Guide
Business name rules
Rules for choosing a business name, trading name, or company name.
The rules for business names depend on your business structure. There are two distinct concepts to understand — your registered name (the legal identity of your business) and your trading name (the name you use day-to-day with customers).
Sole traders and partnerships can trade under the owner's name or choose a business name. Limited companies must register a unique company name with Companies House. All businesses can additionally use a trading name that differs from their registered name.
- Sole trader
- Registered name: your legal name (e.g. Jane Smith). Can trade as anything (e.g. "Smith Design Co") but must show your real name on all business documents.
- Ordinary partnership
- Registered name: partners' legal names. Can use a business name. Must show all partners' names on business documents (or make them available on request if more than 20 partners).
- Limited company (Ltd)
- Must register a unique name with Companies House ending in "Limited" or "Ltd" (or Welsh equivalents "Cyfyngedig" or "Cyf"). Can also use a different trading name.
- LLP
- Must register a unique name ending in "Limited Liability Partnership" or "LLP". Same rules as limited companies for restricted words.
- Trading name
- Any business can trade under a different name. You do not register trading names — but you must not mislead the public about your legal status or identity.
Restricted and sensitive words
Certain words and expressions require prior approval before you can include them in a company name. The Companies Act 2006 (sections 54-56) and the Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Names (Sensitive Words and Expressions) Regulations 2014 set out two categories:
Words requiring Secretary of State approval:
- "British", "National", "English", "Scottish", "Welsh" and similar national terms
- "Authority", "Board", "Council", "Institute", "Foundation"
- "Royal", "King", "Queen", "Crown", "Prince", "Princess"
- "Police", "Charity", "Benevolent"
Words requiring approval from a relevant body (you must seek a letter of non-objection):
- "Accredited" — from the relevant accreditation body
- "Insurance", "Assurance", "Reinsurance" — from the FCA or PRA
- "Dental", "Dentistry" — from the General Dental Council
- "Midwife", "Health Visitor" — from the Nursing and Midwifery Council
- "Pharmacy", "Pharmaceutical" — from the General Pharmaceutical Council
Companies House will reject your application if you use a restricted word without the required approval.
Names that will be rejected
Companies House will refuse to register a company name that:
- Is the same as an existing company name on the register (exact match after stripping punctuation and common words like "the", "and", "company")
- Would constitute a criminal offence to use
- Is offensive
- Contains a restricted word without approval
- Suggests a connection with government or a local authority without approval
Similarity is not checked: Companies House only blocks identical names, not similar ones. However, an existing company can object within 12 months if your name is too similar and likely to cause confusion (Companies Act 2006 s.69). You could be forced to change your name by the Company Names Tribunal.
Separately, using a name that infringes someone's registered trademark can result in legal action regardless of what Companies House accepts.
Legal display requirements
The Companies Act 2006 (sections 82-85) and the Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Names (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2009 require you to display your business name and certain details in specific places:
Company name must appear on:
- Your registered office and any inspection place
- All business letters, notices, and other official publications
- All cheques, promissory notes, endorsements, and orders for money
- All invoices, receipts, and letters of credit
- Your website
Additional details required on business letters and order forms:
- Company registration number
- Registered office address
- Place of registration (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
- If applicable, that the company is being wound up
Sole traders and partnerships using a trading name must display the proprietor's or partners' names and an address for service on all business documents, stationery, and at their premises (Companies Act 2006 s.1202).
Penalty for non-compliance: A fine of up to £1,000 for failing to display required information, and contracts may be unenforceable against third parties if required details are missing.
Limited companies face the strictest naming rules
Limited companies must end their name with "Limited" or "Ltd" (or "Cyfyngedig"/"Cyf" for Welsh companies). The only exemption is if the company is a not-for-profit meeting specific conditions under Companies Act 2006 s.60.
You can change your company name by special resolution (75% of shareholders) and filing form NM01 with Companies House (£10 online, £30 by post). The change takes effect when Companies House issues a new certificate of incorporation.
If you use a trading name alongside your registered name, both must appear on official documents.
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Search the Companies House register
Check your proposed name is not identical to an existing company. Use the free name availability checker at Companies House.
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Search the UK trademark register
Even if Companies House accepts your name, it could infringe someone's trademark. Search at ipo.gov.uk/tmtext before committing.
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Check for restricted words
Review the list of sensitive words and expressions. If your name includes one, obtain the required approval letter before applying.
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Secure matching domain names
Check availability of .co.uk and .com domains. Consider registering them before incorporating to prevent others acquiring them.
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Display your name correctly
Ensure your registered name, company number, and registered office appear on all business letters, emails, invoices, and your website.