Guidance

Incorporation and names

From:
Companies House
Part of:
Companies House: guidance for limited companies, partnerships and other company types and Starting a company
Published:
1 June 2013
Last updated:
28 April 2017, see all updates

Sets out the main requirements for incorporating a company in the UK.

Documents

Incorporation and names

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Annex A: Sensitive words and expressions specified in regulations that require the prior approval of the Secretary of State to use in a company or business name

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Annex B: Words and expressions that could imply a connection with a government department, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority

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Annex C: Other regulated words and expressions

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Details

This guide includes information and advice about:

  • how to incorporate a limited company
  • the type of company you wish to incorporate
  • the company’s officers
  • choosing a company name including controls and restrictions
  • disclosure of company name and other information

Document information

Published: 1 June 2013

Updated: 28 April 2017

+ full page history

  1. Foundation section updated.
  2. Welsh HTML added.
  3. Annexes A, B and C converted to HTML.
  4. English HTML version added. Annexes seperated.
  5. Version 6.1 uploaded. Minor amendment to include link to PSC guidance.
  6. New version relating to changes brought in by the The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act.
  7. Version 5.5
  8. Latest version of the guidance uploaded (v5.4)
  9. Welsh booklet added to Welsh translation
  10. Version 5.2 replaced with Version 5.3
  11. Welsh translation added
  12. Version 5.2 added
  13. Welsh translation added
  14. First published.

From: Companies House

Part of: Companies House: guidance for limited companies, partnerships and other company types Starting a company