
2026-10-21 · 7 min read
Learn how to use new Companies House incorporations as a source of fresh business leads. This guide covers data sources, targeting, outreach scripts, and conversion tactics for UK B2B sales.
Every month, tens of thousands of new companies are registered at Companies House. These are not cold leads in the traditional sense: they are businesses that have just committed to trading, which means they need banking, insurance, accounting, IT, marketing, and more. For a UK B2B supplier, this is the freshest list you can get. The key is to act quickly and target precisely.
Unlike purchased lists that may be years old, new incorporations give you a first-mover advantage. The director is likely still setting up systems and choosing suppliers. If you can reach them within the first two weeks, you dramatically increase your chances of becoming their default choice. This guide shows you how to build a repeatable process to turn these registrations into paying clients.
Companies House offers a free daily data download of new incorporations. You can access it via their website, but the raw data is not user-friendly. It includes company name, number, incorporation date, registered address, and SIC codes. You can download a CSV and filter it yourself, but that takes time and technical skill.
For most busy business owners, a curated feed is more practical. Services like 9amLeads deliver fresh new business leads every morning at 9am, filtered by industry and location. This saves hours of manual work and ensures you get only relevant leads. You can also use APIs if you have a CRM that integrates, but for most SMEs, a daily email with a spreadsheet is the simplest route.
Not every new company is your ideal client. You need to filter by SIC code, location, and sometimes company size. SIC codes are a standard classification: for example, 43220 for plumbing, 69102 for solicitors, 62020 for IT consultants. Use these to build a list that matches your services.
Location matters too: if you serve a local area, filter by postcode or town. Also, consider the company type: most new incorporations are private limited companies, but you might also target LLPs or charities. Finally, look at the director's name: if you can find their LinkedIn profile, you can personalise your outreach and increase response rates.
Consistency beats intensity. Set aside 30 minutes each morning to review new leads and send outreach. A simple routine: download or receive your leads, filter by your criteria, research each company briefly, and send a personalised email or make a call. Track your results in a CRM or spreadsheet.
Here's a sample daily routine:
This process takes less than an hour and can generate a steady stream of conversations. Over time, you'll refine your filters and messaging based on what works.
New company directors are busy but receptive. Your outreach should be concise, relevant, and focused on how you can help them get started. Avoid generic sales pitches. Instead, acknowledge their new status and offer something specific.
For example, if you're an accountant: 'Congratulations on incorporating [Company Name]. I noticed you're based in [Location] and work in [Industry]. Many new businesses in your sector need help with [specific issue]. We offer a free initial consultation to get you set up correctly from day one. Would you be open to a quick chat?'
Keep emails under 100 words and include a clear call to action. For phone calls, use a similar script but be prepared to leave a voicemail. Always comply with GDPR and PECR: include your company details and an opt-out link in emails.
To improve your conversion, track key metrics: open rate, response rate, and conversion to meeting. A simple CRM or spreadsheet can handle this. Aim for a 20-30% open rate on emails and a 5-10% response rate. If you're below that, test different subject lines or targeting.
Here's a sample table to track your weekly performance:
| Metric | Target | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Leads received | 100 | 120 |
| Emails sent | 100 | 100 |
| Open rate | 25% | 22% |
| Response rate | 5% | 4% |
| Meetings booked | 3 | 2 |
Use this data to refine your approach. For instance, if open rates are low, try personalising the subject line with the company name. If response rates are low, test a different offer or call instead of email.
Many businesses waste time on new company leads by targeting too broadly or contacting too late. Avoid these mistakes:
Another pitfall is not following up. Most sales require multiple touches. Set a sequence of 3-5 follow-ups over a few weeks. And remember, new companies are often bombarded with offers, so stand out by being helpful and specific.
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Start your free 7-day trialExplore New Business LeadsAim to make contact within the first 7-14 days. New directors are actively setting up suppliers and are most receptive. After 30 days, many have already made decisions. Use a daily feed of new incorporations to stay ahead.
Yes, if you use the data for B2B marketing and include an opt-out. Companies House data is public, but you must still follow PECR and UK GDPR. Ensure your outreach is relevant to the recipient's business and provide a clear way to unsubscribe.
SIC codes indicate the company's nature of business. Use them to filter for your ideal clients. For example, if you sell accounting software, target SIC 69201 (accounting) or 69202 (bookkeeping). Combine with location and company age for precision.
Around 50,000-60,000 new companies are incorporated monthly. This volume means you must filter ruthlessly to avoid wasted effort. Focus on a niche by industry, location, and size to keep your outreach manageable and relevant.