What Should I Call My Limited Company?

So, you’re about to launch your business in the UK, and now you’ve hit one of the most exciting (and daunting) parts—what on earth should you name your limited company?

The name you choose will represent your brand, your business’s values, and might be the first impression you make on clients. Plus, it’s something you’ll have to love (and stick with) for a long time. But before you let your creativity run wild, there are some important rules to follow.

The Fun Bit: Get Creative!

Start by brainstorming ideas that align with your business’s mission, services, or values. Do you want your name to sound professional and sleek, quirky and creative, or maybe something with a bit of local flair? Here’s some inspiration:

• Descriptive Names: “Tech Titans Ltd” for a tech-based business or “Urban Blooms Ltd” for a city-based florist.
• Founders’ Names: Many businesses opt for the personal touch, such as “Smith & Jones Consulting Ltd.”
• Wordplay and Puns: If you’re in a fun industry, why not inject humour? Think “Bean There Ltd” for a coffee company or “Shear Brilliance Ltd” for a hair salon.

The Not-So-Fun Rules You’ll Need to Follow

Before you start printing business cards, make sure your name complies with Companies House regulations:

1. Unique Name: Your name must be original—no duplicates! If there’s already a “Happy Homes Ltd,” you’ll have to rethink. You can search Companies House’s online database to check availability.
2. Avoid Sensitive Words: Certain words like “Royal,” “British,” or “Bank” require permission to use. If you’ve got grand plans for “Royal Innovations Ltd,” you might want to reconsider unless you have permission.
3. No Offensive Words: This might seem obvious, but no inappropriate or offensive words are allowed. Keep it clean and professional!
4. Ending with ‘Ltd’: Your business name must include either “Limited” or “Ltd” to show it’s a limited company. No shortcuts here!
5. Misleading Names: You can’t choose a name that implies a connection with the government, a public body, or professions you aren’t licensed for (sorry, “Health Solutions Ltd” isn’t allowed unless you’re in the health sector).

Quick Tips to Help You Decide:

• Think Future-Proof: As your business grows, will the name still fit? A name that sounds too niche now might limit your appeal down the road.
• Keep It Simple: Something that’s easy to spell and pronounce will save you (and your customers) a lot of frustration!
• Check for Trademarks: Ensure no one else holds a trademark for the name you’ve fallen in love with.

Where do I need to display the limited company name?

In the UK, a limited company must display its registered company name in several places, both publicly and in official communications. The law is clear about where and how the company name must appear to ensure transparency and accountability. Here are the key places where a limited company name must be shown:

1. Registered Office and Business Premises:
2. The company’s full registered name (including “Ltd” or “Limited”) must be prominently displayed at the registered office address and any other location where it operates. This requirement applies even if the location is a residential address.
3. The name must be visible to the public (e.g., a sign at the front of the building). However, this rule does not apply to purely residential addresses unless business activities are conducted there.
4. Company Website:
5. If your company has a website, the registered company name must be shown on the site.
6. Other details that must be displayed include the company’s registered number, the place of registration (e.g., “Registered in England and Wales”) and the company’s registered office address.
7. This information is typically included in the website’s footer or in a “Legal” or “About Us” section.
8. Business Documents:

The registered company name must appear on all significant business documents, including:

• Letters and emails
• Invoices
• Receipts
• Purchase orders
• Contracts
• Notices and official correspondence
• Cheques and other financial instruments
• Communications with HMRC:
• Any official communication with HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs), such as tax returns, PAYE forms, VAT registration, and payments, must also include the company’s full registered name.
• Company Seal (if applicable):
• If the company uses a seal (though it’s not legally required), the seal must include the company’s full name.
• Stationery and Marketing Materials:
• While it’s not legally mandatory to show the full registered name on brochures or advertisements, it’s a good practice. However, all business letters (including emails) must have the registered name included.
• Social Media Profiles:
• Although not legally required, including the registered company name in social media profiles (especially those used for business) ensures clarity and can help with brand consistency.
• Vehicles:
• If company vehicles are used for business, while it’s not a legal requirement, displaying the registered company name is common for branding purposes. However, for registered transport businesses (like those in haulage), specific regulations might apply.
• Company Forms and Filing with Companies House:
• Any forms or filings submitted to Companies House (such as annual returns or confirmation statements) must display the registered company name.

Ensuring that the registered company name appears in these places helps your company comply with legal requirements and builds transparency with customers and partners.

Unhappy with the limited company name?

Whilst naming your company can be an exciting time, please also don’t be overwhelmed by it. If you later don’t like it, there are options:

• Trading names: your limited company can have multiple “trading names” (see our blog about this) to brand itself differently to different customers, or as your business evolves, rather than forming separate companies for each. This could give you more options.
• Change the name: if as your business evolves the registered name no longer reflects the company’s mission, services and values, this can always be changed.

Need Help With Your Startup?

Naming your company is just one step of the exciting journey to building a business. Whether you’re a startup, scaling rapidly, or have been around for years, our accountancy firm specializes in supporting businesses at every stage of growth. We’ll make sure your finances are as smooth as your company name. Get in touch today for expert advice!