Choose your business name

You can trade under your own name, or you can choose another name for your business.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Sole trader names must not:

  • include 鈥榣imited鈥�, 鈥楲td鈥�, 鈥榣imited liability partnership鈥�, 鈥楲LP鈥�, 鈥榩ublic limited company鈥� or 鈥榩lc鈥�
  • be offensive
  • be too similar to another company鈥檚 trademarked name (because you may have to change it if someone makes a complaint)

You must include your name and business name (if you have one) on official paperwork, for example invoices and letters.

Part of Set up as a sole trader: step by step

  1. Step 1

    1. Find out more about becoming a sole trader

  2. Step 2

    1. You are currently viewing: Check the rules for naming your business

  3. Step 3

    When you start trading you must keep records. This will help you work out your profit or loss for your tax return.

    1. Find out what business records you need to keep

  4. Step 4

    1. Check how to register as a sole trader

  5. Step 5

    There may be other taxes and rules you need to know about after you鈥檝e registered as a sole trader.

    1. Check what taxes may apply to you as a sole trader

  6. Step 6

    You may need to pay Income Tax on your profits and may need to pay National Insurance contributions.

    1. Get an estimate of how much you will need to pay
    1. Find out more about Income Tax rates
    1. Find out more about National Insurance rates

  7. Step 7

    1. Join a webinar or watch a video to learn more about your responsibilities
    1. Find out how to choose a tax agent if you want to use one