Starting a business can be a very exciting and empowering time.One of the first things you will need to do is find the perfect name for your business.
A good name can be a great way to market the business and it might significantly impact the business. There are some things you need to keep in mind when you pick a name for your business.
Business name restrictions for a sole trader
Sole traders can trade under their own name or can choose another name. There is no need to register your name.
Sole traders, however, must not:
Include the below:
Limited
LTD
Limited Liability Partnership
LLP
Public limited company
PLCbe offensive
be the same as an existing trademark
Moreover, names that suggest that your business is connected with the government, local authorities and so on will also not be permitted.
See the link below to see which words you need permission to use, and who from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/incorporation-and-names
Descriptive business names
If your business makes ribbons and you call it ‘The Ribbon Maker’, it may be hard to protect this name or get a trademark for it.
This is because the name might not distinctive enough to protect. The government will find it difficult to justify that your business be the only one to use ‘the ribbon maker’ as many other businesses will need to use this name to describe their own business.
For this reason, it is best to pick a name that is distinctive from the start.
This will save you the hassle of having to change business names later and losing the goodwill associated with your current business name.
Think of what some of the biggest companies call themselves, for example, Apple, Google and so on.
If you need any more information or advice on naming your company, you can call Wisteria Formations on 020 8429 9245 and we would be happy to help. If you would like to form your company with us, please go to Wisteria Formations.