Sole Trader - Titles/Positions

[db281]

Hi

I'm in the process of starting up as a sole trader.

I am currently composing a sales letter for prospective clients, and I don't wish to state my job title as 'Proprietor' or 'Owner'. Are there any specific requirement that I do? Or can I label myself with whatever position I wish, such as 'Sales Director'.

 

[silvermusic]

You can only be a "Director" if you're running a limited company. What's wrong with "Proprietor" or "Owner"? I don't understand why you're tying yourself up in knots over it.

 

[db281]

Since posting, I've just discovered an article from smallbusiness dot co dot uk (sorry, can't post links as I'm newly registered), however it's from 2003.

As a sole trader, you will own your business, but you do not necessarily have to make this clear. If you want to disguise this fact for any particular reason, then, says Lander, it makes sense to use the terms managing director or director instead of owner or proprietor.

You might want to call yourself director rather than let the whole universe know you are the owner, suggests Lander.

I'm not tying myself up in knots about it; if it has to be 'Owner' or similar, then so be it. But, I'm a perfectionist, and if there is an alternative, then I'd rather it. IMO, first impressions count.

 

[StevensOnln1]

Why not just put your name and what you do? e.g. Joe Blogs, Engineer

 

[silvermusic]

As long as folk are dealing with the engineer and not the oil rag they really don't care about a fancy title, I certainly don't. All I want to know is am I dealing with the person that can say yes/no and can actually sign the cheque for the order.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Hi

I'm in the process of starting up as a sole trader.

I am currently composing a sales letter for prospective clients, and I don't wish to state my job title as 'Proprietor' or 'Owner'. Are there any specific requirement that I do? Or can I label myself with whatever position I wish, such as 'Sales Director'.

I think proprietor is fine.

It looks daft anyone calling themselves a director when they don't have a limited company - it stands out a mile to anyone in business.

 

[Andrew46]

You can give yourself any title you like as long as it is not misleading.

However the 2003 post you quoted is inaccurate and out of date. A sole trader or partnership carrying on business under a name other than the surname(s) and forename(s) or initial(s) of the trader/partners must disclose the name of the trader or all partners on all business letters, invoices, orders etc. with an exception for 'large' partnerships [Companies Act 2006 Part 41]

 

[Vending Siting Services]

I would just leave it as your name and in your opening sentence in your new sales letter, inform your reader that you are the owner and founder of (insert your trading company name). That way you will let your readers know that you are 'top dog'. Perhaps that would help if you don't feel as ease using 'owner or proprietor'.

Kind regards,

Barbara

 

[obscure]

As Andrew points out you are legally required to disclose to clients who/what entity they are doing business with on assorted pieces of your business documentation. That means they will know you are a sole trader and as such any titles will be pretty meaningless.

 

[beasty]

Try

JOE BLOGGS
Le Grand Fromage

 

[ams_uk]

Looked into this when I was looking for a title, I just settled with Proprietor - sounds better than 'Owner' which sounds pretty bad in my opinion. After all, it's not that important. You could call yourself the Sales Manager if you wished.

 

[silvermusic]

Looked into this when I was looking for a title, I just settled with Proprietor - sounds better than 'Owner' which sounds pretty bad in my opinion. After all, it's not that important. You could call yourself the Sales Manager if you wished.

Just for my own interest in trying to understand this, why do you think "Owner" sounds so bad? Being the wrong side of 50 I'm having difficulty understanding why all the fuss over a title anyway. Perhaps its because I deal with a lot of sole traders during the course of the day and it's one of those things I've never given a lot of thought to; I just associate a persons name with their business.

 

[DavidAshdown]

I don't think you need a title at all. If your name is there, that says it all. Its you they are trading with, you are an owner of yourself!

 

[CumulusUK]

I agree with the above.

Just sign yourself off as Joe Bloggs and don't bother with a title, I do understand that there are some situations where you may not want to declare your position within the company.

C

 

[beasty]

Le Grande Fromage has no merit?

 

[DavidAshdown]

Le Grande Fromage is a great title

 

[hamesy2o2]

My business cards have got owner/technician.

No need for fancy titles, straight to the point and tells people who you are.