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As a company grows and evolves, there may be times when the personal details of key personnel, such as directors, secretaries, shareholders, or persons with significant control (PSCs), need to be updated. One common change is a name change, which may be due to marriage, divorce, or personal preference.
We make this process easy and fully online. Whether you need to update a director’s name, change a shareholder’s details, or amend a PSC’s information, our platform offers a straightforward solution, helping you remain fully compliant with UK regulations without the hassle of navigating multiple portals.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to update these changes and how we can assist you in every step, completely online.

How Can You Change a Company Director’s Name?

If a director’s name changes, it’s important to notify Companies House within 14 days, and it’s equally important to update your company’s internal records to reflect this. But instead of navigating the process yourself, let us simplify it for you.

Here’s how we can help you update a director’s name:

1. Use Our Online Service to Submit Changes: We handle the entire name change process for directors through our easy-to-use online system.You can simply log in to your online company manager account on our website, provide the updated details, go to My Company section and then edit the Director name and correct it, and we’ll submit everything directly to Companies House on your behalf by filling CH01 electronically. No need to visit any other portals or deal with paperwork.
2. Update Your Internal Registers Automatically: Alongside updating the details with Companies House, we also ensure your company’s internal registers, including the register of directors and the register of directors’ usual residential addresses, are automatically updated as part of our service. This guarantees your business records stay accurate and compliant.
3. Confirmation Statement: With our service, you don’t have to worry about whether the updated director’s name will be reflected in your next Confirmation Statement. We’ll take care of it for you as part of our ongoing compliance services, so everything is aligned without any additional effort on your part.

By using our services, you can ensure that this process is handled swiftly, securely, and with zero administrative burden.

How Can You Change a Company Secretary’s Name Online?

For companies that have appointed a secretary, it’s equally important to keep their name details up to date. We make this process entirely online and stress-free.

1. Submit Changes Using Our Service: Through our platform, you can update a secretary’s name by simply entering the new details, and we’ll handle the filing of Form CH03 on your behalf. All of this is done electronically, meaning you don’t need to visit multiple portals or deal with paper submissions. This is better, faster, and reliable.
2. Internal Register of Secretaries: We ensure that your internal register of secretaries is updated in line with the name change, making sure all legal records are kept accurate.
3. Next Confirmation Statement: The updated details will automatically be included in your next Confirmation Statement through us. Our system ensures all changes are reflected across your company’s filings, so you don’t need to worry about any missing information later on.

With us you benefit from a complete online solution that keeps your company compliant with no extra effort required.

How Can You Change a Shareholder’s Name Through Our Online Platform?

Although shareholder name changes don’t have to be reported directly to Companies House unless the individual holds 25% or more of the company’s shares or voting rights, keeping your records up to date is still critical.

Here’s how we make it simple:

1. Update the Share Register Online: Through our platform, you can update your company’s internal share register with the new shareholder name. Once you submit the changes through your online company manager account, we ensure that your records stay compliant and accurate.
2. Issue New Share Certificates: If applicable, we can help you issue new share certificates to reflect the shareholder’s updated name. This can be done seamlessly through our system, ensuring your shareholders have the correct documentation without delay.
3. Next Confirmation Statement: If the shareholder holds 25% or more of the company’s shares or voting rights, the updated name will be included in your next Confirmation Statement, which we file for you. Our platform ensures that your company’s records are always up to date and compliant with UK law.

Every aspect of the name change for shareholders can be handled online in a quick and easy manner.

How Can You Change a PSC’s Name?

For a person with significant control (PSC) — someone who holds 25% or more of the company’s shares or voting rights or has significant influence over the company — name changes must be reported promptly to Companies House.

Here’s how we can handle this for you:

1. Online Filing of PSC04 Form: Instead of manually completing and submitting Form PSC04, you can use our fully online service. Simply provide the updated PSC name, and we will file the changes electronically with Companies House on your behalf, ensuring quick processing.
2. Update the Internal PSC Register: We automatically update your company’s internal PSC register, ensuring that all records are accurate and compliant within 14 days of the name change.
3. Reflect the Change in the Confirmation Statement: The updated PSC name will be included in your company’s next Confirmation Statement, which we manage as part of our services. You can rest assured that your company records will be properly maintained without any extra work on your part.

By using our services, this process becomes fast, simple, and completely online, ensuring full compliance without any hassle.

Why Is It Important to Keep These Records Updated?

Keeping the details of your directors, secretaries, shareholders, and PSCs up to date isn’t just a formality — it’s a legal requirement. By maintaining accurate records, you ensure that your company:

  • Avoids compliance issues with Companies House
  • Stays free from fines and penalties
  • Operates smoothly in any business transactions
  • Maintains transparency with shareholders and stakeholders

And we specialize in making these updates simple and fully online, so you can focus on what matters most — growing your business.

How Can FormationsHunt Help You With These Changes?

