Annex A: Sensitive words and expressions that require prior approval to use in a company or business name
Updated 15 July 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/incorporation-and-names/annex-a-sensitive-words-and-expressions-or-words-that-could-imply-a-connection-with-government
1. Accounts Commission / Accounts Commission for Scotland
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from Audit Scotland.
Audit Scotland
4th Floor
102 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DN
2. Accredit / Accreditation / Accredited / Accrediting
To use this word in your proposed name, you must provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Office for Product Safety and Standards, which is part of the Department for Business and Trade.
To speed up your application, please make sure your email or letter is marked for the attention of the ‘Accreditation Policy Team - Office for Product Safety and Standards’.
Before proceeding please read the additional guidance.
Office for Product Safety and Standards
4th Floor Cannon House
18 The Priory Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6BS
United Kingdom
3. Adjudicator
The use of this word in a company or business name normally implies the organisation has a quasi-judicial role similar to decisions made by a court of law, an administrative tribunal, an arbiter, official ombudsman or government officials.
To support your application, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from a relevant body.
4. Alba / Na h-Alba / Albannach
Use in a name that does not imply a connection with the Scottish Government
Applications under the criteria set out in 1 to 3 below should be sent directly to Companies House.
1. If you wish to use this word at start of your proposed name you will need to demonstrate that the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. You should also provide the views or supporting evidence from an independent source, such as a trade association or other private or public body you work with. The company’s registered office must be in Scotland. This does not apply if this word is used in a business name.
2. If this word is not the first word in the name it will normally be allowed provided the name as a whole does not imply the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field (see point 1). The company’s registered office must be in Scotland. This does not apply to use in a business name.
3. If this word is your surname it will normally be allowed if the proposed name includes forenames or initials.
Government connection
If your proposed name implies a connection with the Scottish Government, please provided a letter or email of non-objection from this body.
The company’s registered office must be in Scotland. In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be in Scotland. Please confirm the address in your application email or letter.
You should only contact the Scottish Government if the name implies a connection with this body.
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
5. Archwilydd Cyffredinol Cymru
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Wales Audit Office.
Archwilydd Cyffredinol Cymru
Swyddfa Archwilio Cymru
24 Heol y Gadeirlan
Caerdydd
CF11 9LJ
Auditor General for Wales
Wales Audit Office
24 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LJ
6. Association
This word is normally included in the name of a company limited by guarantee. A one member one-vote clause and a non-profit distribution clause should be included in the articles of association. The non-profit clause provides that any profits are used to further the objects of the company and not paid to the members as dividends.
In the case of a business name, the articles, constitution or relevant governance document should include similar clauses. Please include a copy of this document with your application.
These requirements do not apply if the company or business is a resident or tenant association.
7. Assurance / Assurer
Use in a company or other registered name
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Use in a business or trading name
If you intend to use this word in a business or trading name which is different to your company name, you will need to provide a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority and send it to [email protected]
Please ensure you include the proposed name in the email subject line. If the name is approved, we will send a response by email.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
8. Audit Commission
The use of this expression, or anything similar, in your proposed name is likely to imply a connection with activities carried out by one or more of the following bodies:
- National Audit Office - [email protected]
- Financial Reporting Council - [email protected]
- Cabinet Office - [email protected]
- Public Sector Audit Appointments - [email protected]
If you decide to proceed with your application, please include a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
9. Auditor General / Audit Office
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
England
National Audit Office
157-197 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SP
Scotland
Audit Scotland
102 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DN
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Audit Office
106 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1EU
Wales
Wales Audit Office
24 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LJ
10. Auditor General for Northern Ireland
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
Northern Ireland Audit Office
106 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1EU
11. Auditor General for Scotland / Audit Scotland
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from Audit Scotland.
Audit Scotland
102 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DN
12. Auditor General for Wales / Audit Wales
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Wales Audit Office.
Auditor General for Wales
Wales Audit Office
24 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LJ
13. Banc / Bank / Banking
Use in a company or other registered name
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Use in a business or trading name
If you intend to use this word in a business or trading name which is different to your company name, you will need to provide a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority and send it to [email protected]
Please ensure you include the proposed name in the email subject line. If the name is approved, we will send a response by email.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
14. Benevolent
Benevolent organisations are normally bodies that provide help and support for individuals and their families.
This word should normally be included in the name of company limited by guarantee. A one-member one-vote clause and a non-profit distribution clause should be included in the articles of association. In the case of a business name, the articles or relevant governance document should include similar clauses. Please include a copy of this document with your application.
15. Breatainn / Breatannach
(Including mutated forms)
1. If your proposed name does not imply a connection with a government department or body, and you wish to use this word at the start of your proposed name you will need to demonstrate that the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. You should also provide the views or supporting evidence from an independent source, such as a trade association or other private or public body you work with.
In the case of a business name, please provide this information with your application email or letter.
2. If this word is not the first word in the name it will normally be allowed provided the name as a whole does not imply the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field (see point 1).
