An everyday printer

I've gone for an all in one, fax, scan, printer, copier.

 


 Saving a huge discount on this printer, suits all of our needs. Ink cartridges can be baught for under £50.

OUGD204 Evaluation

Macs and Software Costs

3x iMacs1x Tower
1x Adobe Creative Suite Business License
1x Microsoft Office

I've selected the iMac with 27-inch screen as its better for designing on a professional level.


£1684 x 3= £5052

With extras
8gb memory for increased speed with design software
Apple Care

Apple do a promotion for 50% of a printer when you order it with a new mac yet it still works out cheaper to get the printer elsewhere




 

£1985.99 x 3 = £5957.97

= £3,294.00

Software packages!

Adobe is cheaper for software than apple website

Need license for all 4 computers

Need one license for mac pro

Save £139.95  when you buy 2 installs in one :)

Conclusion

You have completed the evaluation.
We recommend you save these results using the 'Save' option at the bottom of this page so you can come back to them later.

Introduction

Cash is the lifeblood of your business. Without a regular supply of cash, your business will fail.
This advice is based on the answers you gave in the questionnaire and is an outline of things you can do to improve the flow of money through your business. Our guides on the basics of cashflow management, getting paid on time and managing late payment provide a good overview of the fundamentals of cashflow.
Even if you are a sole trader or run a micro business, you need to make sure you set and enforce payment terms and undertake credit checks where necessary. Even if your customers are sole traders or friends, you are running a business – they should not take offence if you introduce a contract.
Agreeing terms at the outset can avoid future disputes, which could cause far more damage to your working relationships than any initial embarrassment.
Even where your suppliers and customers are much bigger than you, best practice when it comes to invoicing and terms is more likely to get you paid on time. See our guide on invoicing and payment terms.

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Know who you're doing business with

The people or company that own the business, and who are liable for any debts, may not be the same as the name under which the business trades. If you need to take any legal action against a customer, you need to be sure of who you are dealing with.
It is therefore important to check out the exact name and legal status of any business you supply. For more information, see our guide on legal structures: the basics.
You supply to limited companies. If your customer is a limited company, you will be able to find out basic details about them for free online - search company information using the WebCHeck service at Companies House.
You supply to sole traders or partnerships. If your customer is a sole trader or partnership, then the proprietor or partners of that business are personally liable. So you should make sure you have their full details, as businesses can disappear much more quickly and easily than individuals.
You supply to private individuals. Check whether they appear on the Voters Roll by visiting for example, the tracesmart - Opens in a new window website.

You should conduct credit checks for all of your customers and potential customers.
You should ask all potential customers to complete a form authorising you to get bank, credit and trade references.
You should then make the necessary checks with the customer's bank, a credit reference agency and some of their suppliers.
You can also get information about the company from Companies House, The Insolvency Service, the Registry Trust, the Institute of Credit Management and other sources. For more information, see the page on credit checking potential customers in our guide getting paid on time.
If you supply private individuals, they may not own a property and can go bankrupt. So credit risks can apply.
Check whether the person has any County Court Judgments  registered against them - Opens in a new window and ask for trade references, particularly if the customer is a sole trader.
Reducing credit risks depends upon the amount and frequency of sales.

1. For large amounts and infrequent transactions, you can ask for a deposit (at least to cover any upfront payments such as materials) or full payment in advance.
2. For large amounts and frequent transactions you need to make full credit checks and control the amount of credit as a business customer.
3. For smaller sums and frequent transactions be guided by their past payment history. If a customer unduly delayed payment in the past you must question whether the time spent chasing payment is greater than the profit on the sale. 
4. If you accept debit or credit card payments you must be sure the customer has the credit available to make payment.

Once you have a credit reference for your customer, you should check that the information supports the amount of credit they need. Getting a credit check allows you to determine the risks involved with providing credit to a particular customer. For example, those with the best credit references and payment records represent a lower risk than those with a bad credit history and you can therefore set a higher credit limit for them. You may consider dealing with potential customers with a bad credit history on a “cash in advance” basis. For more information, see the page on setting levels of credit in our guide getting paid on time.

Based on the answers you have given, there are no critical issues with identifying your most valuable customers. You might be interested in the page market more effectively in our guide on how to identify and sell more to your most valuable customers.

