Check the company record first
Every UK limited company has a free public record at Companies House. Confirm the company is active, check its incorporation date against the trading history it claims, and look at the accounts pattern — repeated late filings are a warning sign.
The London B2B 'Check a UK company' tool surfaces these basics in one search, with a link to the full official record.
Look at the people behind it
The officers list shows directors and secretaries, past and present. Frequent resignations, or a director who has served on several dissolved companies in the same sector, deserves a direct question.
For small suppliers, identify who will actually deliver your work — the salesperson you meet is often not the person who does it.
Test the operational basics
Ask for two reference customers of similar size to yours and actually call them. Ask what went wrong as well as what went right — the answer quality is the reference.
Request a small paid pilot or a shorter initial term before a long contract. A supplier confident in its service rarely resists a 3-month start.
Confirm insurance: professional indemnity and public liability certificates are one-page documents a credible supplier sends without friction.
Quick checklist
- Active Companies House record, filings up to date
- Two reference calls completed
- Insurance certificates on file
- Pilot or short initial term agreed
- Exit and data-return clause in the contract