After Insolvency & Liquidation Can I Re-Use The Same or Similar Company Name?

In more detail

There are three main exceptions to be able to re-use the same or similar trading name and these are:

1. If you have a second limited company with a similar name that has been trading for at least 12 months prior to the liquidation. A good example would be another company within a group.
2. If you buy all or substantially all of the assets from the liquidator then you can re-use the name or similar name if you: a) place an advert in the London Gazette (costs about £80) and b) write to all creditors within 28 days. Often clients ask a solicitor to deal with this.
3. You can apply to Court to re-use the name but only have seven days following the liquidation (it can be done in advance though).

If you fail to comply with the rules then the penalties are a possible fine, imprisonment, personal liability for the new company debts and an increased chance of being disqualified as a director.

There is no restriction on re-using a name if your company goes into Administration and then dissolution. 

It is worth noting these rules are from Section 216 of the Insolvency Act 1986.