their SIC codes in good faith. In many cases, there just won’t be one that’s absolutely spot on – so experiment for free with keywords to find the code that best describe the activities of your company.