How to choose a business name
Before you can register with Companies House, you'll need to
choose a company name for your business. It's easier said
than done for many entrepreneurs, who will often run through
hundreds of names before they settle on one. This guide will help
you choose the right name for your business and ensure it doesn't
breach any rules.
- Choosing a name for a limited company
- Choosing a name for a partnership
- Sensitive words
Choosing a name for a limited company
When you are deciding on your business' name, you will need to
make sure it ends with limited, plc or ltd for companies, or, if
you are starting a limited liability partnership, LLP. Check with
Companies House to make sure it isn't the same as a company already
on the register, and make sure it isn't similar to a word or phrase
which has already been registered as a trade mark.
- Make sure the name ends with limited, plc, ltd or LLP
- Check it isn't already registered
- Check it hasn't been trademarked
Choosing a name for a partnership
If you decide to go down the partnership route, if you are using
your own names, remember one of you may choose to sell up in the
future - so while Milsom & Jones sounds good now, if Milsom
leaves, this may put your brand identity at risk. Remember if you
are using a more generic name not to use inappropriate or sensitive
names.
- Remember one partner may choose to leave
- If one partner leaves, it could put your brand identity at
risk
- Remember to double check whether you are using a sensitive
name
Sensitive words
Companies House
publishes a list of words it deems inappropriate. While some
will require approval from the Secretary of State, others, such as
'Veterinary', 'Architect' or 'Olympian' could constitute a criminal
offence if they are misused.
- Check your name against the
Companies Act 2006
- Some words will require approval from the Secretary of
State
- Including some words without permission is a criminal
offence
Smarta offers a company registration service powered by the
National Business Register. You can search for available
names then register a business name, or set up a company and/or
register a trademark with us. You will receive a professional
binder with all your official documents via post within 3 days.
Go to our company registration tool here: Company registration tool
Resources from our partners
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