Key Takeaways
- Receiving a First Gazette notice UK for compulsory strike off means Companies House intends to remove your company from the register for missed filings, inactivity, or failing to respond to statutory letters.
- Doing nothing after receiving a Companies House compulsory strike off notice leads to dissolution, asset loss, and your company’s assets passing to the Crown (bona vacantia).
- There is usually a short window—typically two months from notice publication—to object or halt the strike off process before it is final.
- You can stop a company strike off by quickly filing overdue documents, settling fees, or presenting a compelling objection with supporting evidence.
- Directors, creditors, shareholders, employees, and suppliers can all object if they show relevant legal grounds and provide documentation.
- Restoration of a dissolved company is possible but costly, complex, and often too late to prevent asset or contract loss—prompt action is always better.
- Our experienced solicitors specialise in company strike off defence. We act quickly to protect your business, your assets, and your reputation.
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot with over 130 five-star reviews and a 4.9/5 client score.
- Urgent legal advice dramatically improves your chances of stopping compulsory strike off and safeguarding your commercial interests.
For immediate guidance, request a Free Consultation with our expert solicitors at 0207 459 4037.
What Should You Do If You Receive a First Gazette Notice for Compulsory Strike Off in the UK?
A First Gazette notice is a Companies House warning, published in The Gazette (an official government record), that your company is at risk of being struck off. Common causes include missed filings—such as annual accounts or confirmation statements—or a failure to respond to official correspondence. If ignored, your company is dissolved, all assets are frozen and passed to the Crown, and bank accounts may be closed. Restoration, if even possible, is lengthy and costly.
Directors and company secretaries in England and Wales must act quickly and decisively when faced with such a warning. Early, strategic action is the best way to protect your business from sudden disruption or loss.
Contact our experienced company law solicitors for a rapid, fixed-fee review and urgent company strike off defence at 0207 459 4037.
What Is a First Gazette Notice UK for Compulsory Strike Off?
A First Gazette notice is a legal alert that Companies House intends to strike off and dissolve your limited company. The notice is published in The Gazette and becomes part of the public record. Once published, your company’s risk profile instantly increases—clients, suppliers, banks, and even HMRC will be aware.
Common triggers for a First Gazette notice include missing annual accounts, overdue confirmation statements, or Companies House being unable to reach your registered office. The notice invokes the statutory process for compulsory strike off under the Companies Act 2006.
If you fail to take action, the following risks quickly develop:
- Bank accounts may be frozen, cutting off cash flow essential to trading.
- The company’s credit rating drops, damaging supplier and client confidence.
- Commercial contracts may be terminated for breach of warranties or ongoing obligations.
- Remaining company assets—including cash, IP, or property—are forfeited to the Crown under bona vacantia.
Directors must always treat a First Gazette notice as a critical legal emergency. The next step is to understand why Companies House has escalated your company to strike off.
Why Has Companies House Issued a Compulsory Strike Off Notice Against My Company?
Companies House uses compulsory strike off when it believes a company no longer complies with its statutory duties. Reasons can include:
- Failing to file annual accounts or confirmation statements by deadline.
- Companies House mail returned undelivered (out-of-date or inaccessible registered office).
- Signs of inactivity or “dormancy,” such as missing filings over multiple periods.
- Permanent non-compliance with Companies Act duties, following warnings and reminders.
Sometimes, strike off notices result from administrative errors or unintentional omissions—for example, an accountant may have assumed that directors were handling annual account submissions.
Proactive diagnosis and immediate response can often halt the process before your company is at real risk.
What Happens After a First Gazette Notice Is Published?
A strict two-month deadline usually follows the publication of a First Gazette notice. Under Sections 1000–1012 of the Companies Act 2006:
- Companies House provides two months’ public warning in The Gazette.
- During this “objection period,” any interested party—director, creditor, employee, HMRC—can object or supply evidence to delay or oppose the strike off.
- Correcting missed filings or addressing the underlying defect within the notice period enables Companies House to suspend or withdraw the strike off action.
- If no objection or evidence arises and the breach is not remedied, your company is removed from the register and dissolved.
Once dissolved:
- Company bank accounts are closed and assets are transferred to the Crown.
- All commercial contracts may be rendered void or cancelled.
- Directors who continue to operate are at risk of personal liability and may face legal action for wrongful trading.
Time is your enemy—failing to act promptly after Gazette publication results in permanent and expensive consequences for both directors and shareholders.
