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SIC Codes Explained
What Standard Industrial Classification codes are, how to find yours, and why they matter more than you might think.
What Are SIC Codes?
SIC stands for Standard Industrial Classification. It's a five-digit code that tells Companies House what your business does. Every UK limited company must have at least one SIC code, and it's recorded on the public register alongside your company details.
The system was originally developed by the government to classify businesses for statistical purposes. The current version used in the UK is SIC 2007, which replaced the older SIC 2003 codes. There are hundreds of codes covering everything from growing cereals (01110) to space transport (51220).
You choose your SIC code when you register your company, and you confirm it (or update it) each time you file your annual confirmation statement with Companies House.
How to Find Your SIC Code
Look up your company
Search for your company on Financial Pages. Your SIC code is shown on the company detail page alongside your other registered information.
Choosing a new code
If you're registering a new company or updating your code, browse the Companies House SIC code condensed list. Pick the code that most closely describes your main business activity.
Tip: If none of the codes are an exact match for what you do, pick the closest one. The code 74990 ("Other professional, scientific and technical activities not elsewhere classified") and 82990 ("Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified") are commonly used catch-alls, but it's better to find a more specific code if you can.
Common UK SIC Codes
These are some of the most frequently used SIC codes among UK companies.
| Code | Description | Typical businesses |
|---|---|---|
| 62020 | Information technology consultancy activities | IT consultants, software advisors |
| 62012 | Business and domestic software development | Software developers, app builders |
| 70229 | Management consultancy activities (other than financial management) | Business consultants, strategy advisors |
| 47110 | Retail sale in non-specialised stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating | Corner shops, convenience stores |
| 47910 | Retail sale via mail order houses or via internet | Online shops, ecommerce businesses |
| 41201 | Construction of commercial buildings | Commercial builders, developers |
| 43290 | Other construction installation | Electricians, plumbers, fitters |
| 56101 | Licensed restaurants | Restaurants with alcohol licences |
| 56102 | Unlicensed restaurants and cafes | Cafes, takeaways, unlicensed eateries |
| 68100 | Buying and selling of own real estate | Property companies, developers |
| 68209 | Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate | Landlords, property lettings |
| 69201 | Accounting and auditing activities | Accountants, bookkeepers, auditors |
| 73110 | Advertising agencies | Marketing agencies, ad firms |
| 74100 | Specialised design activities | Graphic designers, web designers, interior designers |
| 81210 | General cleaning of buildings | Cleaning companies, janitorial services |
| 86210 | General medical practice activities | GP practices, medical centres |
| 96020 | Hairdressing and other beauty treatment | Hair salons, barbers, beauty therapists |
| 82990 | Other business support service activities n.e.c. | Catch-all for business services |
| 74990 | Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c. | Catch-all for professional services |
Why SIC Codes Matter
HMRC and tax
HMRC uses SIC codes to categorise businesses for statistical and compliance purposes. Your code helps HMRC understand what industry you operate in, which can affect which tax reliefs you're eligible for (for example, R&D tax credits are sector-sensitive).
Lenders and investors
Banks and lenders check your SIC code when assessing loan applications. Different industries carry different risk profiles. A technology consultancy (62020) may be assessed differently to a restaurant (56101) in terms of lending criteria.
Insurance premiums
Insurance companies use SIC codes to assess risk and set premiums. An incorrect SIC code could mean you're paying too much for insurance, or worse, that your policy doesn't properly cover your actual business activities.
Industry benchmarks
Government statistics, trade bodies, and financial analysts use SIC codes to group businesses for comparison. If your code is wrong, your company might be benchmarked against the wrong industry.
Companies House filing requirements
Your SIC code can affect which accounting exemptions you're eligible for. Certain codes have specific reporting requirements. For example, companies in regulated sectors may have additional filing obligations.
Government contracts and grants
Some government grants and contracts are targeted at specific industries, identified by SIC code. Having the right code can make your business visible for opportunities you'd otherwise miss.
Can You Change Your SIC Code?
Yes. You can update your SIC codes when you file your annual confirmation statement with Companies House. This is the document you file once a year confirming that the information Companies House holds about your company is correct.
You'd typically want to change your SIC code if:
- Your business activities have changed since you first registered
- You chose the wrong code originally (a common issue — many people pick the first code that looks roughly right)
- Your business has diversified into a new area that isn't covered by your current code
The change takes effect once Companies House processes your confirmation statement. There's no fee for changing your SIC code — it's part of the standard confirmation statement filing.
Multiple SIC Codes
A UK company can register up to four SIC codes. If your business does more than one thing, you should consider adding additional codes to accurately reflect all your activities.
For example, a company that builds websites (62012) and also provides marketing consultancy (73110) should register both codes. Your primary code should be the one that represents your main revenue-generating activity. The additional codes cover secondary activities.
When to add extra SIC codes
- - Your business has genuinely diversified into a new area (not just a one-off project)
- - You offer distinct service lines that fall under different classifications
- - You want to be correctly represented in industry statistics and benchmarks
- - Your insurance or lending arrangements require accurate activity classification
Look Up Your Company's SIC Codes
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