It is recommended that you consider having credit insurance in place.
Even though a business may currently be creditworthy, it may not continue to be so. If a customer becomes insolvent and cannot pay its debts, this can have an impact on your business, especially if large amounts are involved.
Credit insurance can help businesses protect themselves from the risk of late or non-payment. Credit insurance for businesses - also known as business credit insurance and trade credit insurance - differs from that available to individuals and commonly pays an agreed percentage of an invoice that is unpaid as a result of default, insolvency or bankruptcy. There are also other insurance options available to businesses, such as health and safety and liability insurance. Use our interactive tool to work out which forms of insurance you should have for your business.
You may also wish to consider a non-recourse factoring service which will improve your cashflow and provide insurance against bad debts. For more information see our guide on factoring and invoice discounting: the basics.

Your customers and financial difficulty
Based on the answers you have given, you appear to have no customers in financial difficulty. If you do start to suspect customers of experiencing problems, take a look at the pages on signs of customers in trouble: hard evidence and signs of customers in trouble: soft evidence in our guide on how to identify potential cashflow problems.

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Invoicing

Based on your answers, you have no critical issues when it comes to invoicing. You might still find it useful to read more in our guide on invoicing and payment terms.

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Chasing payment

Using automated systems such as BACS or CHAPS can help reduce the risk of bounced, missing or lost cheques and have the advantage of providing payment certainty. Read about BACS payments on the BACS website - Opens in a new window and CHAPS payment on the UK Payments Administration website - Opens in a new window

The impact of late or non payment on your business
Based on your answers, you have no critical issues on coping with the impact of late or non payment by major customers. If circumstances change, you may want to consider debt factoring, invoice discounting or credit insurance if you do not already take advantage of these strategies.
For more information see our guide on factoring and invoice discounting: the basics and how to choose an insurance adviser and present your risk.

You do not currently have customers who are insolvent or bankrupt, but this may change.

Just because a business is still operating, does not mean it may not be declared bankrupt or insolvent in the future. It is important to be aware of the signs that a customer may be in financial difficulty. For example, their payment patterns may change or they may start making mistakes on cheques they send you, or your staff may notice signs of them struggling.
For more information, see the pages on signs of customers in trouble: hard evidence and signs of customers in trouble: soft evidence in our guide on how to identify potential cashflow problems.

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Impact of change on your business

Credit management and accounting systems
Based on your answers, you do not have any critical issues with managing credit and accounting. You may still be interested to learn more about working to a budget and using accounting software, and how this can help your business. See our guides on budgeting and business planning and accounting software.

10 tips

Copyright

About copyright

Copyright can protect:

• literary works, including novels, instruction manuals, computer programs, song lyrics, newspaper articles and some types of database
• dramatic works, including dance or mime
• musical works
• artistic works, including paintings, engravings, photographs, sculptures, collages, architecture, technical drawings, diagrams, maps and logos
• layouts or typographical arrangements used to publish a work, for a book for instance
• recordings of a work, including sound and film
• broadcasts of a work

You should only copy or use a work protected by copyright with the copyright owner's permission.
Copyright applies to any medium. This means that you must not reproduce copyright protected work in another medium without permission. This includes, publishing photographs on the internet, making a sound recording of a book, a painting of a photograph and so on.
Copyright does not protect ideas for a work.  It is only when the work itself is fixed, for example in writing, that copyright automatically protects it. This means that you do not have to apply for copyright.
A copyright protected work can have more than one copyright, or another intellectual property (IP) right, connected to it.  For example, an album of music can have separate copyrights for individual songs, sound recordings, artwork, and so on.  Whilst copyright can protect the artwork of your logo, you could also register the logo as a trade mark.

Automatic right

There is no official registration system for copyright in the United Kingdom (UK) and most other parts of the world. There are no forms to fill in and no fees to pay to get copyright protection.
So long as you have created and fixed, for example in writing, an original work that qualifies for copyright protection, that is it falls into one of the categories of material protected by copyright, you will have copyright protection without having to do anything to establish this. It is a requirement of various international conventions on copyright that copyright should be automatic with no need to register.
To help protect your copyright work, it is advisable to mark it with the © symbol, the name of the copyright owner and the year in which the work was created.  Although this is not essential, it will let others know when the term of protection started and it should then be possible to calculate whether it has ended or not.  It will also indicate who the owner was at that time in case it is then necessary to approach them should you need to ask permission to use the work.
Additionally, a creator could send himself or herself a copy by special delivery post (which gives a clear date stamp on the envelope), leaving the envelope unopened on its return (ensuring you also know what is inside each envelope in case you do this more than once). Alternatively you could lodge your work with a bank or solicitor.  It is important to note, that this does not prove that a work is original or created by you. But it may be useful to be able to show the court that the work was in your possession at a particular date.

