Trading as names & Ltd Company

[David Haycock]

I currently have 2 Ltd Companies at Companies house.

*This is made up industries*

The first company does *A* for Archery Products Ltd


The second company does *B* for Battered Old Books Ltd


A and B have nothing to do with each other in terms of business activity, but COULD they be called (like Mr Bransons Virgin brand) under 1 name (obviously after winding one of the comapnies down, and changing the name of the other) to:

Company *A* changes name from Archery Products Ltd to SUPER BRANDNAME LTD
Company B is dissolved leaving:

SUPERBRAND NAME LTD trading as:

A) SUPER BRANDNAME Battered Old Books

B) SUPER BRANDNAME Archery Products

Is this possible? Reason I ask, is that I dont want to have 2 Ltd Co's, we have had fallings out and I want to make things simple. I just want 1 LTD business that can do a range of smaller activities under 1 name. I know this is NOT reccomended, as if one went bust, they all would, but in the short term, where I will not be getting into debt, but just putting money into an account from work done, thi seems the best way until I go Full Time (if ever)

Anyone understand what I mean?


In Simple terms - can one Ltd company trade as 2 different names?

So can *Daves Company Ltd* trade in to different industries as:

1. Daves Fruit machines

2. Daves Hotdog stands


Thanks

[Ian J]

A limited company may have any number of different trading styles in completely different lines of business if that is what is required. You will need to make sure that the business is covered in the company's Mem & Arts but they are normally all encompassing so that shouldn't be a problem.

There may be accounting issues to be looked at if there are tax losses that you want to be carried over but there will be others here better qualified to advise on that aspect.

[Joyous]

There's no problem with a limited company carrying on multiple trades. As Ian suggests above just make sure that your Articles permit it.

If you have separate business stationery for the trades ensure that in small but legible letters at the bottom of the page you state that "Dave's fruit machines" or "Daves hotdog stands" is a trading name of "Dave's company Ltd"

Regarding the accounting it's worth keeping separate records for both trades and allocating shared costs appropriately. The Inland Revenue will probably want both trades reported separately and in addition there are restrictions on the way that losses from the separate trades can be offset.

Your accountant should be able to explain all this to you.

Regards

Joy