Limited liability partnership incorporation and names

GPLLP1 June 2016 v6.0                                                                                 Companies Act 2006

This guide is available in alternative formats which include Braille, large print and audio tape. For further details please email our enquiries section or telephone our contact centre on 0303 1234 500.

Is this guide for you?

This guide will be relevant to you if:

•     you want to incorporate a limited liability partnership

•     you want to check which names are acceptable for a limited liability partnership

•     you want to change an existing limited liability partnership’s name

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Overview

This guide will tell you what you need to do to incorporate a limited liability partnership (LLP) and the controls applied to the use of certain LLP names. It also tells you how you can change your LLP name after incorporation. This guide applies to all LLPs registered in the United Kingdom (UK) i.e. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1     Incorporating a new LLP

Chapter 2     Members and designated members

Chapter 3     Choosing an LLP name

Chapter 4     Sensitive words and expressions

Chapter 5     Change of LLP name

Chapter 6     Objections to LLP names

Chapter 7     Business Names

Chapter 8     Disclosure of LLP name and other specified information (Trading Disclosures)

Chapter 9     Quality of documents

Chapter 10  Further information

Annex A – Sensitive words and expressions, specified in regulations that require approval.

Annex B –    Sensitive words that could imply a connection with government.

Annex C –    Words and expressions controlled by other legislation.

This guide answers many frequently asked questions and provides information on completing the most commonly used filings relating to this area. The guide is not drafted with unusual or complex transactions in mind. Specialist professional advice may be needed in those circumstances.

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Introduction

This guide sets out the main requirements for incorporating a Limited Liability

Partnership (LLP) in the United Kingdom i.e. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It includes information and advice about:

•     how to incorporate an LLP

•     the type of LLP you wish to incorporate

•     the members

•     choosing your LLP name including controls and restrictions

•   changing your LLP name

•     disclosure of LLP name and other information

Additional LLP information can be found in the following guides:

‘Life of a Limited Liability Partnership’

‘Limited Liability Partnerships Strike Off’, ‘Dissolution and Restoration’

‘Limited Liability Partnerships Late Filing Penalties’.

You will find the relevant legislation for LLP incorporation and names in:

•      The Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000

•      The Limited Liability Partnerships (Application of the Companies Act 2006)

Regulations 2009 SI 2009/1804

which apply parts of the Companies Act 2006 and regulations applicable to LLPs.

Companies House cannot advise you whether an LLP is the best vehicle for your business. Setting up an LLP brings many obligations. It may be worthwhile taking advice from a solicitor or accountant to check whether an LLP is the best way for you to run your business.

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Chapter 1

Incorporating a new LLP

1. What is an LLP?

An LLP is a form of legal business entity with limited liability for the members.

2. What is the difference between an LLP and a limited company?

The main difference is that an LLP has the organisational flexibility of a partnership and is taxed as a partnership. In other respects it is very similar to a private company.

3. Who can incorporate an LLP?

Two or more persons associated for carrying on a lawful business with a view to profit can incorporate an LLP by subscribing to its incorporation document. In law, 'person' includes individuals and companies or firms. LLPs are not applicable for all activities, for example, non-profit making activities.

4. How do I incorporate a new LLP and what fees apply?

There are two ways to incorporate an LLP:

Electronic Software Filing

Electronic incorporations can be submitted electronically through suitably enabled software however, many incorporation agents and software providers have developed their systems to the point where they are able to offer customers a web-based electronic service (this is chargeable).This means that occasional as well as regular customers can apply for incorporation.

Many of the businesses shown on our list of software suppliers provide web-based services and depending on the volume of filings you anticipate making, it may be more practical for you to use their services.

You can find more information about software filing and a list of providers on our website.

The standard fee for electronic filing is £10 (or £30 for the ‘Same-Day’ service for applications received by 3pm Monday to Friday). Straightforward applications are normally processed within 24 hours.

Paper filing

Paper documents, which must be sent to the appropriate office, take longer to process than electronic documents. The standard registration fee is £40 (or £100 for ‘Same-Day’ service for applications received by 3pm Monday to Friday). Cheques should be made payable to Companies House.

