How to Register a Company Name in the UK
While "that which we call a rose would smell as sweet" might be a true sentiment for Shakespeare, "what's in a name" for a business is a big deal--your business name is your company's identity. Potential clients and customers will often base a decision to do business with you based on the name. It's important to get it right. When you choose a name for your company in the United Kingdom, be sure to register it with the National Business Register.
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Instructions
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Choose a name for your company. The U.K. has several guidelines that you should adhere to when choosing a name. The name should not be misleading or illegal. It cannot contain certain words or phrases (for a list, see the Resource section). For instance, you cannot name your budding auction company the "Queen of England Trade Union"; those words and phrases are restricted.
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Log onto the Internet and visit start.biz to run a search to see if your business name has already been chosen. This is not required; however, you cannot register a name that has already been chosen. To search for a name, see the link under Resources below.
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Complete the business name application form. This can be done over the Internet or by filling out a printed application. Use the links in the Resource section to register on the Internet or print the application. You must fill in your business name, the nature of your business and your contact information regardless of the form you use. Printed applications must be sent to National Business Register, Somerset House, 6070 Birmingham Business Park, B37 7BF.
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Pay the filing fee by check (made out to National Business Register) or credit card. As of 2010, the filing fee was £88.
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References
Resources
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