A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your UK Company Name
With over six million active private enterprises, the United Kingdom boasts one of the most dynamic business environments in the world. Choosing the right company name is a vital step in establishing a strong brand identity and ensuring compliance with Companies House regulations. Over time, the rules governing company naming have evolved, making the process somewhat complex for new business owners.
A strong company name in the UK should be distinctive, memorable, and fully compliant with legal requirements. Before finalising your name, it is essential to check for identical or similar registered names and existing trademarks to prevent future disputes or registration issues. Understanding these naming guidelines will help you create a professional, legally sound, and brand-ready identity for your business.
Specific Rules for Specific Structures
All businesses and companies in the UK must have a name. The name does not need to be registered, but must be included in all official correspondence and paperwork. The rules vary slightly depending on the company structure.
Sole Traders
- Permissible to trade under your own name.
- The words Ltd, plc or LLP, or their long-form names, cannot be included.
- Using words such as ‘Accredited’ requires special permission.
Partnerships
- Permissible to trade under partners’ names.
- All partners’ names, as well as the business name, must be included in all official paperwork.
- The long and short-form names of Ltd, plc or LLP cannot be included.
Limited Companies
- Must end with Ltd, plc or LLP.
- Welsh company equivalents are ‘Cyfyngedig’ and ‘Cyf’ (or CCC).
The Company Name Selection Process: Step-by-Step
- Brainstorm a List of Ideas
Generate a wide range of potential names that reflect your business mission, values, and offerings. Consider descriptive, abstract, or coined names. - Shortlist Your Top Options
Narrow down your list by eliminating names that are misleading, inappropriate, or off-brand. - Perform Legal Availability Checks
For your top 3–5 names, check Companies House and the UK IPO trademark database to ensure there are no conflicts. - Confirm Online Availability
Check if matching domain names and social media usernames are available. Secure them early to protect your brand identity. - Gather Feedback
Share your shortlisted names with colleagues, customers, and advisors. Ask them for impressions and whether the name clearly conveys what your business does. - Make the Final Selection
Choose the name that best aligns with your brand vision, passes legal and trademark checks, and supports digital consistency. - Register Your Company
Once you’ve finalised your company name, proceed with official registration with Companies House to legally secure it.
Legal and Compliance Checks
1. Verify Availability with Companies House
Before finalising your company name, ensure it is not identical or too similar to an existing name on the UK’s official Companies House register.
- Use the Companies House online name checker to confirm availability.
- When comparing names, Companies House ignores certain elements such as punctuation, the company type (e.g., Ltd, PLC), and the word “the.”
For example, “Green Tech Ltd” would likely be considered the same as “GreenTech PLC.” Choosing a truly distinctive name helps prevent registration delays or rejections.
2. Check for Registered Trademarks
Passing the Companies House check doesn’t guarantee that your name is legally safe to use. A name might still infringe on an existing trademark.
- Use the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) trademark search tool to verify that your proposed name—or a similar one—is not already registered within your industry.
- Remember, using a protected trademark, even unintentionally, can lead to legal disputes or financial penalties.
3. Review Sensitive Words and Expressions
Some words and expressions are classified as “sensitive” under UK law and require government approval before use
- Examples include “Royal,” “British,” “Authority,” and “Council.”
Names implying a connection to the UK Government, local authorities, or regulated bodies may also be restricted. - Always review the Companies House list of sensitive words to ensure compliance before applying.
4. Follow Formatting and Naming Rules
Companies House enforces specific rules regarding characters, symbols, and name endings.
- Private limited companies must end with “Limited” or “Ltd.”
- Public limited companies must end with “Public Limited Company” or “PLC.”
- Only approved characters and symbols are permitted in the name.
Adhering to these formatting rules ensures your name meets registration standards and avoids unnecessary rejections.
Brand and Marketing Considerations
1. Choose a Unique and Memorable Name
A distinctive and memorable name helps your business stand out in a crowded market and strengthens brand recall.
However, avoid overly complex or eccentric names that may confuse or alienate potential customers.
2. Prioritise Clarity and Simplicity
Your company name should be easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. This enhances online discoverability and facilitates word-of-mouth marketing. A clear, simple name is also easier for customers to search and share.
3. Keep It Short and Impactful
Concise names tend to be more powerful and versatile. They fit better on digital platforms, marketing materials, signage, and business cards—helping you maintain a clean, professional brand image.
4. Leave Room for Business Growth
Avoid names that restrict your brand to a specific product, service, or location. A more flexible name allows your company to diversify and expand without undergoing a costly rebranding in the future.
5. Check Online Availability
In today’s digital world, consistency across online platforms is essential.
Before confirming your name, verify that the domain name and social media handles are available.
A consistent online identity builds credibility and reinforces your brand presence.
Availability and Assistance
It can be pretty time-consuming to pick the right name and verify its viability. While there are online resources available to help with the process, it can still be daunting. If you need help or guidance in selecting your UK company name, consider engaging company formation specialists such as 3E Accounting. We can customise business solutions and work out a package deal that is ideal for all parties. Contact 3E Accounting today for an informal chat with one of our incorporation specialists.
