Stationery - What you should know

We come across a surprising number of cases where people who operate limited companies are not complying with the law on what is required to be stated on business stationery. The following is a reminder of the obligations:-

1. Use of full name

The company's full name must appear on all business stationery. This applies even if a trading name appears on the stationery. There are exceptions - for example promotional material or business cards - but they are minimal.

2. Business Names

Where the company trades under a business name which is not its corporate name it must state its corporate name and an address in the United Kingdom where documents may be served on all letters, orders, invoices, receipts and written demands for debts arising in the ordinary course of business.

3. Registered Number and Registered Office

Every business letter and order form should disclose the company's place of registration i.e. Scotland or England and Wales together with its Registered Number and the address of its Registered Office.

4. Directors

There is no obligation on the company to list the Directors on its notepaper. If however, the notepaper displays one Director it must display the names of each and every Director of the company.