A First Gazette Notice for compulsory strike-off is an official public notice issued by Companies House indicating that a company is at risk of being dissolved and removed from the Companies House register.

This usually happens when a company fails to meet its legal obligations, such as filing annual accounts or confirmation statements. If no objections or corrective actions are made within two months, the company will be struck off.

Key points:

• The notice is a legal warning, not the actual dissolution
• It is published in The Gazette and is visible to the public and creditors
• Directors can stop the process by restoring compliance
• Creditors or HMRC can object to the delay or prevent the strike-off
• Suspension halts the process temporarily, and discontinuation ends it
• A Second Gazette Notice confirms the company has been dissolved
• Upon dissolution, assets pass to the Crown, and trading must cease
• Restoration of a dissolved company is possible but time-sensitive and costly
• A clear strike-off timeline helps directors act promptly and effectively

What Does A First Gazette Notice For Compulsory Strike-Off Mean?

A First Gazette Notice for compulsory strike-off is the formal point at which Companies House makes its intention to dissolve a company public. It confirms that internal warnings and reminders have already failed and that the company is now at risk of being forcibly removed from the register.

From a legal perspective, this notice is not the dissolution itself. It is a warning stage, but one with serious consequences if ignored. The notice states that the company will be struck off unless cause is shown to the contrary within the objection period.

In practical terms, this means:

• The company is non-compliant with statutory requirements
• Companies House believes the company is no longer operating properly
• The matter is now visible to creditors, HMRC, banks, and the public

A licensed insolvency practitioner once explained to me:

“The First Gazette Notice is where the situation becomes public, and once that happens, directors lose the privacy they may have had while missing filings.”

How Does Companies House Issue This Notice?

Companies House does not issue a First Gazette Notice without prior steps. The process usually begins with late filing reminders and escalates when no response is received.

The sequence generally follows this order:

• Reminder letters are sent to the registered office
• Warning notices are issued for continued non-compliance
• The company is flagged as potentially inactive
• The First Gazette Notice is published

This escalation shows that the strike-off is not accidental but the result of prolonged inaction.

What Are The Legal Consequences For The Company?

Once the notice is published, the company enters a legally defined period where its future is uncertain. Directors retain responsibility but face increasing restrictions.

Key consequences include:

• Heightened scrutiny from creditors
• Increased risk of HMRC intervention
• Potential freezing of business banking relationships
• Reputational damage due to public visibility

If the company is dissolved, it loses its legal personality entirely.

What Should I Do If My Company Receives A First Gazette Notice?

Receiving a First Gazette Notice does not automatically mean the company must close. Directors still have options, but timing and intent are critical.

The decision depends on whether the company has a future purpose or whether closure is acceptable.

Can I Take No Action If I Want The Company Closed?

If the company is dormant, has no assets, and no outstanding liabilities, allowing the strike-off to proceed may be appropriate. However, directors must be certain that no unresolved obligations exist.

Issues often overlooked include:

• Corporation tax liabilities
• VAT returns
• Director loan accounts
• Employee related obligations

Allowing a strike-off with unresolved matters can expose directors to future legal action.

What If Creditors Object To The Strike-Off?

Creditors are one of the main reasons Gazette notices exist. Once the notice is published, creditors are formally invited to object.

Common grounds for objection include:

• Outstanding trade debts
• Unpaid tax liabilities
• Ongoing legal disputes

A business recovery advisor once told me:

“The Gazette notice is effectively a flare sent up to creditors. If there is money owed, someone usually responds.”

An objection immediately halts the process and triggers a suspension.

How Can I Stop The Strike-Off Process?

Stopping the strike-off requires active steps, usually involving restoring compliance.

Actions may include:

• Filing overdue accounts
• Submitting confirmation statements
• Engaging with HMRC or creditors
• Applying for suspension with Companies House

Speed matters. The longer the delay, the more likely objections become.

What Is A Gazette Notice In The UK?

A Gazette Notice is a legally recognised public announcement published in The Gazette. It serves as formal notice even if the recipient never personally reads it.

The Gazette functions as the UK’s official record for corporate and legal events.

What Types Of Matters Are Published In The Gazette?

The Gazette covers a wide range of corporate and legal notices, including company changes and insolvency events.

Gazette Use Case	Purpose
Company Strike-Offs	Notify public of dissolution
Insolvency Proceedings	Announce administration or liquidation
Legal Appointments	Appoint liquidators or administrators
Dissolutions	Confirm company closure

Once published, the notice carries full legal weight.

What Happens After The First Gazette Notice Is Published?

Publication triggers a fixed objection window. During this period, Companies House pauses further action while allowing interested parties to respond.

The objection window lasts approximately two months.

What Can Directors Do During The Objection Window?

This period is the final opportunity for directors to decide the company’s future.

