How to Register Your Business Name in the UK Properly

Knowing how to register your business name in the UK properly is a crucial step when setting up your company. Your business name is more than just a label – it’s your brand identity, your first impression, and a key legal element of your company.

In this article, we’ll explain the legal process, what to consider when choosing a name, and how to avoid common mistakes.

7 Key to Register Your Business Name in the UK Properly

1. Choose a Unique and Compliant Business Name

Before registering your business name, you need to ensure it’s legal and not already in use. In the UK, your name must:

• Not be the same or too similar to an existing company name

• Not contain offensive or sensitive words

• Not suggest a connection to government or public authorities unless approved

• Not infringe trademarks

You can check existing company names on the Companies House website using their name availability checker.

Tip: Also check if the domain name and social media handles are available to keep your brand consistent.

2. Decide on Your Business Structure to Register Your Business Name in the UK Properly

The way you register your name depends on the type of business you’re setting up:

• Sole Trader: You don’t need to formally register a business name with Companies House, but you must include your full name on invoices and business documents.

• Limited Company (Ltd): You must register your business name with Companies House.

• Partnership: You don’t need to register a name, but similar rules apply as for sole traders.

If you’re forming a limited company, your business name will also become your legal company name, and it will end with Ltd or Limited.

3. Register the Name with Companies House

To officially register a company name in the UK:

1. Go to the Companies House registration portal

2. Prepare required details:

   • Registered office address (must be in the UK)

   • At least one director

   • Share structure (if applicable)

   • SIC code (describes your business activity)

3. Pay the fee (£12 for online registration)

Once accepted, your company name is protected and no one else can register it.

4. Register for Trademarks

Even if your business name is registered, it’s not automatically trademarked. To protect your brand identity:

• Apply for a trademark via the UK Intellectual Property Office

• Check for similar trademarks before submitting

• Fees start at £170

This step is vital if your brand is unique and you want to prevent others from using a similar name or logo.

5. Inform HMRC and Set Up Taxes

Once your business is registered, notify HMRC. Depending on your business structure, you’ll need to register for:

• Self Assessment (for sole traders)

• Corporation Tax (for Ltd companies)

• VAT if your turnover exceeds the threshold (£90,000 as of 2025)

Correct tax registration is essential to operate legally and avoid penalties.

6. Secure the Digital Identity of Your Business Name

After legal registration, make sure your name is fully protected online:

• Buy the domain (preferably .co.uk and .com)

• Create professional email addresses

• Reserve usernames on social media platforms

Building a consistent online presence helps establish credibility and strengthens your brand.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes When Registering a Business Name

To ensure your registration goes smoothly:

• Don’t use a name that sounds too similar to a competitor
• Don’t forget to check trademarks
• Don’t assume a domain name means a company name is available
• Don’t skip legal advice if unsure

Registering the name right from the beginning saves time, legal hassle, and money in the long run.

Conclusion: How to Register Your Business Name in the UK Properly

Registering your business name in the UK properly is the foundation of building a strong, legally compliant brand. From checking availability to registering with Companies House and protecting your identity online, each step matters.

Take the time to do it right – your future business reputation depends on it.