How to Change Your Company Name on Companies House

Introduction

Changing the name of your company can be a significant decision for your business. Whether you’re rebranding or making other changes, you must update your company name with Companies House. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps involved in the process of change name on companies house , including the forms required, deadlines, and other important details.

Why Change Your Company Name?

There are several reasons you might want to change your company name. It could be due to rebranding, mergers, or simply a better-suited name for the services or products you offer. Whatever the reason, the process with Companies House is straightforward if done correctly.Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to know that changing the company name won’t affect its legal standing or obligations. The company’s existing records and responsibilities will stay the same.

The Legal Requirements for Company Name Changes

Changing your company name requires formal notification to Companies House. According to the Companies Act 2006, there are specific steps to follow. You will need to pass a resolution, complete the appropriate forms, and submit them for approval.This process ensures that your new name is legally recognized. It’s also important to check that your new name isn’t already taken by another company registered at Companies House.

Steps to Change Your Company Name on Companies House

Board Resolution

To begin the process, a resolution must be passed by the company’s board of directors. This decision will officially approve the new name. It’s advisable to hold a meeting to discuss and approve the name change, ensuring all stakeholders agree.

Check the Name Availability

Before proceeding further, it’s crucial to check that the new name is available and doesn’t conflict with existing companies. Companies House provides an online tool where you can search the name database. Ensuring that the name meets the criteria is vital to avoid rejection.

File the NM01 Form

Once the name is chosen and approved, you will need to fill out the NM01 form. This form is necessary for the official company house name change and must be submitted to Companies House. The NM01 form is available on the Companies House website, and the process can be completed online or by mail.

Ensure that the form is filled out accurately. Include the old company name, the new name, and any relevant information required by Companies House.

Pay the Fee

A fee is required when submitting the NM01 form to Companies House. The standard service can take up to 10 days, but an expedited service is available for a higher fee. The choice of service depends on how quickly you need the name change to be processed.

Notification of Confirmation

After submission, Companies House will review your application. If approved, you will receive a certificate of incorporation with the new company name. This certificate serves as proof that the name change has been officially recognized.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The standard processing time for a name change through Companies House is 5 to 10 working days. However, for urgent changes, the same-day service is available if you submit the form before 3 pm on a working day.If using the expedited service, your name change can be processed within 24 hours. The speed of service depends on the accuracy of the form submission and whether the name meets Companies House’s approval criteria.

After the Name Change: Updating Your Company Information

Once your new name is officially registered, you’ll need to update all your company records, including:

• Business stationery
• Website and email domains
• Contracts and legal documents

You must also notify HMRC and update your details with any other governing bodies.

At XactAccountants, we can help you ensure that your name change is smoothly implemented, both legally and practically. With our expertise, you can avoid the common pitfalls that businesses encounter during this process.

How ActAccountants Can Help

Changing your company name involves several legal steps, from preparing the NM01 form to filing it with Companies House. The process can be time-consuming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the requirements. At XactAccountants, we specialize in handling these changes efficiently, ensuring your business stays compliant.

Our team will assist you every step of the way, from preparing the necessary documentation to confirming that your new name is officially recognized. We also help you with any ongoing compliance tasks to ensure your business operations continue smoothly.

Conclusion

Changing your company name at Companies House is a critical task but one that can be easily managed with the correct steps. By passing a board resolution, checking the name’s availability, submitting the NM01 form, and updating your business records, you can ensure that your new company name is fully recognized and compliant.