We can all get a bit carried away when thinking about the design of new business stationery, but there are some important legal requirements to remember when designing letterheads for UK companies.
Make sure you get it right first time to avoid costly artwork changes and re-prints.
The Companies Act (UK letterhead legal requirements) states that all business must display the following business details on their letterheads:
In certain industries your regulator or trade body information may be required. For example a company within the financial services, must state that they are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and sometimes the Prudential Regulation Authority.
You can find the company information for any UK business here: companieshouse.gov.uk
As well as your logo, website and contact details you may think this is a lot to include on your letterhead, however the right design can utilise the space effectively and present the right image to your customers.
Below is an example of how we’ve added the letterhead legal requirements to the bottom of our own letterhead:
Optional Letterhead Text: [Office Address] [Telephone] [Fax] [Email] [Website] [Social Media Handles]
Legal Letterhead Requirements: [Business Name] [Registered Country] [Company Number] [Registered Business Address]
As a sole trader, if you trade under a business name rather than your own name you must make sure that your name and business address is included on all letterheads and order forms.
Letterheads, order forms, receipts and invoices must include the names of all partners and the address of the main office. You can state where a list may be found if there are a large number of partners. If your company does not have a main office address, you must state the addresses at which partners can be found.
As a limited company, all business stationery must include your full registered company name, company registration number, registered address and address of company’s place of business. Unlike with a partnership, you do not have to state the names of the company directors, but if you choose to you must name all directors. Companies which are exempt from using ‘limited’ in their names must state the fact that they are limited.
If a charity does not use ‘charity’ or ‘charitable’ in its name, all company documents must state the company is a charity. Similarly, an investment company must state that it is this type of company in all business communication.
If you’re looking for guidance when designing your companies letterheads or stationery get in touch with us for a free print and/or design quote.
