- Osome UK
- Company Name Check
Company Name Checker for UK Entrepreneurs
Use our free tool to check if your proposed company name is available. We can even register your company name with Companies House. You don’t pay a £50 government fee. And best of all, we'll get you all set within 2 hours.
How to pick a company name
The first step is obvious: You have to choose a name for your business. But there are quite a few businesses in the UK (5.6 million, to be exact). Your company name must be unique – but it must also conform to specific standards the government sets. To avoid having your name rejected by Companies House, follow these general guidelines.
Unique
You can't have the same name as another company that's already registered in the Companies House register. You need to pick a completely unique company name — you cannot simply add a special character or slightly change the punctuation. That means the name should be readily and completely distinguishable from another business's name. Consumers should be able to make an informed decision and not think that you are entirely another business. Use our free company name search tool to ensure your chosen company name is available.
Non-offensive
It's common sense to avoid using an offensive term as your company name. However, just make sure to check that your proposed name has no offensive connotations. The UK is, of course, a diverse, multicultural society. What might not be offensive to you may be offensive to others. Be sure to check your name for cultural sensitivities. And remember, you may want to trade overseas one day.
Non-sensitive
'Sensitive words' might suggest that your company is associated with a governmental or local authority. Companies House may, therefore, have an issue with you using these terms, meaning your registration process might be delayed. Sensitive words and expressions aren't entirely off the table as company name options. It's just that these terms must be cleared and vetted by the government. In other words, the process of registering will take longer, and your company formation application might face delays.
Limited or Ltd.
If you are a limited company, you are required to put 'limited' (or its shorter equivalent 'ltd.') at the end of your name. This rule applies to both private limited companies and limited liability partnerships. In limited cases, you can omit 'limited' from your name. If, for example, you are a charity. However, this must be approved by Companies House according to Companies House rules.
Company name
Register your company in 4 simple steps
Choose a company name
We'll check company name availability with Companies House in seconds and help you reserve your preferred company name.
Provide us with the documents
Once we've confirmed your name via the company name check tool, send us your documents online. We'll fill out the application form and get it over for you to e-sign.
No need to go anywhere
We do everything remotely: KYC, limited company registration, and can even provide you with a registered office address to use.
Get a free bank account
Get guidance from our experts on the best business bank account for you and referrals to our industry-leading partners.
Simple and fast company formation
The cost to register a company with Osome depends on what you need. We can simply handle the registration for you. Or we can handle your compliance and accounting needs too. Take a look at your options below:
Basic for residents
Set up as a limited company and receive all legal paperwork
VAT included
Setting up
Documents
Optional add-ons
All-in-one for residents
Register a limited company and get all needed compliance
£299
+ VAT
Setting up
Documents
Beyond incorporation
Optional add-ons
Setting up
Documents
Beyond incorporation
Optional add-ons
FAQ
What is the Company Name Check Tool?
The company name availability checker is an online service that allows you to verify the availability of a business or trading name by cross-referencing it with the Companies House database. This search tool ensures that your desired name is not already in use by a private company or any other registered entity, helping you to choose a unique and compliant name for your new venture. By using the business name search tool, you can avoid conflicts with registered company names and ensure a smooth registration process.
How does the Business Name Check Tool work?
The company name search tool works by instantly searching the Companies House database to see if your desired limited company name is available. It scans the database for any existing company names that are the same or similar, ensuring that your chosen name is unique and does not infringe on the rights of other businesses within the same group or industry. This search tool provides quick and accurate results, making the name selection process easier for new business owners.
Why should I check the availability of a company name in the UK?
Checking the availability of a company name in the UK is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure compliance with Companies House regulations. It prevents conflicts with registered company names, helps protect your brand identity, and ensures that your business name can be registered without any obstacles. This process safeguards your company assets and reputation and avoids potential disputes with government or local authorities regarding your business or trading name.
What are the criteria for a valid company name in the UK?
A valid company name in the UK must be unique, not too similar to an existing company name on the Companies House register, and should not contain any sensitive words or phrases without appropriate permission. Additionally, it should not be misleading about the nature of the business or imply a connection with government or local authorities unless such a connection exists. Using the business name checker can help ensure that your chosen name meets these criteria and is suitable for registration.
What should I do if my desired company name is already taken?
If your desired company name is already taken, you should consider modifying it slightly by adding distinctive words or changing its structure to create a unique name. Alternatively, you can use our free company name lookup tool to explore other available names. Ensuring that your new business name is sufficiently different from any existing company helps to avoid legal conflicts and brand confusion. This proactive approach, facilitated by the tool, helps you find a name that stands out in the Companies House database.
How can I reserve a company name once it’s found to be available?
Once you have confirmed that your desired company name is available using the company name checker, you can reserve it by registering your company with Companies House. This involves completing the necessary forms and paying the required fees to officially secure your limited company or private company name, thus preventing others from using it and allowing you to proceed with building your business under a registered company name. The business name checker ensures that your name is ready for registration, helping you avoid delays and complications. To streamline the process, consider using Osome's company registration services, which offer expert guidance and support to ensure a smooth and efficient registration experience.
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