Change of Company Name

Companies may choose to change their registered company name for many reasons, for example after a rebrand, acquisition or change of business focus. Section 77 of the Companies Act 2006 sets out the procedure a company must follow to change its name. Most private companies will do this under section 77(1), either:

by shareholders’ special resolution, or
by another method set out in the company’s articles of association.

This section provides:

a Guidance Note on choosing a compliant company name (on incorporation or on name change) and the legal restrictions on name choice
the board and shareholder documents needed to approve a company name change
notices, consents and minutes for any shareholder meeting, or a written resolution route
a covering letter to auditors
the main Companies House forms used to notify the change of name.

These templates are drafted to comply with the Companies Act 2006 and take account of the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

When To Use These Templates

Use these templates when you are:

Considering a change of company name and want to understand the legal restrictions and process.
Approving a change of name by shareholders’ special resolution or written resolution.
Using a mechanism set out in the company’s articles to change the company name.
Calling and holding a general meeting to approve the change of name.
Notifying auditors of the proposed change of name and the basis on which it will be approved.
Preparing to notify Companies House of the change of name using the relevant NM form.

🔀 Document Toolkit: Typical Sequence (may vary)

Step 1 - Consider the new name and route

Use the Guidance Note: Change of Company Name to check that the proposed name is permitted and to decide whether to use a general meeting, written resolution or an articles-based power.

Step 2 - Board approval

If shareholders will approve the change, use Board Minutes to Change Company Name by Special or Written Resolution.
If the articles allow the board to change the name directly, use Board Minutes Change of Company Name by Provisions in Articles.

Step 3 - Shareholder approval (if required)

General meeting route:

Issue the Notice of General Meeting to Change Company Name.
Obtain Consent to Short Notice: General Meeting to Change Company Name if the meeting is on short notice.
Record the decision using Minutes of General Meeting to Change Company Name.
Use the Shareholders’ Special Resolution: Change of Company Name.

Written resolution route:

Circulate the Written Resolution to Change Company Name and track shareholder approvals.

Step 4 - Notify auditors

Send the Letter to Auditors Enclosing Written Resolution/Notice of General Meeting to Change Company Name so the auditors are aware of the proposed change.

Step 5 - File at Companies House

Complete and file the relevant NM form (for example NM01 or one of the other NM forms listed above) to notify Companies House of the change of name.

Step 6 - Maintain records

Keep signed minutes, resolutions, notices and letters with the company’s records to evidence the decision-making process and filings.

Benefits of Using Simply-Docs Company Name Change Templates

✅ Provides a complete toolkit for changing a company’s name under section 77 CA 2006 or under powers in the articles
✅ Helps ensure board and shareholder approvals are properly recorded and auditors are informed where appropriate
✅ Supports accurate and timely notification to Companies House, helping to avoid defects or delays in the change of name taking effect
✅ Drafted for SME private companies, with clear, practical wording that can be implemented quickly

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Change of Company Name - Guidance & Approvals

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