Sectors and SIC codes

A SIC code is the code a company gives Companies House to describe what it does. On Search New Companies you can pick broad sectors, exact SIC codes, or both.

Pick a sector

The sector buttons at the top of the search group related SIC codes into plain-English categories. Tick as many as you like. Leave them all unticked to include every sector, and add a place so the search is not the whole UK.

Use exact SIC codes

1. Under Sector, click Need specific SIC codes instead?
2. Browse the list or search it, then tick the codes you want. The link shows how many you have selected.
3. Check the preview count, then save the search if it looks right.

Not sure which code fits? The free SIC code lookup lets you search by code or description, for example 62020 or "software". Each code also has its own page of new registrations at /new-companies/sic/ followed by the code.

When a company's code does not match what it does

Companies choose their own SIC codes when they register, and some pick a vague one or a catch-all. If you are missing companies you expected:

• Try a broader sector, or add a neighbouring code.
• Use "Company name contains" under More filters, for example "dental" or "roofing", to catch companies whose name tells you what they do.
• Remember that a very new company may have chosen a code that does not describe its plans yet.

How you know it worked

The preview count changes as you add or remove sectors and codes, and the saved search shows your choices in its summary on the Saved Searches page.

For a plain definition, see the glossary entry for SIC code.