How To Change Your UK Company Name in no time

Many businesses in the UK change their company names every year. A company might change its name to reflect a new brand image, such as new ownership, negative media coverage, expansion into new territories, new product or service offerings, and many other reasons.

Step 1: Getting ready to change a company name

You need to complete several tasks before you can complete the formal process of changing the UK  company name.

Carrying out the necessary searches

To ensure that the name you are proposing is not already in use, search Companies House for existing company names.

● It is crucial to search the Trade Marks Register at the Intellectual Property Office to see if the name you choose will be use as a trademark.

● It would help if you considered whether the new company name is suitable for use as a trademark in other countries (e.g. To align with other European countries, Jif, a well-known cleaning product, was change to Cif.

● You can conduct an internet domain search to ensure that your company name isn't in use and that it is still available for purchase.

Check if the new name is restricted.

You should check if the company name you are changing is sensitive or restricted. If your new company name contains the word "Fund", the Financial Conduct Authority would need to be consulted before the change can be approved.

This topic is covered by The Company Limited Liability Partnership and the Business Names Sensitive Was and Expressions Regulations 2014. (SI 2014/3140), and The Company Limited Liability Partnership and the Business Names and Trading Disclosures Regulations 2015. (SI 2015/17).

Companies House handles this process on behalf of the Secretary of State. The formal body that gives an opinion does not need to approve the name, but they can object.

Other preparatory considerations

Before you decide to change a company's name, it is recommended that you follow the steps below:

● Examine your association articles for options other than the special resolution process (section 78, CA2006).

● If unsure, verify that your company is exempt from using "limited" in its title.

Step 2: Getting agreement to change the company name by special resolution

Following the above steps, you can get a formal agreement to name your company by passing a special resolution at an annual board meeting. A written resolution can be use to obtain the approval of company directors to change your company name.

These are the tasks that you'll need to complete:

1. To agree on a company name change, prepare an agenda for the general meeting.

2. It is necessary to prepare a draft notice that includes the meeting date, place, proxy vote rights, the ability of directors to appoint someone to vote for them, and the specific wording of any special resolution. This notice may need to contain a circular that states that shares certificates in the new company's name will not be issued until transfers have been registered. If there is no consensus, a meeting should held within 14 days.

3. All directors should be aske to vote on a special resolution that would change the company's name at the meeting. A simple majority vote usually does this. To pass the special resolution, three-quarters must consent. If the written process is followed, the decision to change the company name must be approved by at least 75% of voting rights.

4. Minutes of meetings should be prepare, circulated and kept for at least 10 years at the registered office.

5. After the meeting, members should be notified of the decision to alter the company's name in writing.

If you follow the written resolution process, you will need to prepare a special resolution requesting the company's name change. This must be sent to the company via email, post or website. It should include details about the voting process and the deadline.

Directors can approve the company name change using this method. They can do this by emailing their electronic signatures, signing a printed copy and returning it, or using a secure voting system via the company's website.

Step 3: Companies House can help you with the name change

After obtaining permission to change the company's name, you must register it with Companies House. You must file the following documents with Companies House within 15 days after the resolution is pass.

1. A copy of the special resolution that the directors approved of the company

2. She completed forms NM01 to change the Company name or NM02 to notify of a conditional alteration of name, depending on which is require.

3. Completed form NM03 Notice confirming satisfaction of the conditional resolution to alter the company's name, if applicable.

4. Change of company name requires payment of PS10. The expedited process costs PS50 if you need it done within 24 hours. For company name changes, electronic registrations are less expensive (PS8 or PS30).

5. Companies House will issue a Certificate on Incorporation for Name Changes once the name change has been officially register. This confirms that the name change has been made.

Using alternative means to change the company name

Suppose you choose to change your company's name using the alternative method described in your articles of association. In that case, you will need to fill out a different Companies House form than the ones mentioned above.

You will need to fill out and submit the form NM04 Notify a Change of Name by the means specified in these articles. The process to change the company name at Companies House is the same as the one described above.

Step 4: You will also need to perform other tasks after the company name change

After completing these steps, you should also consider whether your company stationery needs to be change (e.g., letterhead paper, business cards and envelopes) and your website.

You must do this so that your company complies with the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006) rules for trading disclosure. This includes the display and inspection of your registered name at your registered address and any other location where records held.

Your company must also display its registered name in compliance with The Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Names and Trading Disclosures Regulations 2015. (SI 2015/17).

● Documents and correspondence for business.

● Business notices and other official publications

● Order forms, bills of exchange, promissory note, endorsements and bill-of-exchange.

● Signed cheques or orders for money, goods, or services by the company or its representative.

● Receipts, bills of lading, invoices, and other demands for payment, as well as letters of credit

● Applications for licenses to conduct a trade or other activity.

● Websites

You may need to notify these entities if your company is on the list:

● The Regulatory Information Service.

● You will need to send the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) a copy of your Certificate of Incorporation for Change of Name.

● For AIM companies, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) requires you immediately notify the LSE about any name changes and the formal registration date. If the company were establish in the UK, you would need to send a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation On Change of Name to LSE. This will ensure that you comply with AIM Rule 17.

Final words

Many steps must taken when changing the name of your company. These steps will ensure that the process done in the best interests of your company and legally. Your company name change should go smoothly if you do your due diligence and follow the legal steps. Uniwide's team is available to answer any questions.