by: Rebecca
March 4th, 2010
Naming a company is an immensely difficult task. I have often looked at proposed company names and thought to myself “there’s no way that’s still available” and in double checking (which is a routine part of our service) I have promptly contacted the customer and congratulated them.
The best ones are:
A name you are proud of. I believe liking your company name is more important than all the so called rules of naming a company!
Memorable. I recently heard of a company called “Hard Nipples Air Conditioning”, how will I ever forget that?
Unique. This is the most challenging – with over 7 thousand Limited Companies registered at Companies House each week, combined with the strict rules on names viewed as offensive or similar to those already registered, you’ll often find someone has already had your inspiration.
Domain name availability.It is very important to register a company domain name. Today your customers will expect you to have an appropriate email address and web presence. According to Verisign there were more that 24 million domain names added to the Internet in 2008. Finding a Limited Company name and a matching domain is no easy task and we spend a significant amount of time with our customers achieving this.
There are countless other contrasting opinions such as using made up words or real words, creating abstract or informative names but we can’t all be marketing experts. In my opinion if you’ve managed to apply the above you’ve done a cracking job.
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by: Rebecca
March 1st, 2010
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?
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