What's in a Name

What's In A Name?

The area which is often the most difficult when starting a new venture is choosing a name for your business! But did you know that you cannot call your business by any name you like!

Care must be taken in naming your company. The word "Limited" or "Ltd" ("Cyfyngedig" or "Cyf" may be used in Wales) must be included as the last word of the name.

You cannot use the same name as, or one too similar to another company, or use a word that is offensive or which use would constitute a criminal offence.

Certain words are not allowed which would give a misleading impression that your company was in some way connected with HM Government or a local authority.

Certain sensitive words and phrases are restricted and require the approval of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Such words could imply:

	National or international pre-eminence (e.g. British, National)
	Authoritative standing (e.g. Association, Society)
	Specific objects or functions (e.g. Assurance, Trust, Chartered)

Other words also requiring approval from the Secretary of State must first be cleared with the relevant body; e.g. "Charity" requires approval from The Charity Commission.

Some basic rules apply:

	A sole trader can trade in his/her own name - but a company might not be able to!
	A partnership could trade in the names of the partners, e.g. Mr Jones and Mr Spencer could trade as ‘Jones and Spencer’ - but a company might not be able to!
	A Company must register its name with Companies House, and the name must comply with the rules above.
	A Company, however, may trade under a different name other than its registered name. But it must disclose the registered name on its letterheads e.g. Joe Bloggs Limited trading as Quick Think Computing.

Further detailed guidance about company names is available free from Companies House - click here

If you want to check the availability of your company name call us for advice on 0800 298 7175