3. If this word is your surname it will normally be allowed if the proposed name includes a forename or initials.
Government connection
If your proposed name implies a connection with a government department, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
16. Brenin / Brenhines / Frenin / Frenhines
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Government.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any royal or government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
17. Brenhinol / Brenhiniaeth / Frenhinol / Frenhiniaeth
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Government.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any royal or government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
18. Britain / British
1. If your proposed name does not imply a connection with a government department or body, and you wish to use any of these words at the start of your proposed name, or ‘of Britain’, or ‘of Great Britain’ anywhere in the name, you will need to demonstrate that the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. You should also provide the views or supporting evidence from an independent source, such as a trade association or other private or public body you work with.
In the case of a business name, please provide this information with your application email or letter.
2. If this word is not the first word in the name it will normally be allowed provided the name as a whole does not imply the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field (see point 1).
3. If this word is your surname it will normally be allowed if the proposed name includes a forename or initials.
Government connection
If your proposed name implies a connection with a government department, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
19. Chamber of Commerce
The use of ‘Chamber of Commerce’ in your proposed name could imply a connection with the British, Northern Ireland or Scottish Chambers of Commerce. To support your application, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
England and Wales
British Chambers of Commerce
65 Petty France
London
SW1H 9EU
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
40 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BA
Scotland
Scottish Chambers of Commerce
199 Cathedral Street
Glasgow
G4 0QU
20. Charitable / Charity / Charities
New incorporation or business name
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant charity regulator.
England and Wales
Head of Registration
Charity Commission
PO Box 211
Bootle
L20 7YX
Scotland
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator
2nd Floor Quadrant House
9 Riverside Drive
Dundee
DD1 4NY
Northern Ireland
Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
257 Lough Road
Lurgan
BT66 6NQ
Change of name
If you are an existing registered charity and your current and/or proposed new name includes one of these words, then your application should include a copy of the company’s letterhead (or alternative evidence) bearing the registered charity number. Subject to our normal examination checks, we will register or approve the name.
If you are a Northern Ireland company not registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) and included in the HMRC ‘deemed list’, please provide evidence of the company’s tax-exempt status, or contact CCNI.
21. Charter
You can use this word in your proposed name provided it doesn’t imply it has a royal charter. If the organisation does have a royal charter then you will need to provide appropriate evidence of its royal charter status.
22. Chartered
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter from your professional body confirming you are authorised to use this title.
If the use of this word is intended to represent the name of a professional body, you must provide evidence of its royal charter status. If you’re already using this word in the name of an existing body, you cannot automatically use it in the name of another body.
These requirements do not apply to expressions such as ‘Chartered Flights’ or ‘Chartered Travel’.
23. Chartered Accountant
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of authorisation from your professional body.
England and Wales
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Chartered Accountants’ Hall
Moorgate Place
London
EC2R 6EA
Northern Ireland
Chartered Accountants Ireland
The Linenhall
32-38 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BG
Scotland
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
CA House
21 Haymarket Yards
Edinburgh
EH12 5BH
24. Chartered Certified Accountant
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of authorisation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
110 Queen Street
Glasgow
G1 3BX
25. Chartered Management Accountant
You cannot use this expression in a company or LLP name. If you are a sole trader or general partnership intending to use this expression in a business name, please provide a letter or email of authorisation from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
The Helicon
One South Place
London
EC2M 2RB
26. Chartered Secretary
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of authorisation from the Chartered Governance Institute.
Chartered Governance Institute
Saffron House
6-10 Kirby Street
London
EC1N 8TS
27. Chartered Surveyor
Use in a company name
As stated in RICS’ logo and designation rules, you cannot use the title ‘Chartered Surveyor’ in a company name.
Use in a business name
To use this title in a business name, for example, the trading name of a sole practitioner or the trading name of a company, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the RICS.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
12 Great George Street
London
SW1P 3AD
28. Child Maintenance / Child Support
The use of these expressions in a proposed name could imply a connection with services provided by the Department for Work and Pensions or Northern Ireland Child Maintenance Services. To support your application, please include a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
England, Wales and Scotland
Northern Ireland
29. Comhairle / Chomhairle / Comhairlean / Chomhairlean
To use this word in your proposed name, the organisation should normally be a local authority, an independent advisory body, a deliberative assembly, or a governing, supervisory or representative body of an activity, trade, business or profession.
Your application should include evidence to show that the organisation will be what it claims, and that it has the support of those it intends to govern, supervise, or look to it for expertise. You should also provide a letter or email of non-objection from a government body, a local authority or a relevant body.
30. Coimisean / Coimisein / Choimisean / Chomisein
To use this word in your proposed name, the organisation should normally be an independent advisory body, a deliberative assembly, or a governing, supervisory or representative body of an activity, trade, business or profession.
Your application should include evidence to show that the company will be what it claims, and that it has the support of those it intends to govern, supervise, or look to it for expertise. You should also provide a letter or email of non-objection from a government body or a relevant body.
31. Comisiwn / Chomisiwn / Gomisiwn
To use this word in your proposed name, the organisation should normally be an independent advisory body, a deliberative assembly, or a governing, supervisory or representative body of an activity, trade, business or profession.
Your application should include evidence to show that the organisation will be what it claims, and that it has the support of those it intends to govern, supervise, or look to it for expertise. You should also provide a letter or email of non-objection from a government body or a relevant body.
