How Do You Register a Business Name with Companies House?

Registering a business name with Companies House is a mandatory legal step for forming a limited company in the UK. The process involves a series of defined steps, from name selection to paying a fee, and can be completed online within 24 hours for a cost of £12. Ensuring your chosen name is unique, adheres to specific regulations, and is not deemed 'sensitive' is critical for a successful application.

What Are the Key Steps to Registering a Business Name?

The registration process is sequential, requiring careful attention to detail at each stage to avoid delays or rejection. Based on our assessment experience, following these steps methodically simplifies what can seem like a daunting task.

1. Choose a Compliant Company Name: This is the most critical step. Your proposed name must not be identical to any existing name on the Companies House register. You can check this using the free online checker on the Companies House website. Furthermore, the name cannot be too similar to an existing name, unless the other company is part of your corporate group or provides written permission. Avoid using sensitive words (like 'Royal' or 'Accredited') without prior approval from the relevant government department, as their use is restricted.
2. Decide on the Company's Address: You must provide an official registered office address, which will be publicly listed. This is where all official mail will be sent. While some business owners use their home address, this may pose privacy concerns. Using an accountant's address is a common alternative.
3. Select a SIC Code: The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code is a five-digit number that precisely defines your company's primary business activity. For example, code 62020 refers to Information Technology consultancy activities. A company can have up to four SIC codes.
4. Appoint a Company Director: Every limited company must have at least one director who is responsible for managing the company. The director must be at least 16 years old, and you can appoint yourself. You must provide both a service address (which can be the registered office) and a confidential residential address for each director.
5. Outline the Share Structure: As a limited company, you must define its share capital. This includes the number of shares, their class (e.g., ordinary shares), and their individual value (e.g., £1 per share). A sole owner can start with a single share to retain full control.
6. Identify Shareholders and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs): Shareholders own the company. Anyone with more than 25% of shares or voting rights is considered a Person of Significant Control (PSC) and their details must be supplied.
7. Prepare Governing Documents and Sign a Statement of Compliance: You need a 'memorandum of association' and 'articles of association' which are the rulebooks for your company. You also sign a statement confirming you are forming the company in accordance with the law.
8. Pay the Formation Fee: The online application fee is £12, with approval typically granted within 24 hours. Postal applications cost £40 and take longer. A same-day service is available for £100 if submitted before 3 p.m.

What Are the Different Types of Business Structures?

While registering with Companies House is for limited companies, other business structures exist. Your choice impacts registration requirements, liability, and taxation.

For a sole trader or standard partnership, you are not required to register with Companies House. Instead, you must register with HMRC for Self-Assessment tax purposes. However, the business name you use publicly should still follow the general rules of not being misleading or using protected words.

What Practical Advice Ensures a Smooth Registration?

To streamline your business name registration, focus on preparation. Conduct a thorough name check on the Companies House website before applying to avoid immediate rejection. Have all necessary information ready, including director details, proposed SIC codes, and share structure, to complete the form in one session. Finally, understand the legal implications of your chosen structure, as a limited company offers personal asset protection that a sole trader structure does not.

The key to a successful registration is a unique, compliant name and accurate completion of the digital form. Once approved, you can proceed to register for corporation tax and open a business bank account.