how much does it cost to register a business name

[blush09]

i didnt register my makeup business name as i trade under my own name, but i want to start another business and would like to first check that its not already registered (apprears to be no web site in that name so a good sign i guess) and register the name before i ask the web designer to start creating a holding page for me
just wondered how i went about it and the cost, have looked at company houses web site but doesnt appear to be any prices on their site

 

[Ruth Mills]

I think you only need to specifically register a business name if you want to trade as a limited company; I don't think it's necessary if you would be trading as a sole trader or partnership.

 

[blush09]

thanks ruth .. didnt want to seem full of self importance, just didnt want to get into any sort of trouble!

 

[holz_69]

does anybody know how about finding out if a business name is in use or not?

 

[Ruth Mills]

does anybody know how about finding out if a business name is in use or not?

Go to Companies House and use their web chek service to see if a particular company name exists...

 

[holz_69]

so can you go ahead and call your business anything as long as your not a limited company?

 

[Susie H]

so can you go ahead and call your business anything as long as your not a limited company?

As far as I'm aware, yes, just bear in mind that anyone else can use the same name to.
There was a thread on here a few days ago form someone who has been using a name for a year and a salon has opened up 8 miles from her useing a simular name.
So try and make it catchy, something that reflects you and what you do and is un common enough that you're not going to find it in every street.

 

[Ruth Mills]

so can you go ahead and call your business anything as long as your not a limited company?

Within reason... you might find that you try and get sued if you try and call yourself McDonalds or whatever

But that is more about not infringing trademarks and whatnot, I think...