Business Name-how to find out if its taken?

rach!_3

hi
my dad wants to setup a small business and i have said i'd set him up a website
before i go ahead we need to know if the name he has chosen has already been taken is there anyway we can do this? i tried to google but wasnt sure what terms to use.
thanks in advance
rach xx

uktim29

Try this link

http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-find/t-find-prop.htm

takoo

Hi Rach

The Companies House link from the above link will probably give you

1 a complete answer to a business name enquiry
2 procedures and costs involved in getting registered and
3 so protect your Dad's business name.

Can't say what if any costs will be involved.

If you get the information and an idea of costs would be grateful for feedback on this thread. It will be useful to other aspiring entrepreneurs.

Good luck

takoo

Absolut_Wench

Hi Rach,

This is the advice given to me in a start your own business workshop:

1. check yell.com - is anyone using your proposed business name?

2. check the Companies House website (link in previous post) - is anyone using your proposed business name?

3. do a domain name search - is your chosen domain name available?

(I have a link for the domain name search, I'll post it as soon as I find it!)

I registered my domain name through BT - it was £11.75 for two years. However, there are other companies you can use!

Hope that helps.

Absolut_Wench

Found it!

www.names.co.uk

You've probably thought of this anyway, but have you been to your local Business Link? They run lots of free courses and workshops on every aspect of setting up and running a business.

uktim29

You'll find much cheaper domains through this site http://www.namecheap.com/

ex-dmp

Check out the National Business Register at http://start.biz. This is the most comprehensive check I have seen in one go

A company house search does not reveal names being used for non-companies such as sole traders. For example Richard Branson was sole trader until he went beyond Virgin Records

There no complete way to check if a name is being used as not all business' register their name.

As for domain names, use a whois service instead of a domain provider. whois gives a more complete picture of what is available.

For example check out DRWhois.com, but their many others out there just google whois

Trade Marks are not business names

Business Link in its present form closes in October, there will be no free courses from Business Link after September, just been on one today

sleepyme

I think you need to register a new business name with Companies House so it would be best to check on there.
Good luck to your dad.