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Naming Your Business
 
One of the most important things to consider when starting a new business is the name you choose - it could be a key decision in the trading you do.
 
Descriptive or abstract?
The first thing to decide is if you want to demonstrate what the business does or have something a little more creative.
 
For example ‘Merlin’s Book Store’ demonstrates that the business is a book store probably owned by Merlin - or you could be more abstract such as the communications company Orange, which does not indicate what the business does in any way but has become well known and is now a household name.
 
Another option is to trade under your own name, particularly if you operate as a sole trader, for example John Jones Mechanics.
 
 
Other businesses?
You must also try and avoid using names where other business operate under the same name, especially if they sell similar good or services to you, or are in the same locality.
You can try general searches on the internet using search engines, directories such as yell.com, local newspapers etc.
 
 

It is not only potential customers that you have to have in mind when devising a name for your business – there are legal restrictions on the use of offensive words, as well as terms such as British, Royal, and Council.

 

For more guidance on using sensitive words see Companies House

 

 

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Stuck for ideas????
 
How about running a competition in your area through your local newspapers, or with local secondary schools/colleges etc to get all the locals to come up with a name.
That way you get free PR in the local newspapers, school/college newsletters etc both announcing the competition in the first place and then announcing the winner, perhaps with a photo of you handing the competition winner their prize (which doesn't have to be expensive - how about an MP3 player for a tenner?) and if you get photographed with the winning name/logo being held up too then it gets it in front of people right from the start. then once they start to see your business up and running they will already be familiar with the logo/name etc and your business will have instant credibility.

This is just an idea - adapt it at will!