Straightforward applications are normally processed within 5 days of receipt. The £40 standard registration fee does not apply where documents are filed by a Welsh LLP (with the situation of its registered office in Wales only) filing in the Welsh

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language. The fee in such cases is £20 (or £100 for a ‘Same-Day’ service for applications received by 3pm Monday to Friday).

When filing ‘Same Day’ applications by post, courier or by hand please ensure that you clearly mark the envelope “Same- Day Incorporation”.

5. What documents are required to incorporate my LLP?

You can incorporate an LLP yourself or you can use a company formation agent, accountant or solicitor. You need to complete an “Application to register a limited liability partnership” – form LL IN01 and send this together with the fee to Companies House. The form LL IN01 is available on our website or from the sources listed in Chapter 9.

You may not be able to have the LLP name that you want if your proposed name is the ‘same as’ that of another LLP or other body already on the registrar’s index of names. There is an exception to this if an existing LLP or company is in the same group as your LLP and consents to the use of your proposed LLP name. We cover the restrictions on names in more detail in Chapter 3.

You can check the registrar’s index of names by using the WebCHeck service on our website.

Further information about choosing an LLP name is in Chapter 3 and we advise you to read that information before deciding a name for your proposed LLP.

6. Can I reserve my proposed name?

No. You cannot reserve a name. We cannot guarantee to process applications in strict order of the time or date of their receipt. Normally, electronic documents are processed more quickly than paper documents.

7. What is included in the “Application to register a limited liability partnership” – form LL IN01?

The form LLIN01 requires you to give the following information:

•      the LLP's name

•      where the registered office of the LLP is to be situated (i.e. England and

Wales, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland)

•      the registered office address

•      whether the LLP is to have specified members as designated members or whether all members are to be designated members

•      details of each proposed member, including whether that member is to be a designated member

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•      details of People with Significant Control (PSC), or other legally required statements such as a statement that the LLP doesn’t have any PSC

•      if your LLP name contains a prescribed or sensitive word, you will need to confirm you have requested approval from a government department or other body. A copy of this approval must be included with your application

•      a statement of compliance

8.    Election to keep certain statutory register information at Companies House on incorporation

From 30 June 2016, LLPs are able to elect not to keep any or all of certain statutory registers, but instead send the information that would usually be kept in those registers to the registrar of companies for placing on the public register at Companies House.

This can be done by the proposed members wishing to form the LLP as part of the documents required to be delivered on incorporation to the registrar.

This is voluntary, and an LLP can hold its own registers, if it wishes.

The option to make an election only applies to the following registers –

Register of LLP members

Register of LLP people with significant control

Register of LLP members usual residential address

More detailed information on exercising the option and the implications of doing so can be found in our guide on the registers regime s applied to LLPs[link]

9. What is the registered office?

The registered office must be a physical location where notices, letters and reminders can be delivered to the LLP by hand or post, it need not be the place of business. It is important that all correspondence sent to this address is dealt with promptly. If the address is not effective for delivering documents, the LLP could risk being struck off the register or wound up by a creditor.

If your LLP is registered with the registrar for England and Wales, its registered office must be situated in England or Wales.

If the LLP has been registered as only being situated in Wales then it cannot be situated outside of Wales.

If your LLP is registered with the registrar for Scotland, its registered office must be situated in Scotland.

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If your LLP is registered with the registrar for Northern Ireland, its registered office must be situated in Northern Ireland.

Once your LLP is incorporated it is important that you notify Companies House whenever this address changes, as the change of address is not effective until we register the notice. For more information on changing your registered office please visit our guide on’ Life of a Limited Liability Partnership’.

10 . What happens when you receive my application?

We will carry out a number of examination checks and if the application is correctly completed, the proposed name is acceptable and the fee has been paid, we will register the LLP and issue a certificate of incorporation.

Please note: the incorporation does not take effect until Companies House has issued the certificate of incorporation. You should bear this in mind before obtaining stationery or creating bank accounts.

11. What is the certificate of incorporation?

The certificate of incorporation is conclusive evidence that the requirements of the LLP Act 2000 have been complied with and the LLP is duly registered under the Act.

The certificate will state:

•      the name and registered number of the LLP

•      the date of its incorporation

•      whether the LLP’s registered office is situated in England and Wales (or in

Wales), Scotland or Northern Ireland

The certificate must be signed by the registrar or authenticated by the registrar’s official seal.

