You can do this by using our name search tool<\/a>. Enter your proposed company name and hit enter. We\u2019ll then immediately notify you whether it\u2019s available or not. If it is, great. Now follow our tips to make sure the name is right for you. If it\u2019s not, don\u2019t worry, take a look at our tips for some inspiration.<\/p>\n Forming a company that shares a resemblance with another entity is not only unprofessional, but can also cause confusion and damage.<\/p>\n Company names \u2013 what characters and symbols are allowed?<\/span><\/a>\n Can I reserve a company name?<\/span><\/a>\n How do I get an email address with my company name in it?<\/span><\/a>\n <\/p>\n Our name search tool will tell you if your proposed name is suitable for the Companies House register, and will spot and highlight if it\u2019s \u2018too like\u2019 or \u2018too similar\u2019 to another company. These are rules set out in the Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business (Names and Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2015<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t However, not all businesses are registered at Companies House, so you should still carry out research to make sure your name bears no similarities to another business.<\/p>\n As well as completing a general online search – via Google for example – for your proposed name, we recommend making sure that your company is truly unique by using the Companies House \u2018Search the register\u2019<\/a> tool (just because Companies House will allow you to form a company does not mean that there aren\u2019t comparable names on the register) and GOV.UK\u2019s \u2018Search for a trade mark\u2019<\/a> facility.<\/p>\n The business world is full of brands that have either taken a word and then spelt it in a quirky way, or simply made up a word. Some of these brands have achieved amazing success, so it would be foolish for us to say, \u201cDon\u2019t do this\u201d.<\/p>\n However, we do say, \u201cThink twice before you do this\u201d.<\/p>\n As a new business owner, you\u2019re going to be out there pitching to potential clients, partners, suppliers, and other business contacts. When you meet these people, your company name needs to stick in their minds, and the best way to do this is to make it easy to remember, easy to spell, and easy to find online.<\/p>\n This should also save you the bother of having to spell out your company name every time you say it.<\/p>\n Research your market and look at the names of your soon-to-be competition. What words are usually used and what words aren\u2019t? Are the names more playful or do they project professionalism? Are there themes or is every business doing something differently?<\/p>\n Now consider where you want to stand in the industry. Do you intend to disrupt the market and do something wholly different from what everyone else is doing, or would you prefer to go quietly about your business?<\/p>\n The answers to these questions should inform the direction you go in, when it comes to naming your company and developing your branding strategy.<\/p>\n It\u2019s common for business owners to include their service and\/or location in their company name, particularly in the construction industry. Whilst there\u2019s nothing generally wrong with this, before you take this route – ask yourself what the long-term goals are for your business.<\/p>\n If you have no interest in expanding your niche or geographical reach, then including your service and location could be a wise move. On the other hand, if you have plans to start offering a range of services, or intend to open more branches – using these facets in your company name will look strange when the time to grow comes.<\/p>\n For example, Milton Keynes Extensions Ltd works well for a business that will be installing extensions, and nothing else, in Milton Keynes. But what if the business decides to start landscaping, and wants to start doing so in London?<\/p>\n There is no rule that states that your company name must match up with your website\u2019s domain name.<\/p>\n However, if you plan for the company name and domain to be consistent with each other, at the same time as checking whether your limited company name is available, investigate whether the domain name is available too<\/a>.<\/p>\n This will help you avoid disappointment, and having to settle for a second-choice name when the time comes to register your domain.<\/p>\n This is also another good time to consider the potential growth of your company. If you foresee expansion, look to register all the appropriate domains now too, to stop anyone else from snatching these up.<\/p>\n We strongly recommended requesting feedback from a handful of friends, family, and if possible, people with industry knowledge, before you go ahead and register the name.<\/p>\n By seeking counsel, you may be pointed to details that you missed. Perhaps the name could be misconstrued. There\u2019s a TV character with the same name. You\u2019ve spelt something incorrectly (unintentionally). Or, it\u2019s just not very good.<\/p>\n The feedback will come whether you like it or not, so invite it at a stage where you can use it productively.<\/p>\n Choosing the right name is a vital step in your business journey. Take the time to get it right, and your business will be off to a brilliant start. We hope you have found the tips covered in this post helpful.<\/p>\n If you have already formed your company and now regret your company name, we can help you fix this with our Company Name Change Service:<\/p>\n2. Ensure that your name is truly unique<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/WFT_BANNER_326x341.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\talt=\"Worldfirst)
\n\t\t\t\t![\"Worldfirst](\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/WFT_BANNER_980x150.jpg\"\n)
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n3. Think twice before using a tricky spelling<\/h3>\n
4. Look at your competition<\/h3>\n
5. Give your business room to grow<\/h3>\n
![\"FREE](\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/242634_Domains_Banner-Cooperation_QCF_325x340_UK.png\"\n)
\n ![\"FREE](\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/242634_Domains_Banner-Cooperation_QCF_980x150_UK.png\"\n)
\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n6. Make sure the domain name is available<\/h3>\n
7. Ask for opinions<\/h3>\n
Thanks for reading<\/h3>\n