Business Names

Business Names for the Limited Company

The proposed name for a new limited company will generally be accepted by the Registrar of Companies providing:

It is not identical to an existing company name.
“Limited” or “public limited company” is at the end of the name.
The name is neither offensive nor would constitute a legal offence.

Registration may not be allowed if the name includes words which might mislead, such as words which imply:

National or international status, such as International, Scottish, British, etc.
Specific business objectives such as Insurance, Chemist, Chartered, Giro, etc.
Pre-eminence in an area of business or authoritative status, such as Council, Authority, Board.
Specific size or status such as Society, Institution, Federation.

The Registrar will not allow the inclusion of the name of a personality, unless that person is associated with the business or has formally agreed that their name may be used.

The use of the following types of word are restricted by law:

Words connected with the Royal family (such as Royal, Prince, Princess, Duke, Windsor)
Words suggesting certain professions (such as Nurse, Midwife, Dentist, Optician)
Words connected with either the government or local authorities (such as Police, School, Council, University)
Words suggesting a charity (such as charity, charitable, Red Cross)

Business Names for the Sole Trader or Partnership

It is always acceptable in law to use one’s own name for business trading.

There is no national or formal register of business names for the non-limited company. Consequently it is very difficult to check whether someone else is using the intended name.

The rules for an acceptable business name are as above, except that “Limited” or “plc” must NOT be used.

Legal action can be taken against those appearing to be seeking to convince third parties they are associated with another person or business. This is referred to as “passing off”. Consequently names may be challenged by another business claiming that a name or trading style is too similar to their own. If the challenger is a larger company, it may be cheaper to change the name than risk an expensive court action.

If any business (including limited companies) uses a trading style or business name:

All letterheads, orders, invoices, receipts, statements and demands must carry in addition to the business name, the names of all the owners and an address within Great Britain “at which documents could be served” (Normally the business address). An examples of this would be: William Smith, trading as “Gemini Printing” 16 This Place, New Town, Herts, NB2 3VX
A sign should be displayed at the business premises. The sign must be conspicuous and legible.
The names of all the owners of the business and an address has to be given on request to any supplier, customer or other person with whom the business has dealings.

Note that where words are added to an individual’s name (e.g. “William Smith Printing” or “William Smith and Company”) the style will be regarded as a business name, and must therefore comply with the above instructions.