Ⓐ You can instantly verify the availability of your company name on the Coddan CPM Formations Agent website. We offer a free company name checker that quickly informs you if your desired business name is already taken. The service is user-friendly and only takes a few seconds. This tool accesses the government database of registered company names to determine if the limited company name you want to use is available at Companies House. Simply type your desired company name into the search box and click the “Check Button“. You will receive an immediate response about the availability of your chosen business name. If it’s not available, you may need to think about alternative name options.

Ⓐ Your company name serves as your brand and creates the first impression. It’s crucial to ensure that it is both unique and legally compliant for several reasons. 1. Avoiding Legal Conflicts. Selecting a name that is already in use can result in legal disputes, notices, or even rejection by the Companies Registry. Starting your business amidst legal issues can be both costly and time-consuming. 2. Building a Unique Brand Identity. A distinct and memorable name helps your business stand out, attract customers, and foster trust. It also minimizes confusion with competitors, ensuring that your brand remains strong and clear. 3. Ensuring Compliance. The Companies Registrar enforces strict regulations to maintain order and transparency within the UK business landscape. Adhering to these rules not only helps you avoid complications but also showcases your company’s professionalism. Simply type the names you want into the search box and click the check availability button. Our name search tool is connected to the Companies House website in Great Britain, so it will let you know if a name is already registered.

Ⓐ Checking the availability of a limited company name in the UK is crucial for avoid legal disputes and to ensure legal compliance with Companies House business names rules. It prevents legal conflicts with any UK’s incorporated official company names, helps protect your brand name identity and ensures that your legal name can be incorporated without any objections by a third-party. Such searching process safeguards your limited company reputation and avoids potential conflicts with government institutions or local government authorities regarding your business name or a trading name. Choosing a distinctive and compliant business name is essential. Check if your preferred name is available through Companies House, the UK’s Commercial Registry, to prevent any conflicts with existing businesses. Ensure that the name you select complies with local regulations, which will help minimize the risk of legal issues and facilitate a smoother registration process.

Ⓐ The business name find tool works by instantly searching of Companies House data to find out if your desired private limited company name is free to use. It scans the companies names database for any existing registered companies and partnerships names that are the same or similar to yours, ensuring that your chosen corporate name is unique and does not infringe on the rights of other business ventures within the same group or industry. This free names search tool provides rapid and accurate information, making the company’s name selection process simpler for the all new corporate business owners. If the name you want is already taken or too similar to another, the search will show that it’s unavailable. Think about tweaking the name by adding a location or specific industry terms.

Ⓐ A valid limited liability company name in the UK must be unique, not to be similar to any existing registered company names incorporated on the Companies House public register, and should not contain any sensitive or restrictive words or phrases without appropriate permission from the relevant authorities. Additionally, the name should not be misleading about the nature of the business or imply a connection with government or local authorities unless such a connection exists. Using the free business name checker tool-box can assist to verify that your chosen business name meets all legal criteria’s and is suitable for the further registration with the Companies Registry. 

Ⓐ If your desired company name is already taken, you should try to modify it slightly by adding descriptive words, changing the structure, or using a unique suffix to create a new, available name that still captures the essence of your original idea; you can also consider contacting the current owner to see if they’d be willing to sell the name, but always double-check for potential trademark issues and consult a legal professional before making any decisions. 

Add descriptive words: For example, if Bluebird Consulting is taken, you could try Bluebird Business Consulting or Bluebird Strategic Consulting.
Use a geographic identifier: Bluebird London or Bluebird UK.
Add a suffix: Bluebird Solutions or Bluebird Group.
Play with spelling variations: BluBird or BluebirdCo.
Consider a different language variation: If your name has a foreign language root, try a different translation.
Check for trademark conflicts: Before settling on a new name, conduct a trademark search to ensure you aren’t infringing on another company’s rights. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and variations of your original name to find something unironically. 

1. You can fair check if a business name is available in the UK using the UK Patent and Trademark Office electronic search system;
2. Check if your choose business name is available as a domain name;
3. Check if your chosen name is available on the social media internet platforms;
4. Check the state’s government public records;
5. Checking for any similar business names;
6. Consider any restrictions. 

Ⓐ In specific circumstances, you may be enabled to exclude the word Limited from your company’s name. This exemption applies if your company is a registered charity or is limited by guarantee, provided that your articles of association state that your company:
1. promotes or regulates commerce, art, science, education, religion, charity, or any profession
2. is unable to distribute profits to its shareholders, such as through dividends
3. mandates that each shareholder must contribute to the company’s assets if it is dissolved during their membership or within one year after they cease to be a shareholder.

