Searching for business records, tips needed

[Britjan]

Not sure if this where the discussion belongs but I'd like to document some of the businesses my father ( in the UK) and a few earlier generations (in UK and elsewhere, mainly Canada) were involved in.

Since my father died in the 1950's when I was a teenager (and an only child) my memories are very murky and there is nobody around to ask. Before deciding to invest money in my search I'd like to be sure I've exhausted free databases. I've had some luck at The London Gazette with liquidation notices but I'd appreciate some other tips.

 

[peter]

Newspapers and directories are a great source. It's also worth finding out what happens to the Companies House records of defunct limited companies (and please let the rest of us know when you find out!).

 

[Britjan]

Newspapers and directories are a great source. t's also worth finding out what happens to the Companies House records of defunct limited companies (and please let the rest of us know when you find out!).

Didn't expect your advice to be one bit dangerous Peter! I was glad however I wasn't nearby Companies House Cardiff on Friday as there was a bomb scare . From the website I learned I have to write to the Cardiff office and that liquidation notices are posted in the Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes as well.

 

[Britjan]

Thanks to Peter for the Companies House idea because that in turn led me to snoop4 who have scanned records from Companies House. First question to ask Companies House is the exact nature of their relationship with Snoop 4. Certainly the records don't appear complete and the ones of interest that are available cost 7 pounds a piece. Since at least one also appears to be the free one I found at London Gazette I'm certainly biding my time before getting out the credit card!!!

 

[Britjan]

Here's the next installment.... Another source of company history I thought might be interesting is the information on bankruptcies etc. that started off as the Registry of County Court Judgments in 1852. It's also now in private hands, this time a not for profit has been set up to deal with scanned (archival) records from the Ministry of Justice. Registry Trust will take you to the page showing how it was set up. Much of what it deals with is modern but I will ask about the scope of the records.