Can I reuse a company name after liquidation?

Reviewed: 31st July 2017

If your company has been liquidated and you are setting up a new business, you may want to use the same or a similar company name. Section 216 of the Insolvency Act, 1986, places severe restrictions on this practice, however, and you may find yourself facing serious repercussions if you go ahead.

Below we look at the specifics of this legislation, but first, why might you want to reuse the name of your liquidated company?

Retaining a company name

Some directors prefer to use the same company name, or one that is very similar, to retain goodwill built up over the years by the old company. This encourages trade, and helps to ensure the new business gets off to a good start.

The problem for the authorities, however, is controlling those directors who have increased creditor losses in the liquidated company, either via fraudulent activity/deliberate misconduct, or through negligence.

This is a serious issue, and the ongoing protection of consumers and trade customers is paramount. So what does Section 216 of the Insolvency Act say about reusing a company name after liquidation?

Section 216 of the Insolvency Act, 1986

If a company has entered insolvent liquidation, the name it was known by at the date of liquidation, and during the previous 12 months, becomes ‘prohibited’ and cannot be reused
The same rule applies to any similar name that suggests there is a connection to the liquidated company, those registered with Companies House, and trading names
These rules apply to company directors, owners, or officers of the company, who open a new business, whether or not it is incorporated, for a period of five years following liquidation

What are the repercussions of using a prohibited name?

There are three potential outcomes if you use a prohibited name:

A fine
Imprisonment
Personal liability for the debts of your company

Three exceptions to this rule

The liquidator sells your company

When your business, or a substantial part of the business, is sold on by a licensed insolvency practitioner, you may be able to reuse the name. You must provide legal notice of the purchase to creditors of the old company within 28 days, and place an advert to the same effect in the Gazette.

You apply to the court to use the name

A court application must be made within seven days of liquidation. You need to demonstrate that the new company has a secure financial base from which to operate, and an experienced team to guide future finances.

The name is already used by another company

If you have been director of another company with the same or similar name, often a subsidiary company, and it has been trading continuously for 12 months prior to the other company’s liquidation, you may be able to retain the name. Additionally, the company must have held the name for 12 months.

If you require further guidance on the reuse of a company name, Real Business Rescue can provide professional advice. We have an extensive network of 75 offices offering confidential director support across the UK.