Running a website as a UK business comes with a few legal basics. None of them are difficult, but getting them wrong can mean fines or lost trust. Here are the five to get right. (This is general information, not legal advice — check with a professional for your specific situation.)
1. Your company details
If you trade as a limited company, the Companies Act 2006 requires your website to show your registered company name, company number, place of registration (England and Wales) and registered office address. The easiest place is the footer and a short "Company Information" page.
2. A privacy policy
If you collect any personal data — even just a name and email from a contact form — UK GDPR requires a privacy policy explaining what you collect, why, who you share it with, and how long you keep it. It should also tell people how to contact you and their right to complain to the ICO.
3. A cookie banner that asks first
Under the PECR rules, non-essential cookies (like analytics) may only load after the visitor agrees. That means a cookie banner with a real "Reject" option, not just "Accept", and analytics that stay off until consent is given.
4. Clear terms and a refund policy (if you sell)
If people can buy or book through your site, you need clear terms of service and a refund or cancellation policy. UK and EU consumers also have a 14-day right to cancel many services, with specific rules for work that starts straight away. Payment providers also check that these pages exist before approving an account.
5. An accessible, honest site
Accessibility (readable contrast, text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation) isn't just good practice — it reduces legal risk and widens your audience. And advertising rules mean your claims must be honest and backed up: no invented reviews or promises you cannot keep.
The short version
Show your company details, publish a privacy policy and cookie notice, add terms and a refund policy if you sell, and keep the site honest and accessible. Do that and you've covered the essentials.
Every site we build includes these as standard. If you'd like yours checked or set up properly, book a free video meeting.
