Choose your business name

Choosing a business name

Choosing a business name is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the success and perception of your brand. Several things should be taken into acount when choosing a business name. There are at least three things to consider: (i) the appeal (ii) the Legal Issues (iii) Domain Availability.

Appeal

1. Relevance: The name should be relevant to your business, reflecting its purpose, products, or services. It should give potential customers an idea of what your business is about.

2. Memorability: A good business name is memorable and easy to recall. It should stand out and be distinctive among competitors, making a lasting impression on customers.

3. Branding Potential: Consider the potential for branding and marketing. The name should have the flexibility to be used across various platforms, including websites, social media, and promotional materials. It should also have the potential for logo design and visual identity development.

4. Uniqueness: It's crucial to choose a name that is unique and not already in use by another business in your industry. Conduct thorough research to ensure the name is not trademarked or copyrighted and does not infringe upon existing brands.

5. Easy to pronounce and spell: A business name that is easy to pronounce and spell can help customers remember and search for your brand more effectively.

6. Emotional Appeal: Consider the emotions and associations that the name evokes. A well-chosen name can create a positive emotional connection with customers and differentiate your business from competitors.

7. Scalable: Think about the future growth and expansion of your business. Choose a name that allows for scalability and doesn't limit your potential in case you decide to expand your offerings or enter new markets.

It’s important to consider your target audience and their preferences. The name should resonate with your target market and be appealing to potential customers.
 

Legal Considerations

For enterprises choosing to register as a company, keep in mind that whether you are starting a new company or converting from a sole proprietor to a limited company, you will need to choose a name before making an application to the General Registry. It is important to ensure that your chosen business name complies with legal requirements and doesn't violate any trademark or copyright laws.  Make sure that your choice of company name is both legally compliant and available to register. 

To avoid disappointment and reduce the risk of your company formation application being rejected by the General Registry, you should keep in mind the following general rules: 

The name of your limited company must not:

• be exactly the same as an existing name at the General Registry
• be too similar to the name of an existing company on the register
• be offensive in nature nor include any words that are likely to constitute an offence
• include any ‘sensitive’ words or expressions that are included in the regulations
• include certain characters, punctuation, signs, or symbols that are prohibited under the regulations

The name of your limited company must end with ‘Limited’ or ‘LTD’ if it is a private company limited by shares or guarantee.

Where the name of the proposed company contains restricted words or phrases prior approval is required from CIMA or the Registrar before an application is submitted for incorporation. 

See the General Registry's website for more information.

For further information, see the Companies Act.

Domain Availability

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential. Check the availability of domain names associated with your business name to ensure you can secure a relevant web address also known as your website address, or URL. Your domain name does not have to be the same as your legal business name. 

Once you register this domain name, it’s yours. No one else can use it for as long as you continue to own it. It’s a good way to protect your brand presence online. Keep in mind that you will need to renew your domain registration on a regular basis.

Ultimately, the ideal business name will reflect your brand identity, resonate with your target audience, and help establish a strong and memorable presence in the market. It's important to take your time, brainstorm ideas, and seek feedback from trusted individuals before making a final decision.