32. Comisiwn y Senedd / Comisiwn Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Parliament.
Clerc y Senedd
Senedd Cymru
Bae Caerdydd
CF99 1SN
Clerk of the Senedd
Welsh Parliament
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1SN
33. Commission
To use this word in your proposed name, the organisation should normally be an independent advisory body, a deliberative assembly; or a governing, supervisory or representative body of an activity, trade, business or profession.
Your application should include evidence to show that the organisation will be what it claims, and that it has the support of those it intends to govern, supervise, or look to it for expertise. You should also provide a letter or email of non-objection from a government body or a relevant body.
34. Comptroller and Auditor General
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the National Audit Office.
National Audit Office
157-197 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SP
35. Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
Northern Ireland Audit Office
106 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1EU
36. Co-operative
To use ‘Co-operative’ in a company or business name, you will need to meet the following conditions:
- it should be owned and controlled by its members, customers or employees
- membership should be voluntary and open i.e. it should not be artificially restricted in order to increase the value of the business or its assets
- members’ should participate in the economic activity of the business
- profits should be distributed equally amongst the members’ or at least in proportion to the extent each member has participated in the business
- these principles should be included in the company’s articles of association or in the rules/constitution of an unincorporated business
- any application to use this word in a business name should include a copy of the rules or constitution document
37. Co-operative Society
This expression can only be included in the name of a society registered under the Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 or the Credit Unions and Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
For further information, please contact the Financial Conduct Authority:
Financial Conduct Authority
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HS
38. Council
To use this word in your proposed name, the organisation should normally be a local authority, an independent advisory body, a deliberative assembly, or a governing, supervisory or representative body of an activity, trade, business or profession.
Your application should include evidence to show that the organisation will be what it claims and that it has the support of those it intends to govern, supervise, or look to it for expertise. You’ll also need to obtain a letter or email of non-objection from a government body or a relevant body.
39. Cymru / Cymraeg / Cymreig
(Including mutated forms)
Use in a name that does not imply a connection with the Welsh Government
Applications under the criteria set out in 1 to 3 below should be sent directly to Companies House.
1. If you wish to use this word or expression at the start of your proposed name, or ‘o Gymru’ anywhere in the name, you will need to demonstrate that the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. You should also provide the views or supporting evidence from an independent source, such as a trade association or other private or public body you work with. The company’s registered office must be in Wales. This does not apply to use in a business name.
2. If this word is not the first word in the name it will normally be allowed provided the name as a whole does not imply the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field (see point 1). The company’s registered office must be in Wales. This does not apply to use in a business name.
3. If this word is your surname it will normally be allowed if the proposed name includes forenames or initials. This requirement does not apply to use in a business name.
Government connection
If your proposed name implies a connection with the Welsh Government, you will need to provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below. The company’s registered office must be in Wales. In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be in Wales. Please confirm the address with your application email or letter.
You should only contact the Welsh Government if the name implies a connection with this body.
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
40. Cyngor / Chyngor / Gyngor
To use this word in your proposed name, the organisation should normally be a local authority, an independent advisory body, a deliberative assembly, or a governing, supervisory or representative body of an activity, trade, business or profession.
Please include evidence to show that the organisation will be what it claims, and that it has the support of those it intends to govern, supervise, or look to it for expertise.
41. Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below.
Clerc y Senedd
Senedd Cymru
Bae Caerdydd
Caerdydd
CF99 1NA
Clerk of the Senedd
Senedd Wales
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1NA
42. Dental / Dentistry
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the General Dental Council.
General Dental Council
Registration Development
37 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8DQ
43. Diùc / Dhiùc / Ban-diùc / Bhan-Dhiùc / Diùcan / Dhiùcan / Ban-Diùcan / Bhan-Dhiùcan
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Scottish Government:
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any royal or government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
44. Dug / Duges / Ddug / Dduges
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Government.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any royal or government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
45. Duke / Duchess
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any royal or government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
England and Northern Ireland
Cabinet Office
Constitutional Policy Team
4th Floor (Orange Zone)
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Wales
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
Scotland
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
46. Ei Fawrhydi / Ei Mawrhydi
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Government.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any royal or government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
47. England / of England / English
Use in a name that does not imply a connection with a UK government body
Applications made under the criteria set out in 1 to 3 below should be sent directly to Companies House.
1. If you wish to use this word at the start of your proposed name or ‘of England’ anywhere in the name, you will need to demonstrate that the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. You should also provide the views or supporting evidence from an independent source, such as a trade association or other private or public body you work with. The company’s registered office must be in England.
In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be in England. Please confirm the address in your application email or letter.
2. If this word is not the first word in the name it will normally be allowed provided the name as a whole does not imply the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field (see point 1). The company’s registered office must be in England.
3. If this word is your surname, it will normally be approved provided the proposed name includes forenames or initials.
Government connection
If your proposed name implies a connection with a UK government department or body, you will need to provide a letter or email of non-objection from that body and include a copy when you send your application to Companies House. The company’s registered office must be in England.
In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be in England. Please confirm the address in your application email or letter.
You should only contact a UK government department or body if the name implies a connection with that body.
