You can change a company name at any time after incorporation, as long as it adheres to all company name rules and regulations . Depending on the provisions outlined in the company’s articles of association, the change of name can be authorised in one of two ways:
Upon passing a resolution of the members or directors, a change of name application and a copy of the resolution must be filed at Companies House . Most applications are approved and updated on the public register of companies within 48 hours of submission.
Whether you are registering a completely new name, correcting a spelling error, or changing a symbol or punctuation mark, it is necessary to go through this official procedure. These rules are set out in the Companies Act 2006 .
To change a company name by special resolution of the members (shareholders/guarantors), a 75% majority of members’ votes is required. The resolution can be passed at a general meeting or it can be passed remotely as a written resolution.
To determine whether a majority has been achieved, you must count the number of individual votes cast in favour of the change, rather than the number of members who favour the change of name. This is because members can hold multiple shares, each of which may carry one or more votes, whilst some shares may be non-voting.
If a proposed resolution is passed, the directors must provide each member with written confirmation of the decision. Companies House must be notified of the change of name on Form NM01 . To complete this form, you will be asked to supply to following details:
Form NM01 and a copy of the resolution should be delivered to Companies House electronically or by post within 15 days of the resolution being passed. You will also be required to pay a fee of £20 (online filing) or £30 (postal filing) to Companies House.
Rapid Formations offers a Company Name Change Service at a cost of £69.99. We will prepare the required documentation for a change of name under the authority of the members of the company, including the completion and filing of Form NM01 at Companies House. Most submissions are approved within 3 working hours.
If a company’s articles have been altered to provide means for directors to change the name of the company, the directors can pass a resolution at a board meeting or in writing. Companies House should be notified on Form NM04 . To complete this form, you must provide the following details:
Form NM04 and a copy of the resolution should be delivered to Companies House by post within 15 days of the resolution being passed. You will also be required to include a cheque or postal order for £10.
You can start using a new company name as soon as it has been approved by Companies House, which is usually within 48 hours of submitting the relevant form online. It can take up to one week to process if you send the form by post.
If you file online, Companies House will notify you by email when the name has been approved. You will be issued with a digital ‘Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name’ as confirmation. You can start using the new name soon as you receive this document.
Companies House will issue a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name to confirm the change and the date it takes effect. This should be kept at your registered office or SAIL address (where applicable) for inspection purposes.
Your original company formation details will remain the same (e.g., date of incorporation, company number, etc), so you must retain a copy of your original certificate of incorporation. The new one is not a replacement, it just confirms the change of name.
When you change a company name, you also have to update business bank accounts and finance agreements. Your company is an individual ‘person’ in the eyes of the law, so the name on all contracts and agreements must match the name that is registered at Companies House and displayed on public record.
To change this information on your business bank account(s), you will have to request the relevant form from your bank and provide a copy of the change of name certificate. You may be able to complete the changes online, but you should contact your bank in the first instance to determine the correct procedure.
You may continue to use your old company name on business stationery, websites, and signage for 14 days after the new name has been approved at Companies House. Thereafter, you must update all materials on which your company name appears.
Additional, you should:
There is no need to update the memorandum and articles of association. These documents will remain in their original format for the lifetime of your company.