Choosing a Company Name? Start with a Name Check
Make sure your business name is available and legally compliant in the UK.
Choosing a company name is crucial in starting a company since it describes your business activities and distinguishes you from your competitors. Before settling for a name, it is essential to ensure that it is available and unique, and our name checker helps with that. There are over 5 million registered companies in the UK, so you wouldn’t want to choose a name close to or similar to any of them.
Checking the availability of your company name ensures your proposed name is not rejected by Companies House and does not infringe on intellectual property. It also helps stop brand dilution. The Companies Act 2006 sets out rules and restrictions for choosing a company name.
Check your availability now!Key Rules on Choosing a Company Name
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It should be unique and 'not too similar' to existing company names. Companies House may reject names that are "too like" or similar.
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Private company name must end with the structure abbreviation "Ltd" or in full, "Limited." "LLC," or "Limited Liability Company" for registered partnership "Cyfyngedig" or "Cyf" in Welsh.
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'PLC' or 'Public Limited Company' must be included in public companies.
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Should not include sensitive words or expressions. 'Sensitive' expressions imply a connection with the government, royalty, and institutions. You will require permission from the authorised department to use names with these expressions.
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It shouldn't be offensive or contain offensive language.
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Some characters are not permissible to use in a company name such as "*", "=", "#", "%", and "+".
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The name should not be intended to facilitate dishonesty or deception.
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Should be easy to remember, read, pronounce, and spell.
How Our Name Checker Works
Input Your Proposed Name
You can input your proposed name in the name checker’s search bar.
Database Search
The name will be searched against comprehensive databases containing all registered company names with Companies House.
Instant Status
The checker displays the status immediately, indicating whether it's available, not available, or contains sensitive words requiring authorization.
Why Check Your Company Name First
Avoid Duplicate
Names
Instantly search the Companies House database
Avoid rejection and delay with Companies House
Get name suggestions if your proposed name is taken
How to Protect Your Name
Company Registration
Once you register your limited company, your legal name will be publicly available in the Companies House register and database making it impossible for anyone to use it. BusinAssist company formation services will incorporate your company seamlessly to keep your name safe from being used by other business owners.
Trademark Registration
Just because a name is registered with Companies House does not mean that it is safe from infringement. Registering with Companies House not only makes your company a legal structure but trademarking protects it from infringement. Protect your business name with our trademark registration services at an affordable price.
Register a Domain Name
You can register a domain name for your website to make your business available online. We offer a free .co.uk domain for our clients who subscribe to any of our services. The domain can be used for the business email address.
Social Media Profiles
Use your legal company name on your company’s social media platforms to prevent others from using it. The name will be easily accessible when business owners do an online name search.
Google Business Profile
This is easily accessible with a normal Google search. You can create a platform for your business to be locally accessible to customers within your geographical location and improve online visibility.
Copyright Your Content
Protect your original work—like your website content, logo, and designs—by registering for copyright. It helps prevent others from copying or using your branding without permission and adds an extra layer of protection to your business.
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Join over 100,000 entrepreneurs who have used our free name checker tool to start their businesses immediately.
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