Launching a new website is exciting. You’ve chosen the design, written the content and your site is ready for visitors.
However, many business owners overlook an important step — making sure their website complies with UK legal requirements.
Whether you run a small business website or an e-commerce store, there are certain details that must be displayed on your website by law.
At Betelguise Web Design we always ensure websites include the required legal information to help businesses remain compliant.
Below are the main things UK businesses should display on their website.
Company Information (Limited Companies)
If your business is registered as a Limited Company, UK law requires certain information to be displayed on your website.
Since January 2007, limited companies must show:
Your registered company name
Your company registration number
Your registered office address
The country where your company is registered (for example England and Wales)
This information is usually placed in the website footer or contact page.
Displaying this information ensures transparency and allows customers to verify your business through Companies House.
Privacy Policy (Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR)
If your website collects any personal information from visitors, you must explain how you collect, store and use that data.
This requirement comes from:
UK GDPR
Data Protection Act 2018
Personal data may include information collected through:
contact forms
newsletter signups
account registrations
online purchases
Your Privacy Policy should explain:
what personal data you collect
how you use it
how long you store it
who has access to it
how users can request deletion or changes
Under UK data protection law, website users have the right to:
know how their data is used
access their personal data
correct inaccurate information
request deletion of their data
restrict or object to data processing
request data portability
A clear privacy policy helps build trust with visitors while meeting legal requirements.
Cookie Policy (Cookie Law / PECR)
Most websites use cookies for things like analytics, advertising or remembering user preferences.
UK law requires websites to inform users about cookies and obtain consent before using certain types of tracking cookies.
Cookies can include tools such as:
Google Analytics
Facebook Pixel
advertising trackers
website functionality cookies
To comply with cookie regulations, your website should include:
a Cookie Policy page
a cookie consent banner or pop-up
clear information about how cookies are used
The cookie banner typically appears when a visitor first arrives on your site and allows them to accept or manage cookies.
Terms and Conditions
Although not always legally required for basic websites, having website terms and conditions is strongly recommended.
These can include:
acceptable website use
copyright information
disclaimers about content
liability limitations
For businesses selling products or services online, terms and conditions are essential.
Legal Requirements for E-Commerce Websites
If you sell products or services online, additional regulations apply under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 (formerly distance selling regulations).
E-commerce websites must clearly display:
your business name, address and contact details
a clear description of products or services
the full price including taxes
payment methods accepted
delivery costs and delivery times
contract terms and billing periods (if applicable)
cancellation terms and refund policy
Customers must also be informed of their right to cancel.
The 14-Day Cooling-Off Period
Under UK consumer law, customers usually have the right to cancel an online purchase within 14 days of receiving the goods.
Key points include:
Customers do not need to provide a reason for cancelling.
Businesses must provide clear instructions for cancellations.
If customers are not informed about their cancellation rights, they may have up to 12 months to cancel.
Many e-commerce websites include a standard cancellation form and refund policy within their terms.
Where Should Legal Information Appear on a Website?
Most websites place legal information in the footer so it appears on every page.
Typical footer links include:
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Terms and Conditions
Company Information
Contact Details
This ensures the information is always visible and easily accessible.
Legal Compliance for Small Business Websites
For small businesses across Bridgnorth, Shropshire and the West Midlands, making sure your website complies with legal requirements is an important part of running a professional online presence.
When building websites for our clients, Betelguise Web Design ensures that the necessary legal pages and policies are included as standard.
This helps protect both the business and its customers.
Need Help Setting Up a Professional Business Website?
If you’re launching a new website or updating an existing one, we can help ensure it is:
professionally designed
SEO-optimised
legally compliant
easy to manage
