Setting up
your business

There are rules for choosing a business or company name. And there are rules for using one, too - explained here.

Remember, a business name is the name you trade under. Someone who is self employed (EG a sole trader) doesn’t have to have a business name (you can trade under your own name, instead). A limited company can trade as itself, or under a business name.

Rules for displaying your name

If you do use a business name, there are rules you must follow. Essentially, you must disclose the name and address of the person or company behind the business name.

Rules for sole traders

You need to declare your (and any partners’ if you’re in a partnershp) name and addresses on:

• Things like orders, invoices, letters and receipts - any business documentation in other words.
• Any website that the business operates.
• The place where you run the business (EG where you deal with your customers or your suppliers).

Rules for limited companies

You need to show your limited company name outside every place of business - even if this is your home (EG if you’re a director and you run the business from home).

You need to give the company name on all paper and electronic business communication - so letters, invoices, emails, orders and so on. You need to give your registered address, registered number and place of registration on all letters, emails and orders .

If you have a website, it will need to give the full compnay name, registered address, registered compnay number, and place of registration. You would also need to declare if the company was being wound up.