Frequently Asked Questions
What is open-source research?
Open-source research involves gathering and assessing information that is lawfully available from public sources.
Depending on the assignment, this can include company records, official registers, property information, planning records, regulatory information, published documents, news archives and other publicly accessible material.
What is due diligence?
Due diligence is the process of researching and assessing information before making a business, commercial, investment or other important decision.
Our role is to help clients understand the available evidence, identify relevant connections or inconsistencies and highlight matters that may require further investigation.
Can you investigate a company or director?
Yes. We can research companies, directors and other relevant individuals using appropriate public and lawful sources.
Depending on the assignment, this may include corporate structure, appointments, ownership information, business history, associated companies, property connections and relevant publicly available records.
Can you research property ownership?
Yes. Property-related research can include ownership information, company connections, planning history and other publicly available property records.
The precise scope will depend on the property and the information required.
Can you investigate an individual?
We can undertake lawful background and open-source research into individuals where there is a legitimate and appropriate purpose.
We do not undertake harassment, stalking, unlawful surveillance, impersonation, unauthorised access to accounts or other improper activity.
How long does an assignment take?
Timescales depend on the complexity of the research.
A rapid company check may take approximately 2–5 working days, while a standard due-diligence assignment may take 5–10 working days.
More complex investigations can take longer. We will agree the expected scope and timescale before work begins.
How much does research cost?
Our fees depend on the scope and complexity of the assignment.
We offer fixed-fee services for defined assignments, while more extensive or bespoke research may be quoted separately.
Please contact us with a brief outline of your requirements and we will provide an appropriate quotation.
What sources do you use?
We use lawful and appropriate sources relevant to the assignment.
These may include official government and regulatory records, Companies House, property and planning records, published documents, news archives and other publicly available sources.
Where appropriate, we cross-check information against multiple sources.
Do you guarantee that information is accurate?
No source can guarantee that all publicly available information is complete or accurate.
We therefore assess and cross-check information where possible and clearly identify limitations, contradictions and matters that could not be independently verified.
Will my enquiry be confidential?
We treat client enquiries and information provided to us appropriately and with professional confidentiality.
Specific confidentiality arrangements can be discussed where an assignment requires them.
Do you provide legal or financial advice?
No.
Our reports provide research and information. They do not constitute legal, financial, tax, investment or other regulated professional advice.
Where appropriate, clients should obtain advice from a suitably qualified professional.
Can you undertake urgent research?
Urgent assignments may be possible depending on availability and the nature of the work.
An additional urgent-service charge may apply.
What if you cannot establish something?
We will say so.
A key principle of our work is that unverified information is not presented as fact. Where evidence is incomplete, contradictory or insufficient to establish a matter, the report will make that clear.
How do I make an enquiry?
You can use our Request an Enquiry form on the Contact page or contact us directly using:
Email: info@inquisitio-research.co.uk
Telephone: 0208 087 4761