How Trading Names Work for a UK Limited Company
If you’ve ever wondered whether your limited company can trade under a different name, the short answer is yes. Plenty of businesses do it, especially those offering different services or brands under one roof. But there are rules, risks and a few tax-friendly accounting points worth knowing before you launch your next trading name.
What is a trading name?
A trading name is simply a public-facing name your limited company uses instead of its registered Companies House name. For example, “Oakfield Projects Ltd” might trade as “Oakfield Decorating” or “Oakfield Kitchens”. It’s still one company, just different names used for branding.
Do you need to register a trading name?
You don’t register trading names with Companies House or HMRC. But the name must still follow UK rules: no “Ltd”, nothing misleading, nothing implying you’re a government body and nothing that clashes with an existing trade mark.
If you want protection, you’ll need to register the name as a trade mark, otherwise someone else could legally use it or even register it before you.
How to check if your trading name is available
A quick name idea can turn into a headache if it’s already in use. Before printing the business cards, check:
- Companies House name checker (for limited companies)
- The UK trade mark database (to avoid infringement)
- General searches to spot similar businesses already using the name
If it’s taken as a trade mark, choose another name or risk a legal dispute.
Can a limited company have more than one trading name?
Yes. Many companies operate multiple services under different trading names. Construction firms, property businesses and professional services do this often, one company, several brands.
Just remember: every trading name still belongs to the same legal entity.
How does accounting work with multiple trading names?
This is where planning matters. Even with several trading names, your company only files one set of accounts and one tax return.
You don’t need separate Xero or QuickBooks accounts. Instead, set up:
- Tracking categories / classes for each trading name
- Clear invoicing labels so customers know who they’re dealing with
This keeps reporting neat, helps with budgeting, and makes any future HMRC questions easier to handle.
Showing your trading name on paperwork
Legally, your registered company name must appear on:
- Invoices
- Quotes
- Contracts
- Your website
- Email Signature
- Business Cards
You can show the trading name too. A simple format works.
Example:
Dartford Decorating (a trading name of Dartford Building Projects Ltd)
This keeps branding tidy while staying fully compliant.
Risks to watch out for
Trading names aren’t automatically protected. If someone else registers your trading name as a limited company or trade mark, they could force you to stop using it, even if you’ve been using it for years. There’s also the risk of “passing off” if your name looks too similar to someone else’s.
A little checking upfront saves a lot of hassle.
Final thought
Using a trading name is a great way to grow your brand without forming multiple companies. Just keep the legal bits, accounting setup and tax responsibilities in mind.
Call Blue Rocket Accounting to discuss the best structure for your trading name and how to keep everything tax-compliant.
Read more about limited companies
- How Much Tax Should I Set Aside? - Free Tax Percentage Calculator | Blue Rocket
- Food & Drink Expenses for UK Limited Companies. HMRC Rules Explained | Blue Rocket
- Understanding Your Responsibilities as Director of a Limited Company | Blue Rocket
