Resolved Question

Can i include my childs initial in my business name?

im starting up a new business as a sole trader and would like to have S & B etc etc as my business name, my name being simon and my 2 year old sons name is Brennan. as i cant really think of a good name for my business i thought my first initial and my sons first initial would be ok then the bit on the end for example S & B Landscaping.

is this ok or is it breaking a law.

this is a uk business..

thank-you for reading

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

MY hubby is a sole trader and this is his answer

You can call yourself whatever you like

only when you go to a limited company level,do you need to check that the business name you have chosen for yourself, is not in existence already-this came from a call he made to Companies House

hope that helps

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Other Answers (3)

• As a sole trader, if your business name is not made up ONLY of your own surname (which can be with or without your initials or first name) then the Business Names Act applies.
  
  In this case you can choose almost any name you want, although there are a few words that suggest "official" connections or that could be misleading that are banned. But all your paperwork (letters, invoices, receipts) must include your actual name and an address where documents can be served. This is usually done in the footer with a note similar to "Proprietor: John Smith, 99 This Lane, Anytown, ZZ1 2YY".
  
  If you trade from premises (eg a shop) you must have a notice visible to customers with the same details.
  
  You do also need to make sure that your chosen name does not infringe someone else's trademark or is confusingly similar to an existing business name. If you trade in a local area only then you only have to avoid similarities in that area. Also, you only need to avoid similarities with other similar businesses. You would be OK if there is an S & B Fast Food down the road, or an S & B Landscaping at the other end of the country.
• Hello Simon
  
  There's nothing to stop you using whatever initials you like, other than making sure that no-one locally is using the same name or, if you're setting up a limited company, that it hasn't been used anywhere.
  
  It may be better to think of another word to go with Landscaping to give people a better idea of what you do. Designer Landscaping, for example, if you provide a design service as well as the work involved in landscaping.
  
  Think, too, of whether you might want to sell the business at a later stage. Would someone want to buy it with your initials as its name?
  
  Good luck!
  
  Rosemary

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• You can call it what you like as long it is decent and will not offend anyone. Just check in your yellow pages that no one else in your area has something very similar.
  Good Luck with it all.

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