48. Federation
A federation should be a body established to support its members who operate in a specific business sector. To use this word in your proposed name, the company should normally be limited by guarantee. A one-member one-vote clause and a non-profit distribution clause should be included in the articles of association. The non-profit clause provides that any profits are used to further the objects of the company and not paid to the members as dividends.
To use this word in a business name, the articles, constitution or relevant governance document should include similar provisions. Please include a copy of this document with your application.
49. Financial Conduct Authority
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
50. Financial Reporting Council
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Reporting Council.
Financial Reporting Council
8th Floor
125 London Wall
London
EC2Y 5AS
51. Foundation
To use this word in your proposed name, the company should normally be limited by guarantee. It should have a pool of money, or a regular source of income to promote its objects. You will need to confirm this when you submit your application.
A non-profit distribution clause should be included in the articles of association. The non-profit clause provides that any profits are used to further the objects of the company and not paid to the members as dividends.
In the case of a business name, the articles or relevant governance document should include similar clauses and you should provide a copy when you submit your application.
52. Friendly Society
The expression ‘Friendly Society’ can only be used in the name of a body incorporated under the Friendly Societies Acts 1974 and 1992. For further information, please contact the body shown below.
Email: [email protected]
Financial Conduct Authority 12 Endeavour Square London E20 1JN
53. Fund
Use in a company or other registered name
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Use in a business or trading name
If you intend to use this word in a business or trading name which is different to your company name, you will need to provide a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority and send it to [email protected]
Please ensure you include the proposed name in the email subject line. If the name is approved, we will send a response by email.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
54. Government
If your proposed name implies a connection with a UK government department or a devolved administration, you must provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
A full list of Departments, agencies and public bodies can be found on the GOV.UK website.
55. The Governor and Company of the Bank of England
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Bank of England.
Bank of England
Threadneedle Street
London
EC2R 8AH
56. Gwasanaeth iechyd / Wasanaeth iechyd
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Government.
Welsh Government
Department of Health & Social Services
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
57. Health and Safety Executive
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body. Please note, that in general the expression “Health and Safety” is not restricted unless a proposed name implies a connection with the relevant body.
England, Wales and Scotland
Health and Safety Executive
Redgrave Court
Merton Road
Bootle
L20 7HS
Northern Ireland
Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland
83 Ladas Drive
Belfast
BT6 9FR
58. Health and Social Care Board
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Health and Social Care Board.
Chief Executive
Health and Social Care Board
Headquarters
12-22 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BS
59. Health centre / Health service
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
England
Contact form: General enquiries
Public Enquiries Unit
Department of Health and Social Care
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2NS
Northern Ireland
Department of Health
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3SQ
Scotland
Scottish Government
Health & Social Care Directorate
St Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
Wales
Welsh Government
Department of Health & Social Services
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
60. Health visitor
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Nursing & Midwifery Council.
Office of the Chair and Chief Executive
Nursing & Midwifery Council
23 Portland Place
London
W1B 1PZ
61. His Majesty / Her Majesty
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reason(s) you wish to use this expression
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub or restaurant, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- any other relevant information
England and Northern Ireland
Cabinet Office
Constitutional Policy Team
4th Floor (Orange Zone)
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Wales
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
Scotland
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
62. House of Commons / House of Lords
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the bodies shown below.
The Corporate Officer of the House of Commons
Houses of Parliament
London
SW1A 0AA
The Corporate Officer of the House of Lords
Houses of Parliament
London
SW1A 0AA
63. HPSS / HSC
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below.
Department of Health
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3SQ
64. Inspectorate
The use of this word in a proposed name could imply the company or business has a quasi-judicial role similar to decisions made by a court of law, an administrative tribunal or government officials.
To support your application, please include a letter or email of non-objection from a relevant body.
65. Institute / Institution
Approval to use this word is normally only given to fully functioning established organisations that are already functioning as an institute or institution, but operate under a different name. The range of activities may vary, but these organisations are those that typically undertake research at the highest level, or are professional bodies of the highest standing.
The factors we consider include:
- whether there is a good reason for establishing the body
- whether the activities are regulated or unregulated
- whether the organisation already exists in some form
- the nature of any work it provides for other organisations
- the relevance and nature of support from existing organisations
- whether the body offers training leading to its own qualifications
- whether the body provides training or activities that support qualifications provided by other bodies such as universities or colleges
- whether the body’s activities are supported by or associated with activities undertaken by a government body, an independent organisation established in the field or a funding organisation
To support your application, please obtain the views of one or more relevant bodies and include a copy of their response with your application. All applications are considered on their merits. But, if you aren’t an established body, you may wish to consider the option to register under a different name and re-apply later.
66. Insurance / Insurer
Use in a company or other registered name
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Use in a business or trading name
If you intend to use this word in a business or trading name which is different to your company name, you will need to provide a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority and send it to [email protected]
Please ensure you include the proposed name in the email subject line. If the name is approved, we will send a response by email.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
67. Judicial appointment
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Ministry of Justice.
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9A
68. King
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reason(s) you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or Government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
England and Northern Ireland
Cabinet Office
Constitutional Policy Team
4th Floor (Orange Zone)
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Wales
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
Scotland
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
69. Law Commission
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Law Commission.