Chapter 2

Members and designated members

1. What is the minimum number of designated members a LLP requires?

Every LLP must have at least two, formally appointed designated members at all times. If there are fewer than two designated members then every member is deemed to be a designated member.

Once your LLP is incorporated it is important that you notify Companies House whenever any of the members’ details change. More information on what you need to file is covered in the ‘Life of a Limited Liability Partnership’ guide.

2. What is the difference between a member and a designated member?

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With the agreement of the other members, a member may become a designated member at any time. Designated members have the same rights and duties towards the LLP as any other member. The LLP agreement and the general law govern these mutual rights and duties.

However, the law also places extra responsibilities on designated members. In particular, designated members are responsible for:

•      appointing an auditor (if one is needed)

•      signing the accounts on behalf of the members

•      delivering the accounts to Companies House

•      notifying Companies House of any membership changes or change to the registered office address or name of the LLP

•      preparing, signing and delivering the confirmation statement to Companies House

•      acting on behalf of the LLP if it is wound up and dissolved

They are also accountable in law for failing to carry out these legal responsibilities.

3. Can anyone be a member of an LLP?

It is up to the members to decide who should be appointed to the LLP. The only restrictions are they must not:

•      have been disqualified from acting as a company director or member of an LLP (unless the court has given them permission to act for a particular

LLP)

•      be an un-discharged bankrupt (unless the court has given them permission to act for a particular LLP)

Chapter 3

Choosing an LLP name

Before choosing a name you should use our WebCHeck service to ensure your chosen name is not the ‘same as’ an existing name on the index of company names. You should also check the Trade Marks Register of the UK Intellectual Property

Office to ensure that the proposed name is not identical or similar to an existing trade mark. The address and contact information can be found on this website. You can also contact the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys via their website. The registration of an LLP or company name does not mean the name or part of a name might not infringe other laws such as trade mark law.

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1. Can I choose any name I want for my LLP?

No. Although the vast majority of applicants register their chosen name there are some restrictions that affect a choice of name.

The following restrictions and controls are set out in Part 3 of the Limited Liability Partnerships (Application of Companies Act) Regulations 2009 (2009/1804).

•       restrictions on the use of words and expressions (including abbreviations) which indicate the type of legal structure, e.g. “limited”, “unlimited”, “PLC”,

“limited liability partnership”

•      restrictions on where certain words and expressions that describe a particular form of legal structure , e.g. “Community Interest Company” can only be used at the end of a name and Right to Manage”(“RTM”) cannot be used anywhere in a name unless it is an RTM company

•      rules which prevent a name which is the ‘same as’ an existing name on the index from being registered (see questions 3-7)

•      controls over the use of certain characters, signs, symbols and punctuation (the regulations also specify what is permitted in a company name)

The following restrictions apply under sections 53-55 and 1197-8 of the Companies

Act 2006 as applied by regulation 8 or 17 of the Limited Liability Partnerships (Application of Companies Act 2006) Regulations 2009:

•      a name that could suggest a connection with the UK Government, a devolved administration, a local authority or a specified public authority

•      a name that includes “sensitive” words or expressions included in regulations

•      a name that includes words that would constitute an offence

•      an offensive name

•      a name which is the ‘same as’ an existing name on the index

•      the use of certain characters, signs, symbols and punctuation in an LLP name

2.  What is meant by the ’same as'?

If two LLP names are so similar they are likely to confuse the public as to which LLP is which, then they are the ‘same as’. The regulations set out the words and expressions that must be disregarded (see question 3) and the words, expressions, signs and symbols that are to be regarded as the same (see question 4)

3. What will be disregarded?

The following are disregarded at the end of the name:

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• Limited; Unlimited; Public Limited Company; Community Interest

Company; Right to Enfranchisement; Right to Manage; European Economic Interest Grouping; Investment Company with Variable Capital;

Limited Partnership; Limited Liability Partnership; Open-Ended Investment Company; Charitable Incorporated Organisation; Industrial and Provident

Society; Co-Operative Society; Community Benefit Society.

