Statutory Compliance: Why It Matters for Growing Businesses
When you’re running a fast-paced business, it’s easy to push statutory compliance down the to-do list. After all, there are customers to serve, products to launch, and a team to grow. But overlooking your company’s statutory obligations can create problems that only surface at the worst possible moment - such as during a funding round or exit.
In this post, we’ll explore why statutory compliance is critical, the risks of neglecting it, and practical steps founders can take to keep things on track.
A Quick Look Back: The 2008 Rule Change
Since 6 April 2008, private companies in the UK have not been legally required to appoint a Company Secretary. This change gave founders flexibility and helped streamline operations.
But with that freedom came a challenge: responsibility for statutory registers and Companies House filings often falls to busy founders or lean finance teams. And when compliance slips through the cracks, it can lead to inaccuracies or missing data in company records.
The Hidden Risks of Neglecting Compliance
What happens when filings aren’t up to date?
Snowballing errors – Small mistakes in statutory registers can compound over time.
Cap table discrepancies – It’s common for inconsistencies to only come to light when investors request detailed records during fundraising.
Costly fixes – Correcting historical errors is time-consuming and expensive, often involving lawyers and accountants.
Reduced investor confidence – Investors expect transparency and accuracy. If your records aren’t clear, it can slow or even derail a deal.
Transparency isn’t a “nice-to-have” in today’s investment landscape. It’s a non-negotiable.
Five Compliance Tips for Founders
Staying ahead of compliance doesn’t have to be a burden. Here are five practical tips for building strong foundations:
Stay on top of filings
Even small oversights in Companies House submissions can create big headaches later.Keep statutory records clean and organised
Well-maintained registers save time, prevent disputes, and smooth the fundraising process.Audit early, not late
Spotting discrepancies early is faster, cheaper, and less stressful than fixing them under time pressure.Know what matters
Understand which records and filings are most critical for investor confidence and long-term growth.Leverage smart tools
Platforms like OneRegistry simplify compliance, making it accurate, transparent, and less time-consuming—so founders can stay focused on scaling.
Compliance as a Growth Enabler
Statutory compliance isn’t just paperwork. It’s the backbone of business transparency and investor trust. By embedding good habits early, founders can avoid unnecessary costs, build stronger relationships with stakeholders, and create the conditions for growth.
Want to learn how OneRegistry can help your business stay investor-ready?
Get in touch at enquiries@oneregistry.co.uk or follow us for more insights.