U.K. law requires for corporations to report the deaths of directors to Companies House, the British office that oversees businesses, within two weeks. Although the Companies House website reports that Payne “resigned” from positions from four companies on Oct. 16, the day that he fell to his death in Buenos Aires, the website lists having received notice of Payne’s “termination of appointment” electronically on Oct. 24.on its website.
On Oct. 24, paperwork was filed to end Payne’s role with Hampton Music Limited, though Companies House doesn’t report who filed the notice. Hampton Music is listed in the credits for Payne’s hit single, “Strip That Down.” It provides “support activities to performing arts.” Payne had assumed the role of director in March 2015. A filing suggested the company had been running at a deficit of £15,300 for net assets.
Hampton Publishing, incorporated in 2019, oversaw “sound recording and music publishing activities,” per the Companies House. The company valued itself at £729 in its latest filing. Long Play Touring, incorporated in 2017, handled Payne’s touring business. Valued at £135,000 in 2022, the business was worth £17,000 at the time of his death.Hampton Records Limited, incorporated in 2016, was originally a business valued at £300,000 in 2022 and was worth £75,000 when he resigned.