Companies Act - Electronic Communications

Research suggests most business owners are unaware of the recent changes to the law of electronic communications under Companies Act 2006. All company websites and business emails must include the same information as is listed on their company stationery.

The changes mean all emails must include your full Company Name, The Company Registration number, The Registered Address and VAT number.

Some companies may be liable to a fine if they breach this legislation.

For email correspondence we have provided two options:

1 - For small businesses who do not have their own email server this would mean creating an email signature within your email client ( e.g Outlook or Outlook Express - Including Blackberry, mobile phones and other handheld devices capable of sending emails) to include the required information. The down side to this method of course is that it may be rather time consuming having to visit every computer within the organisation. It may also be very easy to forget when new staff join the organisation.

2 - Companies who have their own email server, would normally have the facility to add a global company disclaimer to the foot of all outbound emails sent from within the organisation. - Once this has been configured you can forget about it. - it will always be attached to every company email.

Company websites are bound by these changes also. - you should contact your web developer to make the necessary changes.

If you are unsure if these changes in legislation affect your company, please seek legal advice from your company lawyer.

If you need any technical advice on implementing these changes please do not hesitate in contacting SoHo IT.