Company name change (UK)

Why do companies change their names? A company may want to change its name if it has been through a pre-pack administration and it wishes to move on from that time period.

If a company has been through a period of poor management during which customer relationships and brand reputation have suffered, there are often strong benefits to a name change in rebooting the connection between a company, its clients, and its suppliers.

Company names are often changed if a company has been bought by new owners or it has merged with another business. If there is a group of companies with different brand identities, a board may decide to rebrand under one name to reduce marketing costs and increase visibility.

For help and advice on changing your company name, please call us on +44 (0) 207 689 7888 or email us at [email protected].

Company name change cost – how it works

Completion and submission of NM01 form

The NM01 form is the form used by Companies House to record the change of name given to a company. Your Company Formations complete this document and submit it on your behalf.

Completion of board minutes documentation

We will draw up the minutes of a board meeting detailing that the vote has been taken to change your company name and that there was a majority vote in favour by the board.

Completion of company name change special resolution

All shareholder must sign a special company resolution indicating that an agreement to change the company name has been approved.

Company name change procedure – frequently asked questions

How long does it take to change the name of my company?

Your name change will, in most circumstances, take place within 5 days. Upon receiving your order, we will send you by email the documentation you need to sign. You can either scan and email it back or post it to us. When we have received the documentation from you, we will submit it to Companies House – they normally take a maximum of 2 days to make the change on their register.

What happens to my Company Number and VAT Registration Number?

They stay as they are now.

Do I need a new incorporation certification, Articles, and so on?

As with your company number, they stay as they are now.

What if I make a mistake with the form?

Any mistake on the form will be reflected in the changes that Companies House makes to their register. You will need to go through the process again to correct the mistake.

Can I change from a private limited company (“Ltd”) to a public limited company (“plc”)?

No. Please click here to read more on how to change a private limited company to a public limited company.

Are there any names I can’t use for my company?

There are certain rules that you must follow when naming your company including the words you choose for that name. Companies House have issued guidance on this here.

What support do I get from Your Company Formations?

We’re committed to providing our customers with the highest level of support. Please feel free to contact us before, during, or after you have used us to change your company name by phone or email.