How to Change a Company Name with Companies House?

Changing your company’s name can feel like a big move - whether you’re rebranding, merging, or just correcting a detail. But in reality, it’s a fairly simple legal process when you know what to do, when to do it, and what to expect from Companies House.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of how to change a company name: from checking if your new name is available, passing the required resolutions, filing the right forms, and updating all your records after the change. Let’s dive right in.

Key points

• Choose a name that supports your future plans 🚀
  A company name change is often driven by growth, rebranding, expansion, mergers, or a shift in business direction. Your new name should reflect where the business is heading, not just where it started.
• Check availability and follow Companies House rules ✅
  Before making the switch, confirm the name is available and complies with UK naming requirements. It must be distinct from existing companies, avoid restricted terms unless approved, and should also be checked against trademark registrations to prevent legal issues.
• Get the right approvals and file the correct forms 📋
  Most companies need shareholder approval through a special resolution before filing Form NM01. Some businesses can use Form NM04 if their Articles of Association allow directors to approve the change. Once Companies House approves the application, the new name becomes legally effective.
• Update every part of your business after approval 🔄
  After the name change, update HMRC records, bank accounts, invoices, contracts, websites, email signatures, insurance policies, and supplier information. Keeping everything consistent helps avoid confusion and ensures compliance.
• Use ANNA to make the transition easier 💼
  ANNA helps simplify the entire process by checking name availability, supporting company name changes via the secretary service, and automatically updating invoices, payment links, and account records. This reduces admin work and helps keep your business identity consistent while you focus on growing your company.

Why would someone change a company name?

Businesses grow, shift, and reinvent themselves, and sometimes a name just doesn’t fit anymore. A new name can reflect where you’re headed, not just where you started. Here are some of the most common reasons you might want to make the switch:

• Rebranding or expansion - Your business has evolved beyond its original niche, and your old name no longer captures what you do best.
• Mergers and partnerships - Joining forces with another business? A fresh name can unite both brands under one clear identity.
• Fixing the little things - Maybe there’s a typo, awkward punctuation, or a spelling you’ve always regretted - now’s your chance to fix it.
• Legal or compliance issues - Occasionally, your name might clash with a trademark or fall outside Companies House naming rules.
• New direction or audience - Changing your name can signal a bold step forward - a new vision, market, or vibe.

Whatever your motivation, the good news is that changing your company name is simpler than you might think, and you can do it online in just a few clicks.

How to change a company name

Your new name sets the tone for your next chapter, but before you update your logo or order new business cards, make sure it’s both available and compliant with UK rules.

1. Choose your new name

When choosing your new name, make sure you go for something fresh, original, and memorable. Think about what makes your brand or identity stand out - your values, your style, or your story. A great name should capture attention, reflect your purpose, and be easy for people to remember and share.

2. Run a name check

The next thing you need to do is check registered business names in the UK. Start with ANNA’s free name availability checker to see if your new name is free to use. Be aware: even tiny differences like punctuation, spacing, or special characters usually don’t count as unique.

3. Follow the naming rules

Keep these essentials in mind:

• Your name can’t be identical (or even too similar) to an existing registered company.
• Avoid sensitive words like “Royal,” “Bank,” or “Association” unless you have official approval.
• All private limited companies must end their name with “Limited” or “Ltd.”
• Companies House can reject names that might offend or mislead the public.

💡 Tip: Before locking it in, check the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) register too. A name that’s free on Companies House might still be a registered trademark, and that could land you in legal trouble later.

How to make your new name official

You’ve got the perfect new name, it’s available for registration, and now it’s time to make it official. But before you tell the world, you’ll need the proper sign-off inside your company. Here’s what to have in mind:

✔️ Pass a special resolution (shareholder approval)

Most company name changes require a special resolution, meaning at least 75% of shareholders must agree.

Record the decision either in meeting minutes or in writing - this resolution will be needed when you file the change with Companies House.

✔️ Pass a board resolution (if allowed by your articles)

If your company’s Articles of Association give directors the authority to change the name, you can skip the shareholder vote and simply file Form NM04, signed off by the board.

✔️ File the appropriate form

You’ll need to file one of two forms, depending on how the decision was made:

✔️ Submit online or by post

You can file electronically via the Companies House WebFiling service - it’s fast, secure, and often processed the same day. If you prefer, you can also submit a paper copy by post, though processing takes longer.

✔️ Pay the fee

The fee for a standard name change is usually modest, usually from £20 to £40. Same-day service is available online, as long as you file before 3 pm, for a slightly higher fee of £83.