•       Cyfyngedig; Anghyfyngedig; Cwmni Cyfyngedig Cyhoeddus Cwmni Buddiant Cymunedol

Cwmni Buddiant Cymunedol Cyhoeddus Cyfyngedig

Hawl I Ryddfreiniad; Cwmni RTM Cyfyngedig Cwmni Buddsoddi  Chyfalaf Newidiol

Partneriaeth Cyfyngedig; Partneriaeth Atebolrwydd Cyfyngedig

Cwmni Buddsoddiad Penagored

Sefydliad Elusennol Corfforedig.

•    LTD; PLC; CIC RTE; RTM; EEIG; LP; LLP; CIO; CYF; CCC; CBC; Cwmni

Buddiant Cymunedol CCC; PC; PAC; SEC.

•      when preceded by a blank space, a full stop or “@” the following:

&  co

&  company

and co

and company biz

co co uk co.uk com

company eu

GB

Great Britain net

NI

Northern Ireland org

org uk org.uk

UK

United Kingdom

Wales

& cwmni a’r cwmni cwmni cym

Cymru

DU

PF

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Prydain Fawr

Y Deyrnas Unedig

•              any of the above if preceded by and followed by brackets

•          the punctuation, signs and symbols ‘ ’ ' , ( ), [ ], { }, < >, !, « », “, ”, ",

\. /, ?, \, /

•      characters “*”, “=”, “#” “%” and “+”when used as one of the first three characters in a name

•      “s” at the end of a name (irrespective of whether it is a plural)

•      “the” and “www” at the beginning of a name

•      any characters after the first 60 characters in a name

4.  What words and expressions will be regarded as the ’same as’?

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5. Can you give some examples of ‘same as’ names?

“ŘEAL COFFEE CAFÉ LLP” is the same as the “REAL COFFEE CAFE LLP” and

“PLUM TECHNOLOGY LLP” is the same as “PLUM TECHNOLOGY & COMPANY LLP” and

“STONE COMPANY LLP” is the same as “STONE AND COMPANY (UK) LLP”

6. Are there any exceptions to the ‘same as’ rules?

Yes. The ‘same as’ rule does not apply if:

•      the proposed LLP is intended to be part of the same group as an existing ‘same as’ LLP or company and

•      the existing LLP or company consents to the registration of the proposed name

•      the application to register includes a letter/statement from the existing LLP or company confirming that it consents to the registration of the proposed LLP name and that it will form part of the same group.

Chapter 4

Sensitive words and expressions

1. What are 'sensitive words and expressions'?

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The sensitive words and expressions set out in The Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Names (Sensitive Words and Expressions) Regulations 2014 SI 2009/3140) require approval by the Secretary of State to be used in the name of company or LLP name, or a business name.

The controls exist to ensure a name does not mislead or harm the public. It may not be appropriate to use a certain word if it:

•   suggests business pre-eminence, a particular status, or a specific function, for example, names that include “British”, “Institute” or “Tribunal”.

•      implies a connection with the UK Government, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority.

•      Includes a word which represents a regulated activity.

•      Includes a word whose use could be an offence.

Annex A sets out the approval criteria to use a sensitive word or expression included in the regulations. Information intended to support a proposed name, such as a letter or email of non-objection from a specified body, must be included with the

‘application to register an LLP (LLIN01) or to use a business name.

2. Are any other words restricted?

Yes. You will need approval if you want to use a name which:

•    could imply a connection with the UK government, a devolved administration or a local or specified public authority. Annex B includes a list of words and expression that require prior approval and includes details of contact bodies and approval criteria.

•         is protected or regulated by other legislation. Annex C includes a list of protected words, contact bodies and approval criteria.

Chapter 5

Change of LLP name

1. Can I choose any name when I change the name of my LLP?

No. The restrictions are identical to the ones applying on incorporation. So, before you decide on a new name for your LLP, please read Chapters 3 and 4.

If your proposed name is ‘too like’ a name already on the registrar’s index of names and an objection is made, then the Secretary of State may direct your LLP to change its name. Further information on the Secretary of State's powers to issue a direction is in Chapter 6.

