Topical Tip:

TT97: Business Stationery Rules

What is BPR?

The rules regarding business stationery have changed, but remarkably little publicity has been given to the fact! From 1st January 2007 the following applies to business stationery whether in hard copy, electronic or any other form:

A company must state its name, in legible lettering, on all:

• the company’s business letters, order forms;
• its notices and other official publications;
• bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques and orders for money or goods purporting to be signed by, or on behalf of, the company;
• its bills of parcels, invoices, receipts and letters of credit;
• its websites

Furthermore, on all of its business letters, order forms or web sites, the company must show (in legible lettering) its:

• place of registration
• registered number
• registered office address
• And if it is being wound up, that fact must be stated.

Emails

Whenever an email is used where its paper equivalent would be covered by the stationery requirements, then that email is also subject to the same requirements.

Barnes Roffe Topical Tips:

• Don’t forget these rules also apply to Limited Liability Partnerships.
• When reviewing your business stationery, ensure you review your email footers and websites for compliance too.
• Consult your Barnes Roffe contact partner for guidance in this important area

Topical Tips is designed to be a simple and useful source of ideas and information for clients and contacts of Barnes Roffe LLP. If you are unsure about the implications of any idea contained therein please contact your Barnes Roffe LLP partner. Barnes Roffe LLP cannot take responsibility if the ideas are implemented without its involvement.