Free Companies House Register Changes – New & Dissolved Companies (Monthly CSV/ZIP Download)

Frequently Asked Questions About Companies House Delta Files

What is a Companies House delta file?

A delta file is a dataset that lists only the changes to the UK Companies Register during a specific time period. Instead of downloading the entire register (which contains millions of companies), delta files show you just the companies that were newly registered, reinstated, or dissolved in a given month. This makes tracking UK business formations and closures much more efficient.

How often are these delta files updated?

We publish new delta files at the beginning of each month, typically within the first few days. Each file reflects all company formations, reinstatements, and dissolutions from the previous calendar month, based on official Companies House data.

Can I use this data for commercial purposes?

Yes, absolutely. There are no restrictions on commercial or non-commercial use of these free delta files. You're free to use the data for business intelligence, market research, lead generation, academic studies, or any other purpose. Attribution to DataLedger is appreciated but not required.

What specific fields are included in each CSV file?

Each CSV includes: company number, company name, incorporation/dissolution date, company status, company category, registered office address (including postcode), SIC codes, previous company names (if any), accounts filing date, confirmation statement date, and company type.

Where does this Companies House data come from?

The data comes directly from Companies House bulk data downloads and their official API. We process, clean, and structure the raw data to make it immediately usable. All information is official UK government data from the Companies Registrar.

Can I automate downloads of these delta files?

Yes, the download URLs follow a predictable pattern, making automation straightforward:
Yes, the URLs are predictable:

https://api.dataledger.uk/resources/ch/DataLedger_BasicCompanyDataAsOneFile-YYYY-MM-01_Deltas.zip

Replace YYYY-MM with the year and month you need. You can use scripts, cron jobs, or workflow automation tools to download files automatically.

What's the difference between the free delta files and a DataLedger account?

The free delta files contain basic company registration information only. A DataLedger account gives you access to complete financial accounts data (profit & loss, balance sheets), full filing history, director and shareholder information, advanced search tools, and API access. For historical snapshots and bulk data exports, we also offer a bespoke data download service tailored to your specific needs. Sign up for free to explore the full platform.

How accurate and up-to-date is this data?

The data is as accurate as Companies House publishes it. We process the official data as soon as it becomes available each month. However, keep in mind that there can be reporting delays at Companies House, and companies may file corrections or updates after their initial registration.

What file formats are supported?

All files are provided as CSV (comma-separated values) within a ZIP archive. CSV is a universal format that works with virtually all data analysis tools, spreadsheet applications, databases, and programming languages.

For feedback, bulk access, or custom requests, contact us.