Every business must display its business name - and other details - to inform customers and suppliers who they are dealing with. You should not print your stationery until you're certain your proposed name is acceptable.

Limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) must wait until registration is complete and a Certificate of Incorporation has been issued.

A sole trader or partnership must obtain prior approval to use a sensitive word in their proposed business name.

You must display a sign with your company or LLP name:

• in characters that can be easily read
• in a place where visitors can easily and clearly see it at any time and not just during business hours
• continuously

You must also include your company's or LLP's registered name on all hard copy and electronic business correspondence including:

• letters, notices and other official publications
• emails
• bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements and order forms
• cheques signed by or on behalf of the company
• orders for money, goods or services signed by or on behalf of the company
• bills of parcels, invoices and other demands for payment, receipts and letters of credit
• your website - you do not need to include the company name on every page but it must be displayed so it can be easily read

You do not have to state directors' names on business letters unless you want to do so. However, if you do decide to include directors' names, then you must state all the directors' names.

If you are an LLP with more than 20 members, you don't need to display the members' names. However, you must keep a list of members at your principal place of business and state that the list is available for inspection.

Displaying a name online

If your business has a website, you must display:

• general information about your business - including business name, address, email address, VAT registration number (if applicable)
• details of any relevant professional body that you belong to or any authorisation scheme to which your service is subject