Register a Business Name in the UK | Business Registration UK

Social

Choosing a company name is one of the most exciting and critical steps in starting your business. Whether you’re launching a brand-new company or converting from a sole trader to a limited company, selecting the right name is crucial for building your brand identity and complying with UK company law.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about naming your company, from the legal requirements to tips for choosing a memorable, unique name that reflects your business.

Why Choosing the Right Name Matters

Your company name does more than identify your business. It impacts the way customers perceive your brand, influences marketing efforts, and even affects future expansion. Additionally, the name must meet UK legal requirements and regulations to be approved by Companies House. Choosing wisely now can save you time, effort, and complications later.

Company Name Legal Requirements in the UK

Before you finalize a name, it’s important to ensure that it complies with UK laws and regulations, specifically:

The Companies Act 2006
The Company, Limited Liability Partnership, and Business (Names and Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/17)
The Company, Limited Liability Partnership, and Business (Sensitive Words and Expressions) Regulations 2014 (SI 2014/3140)

Rules You Must Follow:

Your limited company’s name should not:

Be identical to an existing name on the UK Companies Register.
Be too similar to another company’s name, as this can cause confusion.
Contain offensive or inappropriate language.
Suggest any connection with the UK government, local authority, or any public authority unless you have special permission.
Include restricted words or expressions deemed ‘sensitive’ under regulations like “Royal”, “British” , and “Authority”, etc.
Use certain characters or symbols that are not permitted under UK law.

Your company name must:

End with ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’ (or the Welsh equivalents ‘Cyfyngedig’ or ‘Cyf’) if it is a private company.
If it’s a public company, the name should conclude with ‘Public Limited Company’ or the abbreviation ‘PLC.

Exemptions for Certain Companies:

Some private companies limited by guarantee may be exempt from using the word ‘Limited’ in their name. To qualify for this, your company’s articles of association must state that:

The company promotes art, education, science, or other similar purposes.
All profits are used for the company’s objectives, with no distribution of income to members.
Assets will be transferred to another body with similar objectives if the company is wound up.

If you meet these conditions, you can apply for the exemption during the company registration process.

Checking the Availability of Your Company Name

Before submitting your application to Companies House, it’s essential to ensure your chosen name is available. You can use our free Company Name Checker for immediate results, as it links directly to the official UK Register of Companies. This tool will also highlight if your name contains any sensitive words.
Additionally, we recommend checking if the name is available as a registered trademark by searching the UK Intellectual Property Office’s database. This step ensures you steer clear of conflicts with other businesses and safeguards your brand identity.

Top Tips for Choosing a Great Company Name

Once you’ve ensured that your company name is legally compliant, it’s time to pick a name that will help your business stand out. These five key tips will help guide you:

1. Make It Unique and Memorable:
You want a name that catches attention but also reflects your business’s values. A unique name is more likely to be remembered by customers and stand out from competitors. However, be careful to strike a balance — a name that’s too quirky might be hard for people to take seriously.
2. Keep It Easy to Spell and Pronounce:
Fancy spellings or unusual words can make your business harder to find online and confuse potential customers. Make sure your company name is easy to say, spell, and remember. You want customers to find your website effortlessly and be able to recommend your business via word-of-mouth.
3. Keep It Short and Simple:
Names that are short and simple have greater impact and are easier to recall. Try to avoid overly long names or those that are complicated. Simple names are easier to display on branding materials like business cards, websites, and signage.
4. Choose a Name with Meaning:
Your business name should ideally reflect what your company does or the value it provides. While creative names are fun, make sure your audience understands your business. A meaningful name resonates more strongly with your target customers and makes your brand memorable.
5. Leave Room for Growth:
Think long-term when choosing your company name. Avoid names that restrict your business to a particular product, service, or geographic area. Your company might evolve over time, and you want your name to allow for that growth without having to rebrand.

Don’t Forget the Domain Name

As part of choosing your company name, it’s a good idea to check if the corresponding domain name is available. Having a domain name that aligns with your business name enhances your credibility and strengthens your online presence. FormationsHunt’s Company Registration Packages includes a free .co.uk or .com domain name for a year to help you get started on the right foot.

