What directors, shareholders, and company officers need to know
As of 21 July 2025, the Protection and Disclosure of Personal Information (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/874) have officially come into force. These new rules expand the range of personal information that can be suppressed from public view on the Companies House register – offering individuals greater privacy and protection.
This marks a significant development in how personal data is handled and disclosed in the UK’s corporate landscape, and forms part of the wider regulatory reform under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
What’s Changed?
Previously, the ability to suppress personal information was limited to certain roles – such as directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and company secretaries. Individuals in these roles could apply to remove their residential address from public view or restrict its disclosure to credit reference agencies (CRAs), but with some restrictions and conditions.
Now, the new regulations extend and simplify this regime.
Key updates include:
- Any individual – not just directors or PSCs – can now apply to suppress their residential address from the public register. This is a significant step forward in giving individuals more control over their personal data.
- The scope of suppression has been expanded to include signatures, business occupations, and the day element of dates of birth (i.e. the exact day and year someone was born). This is an important development for those concerned about identity fraud or data exposure.
- There is no longer a requirement to provide a specific reason when applying to suppress this information – unless you’re applying to restrict data from being shared with CRAs.
- For applications to prevent disclosure to credit reference agencies, individuals still need to demonstrate that sharing the information would expose them to a serious risk of violence or intimidation. Notably, this protection now also applies to individuals connected to UK limited partnerships, in addition to companies and LLPs.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes – while the new rules significantly widen access to suppression, some restrictions remain.
For instance, if the residential address is also being used as the registered office address of an active company, or forms part of a company name, the suppression may not be permitted. In the case of a dissolved company, an individual must wait six months after dissolution before applying to suppress the address.
These conditions ensure that while individuals can protect their privacy, Companies House still retains the integrity of key company data where it is functionally required.
What Does This Mean for You?
For directors, shareholders, and anyone with information listed on the Companies House register, this is a welcome opportunity to increase your personal data protection. The changes reduce the risk of fraud, misuse of information, or unwanted contact – especially for individuals whose roles put them in the public eye.
However, understanding when and how to apply for suppression can be complex, especially if your personal details are used across multiple filings or company roles.
How We Can Help
At Virtual Company Secretary, we support clients in managing their public filings with care and precision. We can help you:
- Review what personal information is currently visible on the Companies House register
- Determine your eligibility for suppression under the new rules
- Prepare and submit suppression applications on your behalf
- Ensure your filings remain compliant while protecting your privacy
If you’re unsure how these changes apply to your circumstances, or want to take action to protect your personal data, our team is here to help.