Search term operator and wildcard support (NEAR5, AND, OR, NOT, '*', '?', etc.) and fuzzy matching

#1

On the /search/companies GET endpoint, does the q parameter support operators and wildcards, such as (NEAR5, AND, OR, NOT, *, ?, etc.)? If so what syntax does the API use for its query language?

Is it also possible to switch fuzzy matching on/off for a given query?

For example, a GET request on https://api.companieshouse.gov.uk/search/companies?q=insurance%20NOT%20quote should return companies with the word insurance in their name, but exclude companies names containing the word quote.

Company Search: how to locate a specific listed company - possible approaches
#2

There is currently no way to customise the search or provide any operators or wildcards. Longer term we are hoping to provide more advanced search options.

#3

Hi - is there any update on this question? Does the API support operator matching yet?

#4

You can’t search exactly as the OP requested but see the Companies House advanced search. This allows you to require certain words and exclude others, in addition to specifying all kinds of other conditions e.g. type of organisation etc.

You can try it online here: Advanced company search - Find and update company information - GOV.UK

As for fuzzy searching, Companies House have advised that the normal search incorporates this e.g. they try to return results which seem to be appropriate. However that is not configurable.