2. How can I change my LLP’s name?

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In order to change an LLP’s name you will need to submit: form LLNM01 - Notice of change of name of a LLP

Electronic Software Filing

If your change of name application does not contain any sensitive words it may be submitted to Companies House using our Software filing service. The standard fee is £8 and £ 30 for the ‘Same Day’ service. We aim to process the documents within 24 hours of receipt, or same day if Same Day service required. Change of Name can only be submitted electronically through suitably enabled software however many incorporation agents and software providers have developed their systems to the point where they are able to offer customers a web -based electronic service (this is chargeable).This means that occasional as well as regular customers can apply for electronic Change of Name.

Please note that it is not yet possible to file a change of name application in Welsh using our electronic services.

Paper filing

Our standard fee is £ 10 and the fee for the ‘Same-Day’ service is £50 (for applications received by 3pm Monday to Friday). We aim to process standard paper documents within 5 days of receipt. Please make the cheque payable to ‘Companies House’ and write the LLP number on the reverse.

If you post your same-day application we will make every effort to register the change of name on the same day as we receive it. If the application is urgent you may wish to consider whether to use the Royal Mail’s special delivery service.

If your application contains any sensitive words it can only be submitted to

Companies House in paper format.

You must complete a notice of change of name – LL NM01. This should then be signed by a designated member and sent to Companies House, with the fee and any additional information to justify the name.

If all is in order, Companies House will then process the form and issue the LLP with a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name. The name of the LLP is not changed until the new certificate is issued.

When filing ‘Same-Day’ applications by post, courier or by hand please ensure you mark the envelope ‘Same-Day change of name’.

Chapter 6

Objections to LLP names

1. Could I be required to change my LLP name after incorporation?

Yes. You could be required to change your registered name following a complaint if:

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•      the name is ‘too like’ an existing name on the index

•      misleading information to support the use of a sensitive word or expression was provided at the time of registration

•   the name gives so misleading an indication of the LLP’s activities, it is

likely to cause harm to the public

•      the name is the same as a name associated with the applicant (complainant) in which he has goodwill; or it is sufficiently similar to be likely to mislead by suggesting a connection between the LLP and the applicant (“opportunistic registration”)

2.  What are ‘too like’ names?

A name may be ‘too like’ an existing name if it differs from another name on the index by only a few characters, signs symbols or punctuation or if it looks and sounds the same.

When considering a complaint on grounds of ‘too like’ we cannot take account of factors such as alleged trademark infringement, implied association, possible passing off, geographic location or similarity of activities. The Secretary of State must give any direction within twelve months of the LLP’s registration by the name in question. The LLP normally has 12 weeks to change its name.

The vast majority of names are available to register but to avoid the possibility of incurring additional costs of changing stationary, signage, website etc. we advise applicants to check the index of company names before proceeding with their application.

3. How is the rule on misleading information applied?

An LLP may need to change its name if, within 5 years of registration, it no longer justifies the use of a previously approved sensitive word because:

•    misleading information was provided when the name was registered; or

•    It is no longer fulfilling an undertaking or assurance given to support the name

4.    What is meant by misleading indication of activities?

An LLP may need to change its name if it gives so misleading an indication of the nature of the LLP’s activities it is likely to harm the public. There is no time limit for making a complaint and following any direction given by the Secretary of State, an

LLP normally has 6 weeks to change the name in question.

5. Can Companies House reject a 'too like' name when an LLP files its application to register the LLP?

No. You can only make objections on grounds of ‘too like’ after Companies House has registered the LLP. We can only reject ‘same as’ names before registration.

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To avoid the possibility of a ‘too like’ objection, we advise applicants to make a search of the index of names before they apply to form an LLP or change the name of an existing LLP.

6. What is opportunistic registration?

Opportunistic registration is the term applied to a company or LLP which registers a name which is the same as an existing name to one in which another person has goodwill or if a name is so similar the public are unable to distinguish between one name and another.

The Company Names Tribunal (“CNT”), a part of the Intellectual Property Office considers complaints about opportunistic registration. This provision provides a remedy for parties who believe the registration of a company or LLP name in which they have a goodwill causes them harm. If the CNT upholds a complaint the

Company Names Adjudicator may issue an Order requiring the company in question to change its name. If the LLP fails to comply by voluntarily changing its name the Adjudicator may give Notice to the Registrar of Companies to change the name of the LLP to its LLP number, so that its number becomes its name.

Further information, including application forms and contact information is available on the Company Names Tribunal website.

