UK Business Name Guidelines: What You Need to Know

When starting a UK small business, selecting an appropriate business name is a key early step that impacts branding, legal compliance, and your financial management. Along with navigating your accounting and tax responsibilities, understanding the UK’s business name regulations ensures your business operates smoothly and avoids costly issues.

Whether you handle your own accounting services in the UK or consult an expert, knowing these guidelines will help you establish a solid foundation.

What Are the Key Rules for Choosing a Business Name in the UK?

Choosing a name involves more than creativity—it must comply with legal standards to protect both your business and customers.

1. Your Name Must Be Unique and Not Misleading

• Your business name can’t be identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered company name. 
• Companies House reviews complaints about similar names and can require a name change. 
• Even small differences like punctuation or adding common words don’t guarantee uniqueness if the names sound alike or look similar. 
• Avoid names that might mislead customers about your business’s nature or legal status. 

2. Offensive and Sensitive Words Are Restricted

• Business names containing offensive language are strictly forbidden. 
• Some words and expressions linked to government or professional status require explicit approval before use. For example, terms like “Accredited,” “Royal,” or “Chartered” need permission from relevant departments. 
• Using such words without permission can result in rejection or legal action. 

3. Naming Rules for Limited Companies

• Private limited companies must end their official registered name with “Limited” or “Ltd” (or the Welsh equivalents if applicable). 
• Certain exemptions apply to charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), and guarantee companies without share capital. 
• Public limited companies must include “plc” in their names. 

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Understanding “Same As,” “Too Like,” and Trading Names

What Does “Same As” or “Too Like” Mean?

• “Same as” names differ only by minor elements like punctuation or common company terms, and are not allowed unless linked by ownership or consent. 
• “Too like” refers to names that could confuse the public, and Companies House may intervene following complaints. 
• Protecting your brand means ensuring your chosen name is distinct and clearly identifiable. 

Trading Names: What Are They and What Are the Rules?

• A trading name is the name your business operates under, which can differ from the registered company name. 
• Trading names cannot include legal suffixes such as “Ltd,” “LLP,” or “plc,” as these imply a specific legal status. 
• Sensitive or restricted words used in trading names also require approval. 
• Using a trading name requires careful consideration to ensure compliance and avoid misleading customers. 

Displaying Your Business Name: Legal Requirements

• Your registered company name or trading name must be clearly displayed on official documents, including invoices, contracts, order forms, and business correspondence. 
• The name should also be prominently shown at business premises, whether physical or online. 
• Proper display of your business name supports transparency, builds trust with customers, and ensures your accounting and tax records are consistent and legally compliant. 

Summary

Choosing and using your business name correctly under the UK business name guidelines is essential for building a trusted brand and meeting your legal and accounting obligations. Make sure your name is unique, non-offensive, and approved if it contains sensitive words. Understand the difference between registered company names and trading names, and always display your business name clearly on official documents and premises.

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