Ⓐ To officially reserve a name and prevent others from using it, you must formally establish a company. However, if you are not ready to commence trading but wish to register the company name, you can declare your company as dormant with HMRC. This approach enables your business to exist officially and keeps the name reserved for your future use, while exempting you from the obligation to file annual reports and tax returns until you choose to begin trading. If you’re uncertain about whether a name is available or if you have specific naming needs, it’s a good idea to reach out to our company formation agents or legal professionals for assistance.

Ⓐ The limited company name availability free checker is an online searchable service that enables you to verify the availability of your business or a business trading name by cross-referencing it with the Companies House’s website public database. Our search tool ensures that your desired business name is not already in use or taken by any other private limited by shares company or any other registered business enterprise, helping you to choose your unique and compliant company’s name for your new business venture. By using the free business name search tool, you can avoid conflicts with registered company names or the trademarks and ensure a smooth legal business name registration process. 

Ⓐ It is not permissible for two companies in the UK to share the same registered name. Each company registered with Companies House must possess a distinct name. While there may be instances where two companies have names that are quite similar, the newer entity must either be affiliated with the existing one (for example, as part of the same corporate group) or obtain written consent to utilize the same or a closely resembling name.

Ⓐ Coddan offers a complimentary company name checker that utilizes the Companies House database of UK businesses. To use this service, simply input the desired business name in the form provided above and click “Check“. We will search the Companies House database and promptly inform you whether a business with that name is already registered. A “company name checker” only indicates if a name is already incorporated and listed with Companies House. You should also search for “trademarks” to ensure your name does not infringe on an existing trademark. To initiate a search, enter your desired names into the search box and click on “Check Availability” to access company information at no cost. Our business name scanner tool enables you to verify the availability of your business name and quickly lets you know if it can be incorporated as a “private limited by shares company”.

Ⓐ To ensure the protection of your chosen company name, it is advisable to register it as a trademark. This process is distinct from business registration and may provide long-term advantages. A distinctive name is crucial for setting your business apart from the competition. If your name closely resembles another brand, it can lead to confusion and make it harder for customers to recognize your business. A strong brand is built on clarity, which starts with a name that differentiates you. To come up with a memorable name, prioritize originality and its connection to your business. Make sure your name embodies your values, appeals to your target audience, and aligns with your industry. A thoughtfully selected name ensures your business remains memorable, creating an immediate association between your brand and the products or services you provide.

Trademark infringement lawsuits cost U.K. companies billions each year, with over 2,000 cases filed annually, making the risk quite significant. In addition to legal fees, businesses also face rebranding expenses. Rebranding due to trademark issues involves updating everything from business cards to websites and social media profiles—costs that can impact your profits. It’s much simpler and more economical to verify name availability from the start. By checking if a business name is available beforehand, you can sidestep unnecessary risks and ensure your business has a distinctive, legally compliant identity.

Ⓐ If the business name you wish to use is not available, consider exploring several variations. Our complimentary company name checker can provide you with alternative options that you can verify immediately. Additionally, if the name you desire is already registered, you may want to investigate whether the company associated with that name is currently active and identify its owner. This information is publicly accessible on the Companies House website, which also includes the company’s contact details. If the company is inactive, you might have the opportunity to obtain written consent from the owner to use that name or a closely related variant.

Ⓐ In addition to your business’s registered name, you may encounter the terms business name and trading name, which are frequently used synonymously. A trading name, also referred to as a business name, is any alternative name that can be utilized in your business operations. While it is not required to match the registered name of your business, it must not be identical to any registered trademark for which you do not possess explicit authorization to use.

Ⓐ Companies House serves as the official register for companies in the United Kingdom, managed by the government. It keeps a public record of all incorporated entities, detailing their names, registered office addresses, directors, and shareholders. This database is a vital and current resource for information regarding all UK-registered companies. When establishing your business with Companies House, it is crucial to provide precise details about your company, including its name.

Ⓐ Selecting an appropriate name for your business is critical, as it forms the initial impression for potential customers and can differentiate you in a competitive landscape. It is essential to verify that your chosen name is available and complies with the legal standards set by Companies House. Investing time and resources into a brand that cannot be legally used can lead to unnecessary complications.

Ⓐ To determine if a company name is available, you can utilize the free online name availability checker provided by Companies House. This user-friendly tool delivers immediate results. Simply visit the Companies House website, input your desired name into the search bar, and the tool will check the register for any existing use of that name. If the name is available, you can proceed to register it with Companies House.

Ⓐ When establishing a business in the UK, the initial step is to verify the availability of your desired name. This can be accomplished by consulting the Companies House register, which contains a record of all registered companies in the UK. The process of confirming the availability of a company name extends beyond merely identifying a unique name; it is crucial that the chosen name does not closely resemble that of another company, as this could result in confusion or potential legal issues in the future.

Additionally, it is essential to recognize that even if a company has been dissolved, its name may still be unavailable for use due to a grace period granted by Companies House, enabling the company to reclaim its name. To ascertain the availability of a company name, one can utilize the Companies House online name search tool, which is free and provides immediate results.

