Company formation · Northern Ireland

Sensitive Words

Some words are ‘sensitive’ and can’t be used in a company name without approval. It’s often still possible to use one — and we’re happy to help you with that. Here are common examples.

Check your company name Ask about a sensitive word

  • Established 1994
  • Belfast-based local team

Using a sensitive word in your company name

When forming a company, your chosen name may be refused if it contains a sensitive word or expression. In many cases it can still be used with the right supporting evidence or permission. If your preferred name includes one of the words below, get in touch and we’ll advise on what’s needed.

Examples of sensitive words

  • Accounts Commission for Scotland
  • Accredit / Accreditation / Accredited
  • Adjudicator
  • Alba / Na h-Alba / Albannach
  • Archwilydd Cyffredinol Cymru
  • Association
  • Assurance / Assurer
  • Audit Commission
  • Auditor General / Audit Office
  • Auditor General for Northern Ireland
  • Auditor General for Scotland / Audit Scotland
  • Auditor General for Wales
  • Banc / Bank / Banking
  • Benevolent
  • Breatainn / Breatannach
  • Brenin / Brenhines
  • Brenhinol / Brenhiniaeth
  • Britain / British
  • Chamber of Commerce / Enterprise / Industry / Trade / Training
  • Charitable / Charity
  • Charter
  • Chartered
  • Chartered Accountant / ICAEW
  • Chartered Secretary
  • Chartered Surveyor
  • Child Maintenance / Child Support
  • Comhairle
  • Coimisean
  • Comisiwn
  • Cynulliad / Cenedlaethol / Cymru
  • Community Benefit Society
  • Comptroller and Auditor General
  • Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland
  • Co-operative
  • Co-operative Society
  • Council
  • Cymru / Cymreig / Cymraeg
  • Cyngor
  • Dental / Dentistry
  • Dentist / Dental Surgeon / Dental Practitioner
  • Diùc / Ban-diùc
  • Dug / Duges
  • Duke / Duchess
  • Ei Fawrhydi / Ei Mawrhydi
  • England / of England / English
  • Federation
  • Financial Conduct Authority / Financial Services Authority
  • Financial Reporting Council
  • Foundation
  • Friendly Society
  • Fund
  • Government
  • The Governor and Company of the Bank of England
  • Gwasanaeth iechyd
  • Health and Safety Executive
  • Health and Social Care Board
  • Health centre / Health service
  • Health visitor
  • His Majesty / Her Majesty
  • House of Commons / House of Lords
  • HPSS / HSC
  • Inspectorate
  • Institute / Institution
  • Insurance / Insurer
  • Judicial appointment
  • King
  • Law Commission
  • Licensing
  • Llywodraeth
  • Medical centre
  • Midwife / Midwifery
  • Mòrachd
  • Mutual
  • National Assembly for Wales / Commission
  • National Audit Office
  • NHS
  • Northern Ireland / Northern Irish
  • Northern Ireland Assembly / Commission / Executive
  • Northern Ireland Audit Office
  • Nurse / Nursing
  • Office for Nuclear Regulation
  • Oifis sgrùdaidh
  • Oilthigh
  • Ombudsman / Ombwdsmon
  • Parlamaid
  • Parliament / Parliamentary
  • Patent / Patentee
  • The Pensions Advisory Service
  • Police
  • Polytechnic
  • Post Office
  • Prifysgol
  • Prince / Princess
  • Prionnsa / Bana-phrionnsa
  • Prudential Regulation Authority
  • Prydain / Prydeinig
  • Public Health Agency
  • Queen
  • Reassurance / Reassurer
  • Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Wellbeing
  • Regional Health and Social Care Board
  • Registrar
  • Registered Society
  • Regulator
  • Reinsurance / Reinsurer
  • Riaghaltas
  • Rìgh / Banrigh
  • Rìoghachd Aonaichte
  • Rìoghail / Rìoghalachd
  • Royal / Royalty
  • Scotland / Scottish
  • Scottish Law Commission
  • Scottish Parliament / Corporate Body
  • Senedd
  • Sheffield
  • Siambr Fasnach / Ddiwydiant / Fenter / Fusnes / Hyfforddiant
  • Social Service
  • Society
  • Special School
  • Standards
  • Stock exchange
  • Swyddfa Archwilio Cymru
  • Teyrnas Gyfunol / Teyrnas Unedig
  • Trade Union
  • Tribunal
  • Trust
  • Tywysog / Tywysoges
  • Underwrite / Underwriting
  • Unit Trust
  • University
  • Wales / Welsh
  • Wales Audit Office
  • Welsh Government / Welsh Assembly Government
  • Windsor

This list shows common examples and isn’t exhaustive — Companies House guidance is updated from time to time. Not sure about your name? Contact our team.

Check your company name

Run your name through our checker, or ask us about a sensitive word.

Check your company name Call 028 9055 9955