Sensitive words in Company Names - Company Name Registration FAQs

These are words and expressions included in a company name, which may imply business pre-eminence, a particular status or a specific function. For this reason, they have been prescribed in regulations as requiring the approval of the Secretary of State. The aim is to ensure that use of the word is justified so that the name does not mislead the public. Applications for approval of such words and expressions are considered by Companies House on behalf of the Secretary of State.

Same-day applications
Posted, couriered and other sealed same-day change of name applications must be clearly marked on the envelope 'for the attention of New Companies Section' and 'same-day change of name'.

The following words imply national or international pre-eminence:

• British - Normally the Secretary of State would expect the company to be British owned. You would need to show that the company is pre-eminent in its field by providing supporting evidence from an independent source such as a Government department, trade association or other representative body.
  
  The level of pre-eminence in a name that includes 'British' depends on the impact created by the other words in the name. Usually pre-eminence is reduced if the overall name does not describe a product but you would still have to show that your company is substantial in its field of activity even if this was not described the company name.
• National - the criteria for use of this word is the same as for 'British'
• England, English, Scotland, Scottish, Wales, Welsh, Ireland or Irish - if one of these words appears anywhere in the name, other than at the end of the name, the requirements are similar to those for 'British'.
  
  The use of one of these words as the last word in a name would normally be acceptable provided you can demonstrate that the company has its main place of business in the country concerned. If you want to use one of these words because it is a surname, you will usually be given approval if the company name includes forenames or initials.
• Great Britain or United Kingdom - if you wish to use these expressions at the start of a name or if you intend to use 'of Great Britain' or 'of the United Kingdom' at the end of the name, then the requirements are similar to those described for 'British'. It is normally acceptable to use Great Britain or United Kingdom at the end of a name. Using the initials 'GB' or 'UK' in your company name does not normally require approval.
• European - we will not approve names which include this word if they unjustifiably imply a connection with official bodies of the European Union. If there is a genuine connection with an official body, we may allow the name if the appropriate body provides written support for the application.
• International - if you wish to use this word as the first word in a name, you need to show that the major part of the company's activities is in trading overseas. If you wish to use it anywhere else in the name we will usually approve it if you can show that the company operates in two or more overseas countries.

The following words imply business pre-eminence or representative or authoritative status:

• association, federation or society - if you wish to use one of these words, your company would normally be limited by guarantee. Each member should have one vote and the constitution should contain a non-profit distribution clause. This provides that any profits should be used to further the objects of the company and not be paid to the members as dividends.
• authority, board or council - if you want to use any of these words, you should ask us for advice. If the company is to be registered in Scotland, contact Companies House in Edinburgh.
• institute or institution we normally only approve these words for those organisations which are carrying out research at the highest level or to professional bodies of the highest standing. You will need to show us that there is a need for the proposed institute and that it has appropriate regulations or examination standards. You will need evidence of support from other representative and independent bodies.
• government- approval for use of this word will be granted only if Companies House is satisfied that there is not any official connection with Her Majesty's Government part of the Scottish or Welsh administrations, or any overseas government. The whole company name will be taken into consideration and judged independently on its own merits.
• HSC (Health and Social Care) or HPSS (Health and Personal Social Services) - Companies House may consult DHSSPS (Department of Health. Social Services and Public Safety) when considering the approval of names containing this word as it could foster a misleading impression among patients, service users and wider public that the business enjoys an approved status in connection with the Health and Social Care or Personal Social Services.

The following words imply specific objects or functions:

• assurance, assurer, insurance, insurer, re-assurance, re-assurer, re- insurance or re-insurer - if the name is for an underwriting company, we will normally seek further advice. However, if you want to use the name for a company that will only provide insurance services, you should include the appropriate qualification, for example 'agents', 'consultants' or 'services', in the name.
• benevolent, foundation or fund - we will not approve names that include any of these words if they unjustifiably give the impression that the company has charitable status. If the company is limited by guarantee and has a non-profit distribution clause in the memorandum of association, we will normally approve the name.
• charter or chartered - we will not approve names that include these words if they unjustifiably give the impression that the company has a Royal Charter. If the words are used to qualify a profession, we will seek the advice of the appropriate governing body before considering whether to give approval.
• charity - to use this word the company must provide a letter of non-objection from the Charity Commission. If the company is not intended to be a charity, a copy of the proposed memorandum and articles of association along with details of the company activities and an explanation of why the word is required must be forwarded to the Charity Commission.
• chemist or chemistry - if you want to use these words, you should ask for advice from Companies House in Cardiff or if the company is to be registered in Scotland, Companies House in Edinburgh.
• co-operative if you wish to use this word, your company's Memorandum and Articles of Association should follow the rules generally associated with co-operatives in the UK. If you need further advice you should contact Companies House in Cardiff or if the company is to be registered in Scotland, Companies House in Edinburgh.
• Friendly Society or Industrial and Provident Society - we will refer names which include these expressions to the Registrar of Friendly Societies for advice. If you want to use them in your company name, you should first askCompanies House in Cardiff or if the company is to be registered in Scotland, Companies House in Edinburgh.
• group - if use of this word implies several companies under one corporate ownership, then you will need to provide evidence of a parent and/or subsidiary association with two or more other British or overseas companies. If the name clearly shows that the company is to promote the interests of a group of individuals, then the name will normally be approved.
• holding(s) - a company wishing to use this word must be a holding company as defined under section 736 of the Companies Act 1985.
• patent or patentee - we will only approve a name including either word will if it does not contravene the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1988.
• post office - these words are registered trade marks of the Royal Mail group and we will seek advice on applications that include these words.
• register or registered - we treat every application for use of these words on its merits. Generally, we will seek advice from the appropriate governing body if names that include these words are linked with a professional qualification. We will not register the name if it unjustifiably implies a connection with HM Government or a local authority. If there is a connection we will register the name if the appropriate body supports the application.
• Sheffield - if you wish to use a name that includes the word 'Sheffield', we will need to establish details of the company's location and its business activities. We will also consult the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.
• stock exchange - we will not approve names including this expression unless there are special circumstances.
• trade union - we will not approve names including this expression unless they conform to legislation relating to trade unions.
• trust - the word 'trust' can be used to suit a range of different situations and the requirements for such trusts are explained below:
  • - charitable trust - these companies need to have charitable objects and a non-profit distribution clause in the memorandum of association. We will ask you for confirmation that you have made, or will make, an application for registration as a charity with the Charity Commission. Scottish companies wishing to use the expression 'charitable trust' will need to apply to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in Edinburgh as the Charity Commission has no jurisdiction in Scotland.
  • - educational trust or artistic trust - such companies should have a non-profit distribution clause in the memorandum of association and the name should reflect the nature of the trust. The promoters should be of high standing in the field.
  • - enterprise trust - these companies must have a non-profit distribution clause in the memorandum of association and they must be able to provide evidence of support from, for example, local authorities, businesses or banks.
  • - family trust - such companies must be non-profit distributing and the objects must reflect the nature of the trust. Names of family trusts will usually be approved if the name as a whole identifies the company as a family trust.
  • - financial trust or investment trust - if you wish to use these expressions, you will need to provide a written assurance that substantial paid-up share capital or other funds will be achieved within a reasonable period after incorporation.
  • - pensions or staff trust - the names of such companies must include the name of the parent company, and the objects of the company must include the operation of pension funds.
  • - unit trust - if you wish to use this as part of your company name, you should seek the advice of Companies House in Cardiff or if the company is to be registered in Scotland, Companies House in Edinburgh or via our website at www.companieshouse.gov.uk.