Smarta offers 3 types of services to help you formally set up your business: business name registration, company set up and trademark registration. Read the information below so you are able to choose the best service for your business - you can also call our helpline at any time for more guidance on 0800 292 2121. Start with a free search of all business names, company names and trade marks so you can see what is already taken, then complete the form for your chosen service. Once you have checked the final amount you can pay with Maestro, Visa, Mastercard, Solo or Direct Debit. It’s as simple as that and you’ll receive your documents through the post within 3 days.
Smarta offers three types of service (we also provide a detailed explanation with each service on the next page).
- Register a business name A business name is a common choice for sole traders and partnerships running their own business. Your business will not be registered with Companies House (as it would be if you set up a formal company) however it will go onto the Business Name Register. This stops others from copying your name and potentially taking custom from you in your market and trading area (passing off). Do note that if you choose to register a business name rather than set up a company, your own personal assets will remain liable for any debts you may incur. For more information on choosing a business name read our advice section:
http://www.smarta.com/advice/starting-up/company-formation/why-choosing-the-right-business-name-is-important
- Set up a company –If you set up a company you are separating yourself from your business as you become the director and shareholder. This means you are protected from personal loss and you can give your business a unique trading name which will be officially registered with Companies House. We offer four types of company registration although for the majority of start-ups a Limited Company is the best fit. (We give you a full explanation of each type on the registration page). An example of a company name would be The Coca-Cola Company (who actually produce more than 3000 beverages as well as Coke!). When you set up a company we will automatically register your business name. For more information on Company Set Up read our advice section: http://www.smarta.com/advice/starting-up/company-formation
- Trade mark search and registration –A trade mark provides a distinctive way to badge your business and could be a word, logo, domain name, shape, colour or sound. So for example “Coca-cola”, and the contour bottle are both trade marks. Registering a trade mark is not compulsory and you are protected to some extent by common law but registering will give you full ownership of the mark and save you costly legal fees by protecting you from trade mark infringement (another company using your trade mark without permission). A trade mark search should be done before you register a trade mark as it will give you invaluable advice on whether the mark can proceed to registration. If you decide to register the trade mark, then we will discount the cost of the report against the final TM registration fee. This service is also offered as an option in company set up and business name registration. For more information read our guide on trademarks: http://www.smarta.com/advice/legal/intellectual-property/trademarks
