If you need to change the name of an existing company then this is easy to complete using Inform Direct.

1. Go to the Company tab and select 'Change company name'.





2. Enter the new name e.g. "INFORM DIRECT". Then select the green ' Check availability' button.  


Note: Ensure you enter the proposed company name without the name ending i.e. Limited. This must be selected from the drop down box else you run the risk of your new name being "INFORM DIRECT LIMITED LIMITED"



Note: The name will always show in upper case lettering. This is Companies House formatting and cannot be changed. 


3. If the name is available, choose the method you are using to make the company name change, either:

  • By Special Resolution or,
  • If the Articles of Association allow.


Special Resolution is the most common selection here. Then select 'Continue'.


If you are not certain which approach applies in your situation then please see our blog here, specifically sections 1 and 2.


Note: If the name is not available then you will need to select a new name. Inform Direct will make suggestions of similar company names for you. 


Note: Where a sensitive word is included in the proposed name, or if the new name is similar to an existing company name these changes must be submitted directly to Companies House rather than using the software. How can I change the name to a similar name when I have permission to use the new name.


4. Whichever method you have chosen at Step 3, you will then be asked if approval is required. This allows you to create a summary document to be approved prior to sending the submission if necessary. Selecting Yes will take you through the process to create the approval document.  

How Do I Prepare Draft Documents To Change The Company Name?


Selecting No does not create the summary document and proceeds to the next step to submit the change to Companies House.   



Note: The approval feature is only available to subscribers of the software, please see What are the benefits of subscribing to Inform Direct? Pay as you go users will skip straight to step 5 below.  


5. Review the Summary information and if happy hit the green Continue button. 

                                 

                   

6. When you are happy the details are correct, hit the red button. This will submit form NM01 (and the resolution, if required) to Companies House electronically for them to review.  What Confirmation is There That a Submission to Companies House Has Been Successful?


Note: You will receive a certificate for the name change once Companies House have accepted the change. This will be sent by email and will also be available in your Document Library. Do not use the new company name until Companies House has issued the certificate. What Happens After I Have Changed My Company Name?


Once the certificate has been issued, Inform Direct will update all of your records automatically. There is no need to submit any documents to Companies House.