Changing a company name is not an action a company should take lightly, as it may also involve rebranding the entire company. While the process is relatively straightforward, you must still comply with strict legal requirements to change your company name lawfully. Sometimes, it may be simpler for a company to change its trading name than its legal name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When changing your company name<\/a>, you must ensure the new name is unique and not too similar to any existing registered company names<\/a> to avoid confusion. The law also prohibits companies from choosing names that could mislead the public or imply connections with government bodies without proper authorisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you register as a private limited company, use \u201cLimited\u201d or \u201cLtd\u201d at the end of your company name. If you are a public limited company, end your name with \u201cPLC\u201d. Additionally, if you want to use sensitive words or expressions, you must obtain specific permissions from relevant authorities. These might include words such as \u201cRoyal,\u201d \u201cInstitute,\u201d or \u201cBank\u201d. The proposed name must also not be offensive or contain any prohibited characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will also need to ensure that a new legal name is not similar to an existing business within the same industry or to an existing registered trade mark. Otherwise, a passing-off claim could be brought against you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the company has decided on a new name and ensured it is lawful and not already used by another business, the formal process begins with passing a board resolution. The company directors must convene a properly notified board meeting to discuss and approve the proposed name change. You should document this meeting in the company minutes, recording the rationale for the change and the specific details of the proposed new name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the board\u2019s approval, the shareholders must pass a special resolution, which requires at least 75% approval from the shareholders who vote on the resolution. You must follow the above process unless the Company\u2019s articles of association or shareholders agreement set out an alternative method for changing the Company\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company must notify Companies House within 15 days of approving the name change. You should submit additional documentation proving the necessary permissions to Companies House if the new name contains sensitive words.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Once Companies House approves the application, they will issue a new Certificate of Incorporation displaying the new company name. It is important to note that the name change becomes legally effective when the certificate is issued. The company should retain both the old and new certificates as part of its permanent records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Continue reading this article below the form\n <\/i>\n<\/a>\nProcess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n