Your company name sets the tone for your new venture and helps you stand out in a competitive market. But before you get too attached to a name, you need to check if it’s available for use in the UK. This is where Companies House comes in.
Let us walk you through how to check whether your preferred company name is available and why it’s crucial to do so early on when starting your small business.
Why You Need to Check Your Company Name
When you register your business, you need to ensure that the name you’ve chosen isn’t already in use or too similar to an existing company. If you don’t check, you might end up facing delays, legal disputes or having to rebrand later on which could be costly.
Here are a few reasons why checking your company name with Companies House is so important:
- Avoid Legal Issues: If you use a name that’s already registered, you may face legal action from the existing business. Make sure you stay within the rules for company names.
- Brand Consistency: You want a unique name that reflects your business and stands out to customers.
- Smooth Registration: A name that’s already taken means your registration could be delayed, so checking availability upfront saves you time.
How to Check Company Name Availability
1. Visit the Companies House Website or use our search tool.
To check if your company name is available, you’ll need to head to the official Companies House website. They offer an easy-to-use online service for this purpose.
- Go to the Companies House Name Availability
- This page provides a search tool where you can enter your desired name and instantly see if it’s available for registration.
2. Enter Your Desired Company Name
On the Companies House name availability page, you’ll find a search box where you can enter the name you want for your business. Simply type in your desired name and click “Search.”
- What happens next? If the name is available, the system will confirm that you can use it. If it’s already taken, it will show as unavailable and suggest alternatives.
- Variations: If you’re unsure about the exact wording (e.g., “Ltd” vs “Limited” or whether to use “&” or “and”), check different variations. For example, if you’re interested in a name like “Smith and Sons Ltd,” try variations with different wordings or initials to find one that’s available.
3. Consider Possible Restrictions
Even if a name is available, there are some restrictions to keep in mind:
- Sensitive words or expressions: Companies House has a list of words that require additional permission to be included in a company name (e.g., “Bank,” “University,” or “Royal”). You may need to apply for approval or provide justification if you want to use these words.
- Similarity to existing names: The name must not be too similar to an existing business that could cause confusion. This is particularly important if your business operates in the same sector.
4. Check Domain Name Availability
In addition to checking with Companies House, it’s a good idea to check if your chosen name is available as a domain name (for your website) and on social media platforms. This helps you maintain consistent branding across all channels.
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What to Do if Your Preferred Name is Taken
If your first choice for a company name is already taken, don’t panic. There are a few options:
- Modify the Name: Try adding a descriptive word, geographic location or using initials. For example, “Smith’s Cleaning Services Ltd” might be taken, but “Smith’s Premium Cleaning Ltd” or “Smith & Co. Cleaning Services Ltd” might be available.
- Use a Unique Suffix: If your name is generic, consider adding a creative or unique suffix like “Solutions,” “Enterprises,” or “Group.”
- Think Outside the Box: If the business name is really important to you, you might need to get creative with different spellings, abbreviations or even coining a completely new word for your brand.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Company Name
- Make it memorable: Choose a name that’s easy to remember, pronounce, and spell.
- Keep it simple: Avoid overly complicated names or ones that are difficult to spell.
- Think about the future: Pick a name that can grow with your business, especially if you plan to expand into other markets or services.
- Check trademarks: A name might be available on Companies House but could still be trademarked. Always run a trademark search with the UK Intellectual Property Office to make sure you won’t face any conflicts.
What Happens After Your Name is Approved?
Once your company name has passed the availability check, you can go ahead and complete the process of registering your business with Companies House. You’ll need to file specific paperwork (either online or on paper) and pay a registration fee. Once registered, your company name will officially be yours.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right name for your business is a crucial part of starting a company. By checking availability with Companies House, you can ensure that the name you’ve chosen is unique and ready for use. It’s a quick and easy process and it can save you a lot of time and hassle down the road.
If you’re unsure about the name or need further guidance, you can always consult with a business advisor or solicitor to make sure your choice is the right one for your business goals.
Happy name hunting and good luck with your new business!
Related: Can I use the name of a company that has closed down?