Registering a business name: How to do it

Starting a business is a bold and positive move, which can dramatically change your life.

You might have all of the necessary equipment and have an existing, loyal customer base.

But when you’re first starting, you’ll need to check for available company names beforehand. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Read on and find out how to check if a business name is taken, and how to register your business name.

How to create a unique company name

Firstly, choose a name that represents what your company means to you.

A good company name should reflect your values and promote your services.

It should also be clear and memorable, building trust with your customer base. Because your company name sets your business apart from your competitors.

Customers should come to associate your company name with high-quality work, professionalism, and outstanding customer service.

Use the following for your business name to make it memorable:

• Acronyms
• A mash-up of words
• Your given name
• A completely made-up word!

Your company name can also briefly tell customers a bit about you and your business.

What to consider when registering a business name

When choosing and registering a company name, there are several things to consider.

We recommend using one or all of the following:

• The type of work you do – because an electrical company name will differ from a plumbing or a building business name, for example
• Your name or initials
• The name of the local area, town, city, or county where you work
• Something unique or unusual – but this is a risky one, be cautious but don’t be afraid to show your personality

Consider competitors before registering a business name

Before deciding on and registering a business name, do some research into your competitors in the local area. This will help you understand what areas of work to target.

• For example, if there are many builders in your area, it might be better to specialise in extensions or kitchens
• However, if there are more specialist installers, offering a wider range of services is a better bet

Alternatively, even a project management service where you employ specialist sub-contractors.

How to check if a business name is taken

One thing’s for certain when naming your business. You can’t choose a company name that’s already in use.

So you must check for available company names before deciding what yours will be. Otherwise, you’ll have to change your company name.

You don’t want to spend money on branding, signs, and merchandise if the business name you’ve chosen is already taken.

To check for available company names, just visit the government’s Company name availability checker.

Once you’re sure your company name isn’t already taken, you can start setting up your business.

How to register your business name

Most UK companies register as sole traders, limited companies, or partnerships.

But as a sole trader or partnership, you don’t need to register your business name.

But you will need to include it on any official forms, letters, and invoices.

Limited companies must register their company name with Companies House.

To set up a limited company you must provide certain pieces of personal information about yourself and your shareholders.

You must also pay a registration fee of £12.

What are the rules for company names?

There are certain rules that you must follow when registering a company name.

For example, if you’re setting up a limited company, your company name must end in either Limited or Ltd.

This sets your company’s status apart from sole traders and partnerships who can’t use these terms.

Things to avoid when you register your business name

When naming and registering a business name, avoid using overly complicated names.

Anything difficult to spell or pronounce is not a good idea. People will easily mistake it for something else, or forget it.

Generalising too much should also be avoided. And so should using abstract words which have no connection to the company.

Finally, avoid the following when creating your business name:

• Offensive words
• Names that are too similar to existing company names
• Sensitive words or expressions
• Connections to government or local authorities (unless this is officially authorised)

Most sensible company names that aren’t currently in use are perfectly suitable. And these will be accepted for use.

What about a new business name in your web address?

A domain name availability check is important for your business, especially when first registering your business name. If you’re unsure what a domain is, it’s an easy-to-remember address used to access a small business website.

And you’ll want your business name to be featured in the domain.

Once you’ve decided on your company name, you should do a domain name availability check.

You will likely want either [your new business name].com or [your new business name].co.uk.

Why should you display your company name?

Displaying your company name is a great way to build brand awareness and get your name seen in the local community.

It’s also your responsibility to display your company name in certain places and specific ways.

Your company name must be displayed on a sign at your registered company address. Or, any location from where you operate your business.

But this does not include businesses that operate from a home address.

All business signs must be easy to read and visible at all times including out of working hours.

Your company name must also be clearly displayed on all official documentation stationery, and promotional material. This includes on:

• Business letters
• Invoices
• Flyers, brochures, and leaflets
• Company profile online: websites, social media, Checkatrade profile
• Order forms

Your company name must be the same or recognisable wherever it’s displayed.

How can you pick good company names in the construction industry?

As mentioned earlier, your company name can include various information about your business.

This includes:

• Your name
• The type of work you do
• The area that you cover

Construction company names often focus on providing excellent workmanship and outstanding customer service.