What Are the Risks of Ignoring a Companies House Warning Notice?
Ignoring Companies House’s warning notice triggers automatic strike off and dissolution. Here’s how the process unfolds:
- No action or objection within two months leads to company removal from the register.
- Business bank accounts are frozen—funds become inaccessible.
- Clients, suppliers, and lenders terminate relationships due to lost corporate status.
- Every asset—cash, land, intellectual property—passes to the Crown under bona vacantia.
- Directors transacting on behalf of a dissolved company risk personal liability for debts or misrepresentation.
- Recovering assets requires an expensive and time-consuming application to court for restoration, with no guarantee of regaining property or pre-dissolution contracts.
Immediate professional legal engagement keeps your options open and minimises losses.
How to Stop a Compulsory Strike Off Notice from Companies House
You can stop a compulsory strike off by acting quickly on all fronts:
- Read your First Gazette notice and all Companies House correspondence to pinpoint the specific regulatory breach.
- File overdue documents (accounts, confirmation statements) via Companies House’s portal or accepted delivery channels.
- If you dispute the grounds for strike off, send a clear written objection to Companies House along with supporting evidence (such as proof of trading).
- Coordinate with creditors, employees, or other affected parties so they can submit independent objections when necessary.
- Date and keep copies of all submissions and correspondence for your records.
- Seek specialist legal help if legal disputes, large assets, or complex company affairs are involved.
To maximise your chances of success, contact our company law experts for immediate tailored strike off defence.
What Evidence and Legal Grounds Can Be Used to Challenge a Company Strike Off?
A successful objection to strike off depends on providing clear legal grounds backed with evidence. Typical examples include:
- Active trading: Recent invoices, bank statements, or contracts demonstrating the company is in ongoing business.
- Ongoing legal proceedings or debts: Filing evidence of court cases or notices from solicitors showing unresolved liabilities.
- Mistaken identity or admin errors: Supply confirmation of filings, evidence of incorrect reminders, or details showing Companies House has the wrong contact details.
- Substantial creditor, employee, or partner interests: Objections from creditors owed money (supported by invoices or credit agreements), or from employees at risk of unpaid wages, are compelling.
The earlier and more thoroughly you evidence your objection, the more credible your position.
Who Can Object to a Compulsory Strike Off and How Should They Do It?
Anyone with a real interest in the company may object, including:
- Directors and shareholders
- Creditors or suppliers owed money
- Employees at risk of lost pay or redundancy
- Business partners or counterparties with active contracts
Objections should be:
- Submitted in writing, clearly naming the objector and company, describing the objection’s legal or commercial basis
- Backed with supporting documentation (contracts, bank statements, legal proceedings, proof of trading)
- Sent promptly to Companies House through their online portal or by post/email—never wait until the final days of the objection period
Our specialist team guides you on compiling evidence, drafting objections, and liaising with Companies House for the best results.
Step-by-Step Guide: Responding to a First Gazette Notice UK
- Carefully review the First Gazette notice: Note deadlines, defect details, and stated breaches.
- Check your Companies House record: Identify any overdue filings or address errors needing correction.
- Prepare and submit all missing documents: File annual accounts, confirmation statements, or update your registered office without delay.
- If grounds exist, lodge a written objection: Clearly set out your reasons, attach supporting evidence, and request immediate suspension of strike off.
- Act fast using Companies House’s online tools: Submit follow-up by phone or email to confirm suspension and accuracy.
- Keep records of all submissions and responses: Ensure every action is documented for future reference.
- If time is short, seek urgent professional advice: Our expert solicitors provide rapid assessment and intervention, especially if significant assets or jobs are at risk.
By following these steps, you can greatly improve your chances of preserving your company’s standing and assets.
What Laws and Deadlines Apply to Compulsory Company Strike Off?
Companies Act 2006 (Sections 1000–1012)
These sections empower Companies House to remove companies missing statutory filings or no longer operating. A company cannot be struck off without:
- Public First Gazette notice (minimum two-month objection period)
- An opportunity for those affected to object or rectify the default before strike off
Companies House Strike Off Timetables and Deadlines
- Reminders: Sent to your company’s registered office before any public notice.
- Two-month notice period: Starts after First Gazette publication. This is your main window to resolve defaults or object.
- Permanent removal: After two months with no effective response, your company is struck off and dissolved.