Chapter 7

Business Names

1. What is a business name?

A “business name” is any name under which someone carries on business other than their own. In the case of a company or limited liability partnership, it means a name that is not its registered name. In the case of a sole trader, it means a name other than a surname with or without forenames or initials. In the case of a partnership, it means a name other than the partners’ names.

2. Which provisions of the Companies Act 2006 apply to my business name?

Business names are not registered under the Companies Act but some of the rules included in the Act do apply, principally:

•      restrictions on the use of certain words in the name and names that could imply a connection with a government department or public body (see chapter 3)

•      inappropriate and misleading use of a name ending, e.g. “limited” at the end of the name. If the LLP is trading there are rules to prevent the use of names that could mislead the public (see chapter 4)

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•      rules requiring the names of sole traders and partnerships using a business name to be displayed on stationery and signs at business premises (see questions 4-5)

3.  How do I obtain approval to use a sensitive word in my business name?

If your business name includes any of the words and expressions included in

Annexes A-C you must obtain the written views of that body and send it to Companies House with your letter seeking permission to use the name. If you use such a name without prior approval, you will be committing an offence and may be subject to a fine.

You should also ensure your business name does not infringe an existing trade mark Further information about trade marks is included in chapter 7.

4. Do I need to display my business name?

If you are a sole trader or partnership that uses a different trading name, you must display your own name (sole trader) or all the partners’ names (partnership) in a prominent position at all your business premises.

5. What must I include in business stationery?

If you use a business name, you must include your own or the partners’ names in legible characters on:

•      business letters

•      written orders for goods or services to be supplied to the business

•      business emails

•      invoices and receipts issued in the course of the business

•      written demands for payment of debts arising in the course of the business

You must also include an address in the UK to enable business documents to be served on the sole trader or any partner shown on business stationery.

Chapter 8

Disclosure of LLP name and other specified information (Trading Disclosures”)

1. What is meant by trading disclosures?

Regulations made under the Companies Act 2006 require an LLP to display its name at its registered office and other places of business, on business documents

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and on websites. The purpose of the regulations is that the legal identity of every LLP should be revealed to anyone who have, or may wish to have, dealings with it.

The requirements are included in ‘The Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business (Names and Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/17)

2. Where must I display my LLP’s name?

Every LLP, unless it has been continuously dormant since incorporation, must display a sign with its registered name at:

•      its registered office

•      any inspection place

•      at any location at which it carries on business (unless it is primarily used for living accommodation) or if the LLP’s activities are likely to attract violent objections

It must also include its registered name in all business communications (hard copy and electronic).

3. How must I display the sign with my LLP name?

You must display a sign with your LLP name:

•      in characters that can be read with the naked eye

•      in such a way that visitors to that office, place or location may easily see it at any time

•      continuously, but if the location is shared by 6 or more LLPs , each such LLP must either display its registered name for at least fifteen

continuous seconds at least once in every three minutes, or make its registered name available for inspection on a register by any visitor.

4.  How must I display the LLP name in communications?

You must include your LLP’s registered name in all forms of business communications and documents whether in hard copy or electronic including:

•      business letters, notices and other official publications

•      business emails

•      bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements and order forms

•      cheques purporting to be signed by or on behalf of the LLP

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•      orders for money, goods or services purporting to be signed by or on behalf of the LLP

•     bills of parcels, invoices and other demands for payment, receipts and letters of credit

•      all other forms of business correspondence and documentation

5.  Must I display my LLP name on my website?

Yes. Every LLP must disclose its registered name on its websites and on any part of a website relating to it which it has authorised. You do not need to include the LLP name on every page but it must be visible and easily read.

