Choose your business name

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

Sole trader names must not:

  • include ‘limited’, ‘Ltd’, ‘limited liability partnership’, ‘LLP’, ‘public limited company’ or ‘plc’
  • be offensive
  • be too similar to another company’s 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 Check if being a sole trader is right for you

    1. Find out more about becoming a sole trader

  2. Step 2 Choose your business name

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

  3. Step 3 Check what records you need to keep

    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 Register as a sole trader

    1. Check how to register as a sole trader

  5. Step 5 Check if you need to register for VAT

    1. Find out more about when to register for VAT

  6. Step 6 Plan for your tax bill

    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 Get help and support

    1. Sign up for business support emails
    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