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Company Law Reform Bill [HL]

These two amendments would restrict the application of their respective chapters to those with a UK place of business. They thus follow Section 1 of the Business Names Act 1985. However, in the 21st century, much trade is conducted over the internet by businesses without a UK place of business—indeed, by businesses without any fixed place of business. It is in the public interest that UK customers know not only the identity of any such business using a name which is not its own, but also how to contact them by non-electronic means. Of course, it will be difficult to enforce these provisions upon those who wish to hide their identity. Not all overseas and internet traders are so shy, however: enforcement authorities consider it useful for there to be a clear set of rules for those who are law abiding. It is in the interests of such traders and their UK customers that these provisions apply to all who carry on business in the UK under a name that is not truly their own. In the light of this, I hope the noble Lord will agree to withdraw his amendment.