FAQ

Company Formations

  1. New companies
  2. Public limited companies
  3. Single member companies
  4. Re-registration
  5. Publication of company name and details to be shown on company stationery
  6. The new company - looking forward
  7. Further information

Company Names

  1. Introduction
  2. Choosing a company name
  3. Change of company name and change of status
  4. Sensitive words and expressions
  5. Exemptions using the word ‘limited’
  6. Directions to change a company name
  7. Controls and restrictions
  8. Disclosure of company name and other information
  9. Further information
  10. Appendix

This is a guide only and should be read with the relevant legislation.

  • Companies Act 1985
  • Companies Act 2006
  • The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 6, Saving and Commencement No. 3 and No. 5 (Amendment)) Order 2008 – SI 2008/674
  • The Companies (Trading Disclosures) Regulations - 2008 SI 2008/495

Introduction

This guidance explains:

  • the rules and restrictions on the choice of company names that apply when a company is formed and when it changes its name;
  • when Companies House will not register a company name and when the use of sensitive words or expressions will need to be justified or require prior approval from a recognised authority;
  • when you can object to the registration of a particular company name;
  • what to do if someone objects to your company name;
  • what to do if the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform directs you to change the company name; and
  • how to change a company name, but not how to form a new company which is explained in our 'Company Formation' guidance at www.companieshouse.gov.uk

This guidance will also be useful to unincorporated partnerships and sole traders who use a business name, to companies incorporated overseas that have a branch or a place of business in Great Britain, to open-ended investment companies, European economic interest groupings and limited partnerships.

You will find the relevant law in the Companies Act 1985 (as amended in 1989 and later) and in the Company and Business Names Regulations (as amended). In relation to commonhold associations and right to manage (RTM) companies, further restrictions are contained in the Commonhold Regulations 2004 and the RTM Companies (Memorandum and Articles of Association) (England) Regulations 2003 and the RTM Companies (Memorandum and Articles of Association) (Wales) Regulations 2004.

In relation to community interest companies (CICs) the relevant law in the Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004 which is referenced on the CIC website at www.cicregulator.gov.uk