Can you use a different name to run a business?

[bizzylizzy]

A friend of mine is about to start a small business. I'm asking the following question on her behalf... before she has her stationery printed :-)

Is it OK to use her maiden name?

Also, her actual given name is Sue but she'd like to use the name Susannah which is more of a pet name really. So the business would be run in the name Susannah followed by her maiden name.

She's worried that because it's not her 'official' name as in the one on her marriage certificate and passport, it might be considered illegal or somehow fraudulent as far as running a business is concerned. I would have thought you could pretty much call yourself what you like, but I would appreciated any feedback info I can pass on. Thank you oh sage ones.

[jno]

as long as you're not trying to defraud anyone (eg by hiding the fact that you've been bankrupt under a different name or anything like that) you can call yourself what you want.

[murraymints]

I am with you...as long as she is submitting tax returns legit then does it matter ?? you need barmaid here !!

[Roddles]

If she is forming a limited company she should look on Companies House web site to make sure that the name isn't already taken. If she is operating as a sole trader she can call the business what she likes (within reason). She may have to explain to her bank but that shouldn't be a problem. She must notify HMRC within six months of starting up the business. It would be a sensible idea to find an accountant as well.

[Kiki-frog]

No, it should be fine as long as there's no fraud or deception involved. For invoices and the like, it might be a good idea to have her own name followed by 'Trading as Susannah Whatever' which is what a lot of the small businesses I deal with do.

[Kiki-frog]

Sorry, I meant to say that the T/A (trading as) is generally only in very small print at the bottom of invoices, receipts, etc