Benefits of copyright protection

Copyright allows you to protect your original material and stops others from using your work without your permission. The existence of copyright may be enough on its own to stop others from trying to exploit your material. If it does not, it gives you the right to take legal action to stop them exploiting your copyright, and to claim damages.
By understanding and using your copyright and related rights protection, you can:

• sell the copyright but retain the moral rights.
• license your copyright for use by others but retain the ownership.
• object if your work is distorted or mutilated.

Design Rights

How much does it cost?

If you wish to have your design or designs published and registered as soon as possible:

• It costs GBP £60 to apply to register a single design or the first design in any multiple application. For every additional design in any multiple application it costs GBP £40 per design.

If you wish to defer the publication of a design by up to 12 months:

• It costs GBP £40 to apply and register a single design or the first design in any multiple application. For every additional design in any multiple application it costs GBP £20 per design.

When you are ready to request publication and registration of deferred designs you will need to file Form DF2C and pay GBP £40 per design.

IPO

This diagnostic is for you if:

• you are a UK national or your business is established in the UK; and
• you are using (or planning to use) a trade mark - maybe a business or brand name, or a logo, or a combination of both; and
• you want to protect your trade mark in other countries outside the UK by registering it in an official registry.

The countries where you might consider protecting your trade mark, and that you should therefore think about when answering the questions in this IP HealthCheck, include:

• Countries where your goods or services are sold. (You may be selling them in those countries because you have a branch there, or an agent or distributor, or customers are buying your goods and services from there, for example, via a catalogue, by phone or through your website.)
• Countries where you might sell your goods or services in future.
• Countries where your goods are sourced or manufactured.
• Countries where you are potentially vulnerable to counterfeiters/piracy.

Registration v non-registration

You do not always have to register your trade mark to protect it. In most countries a trade mark is protected automatically if you have been using it for so long that it has built up a good reputation, and people associate it with your goods and services. That means you can take anyone else in your line of business to court if they use a trade mark that looks or sounds the same as, or similar to, the one you are using. In the UK this is called a 'passing off' action.
However, you have to prove:

• That your trade mark has a good reputation (ie there is “goodwill” attached to it).
• That the trade mark is associated solely with your business.
• That you have suffered damage because of the other trader’s use of it.

These can be difficult to prove, which means passing-off cases can be time-consuming and expensive. That's why businesses often apply to register their trade marks. The advantage of registering a trade mark is that it gives you an exclusive right to use the trade mark in the place you have registered it, in relation to the goods and services specified in the registration. For this purpose, goods and services are usually categorised into Classes (for example, there are 45 in the UK), and your application must specify the Class(es) of goods or services your trade mark relates to. If there's a dispute about who has the right to use your trade mark in relation to particular goods or services, the fact that you can show in court that your trade mark is registered in those Classes means you are in a much stronger position than if it is not registered.
Registration can also make a trade mark more valuable – for example, it makes it much easier to:

• Sell it.
• License it to someone else (i.e. allow them to use it, for a fee).
• Mortgage it to raise money.

Registration can be relatively inexpensive compared to the value of your brand to your business. For example, the registry fees to register your trade mark with us here at the Intellectual Property Office (the official trade marks registry for the UK) are £170 to register in one Class if you do it online, and £50 for each additional Class.
Registration usually lasts initially for ten years. You can renew your registration every ten years so, provided you pay the renewal fee, you can enjoy your exclusive right to use your trade mark in perpetuity.



£170 to register our trademark

VAT registered

You can start trading but you cannot charge or claim VAT unless you are VAT registered.

The official main reference guide to Value Added Tax ( "The VAT Guide" HMCE Reference:Notice 700) is available to download from the Customs and Excise web site.

What is VAT?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax businesses charge when they supply their goods and services in the United Kingdom or Isle of Man.

It is also charged on goods, and some services, that are imported from places outside the European Community (EC) and on goods and services coming into the UK from another EC Member State.

