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The Insolvency Service gov.uk

Director information hub: Restrictions on reusing an insolvent company name

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Reuse of a company name by a director is prohibited and subject to restrictions if the company goes into insolvent liquidation.

If a company goes into insolvent liquidation, there are restrictions on the reuse of its name by its directors unless an exception applies.

A prohibited name is the company’s registered name, any trading names it used or any similar name that suggests an association with the liquidated company. 

For 5 years following the liquidation you must not:

  • be a director of a company that uses a prohibited name
  • take part in the promotion, formation or management of a company that has a prohibited name
  • carry on, or be involved in the carrying on of, a business that uses a prohibited name

    • The restrictions apply when a company is wound up:

    If you break these restrictions, you may be:

  • made personally liable for the debts incurred by the company during the breach

    • The restrictions apply to any director who was involved with the company in the 12 months before it entered liquidation, whether or not they were formally appointed.

  • you have the court’s permission to use the name
  • the company you’re involved with has been trading using the same name as the liquidated company for at least 12 months before the liquidation

    • Seek independent professional advice if you:

  • are or have been a director of a company that has gone into liquidation and
  • are involved with, or planning to start, a company or business that uses the same or a similar name 

    • Read more information on the reuse of company name.

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    This is an extract. The publication continues at the source.

    Read the original at the source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/director-information-hub-restrictions-on-reusing-an-insolvent-company-name

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    The Insolvency Service — imported from official source
    Official source
    https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/insolvency-service.atom ATOM
    Imported
    September 18, 2026 13:30
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    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/director-information-hub-restrictions-on-reusing-an-insolve...

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