Reference
Company status explained: registered, in liquidation, removed and more
Company status is one of the most useful signals on the public record. Here is what the common statuses mean and what each one should prompt you to do.
Updated 2026-06-20 · 6 min read
Registered
The company is on the register and able to trade. This is the normal, expected status. It does not by itself confirm the company is well run or solvent, but it confirms the entity exists and is current.
In liquidation
A liquidator has been appointed to wind up the company and deal with its assets. Trading on normally stops. If a company you deal with is in liquidation, treat any new commitment with care and check who you are actually dealing with.
In receivership
A receiver has been appointed, usually by a secured creditor, to take control of some or all of the company assets. The company may still exist, but control has shifted. This is a clear signal to slow down.
In voluntary administration
An administrator has been appointed to work out whether the company can be saved or should be wound up. It is a sign the company is under financial pressure and its future is being decided.
Removed or struck off
The company is no longer on the register as an active entity. A removed company generally cannot trade. If you are dealing with a removed company, that needs explaining before you go further.
Status is a fact, not a verdict. A flag tells you to ask questions and look wider, not to assume the worst.
Questions and answers
Can a company come back after being removed?
In some cases a removed company can be restored to the register through a formal process. If a company tells you this is happening, you can ask for evidence and check the current status yourself.
Does in liquidation mean I will not be paid?
Not automatically, but it changes your position. Liquidation means a defined process now governs the company assets, and unsecured creditors are often paid last. It is a strong reason to take advice on your specific situation.
Check a company before you commit
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