Why You Should Avoid Complicated Spellings for Your Company Name

While unique spellings can make a business name memorable, they can also lead to confusion. If your company name includes tricky spellings, potential customers might struggle to remember it or spell it correctly when searching online. This may harm your brand’s visibility and accessibility. Opt for a name that is simple, easy to pronounce, and represents your business’s identity. This approach will enhance word-of-mouth marketing and help customers find you easily.

What Should I Do If Companies House Rejects My Company Name?

If Companies House rejects your proposed company name, they will typically provide a reason for the rejection. Common reasons include the name being too similar to an existing company, containing sensitive words, or being deemed offensive. To resolve this, you’ll need to think of an alternative name that adheres to the naming rules set by Companies House. Conduct thorough research using our online name checker to ensure your new name complies with regulations and is available for registration. You can check as many times as you want because it’s free to use, no charges applied.

Is It Possible to Reserve a Company Name Without Registering a Limited Company?

Yes, you can reserve a company name without officially registering a limited company. You can apply to Companies House for a name reservation, which can typically hold the name for a period of 12 months. This allows you time to finalize your business plans before making the official registration. However, note that during this period, no one else can register that name, which provides a level of security for your chosen name.

Can I Use a Dissolved Company Name for My Business?

If you’re considering using a name that belonged to a company that has been dissolved, you should first check the name’s availability. Companies House maintains a register of company names, including those that have been dissolved. While there’s no legal restriction against using a name that has been dissolved, you must ensure it is not identical or too similar to any active name on the register. Additionally, be mindful of potential trademark issues; the name may still be protected under intellectual property law even if the company itself is no longer operating.

Am I Required to Operate Under My Registered Company Name?

Yes, once your limited company is registered, you are generally required to conduct business under that registered name. This ensures transparency for customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies. You may trade under a different name (known as a trading name or “doing business as” name), but you must clearly display your registered name on all official documents, including invoices, contracts, and your website. This helps avoid any confusion regarding your business identity.

How Can I Change My Company Name After It Has Been Registered?

Changing your registered company name after incorporation is a straightforward process. You need to file a special resolution with Companies House, which requires a majority agreement from your company’s shareholders. Along with the resolution, you must complete the relevant forms, such as the NM01 form, and pay the prescribed fee. After the change is approved by Companies House, you will receive an updated Certificate of Incorporation with your new company name. If you’re unsure about navigating this process or need assistance, we are here to help! Our experienced team can guide you through the company name change process smoothly, ensuring everything is done correctly and efficiently. Call us for free or you can mail us for assistance. Simply visit our Contact Us page and get in touch with us.

What Exactly Is a Certificate for Changing a Company Name?

A Certificate for Changing a Company Name is an official document issued by Companies House that confirms your company’s name has been changed. This certificate serves as legal proof of the name change and should be kept with your company records. It is essential for updating your business contracts, bank accounts, and any other official documents that contain your old company name.

Where Should Your Business Display Its Company Name?

Your business name should be prominently displayed in several key locations to ensure compliance and visibility:

Business Stationery: Include your registered name on invoices, letterheads, and business cards.
Website: Your business name should be clearly visible on your homepage and any official pages.
Social Media: Use your registered name in your profiles and posts to maintain consistency.
Physical Location: If you have a physical storefront or office, display your company name clearly on signage.
Contracts and Agreements: Ensure that your company name appears on all legal documents to avoid any disputes regarding identity.

Final Steps Before Registering Your Company Name

After choosing the perfect name, ensure it is:

Legally compliant.
Available to register on the Companies House register.
Not the same as an existing trademark.
Available as a domain name for your website.

Form Your Company with Ease Through FormationsHunt

Once you’re ready, FormationsHunt can help you complete your company formation process swiftly and efficiently. Our Company Registration Packages provides everything you need, from helping you choose a name to setting up your business with the necessary legal documents. You can even benefit from our additional services like VAT registration, confirmation statement filing, and business telephone services.

Conclusion: Don’t Compromise on Your Company Name

Choosing the right company name is crucial for your business’s identity, marketing, and growth. By following the legal requirements and picking a name that is unique, simple, and meaningful, you can set your business up for long-term success. With our support of comprehensive services, you can ensure that your company name is both legally compliant and strategically beneficial for your brand.