The following are examples of business supplies:
• selling new and used goods, including hire purchase;
• providing a service, for example, hairdressing and decorating;
• charging an admission price to go into buildings; or
• self-employed people providing supplies, e.g some salesmen and subcontractors.

Qualification criteria.

The following three factors play a part in determining whether or not you need to register :
• Taxable Supplies
The supply of any goods and services which are subject to VAT at any rate, including zero-rated, are called taxable supplies. (Exempt supplies are explained below)

• Distance Sales
Distance selling is when a taxable person in one European Community (EC) Member State supplies and delivers goods to a customer in another EC Member State and the customer is not: registered for VAT, or liable to be registered for VAT. The most common example of distance sales is mail order sales.

• Acquisitions
If you are an organisation or business, and not a private individual acting in a purely personal capacity, any goods you buy from a VAT registered supplier in another EC country for removal to the UK are known as acquisitions.

If:

• Your taxable supplies, distance sales, or acquisitions are expected to exceed £70,000 in the next 30 days, or if you are already trading, and they have exceeded £70,000 in the past 12 months...
• Or, if you have taken over a VAT registered business as a going concern...

Then:

You must notify your Customs and Excise local VAT office immediately of liability to register for VAT. (See VAT Forms & Where do I send my forms? Or register online.)

If:

Your taxable supplies, distance sales, or acquisitions are not expected to exceed £70,000 in the next 30 days, and have not exceeded £70,000 in the past 12 months...

Then:

VAT registration is not necessary in these circumstances although businesses can register for VAT on a voluntary basis to be able to reclaim VAT on purchases. Anyone who registers will also have to account for tax on their sales, where appropriate. Apply to your local VAT office on form VAT1 or register online.

Different Rates of VAT

There are three rates:

Rate of VAT	Also known as...	Applies to taxable supplies of ...
17.5%	standard rate	most goods and services
5%	reduced rate	examples: fuel and power used in the home and by charities, renovation and alteration of dwellings, women's sanitary products
0%	zero rate	certain goods and services on which you do not need to charge VAT (examples below)

Zero-rated supplies

These are taxable supplies on which the current VAT rate is 0%.

Examples include:
• most food (but not meals in restaurants or cafes and hot take-away food and drink);
• books;
• newspapers;
• young children's clothing and shoes;
• exported goods (For further information see Notice 703 Exports and removals of goods from the UK.);
• most prescriptions dispensed to a patient by a registered pharmacist;
• and most public transport services.

This list is not exhaustive and further information regarding zero-rated supplies can be found in the Customs and Excise's Notice 700 The VAT Guide. If all or most of your supplies are zero-rated, you may not need to be registered for VAT. This is called exemption from registration (See more info exemption in Notice 700/1
"Should I be registered for VAT?" and its supplements).

See more info on what is VATable on the HM Customs and Excise web site

Exempt supplies

Exempt supplies are business supplies other than taxable supplies on which VAT is not charged.

Examples include:
• selling, leasing and letting land and buildings (but not lettings of garages, parking spaces or hotel and holiday accommodation). See Notice 742 Land and property;
• insurance;
• betting, gambling and lotteries (but not takings from fruit machines);
• providing credit;
• certain education and training;
• fund raising events by charities;
• subscriptions to certain membership organisations;
• the services of doctors and dentists;
• and certain services from undertakers.

This list is not exhaustive and further information regarding exempt supplies can be found in the Customs and Excise's Notice 700 The VAT Guide.

If you are registered for VAT and make some exempt supplies, you may not be able to get all your input tax back. Notice 706 Partial exemption tells you more about this.

If all your supplies are exempt, you will not be able to register for VAT. However if you make supplies of finance or insurance services or of investment gold to customers in countries outside the European Community, you may register on a voluntary basis, in order to claim back any input tax you have paid in respect of these specified supplies. You are also able to recover input tax where your supply consists of insurance and finance services (including intermediary services) that are directly linked to the export of goods from within the EC to outside the EC, regardless of where the recipient of the supply is established. If you are making this type of supply and think you might be able to register, you should contact HM Customs and Excise for further advice.

VAT and International Trade

See the HM Revenue and Customs website for further information on VAT and international trade. It covers infomation on how ' the place of supply' and business status of your customer/supplier can affect the VAT rules that apply to you.

VAT on Internet / Electronic Services

The HM Revenue and Customs website has detailed information on the special arrangements for charging VAT on supplying electronic services internationally.