1st Floor, Tower
52 Queen Anne’s Gate
London
SW1H 9AG
70. Licensing
You can use this word in your proposed name provided it does not imply a connection with a Licensing Authority specified in the Licensing Act 2003, or any other relevant legislation.
71. Llywodraeth / Lywodraeth
If your proposed name implies a connection with the Welsh government or a UK government department, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below:
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
72. Medical centre
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below.
Department of Health
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3SQ
73. Midwife / Midwifery
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Nursing & Midwifery Council:
Office of the Chair and Chief Executive
Nursing & Midwifery Council
23 Portland Place
London
W1B 1PZ
74. Mòrachd / Mhòrachd
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Scottish Government.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reason(s) you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any royal or government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
75. Mutual
Use in a company or other registered name
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Use in a business or trading name
If you intend to use this word in a business or trading name which is different to your company name, you will need to provide a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority and send it to [email protected]
Please ensure you include the proposed name in the email subject line. If the name is approved, we will send a response by email.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
76. National Assembly for Wales / National Assembly of Wales Commission
To use ‘National Assembly for Wales’, ‘National Assembly for Wales Commission’ or anything similar in your proposed name you must provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below.
Clerk of the Senedd
Welsh Parliament
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1SN
77. National Audit Office
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the National Audit Office.
National Audit Office
157-197 Buckingham Palace Road
London 2’
SW1W 9SP
78. NHS
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Department of Health & Social Care.
Contact Form: General enquiries
Ministerial Correspondence and Public Enquiries
Department of Health and Social Care
39 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0EU
79. Northern Ireland / Northern Irish
Use in a name that does not imply a connection with the Northern Ireland Assembly
Applications under the criteria set out below should be sent directly to Companies House.
1. If you wish to use this word at the start of your proposed name or ‘of Northern Ireland’ anywhere in the name, you will need to demonstrate that the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. You should also provide the views or supporting evidence from an independent source, such as a trade association or other private or public body you work with. The company’s registered office must be in Northern Ireland.
In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be in Northern Ireland. Please confirm the address with your application email or letter.
2. If this expression is not the first word in your proposed name it will normally be allowed provided the name as a whole does not imply the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field (please see point 1 above). The company’s registered office must be in Northern Ireland.
In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be in Northern Ireland. Please confirm the address with your application email or letter.
Government connection
If your proposed name implies a connection with the Northern Ireland Assembly, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from this body.
The company’s registered office must be in Northern Ireland. In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be in Northern Ireland. Please confirm the address with your application email or letter.
You should only contact the Northern Ireland Assembly if the name implies a connection with this body.
Northern Ireland Assembly
Parliament Buildings
Ballymiscaw
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX
80. Northern Ireland Assembly / Northern Ireland Assembly Commission / Northern Ireland Executive
To use any of these expressions or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Northern Ireland Assembly
Parliament Buildings
Ballymiscaw
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX
81. Northern Ireland Audit Office
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
Northern Ireland Audit Office
106 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1EU
82. Nurse / Nursing
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Nursing & Midwifery Council.
Office of the Chair and Chief Executive
Nursing & Midwifery Council
23 Portland Place
London
W1B 1PZ
83. Office for Nuclear Regulation
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Office for Nuclear Regulation.
Office for Nuclear Regulation
Building 4, Redgrave Court
Merton Road
Bootle
L20 7HS
84. Oifis sgrùdaidh
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from Audit Scotland.
Audit Scotland
110 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4LH
85. Oilthigh / T-Oilthigh / Oilthighean / H-Oilthighean
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Scottish Government.
Scottish Government
Advanced Learning and Science Directorate
5 Atlantic Quay
150 Broomielaw
Glasgow
G2 8LG
86. Ombudsman / Ombwdsmon
To use this word in your proposed name the company or business should be:
- A statutory organisation appointed by government authorised to investigate complaints, generally on behalf of individuals such as consumers or taxpayers, against private or public institutions. These organisations may request relevant information from parties in relation to a dispute; or
- A non-statutory body which:
- is certified as a provider of alternate dispute resolution by Trading Standards Institute or other competent authority set out in the Consumer Protection, Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015
- is an ombudsman level member of the British Ombudsman Association
- has a proven track record in dispute resolution in respect of the activity that forms the basis of your application. We would normally expect a track record of at least 12 months.
To support the application, please provide:
- evidence of certification by the relevant Competent Authority
- a copy of a letter or email from the Ombudsman Association (or other evidence) confirming your ombudsman level membership
- evidence of providing dispute resolution for consumers in the sector you wish to operate in, including membership numbers, member names and examples of case studies relating to dispute resolution
If you don’t meet all of these requirements, you may wish to register under a different name and reapply at a later date.
87. Parlamaid / Pharlamaid / Parlamaidean
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below.
The Secretary
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
88. Parliament / Parliamentarian / Parliamentary
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the bodies shown below.
The Corporate Officer of the House of Commons
Houses of Parliament
London
SW1A 0AA
The Corporate Officer of the House of Lords
Houses of Parliament
London
SW1A 0AA
89. Patent / Patentee
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Intellectual Property Office.
