Change of Name
To reflect changing times, many clubs choose to update their names, often replacing the word “Workingmen’s” with “Social” or “Sports and Social Club”. The process for changing a club’s name will depend on how the club is constituted. In all cases, the procedure set out in the club’s rulebook or constitution must be followed.
For a registered society or friendly society, a change of name must be approved by the members at a General Meeting. The appropriate Change of Name form, available from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website, must then be completed and submitted to the FCA for approval and registration.
For a club incorporated as a company, the company’s articles of association should be consulted. In most cases, a change of name requires a Special Resolution to be passed by the members at a General Meeting. A Special Resolution requires the support of 75% of the members present and voting.
A copy of the Special Resolution, together with Companies House form NM01 and the prescribed fee, must be submitted to Companies House for approval and registration of the change of name.
Both the FCA and Companies House may reject certain proposed names or require additional evidence to support their use. This may arise where a name is considered offensive or includes a restricted word, such as “Group”.
Clubs situated in Wales may use “Cyfyngedig” or “Cyf” instead of “Limited” or “Ltd”, where appropriate.
Once a change of name has been registered, the club should notify HM Revenue & Customs, its bank, brewery and other suppliers.
It should be noted that a change of name does not reduce or eliminate existing debts. The club retains the same legal rights and obligations after the change of name as it had before.