Once accepted, Companies House will issue a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name. That’s your official proof that your company’s legal name has changed, and the date on that certificate is when the new name legally takes effect.

What you should do after the name change

Once Companies House confirms your name change, you’re officially operating under your new identity. But remember, your company itself hasn’t changed. Your registration number, incorporation date, and legal structure all stay the same.

Update your information

What does need updating, though, is everything that still carries your old name. Here’s your post-name-change checklist:

• HMRC - Update your details for Corporation Tax, VAT, and PAYE to avoid confusion or delays.
• Business bank account - Make sure your new name appears on payments, cards, and statements.
• Clients and suppliers - Refresh contracts, invoices, and purchase orders with the new name.
• Stationery and signage - Update letterheads, websites, email signatures, and social media profiles.
• Professional memberships or licences - Notify relevant bodies or regulators as required.
• Insurance providers - Ensure policies reflect your new company name so coverage stays valid.

💡 Tip: ANNA can do the heavy lifting for you. When you update your company name, ANNA automatically syncs it across your invoices, payment links, and account records, keeping your business identity consistent everywhere.

Keep your paperwork organised

Even after your new name goes live, it’s important to keep all your official records organised and accessible. Companies House and HMRC can request these documents at any time, and you’re required to hold them for at least six years.

Here’s what to keep safe:

• The special or board resolution approving the name change
• Your Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name
• Copies of all filed forms (NM01 or NM04)
• Updated Articles of Association, if they’ve been amended

Make sure customers don’t get lost

A new name is exciting, but it’s only a win if your customers come along for the ride. Clear communication keeps trust high and confusion low.

Here’s how to make the transition seamless:

• Announce early - Share the news via email, social media, and your website before the change goes live.
• Redirect your website - Point your old domain to your new one so customers and search engines find you easily.
• Use “formerly…” messaging - Add a short note like “formerly XYZ Ltd” on invoices, email signatures, and marketing for a few months.
• Keep your branding consistent - Maintain your colour palette, logo style, and tone of voice to reassure clients it’s still you, just upgraded.

How to change a company name: A real-life example

Aberdeen Group (formerly “abrdn”) is a major UK investment company. In early 2025, the leadership decided the name “abrdn” wasn’t working. It confused clients, didn’t resonate with stakeholders, and had even become a source of jokes online.

The name change timeline:

• 4 March 2025 - Public announcement: The company announced its intention to revert to “Aberdeen Group,” explaining the reasoning behind the change. Clear communication was key to avoiding confusion among clients and investors.
• 12 March 2025 - Official registration: Aberdeen filed with Companies House and received a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name. The legal transition was straightforward, thanks to proper preparation.
• 13 March 2025 - Brand update: The new name went live across all platforms: website, emails, invoices, and social media. This ensured consistency and avoided any disruption in client communications.

Outcome:

• The market responded positively, with a noticeable increase in stock price.
• Clients and investors clearly understood the rebrand, strengthening confidence in the company.
• The company successfully refreshed its identity without missing a beat.

How long does it take to change your company name?

Most online applications are processed within 24 hours - sometimes even the same day. If you’re filing by post, expect it to take around 7 - 10 days instead.

So, changing your company name doesn’t take long at all once you’ve got your paperwork in order. Once it’s approved, you’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name, and that’s the moment your new name becomes legally active.

Can you just trade under a different name?

You don’t always need to legally change your company name to present a new brand. Many businesses simply use a “trading as” (T/A) name instead.

For example, “The Honest Herb Co Ltd” might continue operating legally under that name while trading publicly as “Willow & Sage Botanicals.”

That said, there are a few rules to follow:

• You must still display your registered company name (including “Ltd”) on all official documents, invoices, and your website.
• You can’t use a trading name that misleads customers or infringes on an existing trademark.

💡 Tip: ANNA lets you issue invoices and payment links using your trading name, while keeping your official company name on record, so everything looks polished but stays fully compliant.

Make the change seamless with ANNA

A name change can feel like the start of a new chapter: fresh, focused, and future-ready.
And with ANNA, it’s never been easier to make the switch:

• Check your name instantly with ANNA’s free availability tool.
• Register or rename your company online - quick, clear, and hassle-free.
• Keep your finances in sync, with smart invoicing and bookkeeping that automatically updates when your new name goes live.
• Get human help 24/7 from a UK-based support team that knows the Companies House process inside out.
• Change your company name via the secretary service

Open an ANNA account today and let it handle all the details so you can focus on what’s next.