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The following link will direct you to a booklet on the Company House web site that explains:

• the rules and restrictions on the choice of company names both 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 need prior approval from a recognised authority;
• when you can object to the registration of a particular company name, and also what to do if your company name has been objected to and you are directed by the Secretary of State to change the name;
• how to change a company name, but not how to form a company (for this, please see our booklet, 'Company Formation').

Click here to view the Company Names booklet (will open in a new window)

The booklet will also be useful to unincorporated partnerships and sole traders who use a business name, companies incorporated overseas which trade from an address in Great Britain, 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).

The contents of the booklet are as follows:

• Introduction
• 1. Choosing a company name
• 2. Change of company name
• 3. Sensitive words and expressions
• 4. Exemption from using the word 'limited' in a company name
• 5. Directions to change a company name
• 6. How the control of names applies to other company and business types
• 7. Further information

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

Click here to view the Company Names booklet (will open in a new window)

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