Business name rules

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.