Choosing a company name

This is a guide to help you select a company name

You must choose a name for your business if you’re setting up a private limited company.

Your name cannot be the same as another registered company’s name.  If your name is too similar to another company’s name or trade mark you may have to change it if someone makes a complaint.

Your name must usually end in either ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’.

"Same as" names

‘Same as’ names includes those where the only difference to an existing name is:

  • certain punctuation
  • certain special characters, for example the ‘plus’ sign
  • a word or character that’s similar in appearance or meaning to another from the existing name
  • a word or character used commonly in UK company names

You can only register a ‘same as’ name if:

  • your company is part of the same group as the company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) with the existing name
  • you have written confirmation that the company or LLP has no objection to your new name

Example: ‘Hands UK Ltd’ and ‘Hand’s Ltd’ are the same as ‘Hands Ltd’

"Too like" names

You may have to change your name if someone complains and Companies House agrees it’s ‘too like’ a name registered before yours.

Example: ‘Easy Electrics For You Ltd’ is the same as ‘EZ Electrix 4U Ltd’

Other rules

Your name also cannot contain a ‘sensitive’ word or expression, or suggest a connection with government or local authorities, unless you get permission.  We have listed some common examples, this is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

"Accredited"

To use ‘Accredited’ in your company’s name, you need permission from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

"Architect"

This is a protected title.  If you are a construction and build architect registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), you must get a letter or email of non-objection from the ARB.

"Doctor" of medicine

This title is protected by The Medical Act 1983. To support your application to use this expression in a company or business name, you must provide a copy of your practising certificate or evidence of your inclusion on the List of Registered Medical Practitioners.

Health Care professions and protected titles

There are numerous protected titles, you will need to provide an email or letter confirming you are authorised to use the relevant title from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Examples include chiropodist, dietitian, physiotherapist and Speech and language therapist.

"Solicitor"

If you are an existing firm i.e. a sole proprietor or partnership regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) you need to provide a copy of your business letterhead, which includes the statement ‘regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority’.

If you are a new firm i.e. you do not already carry on business as a firm of solicitors, you need to provide an email or letter from the SRA confirming that you are authorised to use this title.

Trading names

You can trade using a different name to your registered name.  This is known as a ‘business name’.

Business names must not:

  • include ‘limited’, ‘Ltd’, ‘limited liability partnership, ‘LLP’, ‘public limited company’ or ‘plc’
  • contain a ‘sensitive’ word or expression unless you get permission

If your business name is too similar to another company’s trade mark you may have to change it if someone makes a complaint.

4 step guide:

1. Check the availability at Companies House

Companies House provides a name checking facility, you can access that here

2. Check for sensitive words

3. Use common sense

Please note that if your company is set up with a name that is very close to an existing name and the existing party objects to Companies House within 12 months of your company being registered, you may be forced to change your name, which may be costly and cause you other problems.  There is no right of appeal if you are directed to change your company name.

4. Check if the domain name associated with that name is available

Terms and conditions

HSA & Co cannot accept responsibility for any person acting or refraining to act as a result of any material contained in this article. This article is designed to be of general help and cannot replace getting your own advice on a matter. It is not intended to be a definitive statement covering all aspects but is a brief comment on a specific point.