Guidance

Incorporation and names

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

Published 1 June 2013
Last updated 26 June 2020 — see all updates

• From: Companies House

Documents

Incorporation and names

HTML

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

HTML

Annex B: Words and expressions which, when used in a company or business name, could imply a connection with a government department, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority

HTML

Annex C: Other regulated words and expressions

HTML

Annex A: CSV file

View online Download CSV 2.64KB

Annex B: CSV file

View online Download CSV 649Bytes

Annex C: CSV file

View online Download CSV 1.74KB

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

If you use your home address as your service address or the company’s registered office, it will be available to the public.

See our guidance on what information we make publicly available.

Published 1 June 2013
Last updated 26 June 2020 + show all updates

1. 26 June 2020

   Removed 'Pharmaceutical' from Annex C.

2. 11 May 2020

   Added 'Senedd Cymru' to Annex A.

3. 6 May 2020

   Added 'Comisiwn y Senedd', 'Welsh Parliament' and 'Senedd Commission' to 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.

4. 23 December 2019

   Removed duplicate sensitive words from Annex B: CSV file

5. 19 September 2019

   Guidance added to set up a CIC online.

6. 16 August 2019

   Guidance on the use of Friendly Society updated.

7. 14 August 2019

   Guidance on use of 'chartered surveyor' updated.

8. 4 June 2019

   Added home address warning and link to guidance on public information.

9. 8 March 2019

   Sensitive words annexes uploaded as CSV files.

10. 9 August 2018

    Amendment to polytechnic and university

11. 25 May 2018

    Amendment to email contact for approval for the sensitive words Accredit / Accreditation / Accredited / Accrediting

12. 8 March 2018

    Text added to guidance about who can incorporate.

13. 1 November 2017

    Annexes A to C updated.

14. 28 April 2017

    Foundation section updated.

15. 3 February 2017

    Welsh HTML added.

16. 12 January 2017

    Annexes A, B and C converted to HTML.

17. 2 December 2016

    English HTML version added. Annexes seperated.

18. 27 July 2016

    Version 6.1 uploaded. Minor amendment to include link to PSC guidance.

19. 30 June 2016

    New version relating to changes brought in by the The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act.

20. 16 March 2016

    Version 5.5

21. 27 March 2015

    Latest version of the guidance uploaded (v5.4)

22. 5 February 2015

    Welsh booklet added to Welsh translation

23. 2 February 2015

    Version 5.2 replaced with Version 5.3

24. 6 January 2015

    Welsh translation added

25. 29 December 2014

    Version 5.2 added

26. 27 November 2014

    Welsh translation added

27. 1 June 2013

    First published.