Can I run more than one business under one Limited Company

Can I run more than one business under one Limited Company? is a question I often get asked. My answer?

Yes, it is possible to run two or more separate businesses under a single limited company.

This involves using trading names to split the overall company into separate units, each of which can be run as a unique business.

What are trading names?

Trading names provide a way for limited companies to trade under a name that is not their registered company name.

It is possible to use multiple trading names to run several different businesses.

But each of these businesses will be trading as a division of the limited company and this must be made clear in any company documentation, on websites, business stationery, etc.

What are the rules for trading names?

There are certain rules pertaining to the use of business names, including:

Trading names must not include ‘limited’, ‘Ltd’, ‘limited liability partnership, ‘LLP’, ‘public limited company’ or ‘plc’
They cannot contain any ‘sensitive’ words or expressions – unless permission is obtained
They cannot be too similar to the trading name of a similar business (e.g. a competitor)
A trading name should not be too similar to a trademark

As mentioned previously, the name of the limited company should be included on all company documents in addition to the trading name. This includes business letters, order forms, and websites.

Contact me if you need help with your Limited Company Financial Accounts or Corporation Tax returns.