How to Register a Business Name

How to Register a Business Name

Choosing and registering a business name is one of the first and most important steps in starting a new venture. Your business name is more than a label, it reflects your brand, your values and how you wish to be seen by customers, suppliers and partners. In the UK, the process of registering a business name depends on the legal structure you choose. It is relatively straightforward, but there are some important rules, checks and formalities to follow to ensure your name is unique, lawful and properly protected. This article explains how to register a business name in the UK, who needs to do it, what it costs, and the practical steps to make sure your name works in both legal and commercial terms.

What Does It Mean to Register a Business Name?

Registering a business name means formally recording the name of your business with the appropriate authorities so that it becomes legally linked to your trading entity. In the UK, this usually means registering with Companies House if you are setting up a limited company, or informing HMRC if you are a sole trader using a trading name. Registering a name allows customers and stakeholders to identify your business and gives you some level of visibility and protection, though it is not the same as registering a trademark. The legal process ensures that no two companies can use the same registered name and provides a public record of who is behind the business.

Who Needs to Register a Business Name?

Anyone starting a business in the UK must declare a business name if they are trading under anything other than their personal name. Sole traders using their own name, for example Jane Smith, are not required to register a separate business name unless they want to use a brand or trading name like Jane Smith Flowers. Limited companies and limited liability partnerships must register a business name as part of the incorporation process. This name must be unique, and once registered with Companies House, it becomes legally protected. Even partnerships often choose to trade under a specific name, which should also be registered or at least checked for legal use.

How to Choose a Business Name

Before you register your business name, you must make sure it is available and meets legal requirements. The name must not be the same as an existing company’s registered name, and it should not be too similar either, as that could cause confusion or lead to objections. Companies House provides a free online name checker, which allows you to search for existing names. You should also ensure the name is not offensive, misleading or suggestive of a connection to government bodies, unless you have express permission.

Certain words and phrases are restricted and may require approval, such as “British,” “Association,” or anything suggesting professional status like “Chartered.” It is also wise to check whether a suitable domain name is available for your business website, and whether the name is already in use on social media platforms. Even if you are not planning to build a website straight away, securing your name online helps prevent future conflicts and keeps your brand identity consistent.

How to Register a Name as a Sole Trader

If you are setting up as a sole trader, you do not need to register your business name with Companies House. Instead, you must register for Self Assessment with HMRC and can choose a business name to use in your dealings. You must include your own name on invoices and official documents, even if you trade under a different name. There is no formal registration of the trading name itself, but it must comply with the law and cannot be the same as an existing limited company or contain restricted terms. You should consider registering your business name as a trademark if you want to protect it from being used by others.

How to Register a Name for a Limited Company

To register a business name for a limited company, you must incorporate your business with Companies House. This can be done online for a standard fee, currently £12 for a digital application. As part of the process, you will submit your chosen name, a registered office address, director details and the company’s structure. Companies House will check your proposed name and either approve it or reject it if it is already taken or breaks the naming rules. Once accepted, your business name is protected in law and cannot be used by anyone else.

You can also register a trading name in addition to your legal company name. This is called a ‘business name’ or ‘trading as’ name and is not recorded at Companies House but must still meet legal requirements. You are allowed to use both names in marketing, but official documents must include the full registered company name.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Registering a business name does not give you exclusive rights to it in every sense. To gain full legal protection, you must register the name as a trademark with the UK Intellectual Property Office. This prevents others from using a similar name or logo in your sector and can be vital if your brand becomes well known. You are also required by law to display your registered name on your website, invoices, correspondence and signage. Failing to do so can result in penalties or confusion about your legal identity.

If you operate in a regulated industry, you may need additional approvals for your name. For example, financial services firms must meet FCA naming standards, and charities must comply with Charity Commission rules. Always check with your sector’s governing body before proceeding.

Cost of Registering a Business Name

The cost of registering a business name depends on your legal structure. For sole traders, registering a name informally is free, but registering a trademark will cost from £170 for a basic application. Limited companies must pay a fee to Companies House, which starts at £12 for online applications and £40 for paper submissions. There may also be additional costs if you use a formation agent or solicitor to help with the process. If you choose to trademark your business name for added protection, the costs rise further, particularly if you are protecting the name across multiple classes or sectors.

Real-World Example

Imagine a freelance designer named Paul Adams who decides to launch a business offering creative services. If he trades as Paul Adams, there is no need to register a business name. But if he wants to operate under the name “Design Mind Studio,” he must register for Self Assessment and ensure that the name is not misleading or too similar to an existing business. If Paul sets up as a limited company called “Design Mind Studio Ltd,” he will register that name formally with Companies House, and it will be legally reserved for his use. If he also wants to protect the name as a brand, he should apply for a trademark.

Alternatives and Additional Protection

If you do not want to register a business as a limited company but still want some protection for your name, you can trade as a sole trader and register a trademark. Alternatively, you can set up a partnership and use a business name, although it will not be registered at Companies House unless the business is a limited liability partnership. Whichever structure you choose, always check that your chosen name does not infringe on someone else’s rights, to avoid legal disputes or forced rebranding.

Tips for a Successful Registration

Choose a name that is easy to remember, clearly reflects your business and is unlikely to be confused with others. Make sure it complies with UK naming rules and check its availability before committing. Consider reserving your domain name and social handles at the same time. Keep records of your registration, display your name as required, and consider trademarking your name if brand protection is a priority. Taking these steps early on will save time, money and stress in the future.

Final Thoughts

Registering a business name is more than a formality. It is a key part of building your brand, protecting your interests and ensuring that your business starts on the right legal footing. Whether you are a sole trader or launching a limited company, taking the time to choose and register your name properly will help you stand out in the market and avoid costly mistakes down the line. With a clear name, a compliant structure and the right protections in place, you can move forward with confidence and credibility.