The design of your logo and stationery is an important part of your marketing strategy. Letters, invoices, mail shots, and statements are all forms of advertising.
Limited companies
In designing the stationery of a limited company, you must consider the legal requirements detailed below:
Letters and orders
- Name of company
- Country of registration
- Address of registered office
- Company number
- Forename or initial and surname of ALL or NONE of the directors
Invoices
- Name and address of company
- VAT registration number
Cheques, official publications, and forms
- Name of company
Premises
- The name of the company must be displayed in a conspicuous position outside every office or place where business is conducted
- The address of the registered office has to be displayed prominently within the premises
Partnerships
Partnerships are required to state on letters, orders, invoices, and receipts, and to display on the premises, the names of all partners together with the principal office of the partnership. Alternatively, they must indicate where a list of partners may be inspected. Invoices must state the VAT registration number, where applicable.
Sole trader
A sole trader operating under a business name must state on letters, orders, invoices, and receipts his or her own name and business address. Invoices must state the VAT registration number, where applicable.
Do call us if you would like further help or advice on this subject. If you have bought a franchise your franchisor should provide you with corporate guidelines on stationery and also can have it printed on your behalf.
Most franchisors will provide you with either pre-printed stationary for your usage, if this is not the case then you should ask for their help to ensure you keep the continuity of the brand.
Written by Andrew Small, Joint Managing Director at Franaccounts.
Andrew Small has been helping franchisees grow their businesses for over 12 years and has a wealth of experience within a many areas related to franchising. He is a co-founder of Franaccounts and contributes to various national newspapers on issues related to franchising and franchise magazines.
