Why Pest Control Sole Traders and Small Businesses Should Consider Registering with Companies House

 

We know many of our members operate as sole traders and with good reason. Becoming self-employed is simple, involves less paperwork, and keeps overheads low. For years, registering as a sole trader with HMRC for tax purposes has been more than enough to get a pest control business up and running.

 

But things are changing. Increasingly, being registered with Companies House as a limited company isn’t just about formality, it’s becoming essential for securing insurance, building customer trust, and even being able to advertise on platforms like Google Local Services Ads.

 

Why Registering with Companies House Matters

 

Insurance and Professional Recognition

Pest control is a highly regulated and risk-sensitive industry. Many insurers now prefer, or even require, pest control businesses to be registered limited companies. Limited status demonstrates professionalism and a clear legal structure, something insurers (and customers) take seriously when dealing with health, safety, and liability risks.

 

Advertising on Google

As of October 2025, Google will no longer accept utility bills for verifying businesses running Local Services Ads. Instead, proof of registration through Companies House or a VAT Tax ID is required. This change will hit sole traders the hardest. Without Companies House status, many pest controllers may lose access to Google’s most prominent local advertising platform.

 

Customer Confidence

When your company name is listed on Companies House, customers can check that you are a legally recognised entity. In an industry where trust and transparency are critical, that extra level of reassurance can win contracts, especially with larger commercial clients.

 

Clearer Legal Protection

As a sole trader, you are the business. That means you are personally liable for debts, claims, or losses. Registering as a limited company creates a separate legal entity. While it doesn’t remove all responsibility, it does provide more protection for your personal assets.

 

What Companies House Requires

To register with Companies House, you’ll need to provide:

• A unique company name (following Companies House naming rules).
• A registered office address in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
• A company email address.
• At least one director, aged 16 or over.
• Details of People with Significant Control (PSCs) — individuals who own or control part of the business.
• A lawful purpose for the company’s activities.
• A statement of capital or guarantee, explaining shareholdings or how the business is backed.

 

You’ll also need to provide personal details for verification, such as names, dates of birth, and addresses for directors and PSCs. Registration can be done online by submitting the IN01 form. Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation confirming your business is legally registered.

 

Why Sole Traders Don’t Register with Companies House

To be clear, sole traders do not have to register with Companies House. As a sole trader, you simply:

• Register as self-employed with HMRC.
• File Self-Assessment tax returns.
• Operate under your own name or a trading name.

 

This route means less admin and fewer statutory obligations. But it also means:

• You are personally liable for debts.
• You may struggle to get certain insurances.
• You won’t meet Google’s new advertising verification requirements.

 

The Bottom Line for Pest Controllers

For sole traders in pest control, remaining outside Companies House may still feel simpler. But the landscape is shifting. From insurance providers to digital platforms like Google, more and more stakeholders are asking for Companies House registration as proof of legitimacy.

 

At the NPTA, we strongly recommend that sole traders and small pest control businesses review whether becoming a limited company could protect and grow their business. Not only does it strengthen your professional standing, it also ensures you can access key tools like Google Local Services Ads, vital for reaching both domestic and commercial clients in a competitive market.

 

Visit the official Companies House guide to setting up a limited company (https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation) for full details, or contact the NPTA for advice on what registration could mean for your pest control business.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I have to register with Companies House to run a pest control business?

No. Sole traders can still operate legally by registering with HMRC for Self Assessment. However, Companies House registration gives added credibility and is becoming increasingly important for insurance and advertising.

 

Why does Google require Companies House registration?

Google wants to make sure businesses using its Local Services Ads are genuine and traceable. So, from October 2025, they will no longer accept utility bills to verify such businesses, instead, they require either a VAT number or Companies House registration.

 

What’s the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?

A sole trader is the business and is personally liable for debts. A limited company is a separate legal entity, giving directors and shareholders more protection.

 

Does registering with Companies House affect my tax?

Yes. Limited companies pay Corporation Tax on their profits, and directors are paid through salaries and dividends. Sole traders pay Income Tax through Self Assessment.

 

Is it more work to be a limited company?

Yes. Limited companies must file annual accounts and returns with Companies House, keep records, and meet legal responsibilities. Many pest controllers use accountants to manage this.