We provide a fully online, seamless solution for updating company details, including name changes for directors, secretaries, shareholders, and PSCs. Here’s what we offer:

1. Online Filing: We handle all filings in online mode directly with Companies House, ensuring quick processing without the hassle of manual submissions.
2. Internal Register Updates: Our service ensures that your internal company registers are updated automatically, so you don’t have to worry about missing legal obligations.
3. Share Certificates Issued: If necessary, we can issue new share certificates for shareholders with updated names through our platform.
4. Confirmation Statement Management: We ensure that any name changes are reflected in your next Confirmation Statement, so all records stay compliant and accurate.

Our goal is to simplify the entire process for you, with everything handled online in one place. With our assistance, you get expert support every step of the way, from filing to confirmation, ensuring your company remains compliant with UK law.

Conclusion: Is Your Company Information Up to Date?

Updating the names of directors, secretaries, shareholders, and PSCs is a critical part of keeping your company compliant with UK regulations. Through FormationsHunt, you can manage these updates easily and online, saving time and avoiding the complexities of manual processes.
Ready to update your company’s information? We are here to provide you with an effortless, fully online solution — ensuring compliance and peace of mind.

 

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Changing your company’s name is an important decision that can reshape your business’s identity and brand presence. Whether you want to rebrand, reflect a new direction, or simply make your company name more relevant, the process in the UK is straightforward but requires adherence to specific rules and regulations. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through every step.

Why Might You Want to Change Your Company Name?

Businesses may choose to change their name for several reasons, including:
1. Rebranding: To align with new business goals or markets.
2. Merger or Acquisition: Reflecting the integration of businesses.
3. Correcting a Misstep: Avoiding legal or cultural misunderstandings.
4. Updating for Relevance: Keeping up with trends or modernizing the brand image.
5. Resolving Trademark Conflicts: Preventing conflicts with established brands.

Steps to Change Your Company Name in the UK

1. Check Name Availability

Before deciding on a new name, you must ensure that it is available and complies with the regulations set by Companies House. Here’s how to check:

2. Initiate the Process

3. Provide Necessary Details

  • Fill out the form with your current company details and the desired new name.
  • Ensure the new name complies with Companies House regulations and doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks.

4. Complete Payment

  • The service fee is £69.99, which includes the Companies House fee.
  • Proceed to checkout and complete the payment.

5. Receive and Sign Documents

  • Within 48 hours, you’ll receive digital documents via email, including the special resolution and meeting minutes.
  • Sign these documents as required.

6. Submission to Companies House

FormationsHunt will handle the submission of the signed documents to Companies House on your behalf.

7. Await Approval

Companies House typically processes name change requests within 24-72 hours, depending on their workload.

8. Confirmation of Name Change

Upon approval, you’ll receive a digital certificate of the name change via email.

9. Update Business Records

After receiving the certificate, update your bank accounts, contracts, HMRC records, and notify customers and suppliers about the change.

10. Update Business Records

After receiving approval:

  • Update bank accounts, contracts, and other legal documents.
  • Notify HMRC, customers, suppliers, and partners.
  • Update your website, branding materials, and social media accordingly.
  • Inform regulatory bodies and licensing authorities, if applicable.

Rules and Restrictions for Company Names

When choosing a new name, ensure it:

  • Is Unique: It cannot be identical or too similar to an existing company’s name.
  • Avoids Sensitive Words: Requires permission for words like “Royal,” “Bank,” or “International.”
  • Follows Character Rules: Only allows certain special characters.
  • Complies with Trademark Laws: Avoid potential disputes by ensuring the name does not infringe on existing trademarks.

How Long Does the Process Take?

  • Online Filing: Typically processed within 24 hours.
  • Additional Delays: If the proposed name requires approval for sensitive words, expect a longer processing time.

Costs Involved in Changing Your Company Name

Changing your company name comes with a few necessary costs. Here’s what to expect:

  • Our Company Name Change Service – £69.99 (fully online, handled by experts for a smooth process).
  • Legal & Administrative Updates – You may need to notify banks, suppliers, and clients about the new name, which is a necessary but self-managed process.

Why Choose FormationsHunt for Assistance?

Changing a company name can be overwhelming, especially with compliance requirements. FormationsHunt simplifies the process by:

  • Conducting a name availability check.
  • Handling all necessary filings with Companies House.
  • Offering expert guidance throughout the process.
  • Ensuring that your new name aligns with branding and legal requirements.

With our affordable and transparent pricing, we ensure your company’s name change is hassle-free and efficient. Contact us today to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use any name I want?
No, the name must comply with Companies House regulations and not infringe on trademarks.
2. Will my company number change?
No, your company number remains the same even after a name change.
3. Do I need to inform HMRC?
Yes, HMRC must be notified to update your tax records. This ensures that your VAT and Corporation Tax records are accurate.
4. What happens to existing contracts?
Contracts remain valid but should be updated to reflect the new company name. Notify all parties involved.
5. Can I change my company name during insolvency proceedings?
No, you cannot change your company name if it is under insolvency or liquidation proceedings.

Changing your company name in the UK doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right preparation and assistance, you can successfully rebrand your business and pave the way for new opportunities. Trust FormationsHunt to make the process seamless and efficient, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.