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By carmen-ingles
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Starting a business in the UK can be exciting, but it also involves some essential paperwork. One of the first (and most important) steps is to choose and register your company name. Although it may seem like a minor detail, getting it right is key to ensuring that you are protecting your business and that it has a strong identity from the start.
In this article, we explain how to register your company name in the UK clearly, legally and effectively.
Why should you register your company name?
Registering your company name is not only a legal requirement, but also a fundamental strategy to build a recognisable and professional brand. Registering a name gives you access to official documents, business bank accounts and the ability to issue legally valid invoices.
It also prevents others from using the same name, which could lead to confusion or even legal disputes.
In short, knowing how to register your company name correctly saves you trouble and positions you as someone serious in the business world.
First step: check if the name is available
Before you get too excited about a name, make sure it is not already being used by another company. Companies House, the UK’s official company registration body, offers a free tool to check this on its website.
Avoid choosing names that are too similar to others that are already registered, as this could lead to rejection of your application or even legal problems later on.
Useful tip: think of something original, short and easy to remember. The more unique it is, the better.
How to register your company name step by step
1. Define the type of legal entity
Before registering the name, you need to know what type of company you are creating. The most common forms in the UK are:
- Sole trader: a self-employed person.
- Partnership: a company with two or more owners.
- Private limited company (Ltd): a limited company.
Each has different requirements and processes. If you choose a limited company, for example, the name you register will be the legal name of the company and must comply with specific rules.
2. Choose a legal name and, if you want, a business name
A limited company must have a unique legal name, but you can also use a different, more creative or more appropriate business name for your brand.
However, the business name must not contain offensive terms or imply that you are linked to government or official entities.
3. Start the process online
Once you are clear on the name and type of company, you can register everything online on the Companies House website. The process usually takes between 24 and 48 hours if you choose the digital form and costs from £12.
You will need to provide basic information such as:
- Name and address of the company.
- Details of director(s).
- Aim of the company (Standard Industrial Classification or SIC code).
Once you complete the process, you will receive a certificate of incorporation, which confirms that your company is officially registered.
4. (Optional but recommended) Protect your brand as a trademark
Registering the name is not the same as registering a trademark. If you want to make sure that no one else can use a similar name for similar products or services, it is ideal to register your trademark with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO).
This step is not mandatory, but highly recommended to protect the identity of your business in the long term.
Tips to avoid mistakes when registering your company
Now that you know how to register your company name, keep these additional tips in mind to avoid mishaps:
- Avoid restricted or sensitive terms: Some names require prior authorisation (such as ‘bank’, “royal”, ‘association’).
- Use appropriate suffixes: If you are creating a limited company, be sure to add ‘Ltd’ or ‘Limited’ to the end of the name.
- Check social networks and web domain: Make sure you can use the same name on your website and social profiles.
- Keep all documentation: The certificate of incorporation is essential for future arrangements such as opening a business bank account or applying for funding.
Conclusion
Registering your company correctly is much more than a formality: it is an essential step to get off to a good start. Now that you know how to register your company name, you can take this step with confidence.
Remember that a good name can be the foundation of a great brand, but only if it is well chosen and properly registered. Start clearly, follow the rules and protect your business from the start.