What types of business are covered?
Individuals
If you use a trading name eg "Smith Installations and Repairs", you must comply with the Act. You will not be affected if you trade under your own surname eg. "Smith" and it makes no difference whether you use your first names or initials eg. AB Smith.
Partnerships
If you trade as a partnership under any name other than you and your partners own surnames, or surnames and initials, you must comply with the Act.
Companies
If you use a business name other than the full corporate name eg "ABC Foods Ltd, trading as ABC Foods" you will need to comply.
What information must be disclosed?
If you use a trading name (sometimes knows as a trading style), you must disclose two pieces of information:
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The name(s) of the owner(s) of the the business; and
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A business or other address for each owner where, if necessary, documents can be served - companies must disclose their registered office address.
Do I need to display a business name?
No, but if you use a business name you must display a sign with:
- your and if relevant, your partners' names; and
- an address in the UK for each person at which service of any document relating to the business will be effective.
In any premises where the business is carried on where customers, suppliers have access. This rule applies if the business name were to include your surname or your partners' surname together with other words, for example "Smith Photographic".
If I fail to comply with these requirements will I be committing an offence?
Yes. Failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence.
Further information can also be found at the Companies House website (External link)