For further details:

• VAT Healthcheck - Consultancy service focused on helping businesses make potential VAT savings and gain peace of mind.
• List of local VAT offices
• HM Revenue & Customs Web site: http://www.hmce.gov.uk
• National Advice Service Tel: 0845 010 9000
• If you need to refresh your maths skills, see how to add and deduct VAT.
• Read the "beginner's guide to working for myself/ setting up a business" which contains further information about starting up in business.

UK VAT CHANGES 2008-2010

Standard VAT was at a reduced rate of 15% from December 1st 2008 to Jan 1st 2010 Only standard-rated sales were affected. For any sales of standard-rated goods or services that took place on or after 1 December 2008 providers should have charged VAT at the rate of 15%. The 15% rate remained until 31st December 2009, and from 1 January 2010 it reverted to 17.5%. See: HMRC Details of the Measure Pre Budget Report Nov 24th 2008 VAT reduction to 15%

How to own the business

Start-up costs... equipment.

Equipment and resources needed to start up company.. this will have a great effect on the overall costs for year 1 of the business but is something we need to run our studio and we shouldn't have to replace for 3+ years. Our loan should cover this initial cost needed for:

Equipment
3x iMacs
1x Mac Tower -for work with video/ motion graphics
2x Additional external hard drives
4x usb memory sticks
1x Printer/ fax/ scanner all in one A4
1x Large printer upto
1x Large scanner
1x digital camera
1x digital SLR camera
1x lightbox

We will all have our own Macbooks already so we can use these out of the studio.

Furniture
4x swivel chairs
4x desks
1x Filing Cabinet
1x A0 Drawers
1x Bookshelf

1x layout desk
4x normal chairs  -this is where we can layout work and do any crafting

My input to Enterprise presentation.

-Equipment and Resources
-Business Plan

Things I need to research:

What bank to choose
Loans
Insurance
IP costs
Legal Advice/ services
Accountants
Outgoings
Overheads
Initial Start-ups
Charge Rates
Work Days

PlaNarama email draft

PlaNarama Ltd

Unit 2H, Clapham North Arts Centre

26-23 Voltaire Road

London SW8 6DH

TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CREATIVE MANAGER

kate@PLANarama.com

Hello Kate,

I recently came across your company whilst doing a Ted Baker competition project for YCN. I am currently studying BA Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art and i'm looking into the area of design in which to persue and I love the thought of working within Fashion and Retail, your company is a real inspiration to me and has made me so excited about my future career. I am currently collating a portfolio of work and was wondering whether you could give me some feedback on my work, I think it would be really beneficially for me and hopefully it'll be something you enjoy too.

Thankyou for taking the time to read this email, If I haven't contacted the right person please could you let me know the name of who I should get in touch with. Please let me know if you are interested and I shall send a short Pdf of work to you

thanks again,

Stephanie Oglesby

How Not to Fail!

Task 5 Proposed Position Statements

Write 10 short but informative statements that identify your distinctive ‘positioning’ as a Graphic Designer. Your statements should consider your ambitions, skills and areas of creative interest in relation to the market, your clients, competition and possible collaborators and should be based on the information that you have collected in response to the set tasks.

1. I work best with rigid briefs, I can't design for the sake of designing, I need a reason.

2. I want close relations with my clients, creating designs that reflect their personality.

3. I want to work within a small, humble multi-disciplinary design company that are passionate in what they do.

4. I want to be part of a large retail brands creative team.

5. I would like to collaborate with fashion photographers, fashion stylists and artists on projects.

6. I want to see my work in retail stores, representing brands I like.

7. I want to work with and support young creatives.

8. I want to be known for creative and innovative designs in packaging and store interiors

9. I want to have a comfortable salary to be able to afford lifes little luxuries

10. After working in companies and building up experience and a name for myself I would like to set up my own freelance company and work from home and start a family

Charge Rates worked out

Initial Ideas- Porfolio

Open publication - Free publishing - More portfolio

WHICH COMPANY TO ORDER?

