Reopening a closed company or starting with the same name

[Ashwin2007]

I closed my limited company about two years ago, to go permanent. Now I wish to return to contracting. Can I start my new company in the same name of the closed company? Are there any restrictions?

[SueEllen]

Just change the name slightly i.e. call it something "UK" if it didn't have a UK on the name.

Lots of directors of phoenix companies do that.

[ASB]

Yes you can if you want to. Though if you took capital distributions and got a tax break on dissolution you might want to consider whether the hmrc might just consider it is the same trade and whether that is consistent with any undertakings you may have given at the point of liquidation.

[Maslins]

No restrictions, and assuming the previously company is completely dissolved, the new one can have exactly the same name (ie no need to add "UK"/similar at the end to differentiate it).

Legally speaking the new company would have no relation to the old one...but if you do go for an identical name, anticipate confusion every now and then. Eg someone does a Companies House search, finds the old one and without looking too closely takes address/similar details from it.

Personally I'd recommend going for a different name.

[TechJinx]

Is there any reason you want to use the old name?

[northernladuk]

Is there any reason you want to use the old name?

+1 to that. The risks that come with using the same name don't seem worth it if you are keeping it just because you liked it or it's your initials. Start afresh and distance yourself from the old one IMO....