Company Name Change Process
Changing a company’s name at Companies House involves several steps and considerations. Here, we outline how to change company name at companies house and the steps involved in the process.
Reasons for Changing Your Company Name
There are various reasons why a business might decide to change its name. These reasons can range from rebranding efforts to mergers and acquisitions. Common reasons include:
- Rebranding: Refreshing the company’s image to better reflect its mission or vision.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Combining names or adopting a new name post-merger.
- Legal Issues: Avoiding trademark conflicts or legal issues with the existing name.
- Market Expansion: Adopting a name that resonates better with a new market or audience.
- Negative Reputation: Distancing the business from previous negative associations.
Steps Involved in Changing Company Name
To change company name at Companies House involves a series of structured steps. Each step must be followed to ensure compliance and successful registration of the new name.
- Board Resolution: The first step is to pass a resolution at a board meeting. The board of directors must agree to the name change and record this decision in the meeting minutes.
- Special Resolution: The company must then pass a special resolution to change company name. This involves getting the agreement of at least 75% of the company’s shareholders.
- Form NM01: Complete the necessary documentation by filling out Form NM01. This form is specifically designed for notifying Companies House of a name change.
- Submission: Submit the completed Form NM01 to Companies House. This can be done online or by post.
- Fee Payment: Pay the required fee for processing the name change. The fee can vary depending on the method of submission.
| Submission Type | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Online Submission | 20 |
| Postal Submission | 30 |
- Approval: Await confirmation from Companies House. Once the new name is approved, Companies House will issue a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name.
- Update Records: After approval, update all business documents, legal contracts, and marketing materials to reflect the new company name.
Changing a Limited company name is a significant decision that requires careful planning and execution. For related processes, such as changing the registered address, see our guide on change registered address companies house. Ensuring all steps are followed correctly will help avoid any potential issues with the registration process.
Preparing for the Change
Before initiating a company name change, it’s crucial to properly prepare. This involves selecting a new name that aligns with your brand vision and ensuring that the new name is available for use.
Choosing a New Company Name
Choosing a new company name is a significant step that requires careful consideration. The new name should reflect your brand identity and resonate with your target audience. Here are some factors to consider:
- Relevance: Ensure the name is relevant to your business activities.
- Memorability: Choose a name that is easy to remember.
- Uniqueness: Avoid names that are too similar to existing companies.
- Legal Considerations: Ensure the name complies with legal requirements.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Relevance | High |
| Memorability | Medium |
| Uniqueness | High |
| Legal Compliance | High |
Ensuring Name Availability
Once you have selected a potential new name, it’s essential to verify its availability. This step will help avoid any legal issues or conflicts with other businesses. Here is what you need to do:
- Check Companies House Register: Use the Companies House online service to check if the name is already in use.
- Trademark Search: Conduct a trademark search to ensure the name is not protected by trademark law.
- Domain Availability: Check if the corresponding domain name is available for your website.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Companies House Register | Verify name availability on the Companies House register. |
| Trademark Search | Ensure the name isn’t trademarked. |
| Domain Availability | Check for an available domain name. |
Filing the Necessary Documentation
To officially change company name at Companies House, it is crucial to complete and submit the correct documentation. This section will guide you through the process.
Completing Form NM01
Form NM01 is the key document required in order to change company name. This form must be accurately filled out to avoid any delays in the approval process.
Steps to Complete Form NM01:
- Company Information:
- Provide the current registered name and company number.
- New Name Proposal:
- Enter the proposed new name. Ensure it is unique and complies with Companies House regulations.
- Resolution Details:
- Indicate the type of resolution passed (ordinary or special).
- Signature:
- The form must be signed by an authorised person, such as a director or company secretary.
Submitting the Application to Companies House
Once Form NM01 is complete, it must be submitted to Companies House along with the appropriate fee.
Submission Options:
- Online Filing:
- The quickest and most efficient method. Submit via the Companies House WebFiling service.
- Postal Submission:
- Send the completed form and payment to the Companies House postal address.
After the Name Change
Once you have successfully changed your company name at Companies House, there are several important steps to take to ensure a smooth transition. Updating business documents and notifying stakeholders and customers are crucial actions to maintain business continuity and transparency.
Updating Business Documents
After a company name change, it’s essential to update all relevant business documents to reflect the new name. This ensures consistency and avoids any confusion. Key documents to update include:
- Articles of Association
- Company Letterhead
- Business Cards
- Invoices and Receipts
- Contracts and Agreements
- Website and Email Signatures
- Marketing Materials
Additionally, you will need to inform various authorities and institutions, including banks, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and your insurance providers that you have had to change company name.
| Document Type | Update Required |
|---|---|
| Articles of Association | Yes |
| Company Letterhead | Yes |
| Business Cards | Yes |
| Invoices and Receipts | Yes |
| Contracts and Agreements | Yes |
| Website and Email Signatures | Yes |
| Marketing Materials | Yes |
| Banks | Yes |
| HMRC | Yes |
| Insurance Providers | Yes |
Notifying Stakeholders and Customers
Communicating the change of company name to stakeholders and customers is vital for maintaining trust and transparency. Key groups to notify include:
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Employees
- Business Partners
- Investors
Consider sending a formal announcement through various channels such as email, company newsletters, and social media platforms. Ensure the communication is clear and includes the reason for the name change, the effective date, and any other pertinent information.
For stakeholders, it may be necessary to schedule meetings or calls to explain the change of company name in more detail. This is particularly important for investors and business partners who may have concerns or questions about the rebranding process.
In addition, updating your company name on all online platforms, including social media accounts, business directories, and professional networks, is crucial for consistency and brand recognition.