Close Menu
UK Liquidators

Can I reuse a company name after liquidation?

Low-Cost Liquidation
100% Confidential
Stop HMRC & Creditor Pressure
Partner-led Service

Reusing a company name post-liquidation

If your company is liquidated it means that all its assets are sold to repay creditors, prior to the company closing down for good. The liquidator takes charge of the business on appointment, and ultimately investigates why the company failed.

The liquidation of one business doesn’t necessarily prevent you from starting a new company in the future, however. In many cases business failure is a result of elements outside the control of company directors, such as general market decline.

But if you do choose to start a new company, there are stringent rules on the reuse of a company’s name. So why might you want to reuse your old company name?

Worried about your Bounce Back Loan?

If you are a limited company director worried about how you are going to repay your Bounce Back Loan, we are here to help. As licensed insolvency practitioners we can talk you through your options when it comes to repaying your outstanding Bounce Back Loan, as well as handling all negotiations with creditors on your behalf. Call our team today on 0800 063 9262 .

Why reuse the name of a liquidated company?

When you start a new company following liquidation, using the same name or one that sounds similar can help you get the business off the ground quickly as it’s already a recognised commercial entity.

You don’t have to spend time building a new brand and can use the goodwill of the old company to your benefit. There are potential drawbacks when you reuse a company name, however – the rules are very strict, and it’s important to be aware of the potential consequences of getting it wrong.

These include personal liability for any debts of your new company, financial penalties, and even imprisonment in the most serious cases.

Reusing a company name after liquidation

The rules on reusing company names are laid out in Section 216 of the Insolvency Act, 1986. They’re in place to prevent dishonest directors deliberately trying to misrepresent themselves and a company, and mislead former creditors or the public at large.

Regulations prevent the reuse of the same or similar company name after that company has been liquidated, but there are three exceptions to these regulations.

Start your online liquidation today

If you have decided liquidation is the right option for your limited company, you can take the first step and begin the process online using our online portal. Starting the process is quick, simple, and can be done at a time that suits you. Your information will be submitted to your local UK Liquidators insolvency practitioner who will be with you every step of the way. Click here to start your company’s liquidation online.

What are the rules surrounding the reuse of company names?

The Insolvency Act prohibits the reuse of limited company names apart from in these three specific scenarios:

You obtain permission from the court

You can apply to court to reuse the name of your liquidated company, but you must do so within seven days of liquidation. This process is known as applying for ‘court leave’ – essentially, requesting official permission to use the same or a similar name.

You buy the business assets from the liquidator

If you purchase the whole or substantially whole business from the liquidator, you may be able to reuse the company’s name. An important part of this process, however, is to inform creditors of your liquidated company that you’ll be reusing the company name, and also place an advert to the same effect in the Gazette.

You use an existing name

If the company has used the name for at least 12 months before the liquidation took place, you may be able to continue to use the name as long as it wasn’t a dormant company during this time.

Reusing a company name outside of these three scenarios could have serious ramifications for you and other directors. Our experts at UK Liquidators can arrange a free consultation to establish whether you can legally reuse your company name – we operate an extensive network of offices throughout the country.

Jonathan Munnery
Insolvency & Restructuring Expert

If you are considering liquidation for your limited company, taking advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner can help you understand your options.

Is liquidation the right option for you?

Take our 60 second test and find out

Company health risk assessment
Types of liquidation available
Alternatives to liquidation
Understand your next steps
60 Second Liquidation Test
Did you know?
Are you eligible to claim Director Redundancy?
As a Limited Company Director you may be entitled to claim Director Redundancy - Average UK claim is £9,000*.
Pages related to Can I reuse a company name after liquidation?
Business People Holding Glass Money Jar
What is the new Covid-19 Recovery Loan Scheme?
Business Woman In Financial Difficulty
My company cannot survive further Covid restrictions
Businessmen Having A Dispute
Director dispute over liquidation
More on Liquidation
The difference between liquidation and administration
Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)
Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)
Company Liquidation
Ready to Liquidate?
Express Liquidation Service
Ready to start liquidating today? Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Please note: By completing this form you are not liquidating your company
Officially the largest UK Liquidations Company
Supporting 25,000+ Limited Company Directors Nationwide
I knew my company was struggling for some time, but it was only when I was unable to make a scheduled payment to a supplier that I took action. UK Liquidators were here every step of the way and explained the process in full.
Michael Clemence | Managing Director
During a very stressful time, UK Liquidators were able to calmly explain the liquidation process to me, ensuring I knew exactly what I was getting into before going ahead. I cannot thank them enough for making a difficult time that little bit easier.
Harry Barnes | Company Director
Approaching UK Liquidators to handle my CVL was one of the best decisions I could have made. The advice given was clear and easy to understand and the service was first class from start to finish.
Chloe Wright | CEO
Ready to Liquidate?
Express Liquidation Service
Ready to start liquidating today? Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Please note: By completing this form you are not liquidating your company
Contact the UK Liquidators Team

If you are considering liquidation for your company, taking expert advice at an early stage is crucial. At UK Liquidators, our team of licensed insolvency practitioners are committed to providing limited company directors with the help and advice they need to make an informed decision.

  • Free initial consultation
  • Strictly confidential
  • Fully licensed insolvency practitioners
  • Local office support
  • Named case handler throughout
Logo Tma
Logo Business Recovery
Logo Cse
Logo Iip

Looking for immediate support?

Complete the below to get in touch

 
 
 
 
 
100% Free & Confidential Advice

This site uses cookies to monitor site performance and provide a more responsive and personalised experience. You must agree to our use of certain cookies. For more information on how we use and manage cookies please read our PRIVACY POLICY