To create confidence in your brand

Use words such as “Professional”, “Qualified”, “Expert”, “Specialist, and “Certified”. This helps to instil confidence in your company by using rationality and logical reasoning.

To create an emotional response

Also, words like; “Family run”, “Customer focused”, “Trusted”, and “Reliable” engage with a customer’s emotional side.

Adding these to your business name shows customers will be working with a reputable, caring company.

To engage with a customer’s rational

By using a business name using words like “Professional” and “Reliable building services”, you’re engaging with the customer’s rational and emotional decision-making processes.

Using this approach can help you to set your company apart from your competitors.

Registering a business name: Things to avoid

When coming up with the name of your new company, there are some things you should avoid.

Plus, this will make registering a company name you’ve chosen much easier.

Just avoid creating:

• Any name that suggests a connection with the UK government, local authority, or specified public authority
• A name that includes sensitive words or expressions
• A name that is inappropriate, or includes offensive words
• A name that includes a word that represents a regulated activity
• A name that is already in use or is trademarked in the UK
• A name that uses certain characters, signs, symbols, and punctuation

And if you’re a sole trader, you can’t use the following words in your business name:

• ‘Limited (Ltd)‘
• ‘Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)’
• ‘Public limited company (Plc)’
• Any Welsh equivalents.

There are some specific Companies House business name rules to follow that can be found via the gov.uk website.

This contains a full list of rules and restrictions; helping you check which names are acceptable.

Need more help choosing a name for your business?

It can feel overwhelming knowing how to come up with a business name. It’s a huge part of your brand identity, and something you want to get right first time..

So, we recommend this process to help generate some great ideas:

1. Get creative

If you’re not keen to go down the traditional route of, “[Your name] Cleaning Services” or “[Family name] & Sons”, you don’t have to.

A creative business name is often more memorable than a bog-standard one.

To get creative, list the words that help to define the service you offer. You can then use a thesaurus to find alternative words that might describe your service in a more inspiring way.

Why not combine your name with another name, or use an online word generator to help come up with some unusual ideas?

2. Brainstorm

Get together with friends, family, or your team if you have one, to chat through business names.

A good brainstorming session often helps to generate some of the best ideas as you spark off of each other.

Remember, your business name has a big part to play in potential customers’ first impressions of your company.

Therefore, when you review the names from your brainstorming session, ask yourself, “Does this name represent my brand in the right way?“.

3. Research

Once you have a shortlist, search online to see what results appear. You don’t want a business name that has too much competition, or an undesirable association.

Have a look at social media channels too.

You want to make sure someone isn’t already using the business name in a similar trade to you, and that the social media handle you’d want is available.

The same applies to checking the domain name you want is available if you want to create a website for your new business.

How to come up with a catchy business name

Some brands stick in our minds and brands pass us by unnoticed. So how do you come up with a good business name that people will remember?

How does it look?

Picture how the name will look on your van decals, your business cards, and your website.

Will it stand out from the crowd? Perhaps an unusual spelling would work well, an acronym, or abbreviation.

Note down all your ideas and make a shortlist from there.

What does it sound like?

If the name rolls off the tongue easily and includes rhyming or alliteration, you’re on to a winner.

Registering a business name FAQs

What is the best name for a company?

The best company names are the simplest and most memorable.

Good company names should also be clear and tell your customers a bit about what you do.

Over time, the best company names sometimes become synonymous with the products they sell or produce.

For example, ‘Hoover’ is a company name for a brand of vacuum cleaners. And vacuum cleaners are still regularly referred to as “Hoovers”, regardless of the company that has produced them.

How are company names protected?

To fully protect your company name and stop other people from using it, you must register it as a trademark.

Registering a company name as a limited company will protect other companies from registering the same name.

But, they can still trade using the same name unless you have it registered as a trademark.

Can my trading name be different to my business name?

Your trading name can be different to your registered business name.

Because your business name is the name you register with Companies House.

Whereas your trading name is the name you trade under. And you can’t use a trading name that is already trademarked.

A word of warning: A trading name doesn’t have the same protection as a business name.

So, someone can register your trading name as a limited company with Companies House.

This means they can stop you from using the business name.