People operating as sole traders or in general partnerships can trade under their own names, or choose a different business name.

If you decide to use a business name, it must not:

• be offensive
• include the terms public limited company (plc), limited (ltd), limited liability partnership (LLP)
• contain prescribed or sensitive words and expressions, unless you have obtained permission to use them

If you register a limited partnership you must include either 'Limited Partnership' or 'LP' at the end of your business name.

Is anyone else using your proposed business name?

Before using your chosen name, check that it isn't already being used.

If a sole trader at the other end of the country is using it, there may not be a problem. However, if another local business, company or national firm is using it, you should choose a different name.

You should do the following checks:

• check local phone books, business directories and the internet
• make sure that your proposed name - or something similar - hasn't been registered by a company
• make sure that the name isn't too similar to a word or expression that has been registered as a trade mark.

If you're in any doubt about your business name, get expert advice from your local NMI.