Choosing a Company Name: UK Rules and Checks

Choosing a company name: what you need to know

Choosing a name is an exciting step when starting a new business. But before you become too attached to an idea, it’s worth checking that your chosen company name works from both a legal and commercial point of view.

As well as creating the right impression with customers, your company name needs to meet the requirements for UK company incorporation. There are also some important checks to make before you register.

Check your company name is available

One of the first steps is to make sure your proposed name is available for registration with Companies House.

You should also check the UK Intellectual Property Office trade marks register. Successfully registering a company name with Companies House does not, by itself, mean that using the name cannot infringe someone else’s trade mark.

Doing these checks early can help you avoid the cost and disruption of having to rethink your branding later.

What are the UK company name rules?

There are a number of restrictions governing company names. Depending on the circumstances, these can include:

• A private company limited by shares or guarantee will generally need its name to end in“Limited” or “Ltd”.
• A public company must use“public limited company” or “plc” at the end of its name.
• Certain descriptions and abbreviations relating to the legal form of an organisation are restricted in how they can be used, including Limited Liability Partnership and Community Interest Company.
• Some names that suggest a connection with the UK Government, a devolved administration, local authority or specified public authority are restricted.
• Certain sensitive words and expressions are subject to additional controls.
• A company name cannot include wording whose use would constitute an offence, or be offensive.
• A proposed name may be rejected if it is considered the“same as” a name already appearing on the Companies House index.
• There are rules covering the characters, signs, symbols and punctuation that can appear in a registered company name.

These requirements mean that checking whether a name is simply available is not always enough. The wording itself, the type of business you are incorporating and, in some circumstances, permissions for particular words can all matter.

Starting a new company?

Getting your company name right is only one part of setting up a business properly. Your choice of structure, accounting arrangements and tax position can have longer-term consequences too.

If you’re starting a new business, incorporating a company or considering the best structure for your plans, talk to us before you get too far down the road. A conversation at the outset can help ensure you start on the right footing. Call our experts now on 01380 723692 or email here.