Directors can:

• Restore compliance and continue trading
• Prepare for voluntary dissolution
• Enter formal insolvency procedures
• Resolve creditor disputes

I have personally seen directors underestimate this window.

“Many assume they have more time than they do, and by the time they act, the second notice is already pending.”

Can A Company Become Active Again?

Yes, provided compliance is restored and objections are resolved. Companies House may require evidence of trading or intent to trade.

This table summarises available actions:

Action Taken	Likely Outcome
All filings submitted	Strike-off suspended
Creditor objections unresolved	Process paused
No action taken	Strike-off continues
Insolvency entered	Strike-off replaced

What Does It Mean If A Compulsory Strike-Off Is Suspended?

When a compulsory strike-off is suspended, it means that the process of dissolving the company has been paused by Companies House, usually in response to some form of intervention. Importantly, suspension does not mean cancellation. The strike-off process may resume at any time if the underlying issue isn’t resolved or if a new objection is raised.

During suspension, the company remains legally registered, and its name stays on the public Companies House register. However, the company’s status becomes somewhat uncertain, and this can cause practical difficulties, particularly with banks, clients, and suppliers.

While under suspension:

• The company cannot be struck off until the objection is resolved or withdrawn
• The First Gazette Notice stays publicly visible
• The business must work to resolve the issue if it intends to avoid eventual dissolution

Suspension provides a critical window in which directors can take remedial steps to save the company or prepare for a more orderly wind-up, such as voluntary liquidation.

It also offers protection to creditors and other stakeholders who would otherwise lose their chance to recover debts if the company were simply struck off without notice.

Why Does Suspension Occur?

Suspension is typically triggered by a formal objection to the strike-off process or by actions from the company that indicate a desire to continue operations.

Common Triggers For Suspension

Trigger	Details
HMRC Objection	HM Revenue & Customs may object if there are unpaid taxes or ongoing audits
Creditor Objection	Creditors can oppose if the company owes them money
Filing Overdue Documents	Directors may submit overdue accounts or confirmation statements
Insolvency Proceedings	Entering administration or liquidation halts the strike-off automatically

Each of these actions tells Companies House that there is still ongoing business, obligations, or legal interest in the company’s continued existence.

When my firm supported a client through this process, we submitted overdue filings after receiving the First Gazette Notice. Within days, Companies House suspended the strike-off.

“We knew we were cutting it close, but filing the missing documents gave us just enough time to catch up,” I recall. That experience reminded me that suspension isn’t failure, it’s an opportunity to fix what’s broken.

In essence, suspension allows breathing space for the company to correct its course. However, it’s not a guarantee. If further obligations are missed, Companies House may restart the strike-off process without issuing a new First Gazette Notice.

Does Suspension Remove The First Gazette Notice?

No, a suspension does not remove the First Gazette Notice from public record. Even if the strike-off process is paused or later cancelled, the First Gazette Notice remains visible permanently in the public domain.

This has several implications:

• It may raise questions from banks, clients, or investors doing due diligence
• It can affect a company’s reputation, even if operations are later restored
• It serves as a permanent historical marker of past non-compliance

For example, some lenders use Gazette data to assess risk. A previously suspended notice, even if resolved, might require the director to explain the context before loans or credit lines are approved.

In summary, suspension prevents immediate closure but doesn’t erase the past. Directors should treat the notice seriously even if the company survives.

Why Would A Compulsory Strike-Off Be Discontinued?

Discontinuation is the best-case scenario for a company that receives a First Gazette Notice but wants to stay in business. When Companies House discontinues the compulsory strike-off, it means the process has been formally cancelled, and the company will remain on the register without further dissolution proceedings.

Reasons For Discontinuation

Reason For Discontinuation	Explanation
Filings Completed	All overdue confirmation statements and annual accounts are filed
Trading Proven	The company demonstrates that it is actively trading
Valid Objections	Objections from creditors or HMRC are upheld by Companies House
Administrative Error	The strike-off process was triggered in error (e.g. wrong company details filed)

When a strike-off is discontinued, Companies House updates the company’s record accordingly. However, the original First Gazette Notice still remains listed.

A professional contact from a compliance firm once told me,

“Discontinuation is confirmation that the system accepts the company is legitimate and active again. But directors shouldn’t be complacent – missing filings again could restart the entire process.”

Directors should see this outcome not just as a relief, but as a wake-up call. Consistent compliance moving forward is essential to prevent further legal and reputational issues.

What Is A Second Gazette Notice For Compulsory Strike-Off?

The Second Gazette Notice is the final warning before a company is formally dissolved, and in some cases, it is the actual confirmation of dissolution.

Whereas the First Gazette Notice invites objections, the Second confirms that:

• No valid objections were received or upheld
• The company did not restore compliance
• Companies House intends to remove the company from the register

In many cases, the Second Gazette Notice will announce the exact date on which the company will be struck off. If that date passes without interruption, the company will be legally dissolved and will cease to exist as a separate legal entity.

