by: Rebecca
March 22nd, 2010
I claim not to be superstitious or a believer in fate. In our society most of us are presented with lots of opportunities and it’s what we make of these that determine how successful we will be.
However, most of us will admit to little rituals and faiths from lucky items to lucky numbers. As rational as I believe I am I always “touch wood” when I have an unpleasant thought, plead to an unknown power that all will be OK and here’s something really crazy, I have an unlucky bra!
Whether there really is some other divine intervention or simply a self fulfilling prophesy its best to think positively in all areas of our lives. This includes giving your company a successful name.
To test this hypothesis I checked the names of some dissolved companies at Companies House and here’s what I found:
Bad company LTD
The rubbish company LTD
Poor us bank LTD
Lose a lot trading LTD
Jinxed limited LTD
Stupid Limited LTD
Stupid productions LTD
Gone bust again LTD
Gone LTD
Unfit productions LTD
Unfit business LTD
I thought these dissolved LTD company names were quite ironic
Bankruptcy advice bureau LTD
Bankruptcy advice centre LTD
Bankruptcy help desk LTD
Bankruptcy support LTD
Bankruptcy options LTD
Disaster management LTD
Ridiculously talented LTD
My conclusion, start as you mean to go on.
I am curious what superstitious behaviour do you admit to doing?
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by: Rebecca
March 8th, 2010
I have just written a post on naming a business and the importance of matching the Limited Company name to the company domain name.
It is incredibly difficult to find a name that has been permitted at Companies House (with over 7 thousand new names being registered a week and strict rules surrounding naming) and matching a domain name (with tens of millions registered each year).
However, be warned, think carefully about how your company name and domain name looks. These websites may have attracted the wrong kind of visitors (taken from listverse.com):
1. Whorepresents.com
A company called who represents.
2. Expertsexchange.com
Experts Exchange.
3. Penisland.net
Pen Island.
4. Therapistfinder.com
Need a therapist?
5. Powergenitalia.com
An Italian Power Generator company.
6. Molestationnursery.com
Mole Station Native Nursery.
7. cummingfirst.com
Cumming Methodist Church.
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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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I claim not to be superstitious or a believer in fate. In our society most of us are presented with lots of opportunities and it’s what we make of these that determine how successful we will be. 
