The sensitive words and expressions set out in the Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Names (Sensitive Words and Expressions) Regulations 2014 SI 2009/3140) require approval by the Secretary of State to be in the name of a company or LLP name, or a business name.
The controls exist to ensure a name does not mislead or harm the public. It may not be appropriate to use a certain word if it:
suggests business pre-eminence, a particular status, or a specific function, for example, names that include «British», «Institute» or «Tribunal»
implies a connection with the UK government, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority
includes a word that represents a regulated activity
includes a word whose use could be an offence
Annex A sets out the approval criteria to use a sensitive word or expression included in the regulations. Information intended to support a proposed name, such as a letter or email of non-objection from a specified body, must be included with the «application to register a company (IN01) or to use a business name.
7.1 Other restricted words
You will need approval if you want to use a name which:
could imply a connection with the UK government, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority. Annex B includes a list of words and expression that require prior approval and includes details of contact bodies and approval criteria
is protected or regulated by other legislation. Annex C includes a list of protected words, contact bodies and approval criteria