Intellectual Property Office
PDTMD Legal Section
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
NP10 8QQ
90. Pensions Advisory Service
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Department for Work and Pensions.
The Pensions Service
120 Holborn
London
EC1N 2TD
91. Police
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body:
England and Wales
Home Office
Fry Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Northern Ireland
Department of Justice
Block B
Castle Buildings
Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SG
Scotland
Scottish Government
Police Division
St Andrews House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
92. Polytechnic
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the Department for Education.
Department for Education
Higher and Further Education Group
Ground Floor
Sanctuary Buildings
20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
93. Post Office
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Post Office.
Post Office Limited
Finsbury Dials
20 Finsbury Street
London
EC2Y 9AQ
94. Prifysgol / Phrifysgol / Brifysgol
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Government.
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Higher Education Governance
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
95. Prince / Princess
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or Government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
England and Northern Ireland
Cabinet Office
Constitutional Policy Team
4th Floor (Orange Zone)
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Wales
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
Scotland
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
96. Prionnsa / Phrionnsa / Bana-phrionnsa / Prionnsaichean / Phrionnsaichean / Bana-Prionnsaichean / Bhana-Phrionnsaichean
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Scottish Government.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or Government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
97. Prudential Regulation Authority
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
98. Prydain / Prydeinig
(Including mutated forms)
1. If your proposed name does not imply a connection with a government department or body, and you wish to use this word at the start of your proposed name, or ‘o Prydain’ or ‘o Prydain Mawr’ anywhere in your name, you will need to demonstrate that the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. You should also provide the views or supporting evidence from an independent source, such as a trade association or other private or public body you work with.
In the case of a business name, please provide this information with your application email or letter.
2. If this word is not the first word in the name it will normally be allowed provided the name as a whole does not imply the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field (see point 1).
3. If this word is your surname it will normally be allowed if the proposed name includes a forename or initials.
4. If your proposed name implies a connection with a government department, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
99. Public Health Agency
To use this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Public Health Agency.
HSC Public Health Agency
Linenhall Street Unit
12-22 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BS
100. Queen
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or Government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
England and Northern Ireland
Cabinet Office
Constitutional Policy Team
4th Floor (Orange Zone)
1 Horse Guards Road
London SW1A 2HQ
Wales
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
Scotland
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
101. Reassurance / Reassurer
Use in a company or other registered name
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Use in a business or trading name
If you intend to use this word in a business or trading name which is different to your company name, you will need to provide a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority and send it to [email protected]
Please ensure you include the proposed name in the email subject line. If the name is approved, we will send a response by email.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
102. Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Wellbeing
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the HSC Public Health Agency.
HSC Public Health Agency
Linenhall Street Unit
12-22 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BS
103. Regional Health and Social Care Board
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Health and Social Care Board.
The Chief Executive
Health and Social Care Board
Headquarters
12-22 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BS
104. Registrar
To use this word in your proposed name, the organisation should normally be one that has a regulatory role such as a governing, supervisory or representative body of an activity, trade, business or profession.
Your application should include evidence to show that the company will be what it claims, and that it has the support of those it intends to govern or supervise. Please provide a letter or email of non-objection from a government body or a relevant body.
105. Regulator
To use this word in your proposed name, the organisation should normally be one that has a regulatory role such as a governing, supervisory or representative body of an activity, trade, business or profession.
Your application should include evidence to show that the company will be what it claims, and that it has the support of those it intends to govern or supervise. Please include a letter or email of non-objection from a government body or a relevant body.
106. Reinsurance / Reinsurer
Use in a company
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Use in a business or trading name
If you intend to use this word in a business or trading name which is different to your company name, you will need to provide a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority and send it to [email protected]
Please ensure you include the proposed name in the email subject line. If the name is approved, we will send a response by email.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
107. Riaghaltas / Riaghaltais / Riaghaltasan
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below.
The Secretary
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
108. Rìgh / Banrigh / Bhanrigh / Bhanrighrean / Banrighrean
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Scottish Government.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or Government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
109. Rìoghachd Aonaichte
You can include this expression in a proposed name if it does not imply a connection with a devolved administration, a government department or a local or public authority.
110. Rìoghail / Rìoghalachd
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Scottish Government.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or Government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
111. Royal / Royalty
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or Government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
England and Northern Ireland
Cabinet Office
Constitutional Policy Team
4th Floor (Orange Zone)
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Wales
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
Scotland
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
112. Scotland / Scottish
Use in a name that does not imply a connection with the Scottish Government
Applications under the criteria set out in 1 to 3 below should be sent directly to Companies House.
1. If you wish to use this word at the start of your proposed name, or ‘of Scotland’ anywhere in the name, you will need to demonstrate that the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. You should also provide the views or supporting evidence from an independent source, such as a trade association or other private or public body you work with. The company’s registered office must be in Scotland.
In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be Scotland. Please confirm the address in your application email or letter.
2. If this word is not the first word in your proposed name it will normally be allowed provided the name as a whole does not imply the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field (see point 1). The company’s registered office must be in Scotland.
In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be Scotland. Please confirm the address in your application email or letter.