limited companies

£89.00 including government fees and delivery

summary

Start up - and get growing! Forming a limited company with Duport is the best way to get your business secure, protected and up and running.
Having a limited company means that your liability is limited, which protects your personal assets from your company's debts, and means that your company can apply for credit, loans and mortgages in its own name.
Because limited companies have records with Companies House, they are often seen as a more reliable and secure option than non-limited companies. The availability of your company's records may help creditors and customers build up a sense of trust and faith in your business.
Being a limited company also protects your company name so that no other company can use it.
With Duport's experience in company formations and our great relationship with Companies House, we can get your business up and running with speed, efficiency and professionalism. Providing you with the security of a Limited company, and providing you with the services you need to start growing your business.

process time

Formation is often completed within 4 hours. Timing is subject to Companies House systems availability. In over 96% of cases your company registration is complete within 24 hours (excluding weekends).

what you get

Click on any item to get more information

• ltd company with the name of your choice
• official certificate of incorporation
• initial board resolution
• £20 company & director report credit
• memorandum & articles of association
• share certificates
• free telephone support
• 18 months free business banking with HSBC

important notes

Your company must have a minimum of 1 director.
There is no longer a legal requirement to appoint a company secretary, however companies with only one director will often require a second signature on legal documentation (for example when you open a bank account). If you do not appoint a company secretary this documentation will need to be signed by an appointed witness and many companies are still opting to appoint a company secretary.
Your company will require a registered office. This is an address to which all official mail can be sent to your company. If you wish to keep your address private / require anonymity, or you are not allowed to use your address (i.e. if you rent property), Duport can provide this service for you. It is charged at £120 per annum, and the option will be available on the order form.
Duport provide a company secretary and registered office service to clients at its discretion. To legally provide this service in accordance with UK money laundering regulations you will be asked to supply identification verifying your identity. We recommend you view a copy of the letter you will receive requesting this information.
To form the company Duport will appoint its own director and then resign from the position, allowing you to make your appointments at your own convenience and with added security.
Please wait for confirmation of your company number before ordering company stationary or otherwise assuming ownership of the company name.

OR

limited company special offer

£149.00 including government fees & delivery

summary

This limited offer gets you some great extras that will be extremely valuable to you in starting up your business.
As well as the benefits and protection afforded by forming a limited company, this package also includes

• a company register – it is a legal requirement to keep an accurate record of your company details, and a company register helps you to keep this information organised and provides useful tips for keeping it up-to-date
• a company seal – these tools officially validate documents with a sense of class and prestige
• a brass name plate – you are required by law to display your company name outside your premises. A brass name plate announces your company’s presence in style
• £50 worth of company reports – make sure you have all the information you need when you get up and running
• free accountancy consultation
• 18 months free business banking with HSBC
• free insurance advice
• free fax to email number
• 15% off a memorable business phone number
• design and print 250 free business cards

Take advantage of this special offer and get these valuable extras included in your formation package.

process time

Formation is often completed within 4 hours. Timing is subject to Companies House systems availability. In 90% of cases your company registration is complete within 24 hours (excluding weekends).

what you get

Click on any item to get more information

• ltd company with the name of your choice
• official certificate of incorporation
• offical company register
• company seal
• company brass plate
• initial board resolution
• £50 company & director report credit
• memorandum & articles of association
• share certificates
• free telephone support
• 18 months free business banking with HSBC

important notes

Your company must have a minimum of 1 director.
There is no longer a legal requirement to appoint a company secretary, however companies with only one director will often require a second signature on legal documentation (for example when you open a bank account). If you do not appoint a company secretary this documentation will need to be signed by an appointed witness and many companies are still opting to appoint a company secretary.
Your company will require a registered office. This is an address to which all official mail can be sent to your company. If you wish to keep your address private/require anonymity, or you are not allowed to use your address (i.e. if you rent property), Duport can provide this service for you, it is charged at £120 for 1 year, and the option will be available on the order form.
Duport provide a company secretary and registered office service to clients at its discretion. To legally provide this service in accordance with UK money laundering regulations you will be asked to supply identification verifying your identity. We recommend you view a copy of the letter you will receive requesting this information.
Some of the services that make up the "Special Offer" pack are provided by third parties. As such it will be necessary to pass on your details for the provision of such services. Please note that your details will not be passed on for any service which you do not opt-in to receive, and which are not mentioned.
VAT registration: there is a £70,000 threshold on taxable supplies where VAT registration becomes compulsory in most circumstances. For most, this will not apply to your first couple of years trading. If you operate below the threshold, you may voluntarily apply also. In ALL cases we recommend you take advice from a good accountant.
You will be responsible for submitting your accounts and annual return to Companies House each year.
Please wait for confirmation of your company number before ordering company stationary or otherwise assuming ownership of the company name.

