It is very important when you’re choosing a business name that you make sure that you can use that name. To spend money publishing stationery or setting up your website could be an awful waste if another company with your prospective title already exists.
Making a few simple checks before you do any of this is a good idea. The Companies House website is one good way to do this, just click on the link and see what’s available www.checksure.biz before choosing a business name.
However, as sole traders do not have to register with Companies House, they will not show up on this search. So you should also check local phone books, business directories and run some internet searches on your chosen name.
If you find there is a sole trader on the other side of the country who is using your name then this may not be a problem, however if the company is local or national then you will have to choose again.
You also need to check if your proposed name isn’t too similar to a name that someone else has registered as a trademark. The easiest way to do this is via the Patent Office website, again simple checks now save time and money later on.
If you are setting up your own website, checking out available domain names is also well worth your time. Many companies have to pick a different name for their website than they do their business. However, this is not the best scenario if your company is going to be web-based. You will need to go through an agent to get your domain, however as this is only a small fee it should be well within your means.
