I recently decided to launch a new service for public speakers/aspiring speakers etc. Feeling expansive, I thought I would call it the 'Institute for Public Speaking'. On trying to register the name I was told 'Institute' (even with a lower case i) was a sensitive word. I would have to get a dispensation! From where, I enquired. Check with the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, I was told.
After several unsatisfactory phone calls and an exchange of emails where each reponse came from a different person, I announced to the Department for Business Impairment and Stupidity that I was going to call it 'Institute' because they had told me nothing to suggest I couldn't. I was advised to talk to Business Link. Who advised me to talk to Companies House.
Having had no joy with the Department (or Business Link or Companies House) I went ahead and named my creation 'Institute'. See http://www.ifps.org.uk/.
However, there were dark mutterings and a sense of unease, so the fragrant Teresa May (who, in addition to being my MP - her most important function - is Home Secretary and Minister for Women & Equality) was approached for help. Next thing I know, a 76-page document arrives from the aforementioned DBIS explaining why I can't be an 'Institute'. And can't be a lot of other things, including 'Archwilydd Cyffredinol Cymru'. No offence to the Welsh but why would you want to?
Why they could not have sent this informative document in the first place .....
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