companies-house — Claude Code MCP server: how to install
Connects your coding assistant to the official UK business registry. It lets models inspect filings, track company officers, and grab submitted documents.
claude mcp add --env COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY=<COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY> --transport stdio companies-house -- npx -y companies-house-mcpWhat companies-house does
This tool exposes endpoints from the UK company registry directly to your assistant. Agents can query businesses by name, fetch SIC industry classifications, inspect registered office addresses, and examine insolvency records. It also retrieves officer appointment histories and downloads filed PDFs.
Network requests travel straight from your terminal to the government endpoint. There is no telemetry. You need a free COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY from developer.company-information.service.gov.uk. The official limit allows 600 calls per five-minute window, and the client queues traffic to stay within this quota.
The registry simply archives submitted paperwork without auditing business viability. Screening routines like due_diligence_check flag missing records, but they do not confirm credit health or sanctions status. Without a valid token in the environment, calls fail immediately.
What it helps with
- inspect corporate profiles and download official PDF filings
- uncover significant owners and beneficial control structures
- track director appointment records and cross-company links
- run initial registry screening checks on UK registered businesses
Example prompts for the agent
- Look up registration number 00445790 in Companies House and list active directors
- Check
officer_networkfor this person to uncover all related appointments - Execute
due_diligence_checkon this UK entity and download the latest filed accounts
How to install companies-house
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY=<COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY> --transport stdio companies-house -- npx -y companies-house-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add companies-house --env COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY=<COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY> -- npx -y companies-house-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"companies-house": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"companies-house-mcp"
],
"env": {
"COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY": "<COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"companies-house": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"companies-house-mcp"
],
"env": {
"COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY": "<COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY=<COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY> companies-house npx -y companies-house-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about companies-house
How do I install companies-house in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add --env COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY=<COMPANIES_HOUSE_API_KEY> --transport stdio companies-house -- npx -y companies-house-mcp in your terminal. Replace the placeholder token with the key generated on the Companies House developer portal.
What does the companies-house MCP server do?
It gives your assistant access to the British commercial register. It searches company entries, inspects corporate ownership, evaluates filing records, and downloads official PDF submissions.
Does this integration require a paid subscription?
No, the UK registry provides access keys without charge through its official developer portal. The client queries the API directly while staying within the 600 calls per five-minute limit.
