go to this site
http://www.duport.co.uk/company-formation/sole_traders.phpreg name as a sole trader but they will reserve it with companies house so no other can use it as a ltd co.
details below (this is what i have done with one of mine to protect the mane.)
sole traders
£69.00 including government fees and delivery
OR call 0117 330 8910
summary
Standing out as an independent trader.
You can get the best of both worlds with Duport's sole trader package. This grants you the freedom and simplicity of being a sole trader as well as the protection of being registered with Companies House - and we'll include a host of free products and services as well as helpful advice and information too!
There are millions of sole traders that are not registered with Companies House choosing not to make use of limited liability status. For many this is the most economical way to run a business. Today you have more choice.
With our sole trader package you can access a range of benefits by registering as a non trading company at Companies House as well as registering your trading company at HMRC. This will:
•guarantee the name will be available if you need limited status at a later date
•prevent someone using your name as a LTD company and confusing your customers
•make your details present on Companies House, which provides credibility, helps to build client confidence and makes it easy to locate you.
Maintaining a non trading limited company is very easy and straightforward, and well worth considering for any sole trader.
Duport's sole trader package registers your company as a dormant ltd company at Companies House and shows you how easy it is to maintain non trading paperwork. As well as providing you with valuable advice and information, your sole trader package also includes free products and services to get your company up and running.
process time
Formation is often completed within 4 hours. Timing is subject to Companies House systems availability. In 90% of cases your company registration is complete within 24 hours (excluding weekends).
what you get
Click on any item to get more information
•a guide to running a sole trader business
•a guide to maintaining a non trading limited company
•HMRC forms to register your sole trader business
•dormant ltd company formed with the name of your choice
•official certificate of incorporation
•£50 company & director credit reporting
•free business telephone number (0870 or 0800)
•company share certificates
•free telephone support
•free marketing advice
•free insurance advice
•free trademark advice
•12 months free business banking with HSBC
•250 business cards
•free accountancy consultation
•free business telephone number
•free fax to email number