Accountancy practice business name ideas

Accountancy names have a specific trap: several of the words that signal credibility — chartered, certified, institute — need approval before Companies House will accept them. The services themselves sit in one class, with software and training as common extensions.

Trademark classes for a accountancy practice business

Trademark protection is class-specific, so these are the classes to screen a name against. Most businesses span more than one.

35Advertising, business and retail servicesAdvertising and marketing, business management and administration, and retail and wholesale services. The service class most brands overlook.36Financial and insurance servicesFinancial, banking and monetary services, insurance, and real estate affairs.42Software and IT servicesScientific and technological services, and the design and development of computer hardware and software — the home of SaaS.

What works

A distinctive name plus “Accountants” signals the profession without relying on a surname you may later want to sell the practice without.
If you serve a niche (contractors, ecommerce, creatives), a name that speaks to it beats another generic “& Co”.
Keep it short: practice names get typed into HMRC agent portals, invoices and email addresses daily.

Common mistakes

Using “chartered”, “certified” or “institute” without the relevant body’s approval letter — the incorporation is rejected.
Choosing a name confusingly close to an established practice in the same town; clients and post go astray, and objections follow.

Watch out: “Chartered”, “certified”, “institute” and “association” are sensitive words — get written approval from the relevant professional body before you file.

Check a accountancy practice name

Screen a name across Companies House, trademarks, domains and social handles — free, in seconds. No name yet? Generate pre-screened ideas instead.

Check a name Generate ideas →

Frequently asked questions

What trademark class is accountancy?

Accountancy, bookkeeping and tax preparation are Class 35. Financial advice and planning are Class 36, and accounting software is Class 42.

Can I call my practice “Chartered Accountants”?

Only with approval from the relevant chartered body (ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA or CIMA) submitted with the incorporation. Without it, Companies House will reject the name.

Related industries

ConsultancyNaming a consultancy — the services class and the distinctiveness problem.Recruitment agencyNaming a recruitment agency — the classes, the “people” word problem and the trust test.Software & tech startupNaming a SaaS or tech startup across the two crowded tech classes.

All industries →

General guidance to help you screen a name, not legal advice. Confirm trademark clearance with a qualified attorney before you commit to a name.