I look at a lot of websites, all the time because I'm a massive nerd and I spot all sorts of issues. But the one thing I see constantly, even from massive companies that should know better, is missing legal information. The worst (and most common) offender? Not having the basic company details you're legally required to display.
Company details ( even if you're a one-person limited company)
If you're registered with Companies House, you have to show:
Your full company name
The registered office address
Your company registration number
Where you're registered - usually “Registered in England and Wales”
Your VAT number if you’re VAT registered
A way to contact you - that means an actual email and geographic address, not just a contact form.
If you’re a sole trader or a partnership you still need to show the name(s) of the business owner(s) and your business address.
I know loads of people miss this - but technically, not including it can get you fined.
Privacy policy
If your site collects any kind of personal data (email addresses, form submissions, analytics, cookies - all that jazz), you need a clear privacy policy. It should explain what data you collect, why you collect it, how it's stored, and how people can request or delete it.
Cookie policy and consent
If you're using cookies- and if you’re running Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel, you definitely are - then you need:
A cookie banner or popup to get consent
A cookie policy that explains what’s being set and why
It's not enough to just say “we use cookies.” People need to opt in and you must be certain that your cookies don't work unless a user clicks 'OK' or whatever it says on your cookie banner (if you need help checking that just shout).
Terms & conditions (for selling stuff)
If you sell anything online (services, digital products, physical stuff), your website needs T&Cs that cover:
Pricing, payments, refunds
Delivery info
Cancellation rights
Who's responsible if something goes wrong
Even if you're a small operation, customers still have legal rights - and you need to spell those out clearly.
Accessibility
Legally, your website should be accessible to people with disabilities. It doesn’t mean it has to be perfect, but it does mean you have to try. Following accessibility best practices (like the WCAG 2.1 guidelines) is a good start.
Are you regulated? you need to tell people.
If you're part of a regulated profession - think solicitors, accountants, financial advisers - you also need to show:
Who regulates you (like the FCA or CQC)
Your registration or license number
Sometimes even a link to their site
Extra bits (if they apply)
Modern Slavery Statement – if your turnover is £36m+ you must have this
Environmental claims – if you're saying something is “green” or “eco”, you’d better be able to back it up
If you're running a business website in the UK, it’s worth taking five minutes to check you’ve got the basics covered and if you need a hand reach out.