Gas & Heating Business Name Change Checklist

When a gas and heating business undergoes a name change, it is crucial to update business information accurately to ensure compliance with legal requirements and maintain customer trust. Three essential areas needing attention during a business name change are legal compliance, customer communication, and online presence.

Your Gas Safe Register Details

Changing your business details, such as the trading title, requires immediate notification to the Gas Safe Register according to the Rules of Registration. This ensures all gas work performed under the new business name complies with safety standards.

To update your trading title, log into your Gas Safe Register online account and select “Change Trading Title Request” under the “My Business” section. Here, you’ll need to fill out your current and new trading titles, company name if different, type of business entity, Companies House registration number, and business address, along with the contact details of a responsible person.

While changing your trading title is free, obtaining a new ID card displaying updated details will cost £11 plus VAT. Suppose your Gas Safe registration is up for renewal. In that case, handling the name change beforehand is advisable to ensure that the new ID card and registration certificate reflect the updated company name.

Notifying the Gas Safe Register if your limited company dissolves or undergoes significant changes like liquidation or receivership is important. This notification should be made within five business days by email or through the online platform to facilitate the cancellation of the registration if the business ceases trading.

Your Google Business Profile

An up-to-date Google Business Profile helps potential customers find and learn more about your services, enhancing your ability to attract and retain customers.

First, ensure your business is added and claimed on Google. After verification, you can update your business name, category, address, and other pertinent details. It’s essential to enter your business name as it is used in the real world across all branding to maintain consistency.

Update your business profile regularly to reflect accurate hours, updated contact information, and fresh photos. These updates improve your visibility and interaction with potential customers on platforms like Google Search and Maps.

Your Website and Online Presence

Your business website should consistently reflect the new name across all pages, including the logo, contact page, and about section. This helps maintain brand consistency and assures customers that they are engaging with the right business.

Update your business name on all social media platforms and business directories, such as Checkatrade or Yell. Consistent naming across these platforms helps improve your search engine rankings and makes your business easier to find and verify.

Updating all pertinent business details following a name change is essential for maintaining legal compliance, customer trust, and a solid online presence. Regular reviews and updates of your business information across all platforms are recommended to ensure ongoing compliance and engagement in your market.