Choosing a company name got a little easier as a result of changes in October 2013….

Measures to cut the list of ‘sensitive’ names that startup businesses must get approval for, prior to setting up, were announced by Business Minister Jo Swinson back in October.

Businesses that want to use words such as ‘Authority’, ‘Board’, ‘European’, ‘Group’, ‘International’ and ‘National’ will no longer have to get prior approval from Companies House, or a specified body. The same also applies to their Welsh and Gaelic equivalents. This red tape cutting exercise will result in a quicker process for companies wishing to use a ‘sensitive’ word or expression in their registered name.

The words and expressions to be retained are those which, when misused, are likely to cause confusion as to what the business actually does or has the legal authority to do. These words, amongst others, include ‘Accredited’, ‘Bank’, ‘Chamber of’, ‘Charity’, ‘Institute’, ‘Government’, and ‘University.’ The word ‘Sheffield’ is to be retained on the list after responses to the consultation showed support to keep it. The same applies to national words such as ‘English’, ‘Scottish, ‘Northern Irish’, ‘Welsh’ and ‘Cymru.’

Would you like to use a previously restricted name?

steve@bicknells.net