Company name available?

[caduceus]

I want to start up a small business on my own and have a name in mind. But how do I check to see if it's available, or already taken?
Also, what should I be looking to pay per month/quarter for a domain name? Any other info greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Cad

[caduceus]

Thank you for the quick replies!
On the face of it, it will be a non limited company as a sole trader. I have checked the register and the name is available.

I have just looked on the 'National Business Register' and the domain name is free too. But on further progress of that site, they want £30 per quarter!

If I know the domain name is free, is there a cheaper way to get it set up? I know Wix have some free templates that you can use, so may sign up with them and have a play at designing. But this is all very new and alien to me, so any tips and info/help is appreciated.

Many thanks
Cad

[caduceus]

illmonkey said:

I've given you a name of a host that is trusted on PH.

Just having a look now. Thank you.

[caduceus]

Simpo Two said:

OP - what is the business going to trade in?

It's only me as a handyman. SO a one man band business.

[caduceus]

Eric Mc said:

What "register" did you check?

National Business Register

[caduceus]

DavidY said:

1) Domain Name availability, if the .co.uk is available but the .com is taken then check out the .com company, if they are an international company working in all markets and will be do something similar to you then CHANGE YOUR NAME!

On the National Business Register, it says the .uk, co.uk, org.uk, ltd.uk, plc.uk, me.uk, .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .tv, .eu, .co are all available.

Edited to add, there is no Trademark found either.

[caduceus]

Simpo Two said:

Are you after a fancy suffix or are you getting domain name, hosting and website mixed up?

No. Just a website, so I can have info@...... rather than some personal @BTinternet, etc address, which I personally think looks unprofessional. But just my opinion and preference. So, .co.uk, or .uk. Not too worried.

[caduceus]

Again, thank you for the helpful replies gentlemen. Most helpful.

Seeing as it's just me as a 'handyman' with no other employees, I think I may as well just go ahead and set up the website/domain name and get started. Then inform HMRC once I start working.

I have done searches on Google and there are no results with the same name as the one I have picked. So it appears it's not taken.

[caduceus]

Thank you all again for the replies. I do appreciate it. Starting all this business and site stuff was pretty daunting this morning, but you've all helped with the info you've provided.

I'll go over all the posts again in the morning with a cuppa, but I'm assuming using 'godaddy' uk to buy the domain, and TSOhost to host the site will suffice? Maybe use Wix to design it with one of their templates...

Cheers
Cad

[caduceus]

Appreciate all the help all.
I went on the recommendation of TSOhost and bought the .uk domain last night. But may also buy the .co.uk, just to ensure no one else buys it. I assume you're allowed to do that...

I'll get to work on designing the site, or at least the home page today. Then get TSO to host it.