Readers' forum : What’s my name?

I set up two limited companies both of which are registered for VAT. For the purposes of this question one is called Builder Limited and deals with building works. The other Painter Limited concentrates on the painting and decorating side.

After some time I found it difficult to run the businesses on two separate bank accounts and having to prepare two separate quarterly VAT returns.

I think I might have found a solution. Builder Limited could be made into the main business doing both the building works and painting and decorating while Painter Limited could then be closed by way of a striking-off application. However this part of the business doing the painting will continue to use the trading name Painter Limited because people know me under this name very well. In this way my business will have one bank account and...