Naming your business question

[BBooth64]

Any help or guidance would be appreciated-

Setting up a new company, have a name in mind however it is already taken, for example purposes i will use the name total windows.

Total windows limited is taken, however total windows norh west limited is available. on vehicle signage and uniform can i use just the wording total windows and put the full company name on my invoices etc.

many thanks

 

[Scalloway]

Do Total Windows already operate in your area?

 

[BBooth64]

thanks for the reply, total windows just being an example of course , doesnt operate in my area, there is a total windows ltd that operates down south but whether they operate nationally is unknown, as far as im aware there isnt a total windows where i would be operating.

 

[Scalloway]

The danger is being accused of passing yourself of as a representative of the other Total Windows. If your vehicle signage and uniform is completely different you are probably ok.

 

[BBooth64]

Fully understand that my logo is different from that of the other company- if I was just planning on a sole trader option trading as... But with considering ltd status wanted things to be watertight. Obviously on any legal paperwork I would use my full company name including the north west limited part

 

[GraemeL]

But with considering ltd status wanted things to be watertight.

Then you are better off spending some more time to come up with a better name.

If you describe what you do, you will get ideas from forum members.

 

[GraemeL]

Thinking about your example in your question. I guess that North West Total Windows Ltd is also available. If you were right, then they could also trade as Total Windows.

 

[MikeH]

We speak to many customers that overthink or worry about their official registered name. Many business use trading styles that are different to their official name. Yes your registered name is important but its not only trading name you must use.

Using your example Total Windows. What if you progress to providing conservatories, orangeries, or extensions? You do not need to become Total Windows Conservatories Orangeries & Extensions Limited.
Here some more info- http://www.smallfirmsservices.com/info/trading-styles.aspx

 

[IanG]

I'd personally steer away from anything too similar, pointless going there if you can avoid it.

Also any reason why you want to start sole trader and go limited later? The two each have their own benefits and unless you're anticipating operating in a different way in the future then there's not really any reason to plan to change.