Change UK Company Name
Changing your UK company name is one of the most common statutory events a company goes through, but many owners find the actual process confusing. There’s the internal resolution process, the Companies House filing itself, the deadlines, and everything that needs updating afterwards. Get any of these wrong and you can end up with a rejected filing, mismatched records, or worse. At Form My Company, we handle UK company name changes as part of our compliance services. This guide walks you through exactly how to change a UK company name step by step in 2026, focusing on the practical mechanics of the process.
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
Before beginning the name change process, gather:
Your Companies House WebFiling account credentials. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to register.
Your company’s authentication code. Required for online filings.
Details of the new name. Fully checked and confirmed available.
Board resolution documentation. Or written resolution.
Shareholder resolution. Special resolution typically required.
Card for the £8 filing fee. Payable to Companies House.
Stable internet connection. For online filing.
Having all of this ready before you start prevents interruptions.
Step 1: Check the New Name Is Available
Before doing anything else:
Use the Companies House name checker. Available at gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company.
Verify no conflicts with existing companies. Same or too similar names are rejected.
Check for sensitive word restrictions. Words like “royal,” “national,” or “authority” require permission.
Consider trademark implications. Even if a name is available at Companies House, it may still conflict with existing trademarks. A quick UK IPO check helps.
Check domain availability. For consistency with your web presence.
Verify Marketplace availability. For Amazon, eBay, or Etsy sellers.
Consider international considerations. For non-resident businesses, home country implications.
Ensure name ends correctly. With Ltd, Limited, PLC, or equivalent.
If any red flags emerge, address them before proceeding.
Step 2: Get Board Approval
The name change must be authorised internally:
Board resolution. In most cases, existing directors can propose the name change through a board resolution.
Alternatively. Some Articles may specify a different process.
Documentation. The resolution should be documented in board minutes or a written resolution.
Effective date. Specify when the change takes effect.
Signatures. Directors’ signatures on the resolution.
Store in company records. As permanent statutory documentation.
For most straightforward name changes, this is a simple internal step.
Step 3: Pass the Shareholder Special Resolution
For company name changes, a shareholder special resolution is typically required:
75% shareholder approval. By value, not just by number of shareholders.
Board or written resolution. Depending on your specific procedure.
Timing. Usually done in the same board resolution or a separate shareholder meeting.
Documentation. Formal resolution with signatures and dates.
Special resolution certificate. Sometimes issued for larger companies.
Companies House filing requirement. The special resolution goes with the NM01.
Check your Articles of Association for the specific procedure required.
Step 4: Complete Form NM01 Through WebFiling
Now for the actual Companies House filing:
Log in to WebFiling. Companies House online service.
Enter your authentication code. Required for security.
Select “Change of Name.” From the list of filings available.
Enter your company’s current details. Verifying who you are.
Provide the new company name. Exactly as agreed.
Confirm availability check. That you’ve verified the name.
Attach special resolution. Uploading the shareholder resolution document.
Confirm effective date. When the change takes effect.
Review the filing. Making sure everything is correct.
Submit. Companies House processes the filing.
Pay the £8 filing fee. Currently the fee for NM01.
The online filing is relatively quick once you have everything ready.
Step 5: Wait for Companies House Confirmation
After submission:
Immediate acknowledgment. WebFiling confirms the filing was received.
Processing typically takes 24 hours. For straightforward filings.
Certificate of Incorporation issued. New certificate with the new name.
Email confirmation. From Companies House.
Public register updated. Your company’s Companies House record shows the new name.
Response to any queries. If Companies House has questions, respond promptly.
Fast processing means you can typically use the new name within 1-2 working days of filing.
Step 6: Update the Certificate of Incorporation
The Certificate of Incorporation itself is updated:
Digital delivery. Email confirmation with the new certificate.
Physical certificate. Available for £15 if you want a paper copy.
Legal effect. The new certificate is the definitive record of your company’s current registered name.
Public register visibility. Your company’s Companies House record reflects the change.
Historical record preserved. Your previous name(s) remain visible on the Companies House record for historical reference.
The certificate is issued as part of the standard process; no additional filing needed.
Step 7: Update All Related Records
The Companies House filing is just the beginning. Update:
Business Records
Business bank account. Notify your bank of the name change.
Statutory registers. Register of directors, register of members, PSC register.
Company letterhead and business cards. Under the new name.
Websites and marketing materials. All references to the old name.
Domain names. Register the new name in relevant domains.
Marketplaces. For online sellers.
Business insurance policies. Where the name is referenced.
Tax and Regulatory Records
HMRC records. For Corporation Tax updates.
VAT registration. If VAT-registered.
PAYE records. For employers.
Regulatory registrations. For any specific business sectors.
Trading Standards or other bodies. Where applicable.
Third-Party Records
Client and supplier contracts. Where the name is referenced.
Professional adviser records. Accountant, solicitor, auditor.
Bank facilities and loans. Where the name appears.
Corporate cards. Updated to new name.
Employee records. For any employees.
Corporate memberships. Any professional or industry bodies.
Public records elsewhere. Google Business Profile, industry listings.
International registrations. Where the company is registered abroad.
Coordinating these updates prevents ongoing mismatches and confusion.
Timing Considerations
Some practical timing points:
Companies House processing is quick. But 24 hours+ still means don’t leave it to the last minute.
