going self employed.....names??

[jdr01red]

Hi guys,

I was hoping for a bit of advice. I am really thinking about setting myself up self employed, just doing it on the side for now, aswell as my job employed for a company, to see how it goes and get my name about. what are you guys thoughts on names to put on buisness cards....keep it simple....John Reed electrician.. or go for a more company kind of look, say.....J.D.R Electrical.
I know it seems a real stupid question, but i would like to go for the more professional look, but also feel the one man band look will apeal more to the customers im probably going to be trying to attract at first....small domestic probably from just dropping flyers through letter boxes etc. as i think most people tend to go for the one man band as they tend to think they will be cheaper??? Or am i completely wrong with this line of thought?? your opinions would be much app. thanks.

 

[Electricalserv]

Hi guys,

I was hoping for a bit of advice. I am really thinking about setting myself up self employed, just doing it on the side for now, aswell as my job employed for a company, to see how it goes and get my name about. what are you guys thoughts on names to put on buisness cards....keep it simple....John Reed electrician.. or go for a more company kind of look, say.....J.D.R Electrical.
I know it seems a real stupid question, but i would like to go for the more professional look, but also feel the one man band look will apeal more to the customers im probably going to be trying to attract at first....small domestic probably from just dropping flyers through letter boxes etc. as i think most people tend to go for the one man band as they tend to think they will be cheaper??? Or am i completely wrong with this line of thought?? your opinions would be much app. thanks.

Marketing is a major factor of what your company is seen to be. Turn up in an old pair of jeans and a puma polo and you look less proffessional.

Names wis it doesn't matter, whichever suits you. Your name may be taken already, so have a good look first.

 

[mogga]

simple like most people if you have a web site thats simple as well saves folk wondering WTF was that electricians name I saw the other day

Best one Iv seen was Bond refridgeration Liscensed to chill

 

[jdr01red]

Thanks guys, good point electricalserv..will def be looking smart and pulling all the pro looking touches, been in and out of customers houses for many years so i know how much appearances and manners matter! and thanks mogga, iv got to set up a decent web site and stuff before i even think about getting cards and stuff made, want to get everything thats free in place before i start splashing the cash! From the legal side of things, should my first steps be informing the tax man about me going self employed and getting p.l insurance? will i need to be VAT registered as i already earn over the threshold working for a company?

 

[Electricalserv]

Thanks guys, good point electricalserv..will def be looking smart and pulling all the pro looking touches, been in and out of customers houses for many years so i know how much appearances and manners matter! and thanks mogga, iv got to set up a decent web site and stuff before i even think about getting cards and stuff made, want to get everything thats free in place before i start splashing the cash! From the legal side of things, should my first steps be informing the tax man about me going self employed and getting p.l insurance? will i need to be VAT registered as i already earn over the threshold working for a company?

No VAT registered is for when YOUR company is earning over £68,000 a year

 

[IQ Electrical]

No VAT registered is for when YOUR company is earning over £68,000 a year

The figure is £73,000 (turnover).

 

[jdr01red]

lol well dont need to be worrying about that then, be lucky to be earning £73..at first in reckon

 

[jdr01red]

Does anyone know how and where i can check what company names have already been registered?? if there is already someone using the name i want but in a differant part of the country, can i still use that name?

 

[bugsy]

Try a gimmicky name we once did a fit out with an IT company called the cornflake co. , everybody laughed but it was never forgotten ( this was 10 years ago and I still remember it ! )

 

[IQ Electrical]

Does anyone know how and where i can check what company names have already been registered?? if there is already someone using the name i want but in a differant part of the country, can i still use that name?

If you're going to be a sole trader, have a read of this: Naming your sole trader business | Startups

 

[Electricalserv]

The figure is £73,000 (turnover).

Business course I'm on still stating £69,000 when did it change?

 

[IQ Electrical]

Business course I'm on still stating £69,000 when did it change?

A year ago I think!

What else have they told you lol?

 

[Octopus]

A year ago I think!

What else have they told you lol?

This should help!

HM Revenue & Customs

 

[bugsy]

If you want to check company names visit the companies house web check

 

[RWJ]

If you want to check company names visit the companies house web check

Good idea... But it will only show Limited companies not sole traders etc