How to register business name (sole trader)

[NewTime]

Hi all - This maybe incredibily basic to you, but I am struggling to understand how to register a business name as a sole trader.

I am starting an Amazon business and it has asked for "business name" and I don't currently have one. I have read elsewhere about registering one as a limited company, but operating as a sole trader.

I am pretty confused by it.

Thank you

 

[fisicx]

Make one up. Amazon doesn’t care what you use, there just has to be something in the box.

 

[Anthony Phillips]

Technically you don't 'register' as a sole trader, you just pick a name and run with it, So from a banking perspective, it would be Joe Bloggs (you) trading as (T/A) XZY My Brand.

Registered companies are not (and do not) operate as sole traders, two different things.

For Amazon, put whatever you like.

 

[NewTime]

Ok thank you

 

[NewTime]

I am doing all of the self assessment and getting ready to trade but I also need a UTR - does it really take upto 3 weeks?

 

[fisicx]

I am doing all of the self assessment and getting ready to trade but I also need a UTR - does it really take upto 3 weeks?

Yes

 

[Anthony Phillips]

It can do, my daughter is still waiting, longer. As long as you have made the application hat shouldn't stop you starting your business, it will catch up.

I would focus less on the minutiae and just get going.

 

[NewTime]

It can do, my daughter is still waiting, longer. As long as you have made the application hat shouldn't stop you starting your business, it will catch up.

I would focus less on the minutiae and just get going.

Sadly Amazon are asking for the UTR number and it's not allowing me to progress further......

 

[Anthony Phillips]

Ahh ok sorry, I don't work with Amazon, don't like to hand over control of my business and brand to other organisations

Sadly Amazon are asking for the UTR number and it's not allowing me to progress further......

 

[DWS]

All of my clients who have applied for a UTR have had theirs back within a few weeks but I have read some stories of people waiting months even HMRC have quoted a waiting time of 6 months!!! But that is HMRC for you

 

[DontAsk]

If you have grand ambitions you might think about choosing a trading name that you can trade mark, and even register a Ltd in the same name but leave it dormant.

 

[NewTime]

I suppose I should have stated doing this weeks ago, but I was waiting on a Start-up loan, which wasn't guaranteed. So this is a setback already. It means I will be paying the first installment without trading.

I did read about register a ltd company and leaving it dormant, but this is my first time

 

[Scalloway]

If you want to register a unique business name you may be able to register it as a trademark.

https://www.gov.uk/how-to-register-a-trade-mark

 

[Anthony Phillips]

Yes, not quite the same thing, registering a business is not the same as registering a trademark, to clarify :

You can register any trademark (if it is available), costs ££

You can register any LTD company (If it is available), costs £

Operating as Joe Bloggs Trading As, there is no registration needed (other than telling your bank)

My advice, stop asking for advice, get on with the business of selling and growing your business.

Feel free to message me for FREE advice, here to help.

 

[NewTime]

Yes, not quite the same thing, registering a business is not the same as registering a trademark, to clarify :

You can register any trademark (if it is available), costs ££

You can register any LTD company (If it is available), costs £

Operating as Joe Bloggs Trading As, there is no registration needed (other than telling your bank)

My advice, stop asking for advice, get on with the business of selling and growing your business.

Feel free to message me for FREE advice, here to help.

Thanks - sadly I am awaiting the UTR from HMRC. I've no idea why they can't issue one automatically.

 

[fisicx]

Thanks - sadly I am awaiting the UTR from HMRC. I've no idea why they can't issue one automatically.

Because there are a number of checks they need to make. One of which is the make sure you are eligible.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Thanks - sadly I am awaiting the UTR from HMRC. I've no idea why they can't issue one automatically.

Did you register online?

If so a UTR is generally issued within 10 days.

If its been longer than that I'd chase it up - it's unusual.

 

[AlanJ1]

Thanks - sadly I am awaiting the UTR from HMRC. I've no idea why they can't issue one automatically.

Just a heads up, Amazon are taking 3-6 months to verify new accounts.

 

[NewTime]

Did you register online?

If so a UTR is generally issued within 10 days.

If its been longer than that I'd chase it up - it's unusual.

I did register online and I most certainly have done it quicker. But I just assumed it would be automatic, silly me.

Just a heads up, Amazon are taking 3-6 months to verify new accounts.

Oh gosh - is that true?