Your Business Name - Protected

Search, Register and Protect your business name today

Protect your business name today and receive £10,000 worth of legal assistance.

Services

Business Name Packages

Choose the package that’s right for you

Business Name Protection

£99.00+VAT / Annum

What you get

  • Business Name Check
  • Business Name Registration (BNR)
  • Business Name Protection

Start Simply

£124.00+VAT / Annum

Everything in Business Name Protection plus

  • £25 off Trade Mark Search
  • Domain Name Registration

Start Smart

£226.50+VAT / Annum

Everything in Start Simply plus

  • Additional Domain Name
  • 5x1GB Email Mailboxes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Whether you’ve been trading a while, or you’re just starting up, registering your business name with Start.biz will ensure you are protected from ‘passing off’, with our guarantee to cover your fees and representation, should action be required. Here’s all you need to know

How long does the registration last?

Registration is renewable on an annual basis. A renewal notice will be sent to you before your registration expires or you can set up a direct debit for your plan to automatically renew. Alternatively, 2- or 5-year protection plans are available with associated discounts.

How long does it take to register my name?

Registration takes 2 business days from receipt of your application form and payment.

How can I protect my business name?

Registration with Start.biz specifically provides protection against “passing off”, the common law term used to describe copying of a trading name by another business. Your annual subscription means you have peace of mind when it comes to safeguarding your business’ identity. We will instigate and pay for all necessary legal proceedings in protecting your business name using our solicitors and counsel where necessary up to the value of the package that you have chosen.

Are there any words I cannot use in my name?

There are a number of restricted words, which need to be approved for use by the Department for Business and Trade. Restricted words or terms are usually phrases associated with already established official bodies, for example, government departments, health care organisations or other public services. If a restricted word is being used appropriately for your business we will gain permission on your behalf for use of this “restricted” word. If you have any queries regarding possible restricted words, please do contact us before applying.

What happens if my name is already in use?

We will work with you to search for alternative names free of charge.

What is passing off?

“Passing off” happens when someone deliberately or unintentionally passes off their own goods or services as those belonging to someone else. This action of misrepresentation often damages the goodwill of a person or business, causing financial or reputational damage. An example of this would be if business “XYZ Entertainers” established their service in the West Midlands, then a new business starts trading, calling themselves “XYZ of Birmingham”. Customers begin to book the new business believing it to be the previous one, which has a good reputation. 

The potential outcome here is either damage to the reputation of the original business, “XYZ Entertainers”, if “XYZ of Birmingham” provides poor service, or financial loss because the confusion causes customers to book with the wrong company. 

Raising a passing off claim can help you prevent other people from using the goodwill associated with your business for their own benefit and in turn prevents damage to your business’ reputation.

There are 3 elements which must be established when claiming for passing off:

  1. Goodwill - You must prove that you have a “reputation” that the public associates with your specific product or service.
  2. Misrepresentation - You must show that the other business passing off their business as yours has caused confusion, deceived or misled customers into believing that their goods and services are actually yours.
  3. Damage - You must prove that the misrepresentation has damaged or is likely to damage your goodwill, or cause actual or foreseeable loss, whether that be financial or reputational.
What do I need to do to register?

Search your business name here and then apply online here. Once registered, we will send you a certificate of registration which, when displayed, meets all the requirements of Section 1200–1206 Companies Act 2006.

Can I register my name without becoming a limited company?

Yes, we can register your business name whatever the status of your firm, giving you protection and peace of mind.

How do Start.Biz check that my name is available?

We carry out comprehensive searches against all active limited companies, all existing domains and additional business name checks, including our internal Business Names register.

Search Your Business Name Now

40

years in business

100 k+

businesses protected

10000 £

pounds of legal cover

1

the only UK provider

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"I highly recommend StartBiz. The service I have received from them has been second to none. They have provided me with valuable information for my business, in a timely manner. Friendly, approachable, reliable."

Helen Cochrane - Alvechurch Reiki

"Highly Recommend Start.Biz, Recently worked with Michaela who was a great help!"

CT Fire Risk Management & Protection

"The team were exceptional in helping me with a business name dispute. Mitch and Corin were particularly professional and knowledgeable. Everything was handled in a timely manner and the concern was resolved. The other business changed their name which stopped the confusion and customers knew which business they were booking and the service and quality they were buying!"

Kirsty - Curious Cubs

"Mitch was really helpful with lots of advice…I found out things I hadn’t even considered when starting my business…."

Nadine Elliman - Sugar Queen Nadine

"I contacted Mitch Willmott at Start.biz recently with a trademark query and to gain some general advice about IP and what I need as a start up business. He honestly could not have been more helpful. He answered all my queries quickly and explained things really clearly…I found it invaluable. He was really easy to talk to and made an absolute novice understand a little more about IP and trademarking. I would highly recommend Mitch to anyone seeking advice."

Sarah Deacon - The Bay Tree

"What can I say about Kayla, Matt and Mitch. They have given me so much advice, support and have helped me to structure to my business, in ways I didn't even think were possible. From funding to IPO registry and banking. They genuinely care and go more than the extra mile to help their clients. I would not hesitate to recommend their services and I look forward to continuing my relationship with them. A first-class service!"

Kirsty Nash

"From start to finish very helpful. If there are any queries I can ask and they are happy to help. Excellent service and highly recommend."

Amanda Hegney (MDP)

"Been registering my business name with them for 9 years now. Great, reassuring service to protect my business name and thus reputation. I highly recommend using their business name registration service to protect your business from "passing off". Also very helpful free search service to check what business names are in use and associated domains and trade marks - all essential -pre-checks to do before launching your name and website!"

Angela Dunning

"It has been a pleasure to do business with you…"

David Taylor

"I phoned…and I had no idea about business requirements, Anne was very helpful and explained everything in detail. She’s very professional. Thank you. "

Tarick Cruise

"Very helpful people. Will do their best the get you started."

Zoltan Titan

"From the start to the finish [the team were] very helpful. If [I had]any concerns [I can] always ask and they [are] happy to sort it straight away. Can not be better."

Przemyslaw Nabialczyk

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