Choose the right name for your business

Business names for sole traders, partnerships and limited partnerships

Guide

People operating as sole traders or in general partnerships can trade under their own names, or choose a different business name.

Rules on sole trader, partnership and limited partnership names

If you decide to use a business name, it must not:

  • be offensive
  • include the terms public limited company (plc), limited (ltd), limited liability partnership (LLP)
  • contain prescribed or sensitive words and expressions, unless you have obtained permission to use them - see use of sensitive words and expressions in business names

If you register a limited partnership you must include either 'Limited Partnership' or 'LP' at the end of your business name.

For more information, see: 

Check if another business is using your preferred business name

Before using your chosen name, check that it isn't already being used.

If a sole trader at the other end of the country is using it, there may not be a problem. However, if another local business, company or national firm is using it, you should choose a different name. Follow the steps below:

  • Check local phone books, business directories and the internet.
  • Make sure your proposed name - or something similar - hasn't been registered by a company.
  • Make sure the name isn't too similar to a word or expression that has been registered as a trade mark.
  • Search for an available company name and trade mark.
  • Companies House Contact Centre
    0303 1234 500