Choose the right name for your business

Words that you cannot use in your business name

Guide

There are some words and expressions that you can't use in a business name unless you have official permission. These are words that might give a false impression about your business. They are known as sensitive words.

Examples of sensitive words in business names

The rules about sensitive words apply to all types of businesses and fall into five main groups:

Type of sensitive words Examples
Words that suggest your business is of national importance or status British, National, International, European
Words that suggest a special status Association, Authority, Chartered, Council, Institute, Society
Words that suggest a particular function Charity, Insurance, Register, Trust
Words that suggest a specialised activity Health Centre
Words that suggest connections with government or royalty Parliament, Government, Royal, Queen, Prince


Further help on business names

These guidelines provide a basic summary of sensitive words. For further details on company names see rules for naming your business.

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