How to change the name of your business

The name of your company plays a key role in how your customers view it. Changing the name of your business can feel like a big decision, but it’s a common and necessary move for many growing companies. Maybe you’re rebranding, or you just feel your current name doesn’t accurately represent your range of services, but regardless of your motivation, it’s important to get the process right. 

Understanding how to change your business name will help you avoid any legal issues, reduce confusion with your customers and protect the reputation you’ve worked hard to build – but the exact process depends on what type of business you run. Stay with us as we run through the different steps for changing your name as a self-employed sole trader, a partnership, or a limited company.

Why do businesses change their names? 

Businesses change their names for a variety of practical and strategic reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Rebranding or business growth: If your business has evolved, its original name might not reflect the products and services you now offer. Changing your business name can help to modernise your brand and support future growth: for instance, if you’re expanding into other industry verticals. 
•  Legal or compliance reasons: You might need to change your name because it conflicts with an existing company or trademark, or maybe it doesn’t meet UK naming rules. Making the change early can minimise the risk of any legal disputes.  
• Changes to company ownership or structure: Taking on new partners, merging with another business or transitioning from a sole trader to a limited company often brings on a name change, as a new name can signpost a new chapter, and better reflect the updated structure of the business. 
• Reputation and clarity: A clearer, more professional name makes it easier for your customers to understand what you do and remember your business. This can help to attract new customers in your target market, while strengthening recognition and trust among your existing customers, too. 

How to change your business name 

The way you change your business name depends wholly on the type of business you run. Take a look at the different steps for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies

Changing your business name as a sole trader

As a sole trader, your business name is usually a trading name rather than a registered company name. 

This means you don’t need to apply to Companies House to change it, but you still need to follow certain rules. Your trading name can’t be misleading, offensive, or imply that you’re a limited company – and you still need to inform HMRC that you’re changing your sole trader name to make sure your tax records are up to date.

Once you’ve finalised your new sole trader name, you’ll need to communicate the change to all your stakeholders, including your clients, suppliers and any investors or business partners.

Changing your business name as a partnership

Given that it’s a shared decision, changing the name of a partnership business is a little bit more complex.  

First, you need mutual consent from all other partners to the name change, so you can update the formal partnership agreement. If your partnership is VAT-registered, you’ll also need to tell HMRC of the name change (but it’s advisable either way).

It’s worth obtaining written confirmation that all partners agree on the new name, as HMRC may request evidence of this

Changing your business name as a limited company

If you run a limited company, changing your business name is a formal legal process. The first step is making sure your new name is available and avoids any restricted or sensitive terms, unless you have permission to use them. 

You’ll need to apply to change your name with Companies House, and it has to be officially approved and recorded before you can start using it. There are two different routes for how to change your company name: 

• Changing company name via special resolution. This is the most common option, and if you’re applying by post, you’ll need to print and fill out an NM01 form, and include a copy of your resolution, as well as a cheque for £30. With special resolution, you can also apply online, and this costs £20, or £83 if you need the same-day service. 
• Changing company name via permission given in the company’s articles of association. To change your company name this way, you’ll need to print out and complete an NM04 form, and include a cheque for £30. 

Once the change has been processed, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation in the post confirming your new company name. It’s worth noting that your company number stays the same, which can help to preserve trust and a sense of continuity with your customers. 

What to update after changing your business name

As well as notifying the bank and updating your official records with HMRC and Companies House, it’s vital you make your brand match your new business name. Consistency in how your business presents itself helps to maintain customer trust and solidify the reputation of your new brand. That means making sure your new name (and logo, if applicable) appears on:

• Your website
• Your social media profiles 
• Any other marketing channels, like emails or newsletters
• Your Google My Business profile 
• Any pages on review or directory sites (such as Which? Trusted Traders) 
• Letterheads and invoices
• Vehicles, uniforms and ID cards 
• Technology, tools and other equipment  

Maintaining brand reputation after changing the name of your business 

While a change of name can be an important step in helping your business to grow, embrace a new era or better reflect its actual products and services – it can also feel like a risk. Following the right legal steps reduces the chances of any disruption, but taking steps to maintain your brand reputation is equally important.

Becoming a Which? Trusted Trader is one of the most impactful things you can do to boost customer trust, particularly after a rebrand or name change. 

Once you’re approved, you can display the Which? Trusted Trader logo on your marketing materials and set up a dedicated profile page on our website, where you can share verified reviews and testimonials about your work. Plus, there are unlimited trade categories to tag your business against, so you can show up in multiple relevant searches, and get your new company name out there in the right context.

Want to find out more about becoming a Which? Trusted Trader? Request a callback and a member of our team will be in touch to walk you through how you can join.