When selecting a company name, it is important to take into account several factors: the name should be distinctive and memorable, relevant to your business activities, not overly similar to existing company names, and should not be offensive or misleading. The most straightforward method to check the availability of your company name is through the Companies House integrated online name search tool, which is directly connected to the Companies House register.

To use our free-online searching tool, simply input your desired company name into the search box and click the Search button. If the name is available, a message will indicate, This name is available. Conversely, if the name is already in use or too similar to an existing name, a message will state: This name is not available.

Ⓐ In every instance, utilizing a company name availability service incurs a fee. Generally, there is a cost linked to the official registration of your company name. Nevertheless, certain exceptions exist. For example, companies such as Coddan CPM, which provide business banking services, offer a distinctive advantage. As part of our strategy to draw in new clients, we can manage the registration process for your company name at a minimal filing cost on your behalf. Consequently, if you opt to establish a bank account with us, we will take care of registering your selected company name at the most competitive rates.

Ⓐ Yes. The Companies House Advanced Search feature is a feature of the Company Information Search and Update service. It allows users to search for specific information about registered companies and is designed to make it easier for individuals and businesses to access the information they need. Introduced in November 2024, the Advanced Search feature allows users to search for companies using a variety of criteria. This includes company name, registration number, location, and formation date. Users can also filter their search results based on factors such as company status (active or dissolved) and filing history type (confirmation statements or accounts). The search results generated by the Advanced Search provide detailed information about each company. Users can also view the company’s filing history, including its confirmation statements, accounts, and other documents filed with Companies House. Users can scroll through the results or download a table of up to 5,000 companies.

Companies House provides free access to public data on UK companies, including registered office addresses, filing histories, accounts, annual returns, directors, and office holders. The Company Information Search and Update Service is the primary portal for accessing this data. Here’s how to access this information:

1. Visit Companies House’s company information search and update service: This is the main platform for accessing public company data.
2. Search for the company: You can search by company name or registration number.
3. View the company profile: Once you’ve found the company, you can view its profile, which includes basic details such as registered address, incorporation date, and status.
4. Explore filing history: You can view a company’s filing history, including confirmation statements, accounts, and other filings.
5. Access officers and directors: You can see the names and details of current and previous officers. View charges and mortgages: Information on charges and mortgages registered against the company is also available.

• Company Information Search and Update Service: This service allows you to search and view company information for free.
• Free Company Data Product: A downloadable data snapshot containing basic company information is also available for free.
• API Access: You can access the free data via an API, allowing for real-time updates.

You may conduct searches on the company’s particulars at the e–Services Portal of the United Kingdom Companies Registry where the following up–to-date information of registered companies can be found:–

• The date of incorporation
• The company status
• Directors of the company
• The registered address of the company
• Particulars of the company secretary etc.

Ⓐ You can verify the availability of a “Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)” name online through the Companies House website or by utilizing the tool provided by Coddan CPM Formations. Specifically, our “Find and Update Company Information” service enables you to search for existing company names, including LLPs, at no cost. This service will inform you if your desired name is already taken. Before proceeding with the online registration of your LLP, it is advisable to use the straightforward name check tool available at Coddan CPM Formations’. Simply enter your proposed partnership name into our free search box and click the “Check“ button to receive an immediate response regarding its availability. In the UK, the names of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) must conclude with “Limited Liability Partnership“ or “LLP,“ whereas standard company names are required to end with “Limited“ (or “Ltd“) or “Public Limited Company“ (or “Plc“). LLPs uniquely blend characteristics of both partnerships and companies, offering members limited liability akin to that of a “standard“ company, while also providing the operational flexibility typical of a partnership.

Ⓐ yes, you can check the “co-op” company name availability online using the Companies House’s authorized agency website. The free name checker enables you to enter your proposed company name and see if it is already registered. Look for a tool specially designed to check the co-op company name is available. Check the availability of your company name for free with our easy-to-use online tool, access the Companies House database and secure your business name. Simply enter your proposed co-op name into our free search box, then click on “Check” button, you will be presented with an immediate search. The unique identifier of the brand and reflects its “character”, while a “standard company” name is used for all types of companies and must adhere to specific rules regarding uniqueness and endings. There are no strict legal stipulations regarding the naming of a co-operative “private limited company”; however, it is advisable for the name to reflect the co-operative’s mission. When selecting a name for an “incorporated” co-operative, various rules and considerations must be taken into account, which can vary based on the chosen legal structure, such as a “co-operative society,”, “community interest company”, or “private limited by shares company”.

Ⓐ Yes, it is possible to check company information within the EU. The European Business Register (EBR) network, operated by the European Business Registry Association (EBRA).

Links to webpages of national registries