3. If this word is your surname it will normally be allowed if the proposed name includes forenames or initials.
Government connection
If your proposed name implies a connection with the Scottish Government, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body. The company’s registered office must be in Scotland.
In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be in Scotland. Please confirm the address in your application email or letter.
You should only contact the Scottish Government if the name implies a connection with this body.
The Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
113. Scottish Law Commission
To use this this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Scottish Law Commission.
Scottish Law Commission
Parliament House
11 Parliament Square
Edinburgh
EH1 1RQ
114. Scottish Parliament / Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
To use this this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below.
The Secretary
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
115. Senedd / Senedd Cymru
To use this this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Parliament.
Clerc y Senedd
Senedd Cymru
Bae Caerdydd
Caerdydd
CF99 1SN
Clerk of the Senedd
Welsh Parliament
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1SN
116. Sheffield
To use this this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Company of Cutlers.
Company of Cutlers
Franks & Co
15 Jessops Riverside
Brightside Lane
Sheffield
S9 2RX
117. Siambr Fasnach / Siambrau Masnach
To use ‘Siambr Fasnach’ (including its plural forms) in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the body shown below.
British Chambers of Commerce
65 Petty France
London
SW1H 9EU
118. Social Service
The use of this expression in a proposed name could imply a connection with bodies that provide private and publicly funded social care, with access rights to sensitive personal information. To use this expression, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from a local authority or other relevant body.
119. Society
This word is normally included in the name of a company limited by guarantee. The articles of association should include a one-member one-vote clause and a non-profit distribution clause. The non-profit clause provides that any profits are used to further the objects of the company and not paid to the members as dividends.
In the case of a business name, the articles or relevant governance document should include similar clauses. Please include a copy of this document with your application.
120. Special School
To use this this expression in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
England
Department for Education
Ground Floor
Sanctuary Buildings
20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
Northern Ireland
Department of Education
Special Educational Team
Balloo Road
Bangor
BT19 7PR
Scotland
Education Scotland
Denholm House
Almondvale Business Park
Almondvale Way
Livingston
EH54 6GA
Wales
Welsh Government
Additional Learning Needs
Education Directorate
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
121. Standards
You can use this word in your proposed name provided its use does not imply the organisation is an established national standard setting body for an activity, trade, business or profession. If it does, your application should include evidence of its status as this type of body, including, if appropriate support from a government or other relevant body.
122. Stock exchange
The use of this expression normally implies a connection with the London Stock Exchange and will not be approved in a company or business name unless there are special circumstances.
123. Swyddfa Archwilio Cymru
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Wales Audit Office.
Auditor General for Wales
Wales Audit Office
24 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LJ
Archwilydd Cyffredinol Cymru
Swyddfa Archwilio Cymru
24 Heol y Gadeirlan
Caerdydd
CF11 9LJ
124. Teyrnas Gyfunol / Teyrnas Unedig / Theyrnas Unedig / Deyrnas Gyfunol / Deyrnas Unedig / Theyrnas Gyfunol
You can use this expression if your proposed name does not imply a connection with a government department, devolved administration, or a local or public authority.
125. Trade Union
The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 prohibits a trade union from being registered as a company. This expression is also specified as sensitive in Companies Act 2006 regulations.
126. Tribunal
To use this word in your proposed name, the organisation should normally be one that has a quasi-judicial role similar to decisions made by an administrative tribunal or other institution with the authority to judge, adjudicate on, or determine claims or disputes.
To support your application, please provide evidence of the organisation’s status and if appropriate, a letter or email of non-objection from a relevant body.
If your proposed name implies a connection with HM Courts and Tribunal Service, (shown below), you will need to obtain a letter or email from the Ministry of Justice.
Contact Form: General enquiries
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
| HM Courts and Tribunal Services | HM Courts and Tribunal Services |
|---|---|
| Employment Appeal Tribunal | First Tier Tribunal War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation |
| First Tier Tribunal Asylum Support | Gangmaster Licensing Appeals Tribunal |
| First Tier Tribunal Care Standards | Gender Recognition Panel |
| First Tier Tribunal Criminal Injuries Compensation | General Regulatory Chamber |
| First Tier Tribunal General Regulatory Chamber / General Regulatory Chamber | Primary Health List Tribunal |
| First Tier Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber / Immigration and Asylum Chamber | Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunal |
| First Tier Tribunal Mental Health | Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber / Administrative Appeals Chamber |
| First Tier Tribunal Property Chamber | Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber / Immigration and Asylum Chamber |
| First Tier Tribunal Social Security and Child Support | Upper Tribunal Lands Chamber |
| First Tier Tribunal Special Educational Needs and Disability | Upper Tribunal Tax and Chancery Chamber / Tax and Chancery Chamber |
| First Tier Tribunal Tax Chamber |
127. Trust
Approval to use Trust in your proposed name depends on the type of trust you wish to establish.
Depending on the type of trust you’re setting up, the objects of the company should normally be included in the articles of association, or in a covering letter. To use this word in a business name, please provide a copy of the relevant governance document and, if necessary, any additional information to support your application.
Charitable Trust
If the company intends to carry on business as a charitable trust, it should normally be limited by guarantee, and its articles of association should include charitable objects and a non-profit distribution clause. These requirements also apply to unincorporated bodies, whose application should include a copy of the articles or governance document.