At that point:

• The business can no longer operate, trade, or contract
• Directors lose all authority
• Creditors are no longer able to pursue debts through the company
• Any remaining assets are claimed by the Crown

While the Second Gazette Notice does not offer a new objection window, legal challenges may still be possible in some circumstances, especially if the strike-off occurred incorrectly or without proper notice.

What Does Final Gazette Dissolved Via Compulsory Strike-Off Mean?

The phrase “Final Gazette – Dissolved via Compulsory Strike-Off” marks the conclusion of the entire strike-off process. It indicates that the company has been removed from the Companies House register and is now legally non-existent.

This status is often cited in legal documents, financial records, and due diligence reports. It is the official confirmation that the business:

• Cannot trade
• Cannot sign contracts
• Cannot hold or transfer assets
• Cannot initiate or defend legal action

Any attempt to operate as though the company is still active after this stage may be considered illegal.

What Happens To Assets And Liabilities?

When a company is struck off through compulsory dissolution, all its assets are passed to the Crown as bona vacantia (ownerless goods). This includes money in bank accounts, intellectual property, physical property, and other assets still held in the company’s name.

Asset Consequences

Asset Type	Outcome
Cash in Bank	Transferred to the Crown
Property	Reverts to the Crown’s ownership
Intellectual Property	Ownership is lost unless restored
Contracts	Terminated and unenforceable

Although creditors cannot claim assets directly from a dissolved company, they may still have options.

If they believe the strike-off was done improperly, or if they suspect misconduct, they can:

• Apply for company restoration
• Take legal action against directors personally
• Report potential fraud or misfeasance

It is important to remember that liabilities do not disappear entirely. The company is gone, but responsibility for some debts may still follow directors or guarantors in specific legal situations.

Can A Dissolved Company Be Restored?

Yes, a company that has been struck off and dissolved via compulsory strike-off can be restored in certain situations. However, the process is neither automatic nor simple.

There are two primary routes to restoration:

Methods Of Company Restoration

Restoration Type	When Applicable
Administrative Restoration	When the company was trading and was struck off by mistake
Court Ordered Restoration	When there’s a legal reason (e.g., to recover assets or pursue claims)

Administrative restoration is usually available when a company was struck off in error or failed to file on time despite being operational. It must be done within six years of dissolution and requires payment of late filing penalties and documents.

Court-ordered restoration is more complex, often requiring:

• Legal representation
• Supporting evidence
• Justification for restoring the company

While restoration may offer a solution, it is a costly and time-consuming route. That’s why, from experience, I always advise clients to avoid reaching that stage unless absolutely necessary. It is far better to maintain good compliance than to attempt restoration after dissolution.

What Is The Full Timeline Of A Compulsory Strike-Off?

Understanding the full timeline of the strike-off process can help directors take action at the right time. The timeline reflects a structured legal procedure designed to offer fairness to all parties involved: directors, creditors, HMRC, and the public.

Compulsory Strike-Off Timeline

Stage	Description
Compliance Failures	The company misses statutory filings (accounts, confirmation statements)
Warning Notices	Companies House sends reminders and non-compliance warnings
First Gazette Notice	Public notice issued; objection window begins
Objection Window	Two-month period for filings, objections, or legal action
Suspension or Discontinuation	Process paused or cancelled due to compliance or valid objection
Second Gazette Notice	Final warning and notice of intended dissolution
Final Gazette Record	Company legally dissolved and removed from register

Each stage offers an opportunity for directors to address issues before they escalate. By understanding the timeline and acting early, businesses can protect themselves from unnecessary closure and the complex consequences that follow.

Conclusion

A First Gazette Notice for compulsory strike-off should never be ignored. It’s a clear signal that a company’s legal status is at risk due to non-compliance.

Whether you intend to close the business or keep it active, timely action is essential. By understanding the process from notice to potential dissolution you can make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your responsibilities as a director. Taking control early often leads to the best possible outcome for all involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I miss the objection deadline?

If no objections or filings are made within the two-month period, the company will be dissolved and removed from the register.

Can I sell assets after receiving a Gazette notice?

You should not sell assets once the notice is issued unless the strike-off process is suspended or discontinued.

Will the notice affect my credit rating?

While the notice itself doesn’t affect personal credit, any unpaid debts tied to the company could impact director guarantees or legal responsibilities.

Can HMRC object to the strike-off?

Yes. HMRC frequently objects to strike-offs when taxes are unpaid or filings are missing.

How long does it take to restore a company?

Restoration can take several weeks to months depending on the method (administrative vs. court) and complexity.

Is voluntary strike-off better than compulsory?

Voluntary strike-off is more controlled and allows directors to close the company on their own terms, often avoiding objections.

What if the company was struck off by mistake?

You can apply for administrative restoration within six years, provided the company was trading at the time of strike-off.