You can choose any name you want for your company, but there are some
exceptions:
-
You
can not choose 'the same as' an existing name.
-
A
name that sounds the same as an existing one, may be accepted if
spelt differently, other company could lodge an objection and Companies
House would consider as 'too like' and may ask you to change it.
-
If
the name is offensive or If its use would be a criminal offence.
-
Sensitive
words and expressions listed below.
-
Dissolved Companies - technically you can register a company with
the same name as the dissolved company, but make sure a reasonable
time has passed since its dissolution, so that your new company
is mistaken for the previous one.
British,
National, Great Britain, United Kingdom, England, English, Scotland,
Scottish, Wales, Welsh, Ireland or Irish - are normally allowed, if
used as a suffix.
The
initials 'GB' or 'UK' do not require approval.
European - will not be approved if they imply unjustifiable connection
with EU.
International - as prefix major activity must be overseas trading. th
company activity must be in 2 or more overseas countries.
Association, Federation or Society, Authority, Board or Council
Institute or Institution, Assurance, Assurer, Insurance, Insurer, Re-assurance
etc, Benevolent, Foundation and Fund
Chamber of Commerce/Trade/Industry and/or Training and Enterprise Charter
or Chartered Charity
Chemist or Chemistry
Co-operative Friendly Society or Industrial and Provident Society
Group, Holding(s) - Only for a holding company defined under section
736 of the Companies Act 1985.
Patent or Patentee, Post Office
Register or Registered
Sheffield - the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire is consulted.
Stock Exchange - normally refused unless there are special circumstances.
Trade Union - normally refused unless it conforms to trade union legislation.
Trust - must be a non-profit distributing
Financial Trust or Investment Trust, Pensions or Staff Trust, Unit Trust.
