When do I have to register a company?

[bookkeeperisarubbishword]

I have been working as a sole trader for the past 4 years but as my business has expanded and I have taken on two pert-time members of staff I feel I need to change my business name to something less personal.

At which point do I have to register the company? I thought it was only if the company limited but I have had some conflicting advice. I am still a sole trader so I didn't think I had to do anything other than change my stationery?

A Limited Company is a totally separate entity from a sole trader.

Look my name up on Ebay and click the "me" next to it. There is a stack of information.

PS John Lewis never felt the need to depersonalise his company, nor did Mr J Sainsbury. If you have a brand, don't lose it.

You are right, the only thing you have to change is your stationery. You don't even need to tell the Revenue.

Agree with Talkinpeace - accountants and solictors and other professional are often named after their founder and don't change because they take on some staff.

I know but I have a really complicated name and i feel it holds me back

Then change the name of your sole trader
if you want. You are still the legal entity.
Use the first half of your surname, or the bit that people always use of it or whatever.

Hotblack Desiato never changed theirs, even after Douglas Adams used their name in his books!