Asset Vesting Rules After Strike Off
When removed, your company’s property—including bank balances, contracts, land, and IP—instantly passes to the Crown (“bona vacantia”) and can only be recovered via court-led restoration. This is often costly, slow, and may not always succeed.
Acting before the Gazette notice expires is always the least expensive and most certain way to protect your company’s interests.
What Do the Courts Say About Challenging Compulsory Strike Off?
| Case | Summary | Outcome | Legal Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Re Sahaviriya Steel Industries PLC [2017] EWHC 2870 (Ch) | Company struck off while trading actively | Court restored company | Evidence of trading justified restoration |
| RW Fashion Ltd v Registrar of Companies [2015] EWHC 1840 (Ch) | Failure to act within the deadline | Restoration denied | Delay destroys chances of restoration |
| Concorde Global Ltd v Registrar of Companies [2012] EWHC 1982 (Ch) | Mis-served notice | Strike off reversed | Proper notice service is a critical requirement |
Courts in England & Wales expect anyone wishing to challenge compulsory strike off to act rapidly, provide strong evidence, and demonstrate procedural compliance. Leaving matters until after strike off, or bringing unclear objections, almost always prevents a successful outcome.
Can a Struck Off Company Be Restored—and What Is Involved?
You can apply to restore a company dissolved by strike off, but only through a technical, expensive, and time-consuming process:
- File a claim in the High Court; provide witness statements and supporting evidence justifying restoration.
- Pay all Companies House fees, late penalties, and bring filings up to date.
- Liaise with HMRC, banks, and third parties to recover or reinstate assets and contracts (if still possible).
Our firm provides immediate, experienced guidance on company restoration only where it is the best available strategic option.
Our Winning Approach to First Gazette Notice UK Company Strike Off
Our dedicated company law team blends practical experience with a proactive, fixed-fee approach tailored to each client’s needs, including:
- Fixed-fee reviews: Upfront transparency with no hidden costs.
- Go Transfer secure portal: Rapid, secure document and evidence submission.
- Direct solicitor access: Use WhatsApp or phone for instant updates and strategic discussions.
- Bespoke, evidence-led submissions: Every objection is crafted to your company’s legal and commercial profile.
- Negotiation and escalation: We handle all Companies House communication and, where needed, court proceedings to protect your interests.
- Industry recognition: Outstanding Trustpilot reviews, Law Society Gazette recommendations, and a proven track record in urgent company law disputes.
For urgent support halting strike off or defending against First Gazette notices, our specialist solicitors act decisively to protect your business, assets, and reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ignore a First Gazette notice for compulsory strike off?
No. Ignoring it results in automatic dissolution, loss of company assets, and major risks for directors.
How long do I have to stop a company strike off in the UK?
Typically, two months from Gazette publication—immediate action is safest and most cost-effective.
What must I file to halt the strike off?
At a minimum, all overdue annual accounts or confirmation statements—or a written objection with compelling evidence.
Can creditors or employees object to a strike off?
Yes. Any interested party can object if they demonstrate a real interest and provide evidence.
Will a compulsory strike off affect my personal liability?
You risk becoming personally liable for debts and wrongful trading if you transact on behalf of a struck off company.
What happens to my business assets after a strike off?
Assets are considered bona vacantia and pass to the Crown. Restoring them requires costly court action.
Is restoring a dissolved company expensive?
Yes—legal, court, and Companies House fees can reach thousands, with no guarantee of asset recovery.
Does Companies House notify HMRC of a strike off?
Yes. HMRC is automatically informed of all strike off and dissolution actions.
Can I be banned from directorship after strike off?
Not automatically, but director investigations or disqualification proceedings may follow if misconduct is suspected.
When should I speak to a solicitor after notice?
Immediately. Early legal advice maximises your options and minimises risk.
Protect Your Business from Company Strike Off Risks Today
Receiving a First Gazette notice or strike off warning exposes your company to immediate threats—asset loss, bank account closures, destroyed customer confidence, and complex restoration battles. You now have a practical, step-by-step guide to the key risks, legal deadlines, and proven actions to protect your business. Timely, decisive steps—filing overdue documents, objecting with evidence, or utilising expert legal intervention—are always the best defence against irreversible company dissolution.
Our award-winning solicitors provide tailored, rapid-response solutions to halt strike off, defend your position, and protect your business interests at every stage. Call us for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037 or book online to secure your business’s future.
