One of the first steps to setting up your company will be choosing a name, however, there are restrictions and requirements that you must abide by, as detailed below.
You should consider choosing a name that reflects the activities of the business and ensure that it will produce the right impression. You cannot choose a name that is the same as, or similar, to one that is already registered at Companies House. The name cannot be offensive or use sensitive words or expressions. According to gov.uk these are words that:
- suggest business pre-eminence, a particular status, or a specific function, for example, names that include ‘British’, ‘Institute’ or ‘Tribunal’,
- implies a connection with the UK government, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority,
- includes a word that represents a regulated activity, e.g., doctor, midwife etc.
- includes a word whose use could be an offence.
Read about Registered Office vs Directors’ Service Address Here
Your company name must end with ‘Ltd’ or ‘Limited’. A company limited by guarantee can apply to be exempt from this requirement if the company’s articles of association state that:
- the company’s objects promote or regulate commerce, art, science, education, religion, charity, or any profession.
- the company cannot pay its shareholders, for example, through dividends.
- each shareholder is required to contribute to company assets if it is wound up during their membership, or within a year of them stopping being a shareholder.
We can assist you with applying for exemption, just let us know if it is something you are interested in.
Also Read: Looking to Obtain a Certificate of Incorporation?
You must display your company name at your registered company address and the address that your company operates at unless you are running your business from home. It must always be easy to read and visible. It must be included on all company documents and letters. Letters, order forms and websites should contain the following details:
- company’s registration number
- registered office address
- the part of the UK that the company is registered in (i.e., England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland).
- it is a limited company (i.e., display the company’s full name including ‘Ltd’ or ‘Limited’).
Got a name in mind? Check its availability here.
Also Read: Business Incorporation Services