Bank and HMRC updates take longer. Often 3-14 days.
Contract renegotiations. If contracts reference the old name, they may need updating.
Insurance renewals. Coordinate with policy renewal cycles.
Marketing coordination. Timing the name change with rebrand launches, marketing campaigns.
Regulatory bodies. May take longer to update.
International bank accounts. For non-residents, updates across jurisdictions add time.
Employee communication. Advance notice matters.
Plan the name change well ahead, especially if you have contractual or regulatory considerations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few issues come up regularly:
Not checking name availability first. Wasting the filing fee on a rejected filing.
Missing the shareholder special resolution. NM01 usually requires this.
Filing without proper board approval. Legally invalid.
Missing the 15-day filing deadline for the special resolution. Companies House expects timely filings.
Not updating related records. Bank, HMRC, insurance all need updating.
Not preparing marketing materials in advance. Under the old name, then having to update everything.
Overlooking trademark implications. Where the new name conflicts with existing marks.
Not updating the domain name. Creating confusion for customers.
Assuming Companies House filing is enough. It’s just one step.
Not communicating internally. Employees and stakeholders need to know.
Rushing the process. Adequate preparation prevents problems.
Not backing up documentation. For future reference.
Professional support significantly reduces these risks.
Handling Common Issues
If issues arise during the process:
Name rejected by Companies House. Usually due to conflict or sensitive word issues. Adjust and try again.
Filing initially rejected. Companies House will explain the issue. Correct and re-file.
Certificate delayed. Contact Companies House directly.
HMRC processing slower than expected. Chase updates.
Bank taking too long. Contact business banking directly.
Insurance policy issues. Coordinate with your broker.
Contract complications. Legal advice may be needed.
Marketplaces slow to update. Direct contact with marketplace support.
For non-resident owners, coordinating through professional advisers helps navigate any issues.
Special Considerations for Non-Residents
For non-resident owners changing their UK company name:
Coordinate from abroad. Time zones and communication add friction.
Board and shareholder resolutions. Done remotely.
Companies House filing. Fully online through WebFiling.
HMRC coordination. Through your accountant or ACSP.
Bank updates. May take longer for non-UK-resident directors.
International registrations. Home country records may need updating.
Professional coordination. UK-based service provider makes the process smoother.
Ongoing compliance. Registered office, service address, and Companies House correspondence continue seamlessly.
For non-resident owners, working with an ACSP that handles the name change smoothly is typically the best approach.
What Happens After the Name Change
Once the change is complete:
Old name preserved. In Companies House historical record.
New name is the current legal name. For all purposes going forward.
Old contracts. Continue in effect but may need updating.
New contracts. Under the new name.
Business operations continue. Uninterrupted by the change.
Ongoing compliance obligations. All continue as before.
Future references. To the old name are permitted in historical documents.
Public register visibility. The old name is visible in the history.
The name change is genuinely complete once Companies House has processed it and all related records are updated.
How Form My Company Helps
We handle UK company name changes as part of our compliance services. As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we can:
File NM01 on your behalf. Coordinated with any other Companies House work.
Handle statutory register updates. For internal records.
Coordinate with HMRC. For related updates.
Support name availability checks. Before filing.
Handle any Companies House queries. During processing.
Support identity verification. For directors and PSCs during the process.
Coordinate with your accountant. For tax implications.
Update your registered office and service addresses. If needed.
Handle the whole process end-to-end. From resolution to updated records.
Non-resident support. Coordinating from abroad.
Bundle with wider compliance. As part of ongoing service.
Whether you’re rebranding, restructuring, or updating for other reasons, we handle the name change professionally.
Change Your UK Company Name Correctly Today
Changing your UK company name is straightforward once you know the process, but coordination with related updates matters. Getting the filing right, the resolutions correct, and the related record updates coordinated protects your business through the change. With Form My Company, UK company name changes are quick, accurate, and fully supported as part of our compliance services. Get in touch today and let us handle the change professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my UK company name?
Get board approval, pass a shareholder special resolution (75% approval), file Form NM01 with Companies House through WebFiling, pay the £8 filing fee, and update all related records (bank, HMRC, insurance, contracts, marketing materials).
What is Form NM01?
Companies House Form NM01 is used to change the registered name of a UK company. It’s filed online through Companies House WebFiling or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider like Form My Company.
How much does it cost to change a company name?
£8 for the Companies House filing. Additional costs may apply for related work (bank updates, insurance changes, professional support, or physical certificate copies at £15).
How long does a name change take?
Companies House processing is typically 24 hours after filing. Related updates (bank, HMRC, insurance) take longer, often 3-14 days. The complete name change is usually finished within 2-3 weeks.
Do I need a shareholder special resolution?
Usually yes, for a company name change. 75% shareholder approval by value is typically required. Check your Articles of Association for specific requirements.
Do I need board approval for a name change?
Yes. The name change typically needs to be authorised through a board resolution and a shareholder special resolution. Both are usually documented and stored in the company’s statutory records.
Can I change my company name multiple times?
Yes. There’s no limit. However, frequent changes can look unstable and can raise Companies House queries. Multiple changes also mean multiple sets of updates for related records.
Can Form My Company handle my company name change?
Yes. As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we handle NM01 filings, coordinate with HMRC updates, handle statutory register updates, and support the whole process. We support both UK-based and non-resident owners.