6. Are there any exceptions to the requirement to display an LLP’s name?

There are two exceptions:

•      an insolvent LLP, i.e. one in respect of which a liquidator, administrator, or administrative receiver has been appointed is not required to display its registered name at any premises which are also the place of business of those insolvency specialists

•      if every member of the LLP is one whose residential address cannot be disclosed by the registrar to a credit reference agency, then the LLP does not have to display its registered name at any place at which it carries on business (but this exception does not extend to the LLP’s registered office or inspection place for the LLP’s records)

7.  What additional information must I disclose?

On all your business letters, business emails, order forms and websites you must display:

•      the part of the UK in which the LLP is registered (i.e. England and Wales, or Wales, or Scotland, or Northern Ireland)

•      the LLP’s registered number

•      the address of the LLP’s registered office

•      where the LLP name ends with the abbreviation LLP, llp, or the Welsh equivalent, the fact that it is a limited liability partnership or the Welsh equivalents

8.  What information must the LLP provide?

If anyone with whom the LLP deals in the course of business makes a written request for:

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•      the address of its registered office

•      the address of any place of inspection

•      the type of LLP records kept at the registered office or inspection place

The LLP must provide the information in writing within five working days of the receipt of that request.

9. Do I have to display members' names?

If the LLP includes the name of any member on its business letters, other than in the body of the letter or as a signatory to it, it must include all the members’ names. It cannot be selective about which names to include.

However if the LLP has more than 20 members providing it keeps a list of all the members’ names at its principal place of business and the document states that the list is available for inspection it need not show the members’ names.

10. What if the LLP is being wound up?

If the LLP is being wound up, is in administration, receivership or a moratorium is in force in respect of its debts then every invoice, order for goods, business letter or order form (in hard copy, electronic or any other form) must contain a statement that the LLP is being wound up.

11. What is an overseas LLP and what disclosures requirements apply?

An Overseas LLP carrying on business in the UK must display the LLP’s name and the country in which it is incorporated or otherwise established at every location where it carries on business in the United Kingdom.

The Overseas LLP must display its LLP name and country of incorporation:

•      in characters that can be read with the naked eye

•      in such a way that visitors to that office, place or location may easily see it

•      so that it can be seen at any time, i.e. not only during business hours

•      continuously, but if the location is shared by 6 or more LLPs, each such name and country of incorporation must be displayed for at least fifteen

continuous seconds at least once in every three minutes, or be available for inspection on a register by any visitor.

The Overseas LLP must also state the LLP’s name and country of incorporation in all forms of business communications and documents whether in hard copy or electronic, including:

•      business letters, notices and other official publications

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•      business emails

•      bills of exchange of promissory notes, endorsements and order forms

•      cheques purporting to be signed by or on behalf of the Overseas LLP

•      orders for money, goods or services purporting to be signed by or on behalf of the Overseas LLP

•      bills or parcels, invoices and other demands for payment, receipts and letters of credit

•      applications for licenses to carry on trade or activity

•      other forms of business correspondence and documentation

•      its websites.

12.  What is meant by an Overseas LLP?

An overseas LLP is a body incorporated or otherwise established outside the United Kingdom whose name under its law of incorporation, or establishment, includes (or when translated into English includes) the words “limited liability partnership” or the abbreviation “LLP” or “llp”.

Chapter 9

Quality of documents

1. What happens to the documents I send to Companies House?

We scan the paper documents and forms you deliver to us to produce an electronic image. We then store the original, paper documents and use the electronic image as the working document.

When a customer searches the public record, they see the electronic image reproduced on-line. So it is important not only that the original is legible, but that it can also produce a clear copy.

When you submit a document electronically, we automatically create an electronic image from the data you have provided us with.

This chapter sets out some guidelines to follow when preparing a document for filing at Companies House.

2. How should I set out documents?

Documents submitted electronically

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Documents submitted electronically must comply with the specifications set out by the registrar in his rules on electronic filing. The formats for software filing and webfiling are contained in the rules published on the website, and our website contains all the formats you will need to file via that method. Many of the businesses shown on our list of software suppliers provide web-based services and depending on the volume of filings you anticipate making, it may be more practical for you to use their services. Electronic applications are processed faster than those filed on paper. We aim to process electronic documents within 24 hours of receipt

Paper documents

Generally, every paper document sent to Companies House must state in a prominent position the registered name and number of the LLP. There are a few exceptions to this rule, which are set out in the published registrar’s rules.

Paper documents should be on A4 size, plain white paper with a matt finish. The text should be black, clear, legible, and of uniform density. Letters and numbers must be clear and legible so that we can make an acceptable copy of the document. The following guidelines may help:

When you fill in a paper form please:

•       use black ink or black type

•       use bold lettering (some elegant thin typefaces and pens give poor quality copies)

•       don't send a carbon copy

•       don't use a dot matrix printer

Keep in mind - photocopies can result in a grey shade that will not scan well.

