The Data Protection Act 1998 requires every data controller (e.g organisation, sole trader) who is processing personal information to register with the ICO, unless they are exempt. More than 400,000 organisations are currently registered.
Under the Data Protection Act individuals and organisations that process personal information need to register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), unless they are exempt.
If you are unsure if you need to register you can take a quick self assessment via the following link: Registration self-assessment