Choosing the right company name is one of the first and most important steps when setting up a business in the UK. However, Companies House enforces strict rules to ensure that company names are appropriate, not misleading, and do not infringe on existing trademarks or registrations. Understanding these rules will help you avoid costly delays or refusals when registering your limited company.
| Aspect | What You Can Use | What You Cannot Use |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Names | Unique names not identical or too similar to registered companies | Names identical or confusingly similar to existing companies |
| Sensitive Words | General descriptive terms without misleading connotations | Words suggesting government connection, regulated professions or offensive language |
| Restricted Terms | Most common business words (e.g., "Solutions", "Services") | Words like "Royal", "Bank", "Insurance", or those implying a particular status without permission |
| Offensive Language | Professional and appropriate language | Words considered offensive or obscene by the Registrar |
| Company Type Identifiers | Must include "Limited", "Ltd", "PLC", or "LLP" as applicable | Omitting the correct company type ending for the legal structure |
Checking Name Availability Before Registration
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Check Name Availability →Before submitting your application to Companies House, it’s crucial to check whether your desired company name is available. You can use the Companies House WebCHeck service or the company name availability checker on GOV.UK. These tools help you identify if the name is already registered or too similar to an existing one.
Bear in mind that Companies House will reject names that are identical or very similar to existing companies, particularly if they operate in the same business sector. This is to avoid confusion among customers and suppliers.
Additionally, it’s wise to conduct a trademark search with the UK Intellectual Property Office to avoid infringing on any registered trademarks. Even if Companies House allows a name, trademark restrictions could prevent you from using it commercially.
Sensitive and Restricted Words in Company Names
Companies House maintains a list of sensitive and restricted words that require additional approval before they can be included in a company name. These words often relate to government, public authorities, regulated professions, or certain activities.
Examples include:
- "Bank", "Building Society", "Insurance" – often require regulatory approval from bodies such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
- "Royal", "British", or any word suggesting a connection to the monarchy or government – require permission from relevant authorities.
- "Charity", "Institute", or "Trust" – may need evidence of charitable status or relevant permissions.
If your proposed name contains any sensitive or restricted words, you must provide supporting documents or evidence when registering your company. Without this, Companies House will refuse the application.
How to get approval for sensitive words
To use a sensitive or restricted word, you generally need to write to Companies House with:
- A letter of consent from the relevant authority or regulator.
- Evidence supporting your right to use the word (e.g., a licence or registration certificate).
- Details on why your company name is appropriate.
For example, if you want to include "Charity" in your name, you may need approval from the Charity Commission. Alternatively, using "Bank" could require authorisation from the FCA.
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Avoiding Similarity and Trademark Issues
One of the most common reasons Companies House rejects a company name is because it is too similar to an existing company. This can be particularly problematic if the names are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or meaning, and if the companies trade in related sectors.
To reduce the risk of refusal, consider:
- Choosing a distinctive and unique name rather than generic terms.
- Checking the Companies House register thoroughly for identical or similar names.
- Conducting trademark searches at the UK Intellectual Property Office for registered trademarks or pending applications.
Remember, even if Companies House accepts a name, you may still face legal challenges if it infringes on someone else’s trademark. It’s advisable to seek legal advice if you have concerns about intellectual property rights.
Offensive Language and Other Legal Restrictions
Companies House has the authority to refuse company names that contain offensive, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate language. This includes words that are vulgar, discriminatory, or likely to cause public offence.
Additionally, company names must not contain:
- Words that imply unlawful activity.
- Terms that mislead about the company’s business or status.
- Names that imply connection with government or local authorities without permission.
It’s important to choose a name that will be acceptable not only to Companies House but also to your customers and suppliers, maintaining professionalism and credibility.
Company Type Identifiers and Formatting Rules
Every limited company registered in the UK must include a company type identifier in its name. This is a legal requirement to make clear the company’s legal status. Common identifiers include:
- Limited or Ltd – for private limited companies.
- Public Limited Company or PLC – for public companies.
- Limited Liability Partnership or LLP – for LLPs.
These suffixes cannot be omitted or abbreviated incorrectly. For example, “Ltd” is acceptable, but “Ltd Co” is not.
In terms of formatting, company names:
- Must not be longer than 160 characters.
- Can include letters, numbers, spaces, and certain symbols (e.g., &, -, .).
- Cannot contain punctuation marks or symbols that might be confusing or misleading.
Summary and Next Steps
Choosing a compliant company name is essential to registering your business smoothly with Companies House. Remember to:
- Check availability using Companies House and trademark search tools.
- Avoid sensitive, restricted, or offensive words without proper approval.
- Ensure your name is distinct and not too similar to existing companies.
- Include the correct legal suffix for your company type.
- Follow formatting rules on length and allowed characters.
For more detailed guidance, visit the GOV.UK company formation page and the Companies House website.
To understand more about different business structures, see our article on Sole Trader vs Limited Company.
Key Takeaways
- Company names must be unique, not misleading, and comply with Companies House rules.
- Sensitive or restricted words require prior approval and supporting documents.
- Check name availability using Companies House and UK Intellectual Property Office tools.
- Include the correct legal suffix to indicate your company type.
- Avoid offensive or inappropriate language in your company name.
Can I use a name that is similar to another company’s name?
Generally, no. Companies House will refuse names that are identical or too similar to an existing company, especially if they trade in the same sector. Ensure your name is distinctive to avoid rejection.
What happens if I use a sensitive word without permission?
Companies House will reject your company registration if you use a sensitive or restricted word without the necessary approval or supporting documents. Always check the list of restricted words and obtain permissions beforehand.
Do I have to include “Limited” or “Ltd” in my company name?
Yes. Private limited companies must use “Limited” or “Ltd” as a suffix in their official company name to indicate their legal status, as required by UK law and Companies House regulations.
Official Sources
* GOV.UK: Set up a business · * HMRC: Income Tax rates · * HMRC: Corporation Tax · * HMRC: VAT registration