Quick answer
What makes a good business name for a trade?
A good name is easy to say, spell and remember. It should still fit if you add services or cover a wider area.
Clear and flexible
Smith Heating says what you do, without tying you to one product or town.
Hard to grow with
Hackney Boiler Repairs 24/7 gets awkward if you add bathrooms, stop emergency work or move.
Before you spend a penny on a logo, van or workwear, do the free checks below. That's a practical view, not legal approval: every name still needs checking.
The jargon
The words you'll come across, in plain English.
- Trading name: the name customers know you by, like Smith Heating, if it's different from your own name or your company's registered name.
- Registered name: a limited company's official name at Companies House, like Smith Heating Ltd.
- Trade mark: a name or logo registered with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) so only you can use it for your kind of work.
- Sensitive words: words like "British" or "Chamber of Commerce" that need permission before a company can use them.
- Domain: your website address, like smithheating.co.uk.
Legal and trading names
What's the difference between my legal name and trading name?
As a sole trader, legally the business is you, even if you trade under another name. A limited company has a registered name, and can trade under a different one.
Your paperwork and website must show the legally required details. Never use Ltd unless you're a limited company.
Check it's free
How do I check a business name is free to use?
Checking Companies House alone isn't enough. Do all of these, step by step:
- Search Companies House for the same or similar names.
- Search the UK trade mark register (free on GOV.UK).
- Search Google, Google Maps and local directories for businesses near you.
- Check the website address is available.
- Check the social media names you'd want.
- Say it out loud and ask someone to spell it.
A company name being accepted doesn't give you trade mark rights, and owning a website address doesn't give you rights to the name.
Restricted words
Are there words I can't use in a business name?
Yes. Names can't be offensive, and some words are restricted. Anything that suggests a link to the government or a public body may need approval.
A name too close to another business can lead to disputes. If a new company name is the same as, or too like, one already registered, Companies House can order it to be changed within 12 months of registration. A business that's built up a reputation under a similar name can also complain.
Check before you spend
You search the official registers and the local market before ordering van signs.
Brand first, check later
You pay for a logo, website and workwear, then find a local firm already uses the name.
Website and email
Should my website address match my business name?
Ideally, yes, so check it at the same time. But don't twist your name into something awkward just to get one. Adding your trade or town can help if it makes it clearer.
Read the domain name guide before you buy, and keep it in an account you control.
Final test
Will my business name still work in five years?
- Can customers say and spell it?
- Does it stand out from competitors?
- Does it avoid claims you can't back up?
- Will it still fit if your services or area change?
- Have you checked Companies House, trade marks, the website address and local businesses?
- Can you show your legal details clearly on quotes, invoices and your website?
Sources
Where this guide comes from.
Checked against these official pages on 27/10/2026. Next check due 27/01/2027. Rules and figures can change sooner, so check the official page again before making a tax, legal or money decision, and ask a qualified adviser about your own situation.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Can I use my own name?
Yes, lots of sole traders do. Adding your trade can make it clearer.
Does registering a company protect my brand?
It stops an identical company name being registered, but it's not the same as a trade mark.
Should I put my town in it?
Only if it makes it clearer and won't hold you back later.
Can two businesses have similar names?
It happens, but it can confuse customers or break someone's rights. Get advice if there's a real risk.
Should I buy the website address straight away?
Once your checks are done and you're sure. Don't let a sales countdown rush you.
What if my social media name's taken?
Your business name and website matter more. Pick a clear variation, and keep your name the same everywhere else.
Got a question?
Send us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
We're happy to help, even if it's not about a website.