NAME?

Naming your company

You cannot choose a name that is the same as an existing company and you should avoid a name:

• that people may find offensive
• that is 'too like' an existing company name unless it is part of the same group

You will need to obtain special approval for a name that:

• Suggests a connection to a government department, a devolved administration, a local authority or specified public body.
• Includes any sensitive words and expressions that require approval from Companies House. For example, you are not allowed to choose a name which includes words that are potentially misleading, such as 'international' if you are a UK-only business.

See our guide on how to choose the right name for your business.

Choose the right name for your business

Introduction

Choosing a name for your business is a creative and enjoyable process. It is also one that you need to get right. Customers may infer a lot from your business name and first impressions count.
While it may be tempting to try to stamp your individual personality on your business name, there are many other issues to consider. Being objective and choosing a name that reflects your business strategy can be more valuable, especially as your business develops.
This guide shows you how to create the right impression, display your business name, consider whether your business name will be your brand and get your name on the web. It also outlines the specific rules that you must follow when choosing a company name for a limited company, limited liability partnership, sole trader or partnership.

Choose the right name for your business

Choosing a business name to create the right impression

When generating ideas about a business name, you may initially focus on personal preference. However, an objective approach will enable you to consider the customer first.
Your business name will be the cornerstone of your brand. It should work well wherever you use it - on the phone, in your logo, signage, stationery, advertisements, website, email and any other media you plan to use to reach the market. See our guide on branding: the basics.

Points to help you decide on a name for your business

When choosing a name for your business, you need to ask:

• Do you want the name to reflect what your business does - moving, cleaning, building? Or would something more abstract be suitable?
• Would it be a good idea to include your own name?
• Do you want a traditional-sounding name, conveying durability and old-fashioned values, or a modern name, suggesting a fresh, innovative approach?
• Think about the future - avoid words or phrases that are likely to date quickly.
• If you're likely to be trading overseas, check that the name doesn't mean anything inappropriate in the relevant languages.
• Think about callers and customers - avoid very long names, strange wordings and unusual spelling. If you're planning to advertise in directories such as the Yellow Pages, think about using a name that appears near the beginning of the listings for your type of business.
• If you're focusing on the local market for your product or service, think about using the name of the city or town in the business name.
• Keep your trading name creative, but your corporate name bland. This will give you the flexibility to develop other brands and trading names in the future.

Note that there are rules that could affect your choice of business name. For more information on business names, see our guide on rules for naming your limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP).

Rules for naming your limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP)

Choosing a name for a company or LLP

There are several rules to consider when choosing a name for your company or LLP.
You will need to check that it is not the 'same as' that of an existing company or LLP. A 'same as' name may not be identical to an existing company name, but if it is very similar it could cause confusion. For example, if a company called 'Smith Transport Services Limited' already exists, you could not register 'Smith Transport Services UK Limited', unless the two companies are part of the same group and other conditions are satisfied.
To check whether a company or LLP name is already registered, use our interactive tool to search for an available company name and trade mark.

Required words

Limited companies and LLPs are required to include certain words in their names:

• private limited company names must end with 'Limited or 'Ltd'
• private unlimited company names may end with 'unlimited' but are not required to do so
• public limited company names must end with 'public limited company' or 'plc', in capital or lower-case with or without full stops
• LLP names must end with 'limited liability partnership' or 'LLP'

The names of limited companies registered in Wales may end with the Welsh equivalent of 'Limited', 'public limited company' or their abbreviations.

When will Companies House refuse to register a company name?

Companies House will not register a name if:

• its use would constitute an offence or is offensive
• it implies a connection with central or local government, or with some public authorities
• it includes a 'sensitive' word or expression - see the page in this guide on prescribed and sensitive words
• it includes characters, signs, symbols and punctuation which are not permitted
• it is identical to, or the same as, another name appearing on the index of company names
• it uses any of the name endings 'limited', 'ltd', 'unlimited', 'public limited company' or 'plc' in a way that misleads or causes confusion

A few names I have come up with:

Our chosen name:

CAVASSO- based on all our intitals, it sounds sophisticated and artistic... not cheap either.

Check with companies house that this name has not already been registered!

 £89 to register Ltd name!