When you complete other documents, please remember:

•       the points already made relating to completing forms

•       to use A4 size paper with a good margin

•       to supply them in portrait format (that is with the shorter edge across the top)

•       to include the LLP number and name

3.  Where can I find out more about this?

For further guidance on print requirements, please visit our website or email your enquiry or telephone 0303 1234 500.

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Chapter 10

Further Information

1. How do I deliver information to Companies House?

For full details of all the ways of delivering documents to Companies House, electronically or on paper, please refer to the registrar’s rules which appear on our website. The safest and most secure way to deliver statutory information to

Companies House is to use our online filing services. We aim to process electronic documents within 24 hours of receipt. For more information and registration details please visit our website.

If you are delivering paper documents by post, courier, Document Exchange Service

(DX) or Legal Post (in Scotland) and would like a receipt, Companies House will provide an acknowledgement if you enclose a copy of your covering letter with a pre-paid addressed return envelope. We will barcode your copy letter with the date of receipt and return it to you in the envelope provided.

Please note: an acknowledgement of receipt does not mean that a document has been accepted for registration at Companies House.

Please Note: Companies House does not accept any statutory documents by fax, PDF (except for electronically filed certified copies of charge instruments) or by email.

2. Do I have to pay to file documents at Companies House?

You do not have to pay a fee for many of the documents that you have to send to

Companies House, but some do require a fee and we will not accept them for registration without it. For full details you should refer to our price list.

3. Can I file documents in other languages?

As a general rule the law requires that you file documents sent to Companies House in English. There are exceptions as detailed below. You can draw up and deliver documents in Welsh if you are an LLP with its registered office situated in Wales.

LLPs can deliver the following documents in other languages if the document is accompanied by a certified translation into English:

•      for LLPs included in accounts of larger EEA (European Economic Area) or non-EEA groups, the group accounts and where appropriate the parent undertakings annual report

•      charge instruments (or copy charge instruments)

•      court orders

In addition, LLPs may also file voluntary certified translations of any document specified in section 1078 of the Companies Act 2006 as applied to LLPs by the

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Limited Liability Partnerships (Application of the Companies Act 2006) Regulations 2009. These are:

•      constitutional documents i.e. the LLP’s incorporation document; any notice under section 8(4) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000 or notice of change of LLP name

•      notifications of change in the membership of the LLP or in particulars of members

•      accounts and confirmation statements

•      notification of any change in an LLP’s registered office

•      winding up documents

The voluntary translation must relate to a document delivered to Companies House on or after 1 October 2009. Voluntary translations can only be filed in an official language of the European Union and must be accompanied by Form LL VT01 which will link the translation to the original document.

4. Where do I get forms and guides?

This is one in a series of Companies House publications which provides a simple guide to the Companies Act and related legislation.

All statutory forms and guides are available, free of charge from Companies House. The quickest way to obtain them is on our website or by telephoning 0303 1234 500. You can also obtain paper forms from company law stationers, accountants, solicitors and company formation agents.

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Annex A

Sensitive words and expressions specified in regulations that require the prior approval of the Secretary of State to use in an LLP name.

Words and expressions that require applicants to seek the views of a Public Authority, a Government Department or other body specified in regulations.

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106 University Street

Belfast

BT7 1EU

Co-operative The expressions ‘Co-operative Society’ and ‘Community Benefit Society’ can only be used in the name of a society registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.

For further information and before applying to use ‘Co-operative’ in an LLP or business name please view information on the FCA website.

To use ‘Co-operative’ in your proposed name you will need to meet the following conditions:

•     It should be owned and controlled by its members, who can only be members of the partnership.

•     Membership should be voluntary and open i.e. it should not be artificially restricted in order to increase the value of the business or its assets.

•     Members’ should participate in the economic activity of the business.

•     Profits should be distributed equally amongst the members’ or at least in proportion to the extent each member has participated in the business.

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•     The reasons you wish to use this word.

•     Whether the organisation already exists, its current activities and future plans.

•     Details of any Royal or Government associations.

•     Details of leading members and membership numbers.

•     If the name represents a pub, evidence of location and length of time in existence.

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