Company Note Paper - Getting it right

Many of the administrative requirements the Companies Act can be seen by those managing small business as a time consuming irritant.

However, officers of a company (its directors and secretary) can be liable under the Companies Act where offenses are committed.

The companies Act 1985 contains specific provisions as to the requirements for a limited company's notepaper and other correspondence.

All business letters and order forms of the company must contain details recording:-

• The fact that it is a limited company
• The company's registered office address
• The company's place of registration and its registration number.

Further, all cheques, orders, invoices, receipts, internet sites and emails must include the full corporate name of the company.

Non-compliance with the above provisions can make every officer of the company in default liable to a fine and any person who on behalf of an officer of the company sigs or authorises to be signed an promissory note, endorsement, cheque or order for money or goods which fails to mention the company's name is also liable to a fine.