Trading name or company name: which goes on your website?

Key takeaways

Use the name customers know you by as your main brand, but if you are a limited company or LLP, your registered name must also appear on your website under the Trading Disclosures Regulations 2015. The usual answer is the trading name in the header and 'Brand is a trading name of Company Ltd' in the footer.

• Companies and LLPs must show their registered name on their website.
• A trading name can lead, with the registered name in the footer.
• Sole traders using a business name should make their own name easy to find.
• Use the same name format everywhere, including Google and invoices.

Should a website show the trading name or the company name?

A website should lead with the trading name buyers recognise and, for a limited company or LLP, also show the registered company name. The Trading Disclosures Regulations 2015 require companies to display their registered name on their websites. Global Bridge Labs (GBL) recommends a footer line such as 'Brand is a trading name of Company Ltd'.

• What information should every business website have?
• Company number on your website: where and how

What wording should you use?

Use a plain, consistent sentence: 'Smith Plumbing is a trading name of J Smith Services Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 01234567, registered office: [address].' This one line covers the name, number, place of registration and office in one go. Put it in the footer of every page.

• Website footer design: what to include and leave out

What about sole traders and partnerships?

Sole traders and partnerships are not covered by the company website disclosure rules, but if you trade under a business name, the business names rules require your own name and an address on business documents such as invoices and letters. Showing the same on your website keeps things consistent and builds trust.

• Sole trader website details: what you must show

Are there restrictions on trading names?

Yes. Some words, such as 'Royal', 'Bank' or 'Chartered', are sensitive and need approval, and a name must not suggest a link to government or a regulator you do not have. Companies House guidance on incorporation and names lists them. Check before printing your name on vans and a website.

• Describe your business in one sentence on your website

Does the name need to match Google and directories?

Yes. Use the same trading name, spelled the same way, on your website, Google Business Profile, directories and invoices. Small differences, such as '& Sons' on one and 'and Sons' on another, make it harder for buyers and search engines to be sure the listings are the same business.

• NAP consistency: same name, address and phone everywhere
• Business details Google shows, and where it gets them

When is the registered name enough on its own?

The registered name is enough on its own when it is also the name you trade under, for example 'Harper Electrical Ltd'. You then show it once in the header as your brand and again in the footer disclosure line with the number and office. No 'trading as' wording is needed.

What does this look like in practice?

A pattern we see with businesses that incorporated after years as sole traders: the website, van and Google profile still show the old trading name, but nothing mentions the new limited company. Adding a single footer disclosure line solves the legal gap without touching the brand customers know.

• See client work
• Website Design & Development for UK businesses

Business name checklist

• Lead with the name buyers know.
• Add the registered name in the footer if a company or LLP.
• Include number, place of registration and registered office.
• Check for sensitive words.
• Match the name on Google and directories.
• Use the same format on invoices and email signatures.

• What first-time buyers of your service need to read

Next step

Look at your website footer now. If you are a company and your registered name is not there, add one disclosure line today.