I agree with the views of Robert Ashton (professional speaker) who recently said that we all enjoy innuendo and that you are more likely to remember something if it makes you smile.
The problem with limited company names is that Companies House prevents any name which may be viewed as offensive. Sadly, as so many people easily take offense these rules are, in my opinion, unnecessarily strict and we have often all been left very frustrated in the office that yet another creative company name (that really wasn’t offensive) has been refused.
I do understand that some names are simply inappropriate and personally I wouldn’t want to see the Companies House register filled with filth. I also appreciate that offensive is very much an individual interpretation and it is therefore easier to stay safe. It’s unfortunate though that all the rules and regulations stifle individuality and humour.
Luckily we are all pretty open minded in the office (you would be surprised at some of the proposed company names!) and we have some real laughs with our customers trying to creatively get some of the names onto the register.
However, with over 7 thousand Limited Companies registered every week it is inevitable that some names will get past the examiners (although not very often). Being incredibly immature I had some fun typing rude words into the Companies House register to see what I could find:
- Boobs LTD
- Bollox LTD
- Knobs and Knockers LTD (door fittings)
- Sh1t fertilizer LTD (the company is dissolved now!)
- Doggie Style LTD (dog boutique)
- Whipsmaid LTD (a play on Whipsnade and yes it is bondage)
- Wet Dreams LTD (surfing accessories)
- Hard and slow (alcohol)
These ones made me laugh out loud, particularly as they are all not trading or dissolved. Say the name quickly and you’ll understand.
- Norfolk and Cash LTD
- Norfolk and Chance LTD
- Norfolk and Good LTD
Anyone else know any good ones?
I can’t think of any other names to add to the pot that would match your findings, but these have certainly brightened up and brought some raucous laughter to my damp Monday!
Comment by Alice — March 1, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
On a slight tangent, I laughed out loud when I drove past a bus stop with a Burger King advert on it with a big picture of a burger and the tag line:
“KING GREAT”
Nice to see the larger corporates with a sense of humour!
Thanks for the great post.
Comment by business wedgie — March 1, 2010 @ 2:55 pm
As I am weeks away from my travelling adventure, I have had my head buried in Travel guides. When researching about Hong Kong, I had to laugh out loud when I read a recommendation for a hostel called Wang Fat.
Another laugh out loud moment was when driving along the M1 and I passed a van for a scaffolding company called Mammoth Erection.
Very funny!
Comment by Aimee — March 3, 2010 @ 9:24 am
I liked the Mitchell and Webb sketch where they were discussing naming their dry cleaning business ‘Touching Cloth’ apparently unaware of any alternate meaning.
Comment by Chris — March 3, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
When i came across the company ‘OLD FEKKAS CIDER LTD’ companies house refused to incorporate it due to being ’seen as offensive’. Adamant i wanted to incorporate this name (its brilliant) i googled the word ‘FEKKAS’ its apparently a Moroccan cookie! none the less companies house refused until we altered it slightly thus becoming OLD FEKKAHS CIDER LTD! the huge difference the letter H makes huh!
Comment by Tori — March 4, 2010 @ 3:21 pm