Display of company details and changing the name of your company

by | Apr 1, 2023 | General

Display of Company Details

On all company documents and promotional material, you must include;

  •  your company name

On business letters, order forms and websites, you must show:

  • the company’s registered number
  • its Registered Office address
  • where the company is registered (England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland)
  • the fact that it’s a limited company (usually by spelling out the company’s full name including ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’)

Invoices must include;

  • a unique identification number
  • your company name, address and contact information
  • the company name and address of the customer you’re invoicing
  • a clear description of what you’re charging for
  • the date the goods or service were provided (supply date)
  • the date of the invoice
  • the amount(s) being charged
  • VAT amount if applicable
  • the total amount owed

If you’re a sole trader, the invoice must also include your name and any business name being used and an address where any legal documents can be delivered to you if you are using a business name.

Changing your company name

Did you know that Google started as BackRub or that Pepsi was called Brad’s drink!  Many companies change their name and here are some reasons why.

  • Failing to secure a domain name or social media names that match
  • As a result of a copyright or trademark infringement
  • It is not SEO-friendly, it is difficult to find your company or website online
  • Too generic or unmemorable
  • It contains a geographical reference that is obsolete
  • It is often misheard or difficult to spell or pronounce
  • The name has negative associations
  • A change of products, services, target market, or even a change of ownership

How to change your company name.  This will require approval from 75% of the shareholders via a general meeting or by way of a written resolution.  Once approved this needs to be filed at Companies House who will issue a Certificate on Change of Name.

The below needs to be actioned within 14 days;

  • Update all letters / headed paper
  • Amend all notices, advertisements, marketing information and other documents issued by the company
  • Revise all invoices
  • Update Website, logo and domain name
  • Inform all Shareholders, Directors, Employees, customers, and suppliers
  • Inform HMRC, bank(s), accountant/auditors and other advisors
  • Display new name at Registered Office and update your company name on your statutory registers.