Family Trust
Family trusts are normally set up by a family member to hold funds in trust for young children, or to protect their assets, for example, a family home, where a family member will become the beneficiary.
The company should normally be limited by guarantee, and the objects/purpose of the company included in its articles of association.
Investment Trust
An Investment Trust should normally be a public company that trades its shares on the London Stock Exchange. The objects of the company should be in the articles of association.
If you intend to adopt model articles, the objects of the company should be included in amended articles or in a letter/email. If you don’t intend to register as a public limited company, you should explain the reasons for using ‘Investment Trust’ or ‘Trust’ in your proposed name.
Pension Trust
A pension trust is normally a contributory fund, whereby trustees hold the assets of the pension scheme in order to pay pension benefits on behalf of its members and their dependents.
The objects of the company should be included in the articles of association. If you intend to adopt model articles, the objects of the company should be included in amended articles, or in a letter or email.
School Trust
School Trusts are normally independent from Local Authority control and are run by an elected governing body such as a Trust.
The company should normally be limited by guarantee and the objects of the Trust should be included in the articles of association. If you intend to adopt model articles, the objects should be included in amended articles or in a letter or email.
Trust company
A Trust company is a company set up to act as a trustee, fiduciary or agent on behalf of another person or business. Its activities may include wealth management, bill payments and brokerage services.
To use ‘Trust Company’ or ‘Trust’ in your proposed name, the purpose of the company or business should be included in the articles of association, or in a covering letter.
Trust corporation
A Trust corporation is a body which undertakes the administration of trusts and estates as defined in section 68 (18) of the Trustee Act 1925 or one that has the power to act as court of protection deputy and attorney under section 4 (3) of the Public Trustee Act 1906.
To use ‘Trust Corporation’ or ‘Trust’ in your proposed name, the objects/purpose of the company or business should be included in the articles of association, or in a covering letter or email.
Unit Trust
Unit Trusts are regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority under their Collective Investment Scheme rules. If you intend to operate as a Unit Trust, and your proposed name includes ‘Unit Trust’ or ‘Trust’, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the FCA.
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
128. Tywysog / Tywysoges / Dywysog / Dywysoges / Thywysog / Thywysoges
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Government.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reason(s) you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or Government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
129. Underwrite / Underwriting
Use in a company or other registered name
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Use in a business or trading name
If you intend to use this word in a business or trading name which is different to your company name, you will need to provide a copy of a letter or email of non-objection from the Financial Conduct Authority and send it to [email protected]
Please ensure you include the proposed name in the email subject line. If the name is approved, we will send a response by email.
Sensitive Business Names Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
130. University
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
Use in registered name
Where the situation of the registered office of the proposed company will be in:
England and Wales
Department for Education
Higher and Further Education Group
Ground Floor
Sanctuary Buildings
20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
Northern Ireland
Department of Education
Balloo Road
Bangor
BT19 7PR
Scotland
Scottish Government
Advanced Learning and Science Directorate
5 Atlantic Quay
150 Broomielaw
Glasgow
G2 8LG
Wales (a Welsh company as specified in s88 Companies Act 2006)
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
Use in business name
If you wish to use this word in a business name, then the relevant contact body will depend on the location of the principal place of business. For example, if this is in Wales you must contact the Welsh Government.
131. Wales / Welsh
Use in a name that does not imply a connection with the Welsh Government
Applications under the criteria set out in 1 to 3 below should be sent directly to Companies House.
1. If you wish to use this word at the start of your proposed name or ‘of Wales’ anywhere in the name, you will need to demonstrate that the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. You should also provide the views or supporting evidence from an independent source, such as a trade association or other private or public body you work with. The company’s registered office must be in Wales.
In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be Wales. Please confirm the address in your application email or letter.
2. If this word is not the first word in your proposed name it will normally be allowed unless the name as a whole implies the company is pre-eminent or very substantial in its field. The company’s registered office must be in Wales.
In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be Wales. Please confirm the address in your application email or letter.
3. If this word is your surname it will normally be allowed if the proposed name includes forenames or initials.
Government connection
If your proposed name implies a connection with the Welsh Government, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
The company’s registered office must be in Wales. In the case of a business name, the principal place of business must be in Wales. Please confirm the address in your application email or letter.
You should only contact the Welsh Government if the name implies a connection with this body.
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
132. Wales Audit Office
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Wales Audit Office.
Wales Audit Office
24 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LJ
133. Welsh Parliament
To use this expression or anything similar in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the Welsh Parliament.
Clerk of the Senedd
Welsh Parliament
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1SN
134. Windsor
To use this word in your proposed name, please provide a letter or email of non-objection from the relevant body.
To speed up your application, please include:
- the reasons you wish to use this word
- whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans
- details of any Royal or Government associations
- details of leading members and membership numbers
- if the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence
- evidence, if the word is a surname
- any other relevant information
England and Northern Ireland
Cabinet Office
Constitutional Policy Team
4th Floor (Orange Zone)
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Wales
Branding Manager
Communications Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CF10 3NQ
Scotland
Scottish Government
Protocol and Honours Team
Room 4N.02
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG