self employed + business names

[GordonRochdale]

Hello all,

 

I have registered as a sole trader, but would like to give my business a name.

 

There is a lot of conflicting information on the web about such topics, and the impression I get is that you only register through companies house if you are starting a ltd company?

 

any info would be great,

 

Gordon

[Matt McAulay]

Haven't registered mine, I got the impression you only need to be a limited company if you make a certain amount a year

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

As far as the law is concerned you can trade as "Gordon Rochdale" or Gordon Rochdale t/as (trading as) Rochdale Tree Services.

 

Going LTD is nothing to do with registering with HMRC as a sole trader.

[GordonRochdale]

Would help if the gov website told you this stuff lol.

 

I do fancy having a brand name too though, I.e. I am self employed but I have my name registered through companies house as something like "freelance tree care", enabling me to aim at companies in the short term, but also domestic clients in the long term?

 

 

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[GordonRochdale]

If I was "trading as" could I advertise it I.e. what would I put on the side of my van? Gordon trading as "freelance tree care" or just "freelance tree care"

 

Also would HMRC need to be notified of the trading name?

 

 

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[broonie]

Just Freelance Tree Care

[daveindales]

you can call your business what ever you want, and don't have to register it. If you want to become Ltd, then you do need to register with companies house. Don't over-complicate things. Decide on a business trading name, tell your accountant (if you have one) and get business cards, adverts, etc printed in that name.

 

Simple, as that (I think)

[GordonRochdale]

Thanks everyone that's cleared things up a lot now i can start thinking about names and branding.

 

 

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[hedgesparrow]

you can be whoever you like as long as someone near you does not have same or similar. as for HMRC you just have a bank acount with your name trading as whatever. your accountant just logs that with HMRC jobs done.

as for ltd becomes expensive has to lodged with companies house books have to be spot on. so cost more for accountant. books have to be submitted on time or penalty's incur.

if you can stay sole trading until you are turning over a lot. your accountant will advise when to do this. only other benefit is as ltd its the business that liable not you so if you did run into trouble can only take the company's assets not yours. so house is safe along with any private stuff.

[GordonRochdale]

Thanks hedge sparrow

 

 

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