Sitting, waiting, hoping

I'm sure by now you've all assumed that the name 'Eat-n-Mess' was all official, and presumed it was a registered company. Well, I wish it was, but sadly it looks like it may not be easy to secure that actual name. When I decided upon Eat-n-Mess I thought it was an original name until I did what I should have done in the first place and check with Companies House if it is in use already. Which it is. I felt so gutted. Truthfully, I was so upset I actually cried. A lot. I felt like everything was then going to go wrong and I wouldn't be able to handle things. Yes, I do generally overreact! Luckily my husband was around and took control of the situation and obtained the phone number for this other 'Eat 'n' Mess' company and called them to see what they were. He was very calm and polite and got the answers we needed: They are a small dormant company, who have never actually traded. They aim to make the dessert Eton Mess and take it to Festivals to sell. They thought of the name 'Eat 'n' Mess' a while ago and decided to register it with Companies House just in case they do get around to doing it in the future and they have the domain name too. But the lady my husband spoke to said it was her boyfriend's business idea and she doesn't even know if he still wants to pursue it. So was very nice and liked my business idea, so she said she'll have a chat with her boyfriend about us wanting the name 'Eat-n-Mess' and see if he would be willing to let us have it and then inform Companies house of the situation. She said it shouldn't be a problem as we are two very different companies. She also confirmed what I had already thought and hoped; that I could register the company as 'Eat-n-Mess Craft Cafe' but trade under 'Eat-n-Mess'. So I'm just waiting on her to call me back with an answer. Hence the sitting, waiting and hoping. I really love the name Eat-n-Mess so will be really sad if we have to give it up and go with something else. I just want to be able to make things official with Companies House and purchase a domain name. So keep your fingers crossed for me!


On a more positive note I suddenly had a brainwave when I was lying in bed in the early hours of this morning......... Netmums! So I posted a short notice about the business together with the blog address. If you're reading this and you're a mum and haven't heard of netmums.com, check it out because it's full of local info; from school lists to activity play centres for children to fun recipe ideas. Brilliant website. I've already had five really positive responses to my notice from local mums who are excited for Eat-n-Mess to open. Thank you to those that have replied! So reassuring to know that other parents think this would work.
http://www.netmums.com/h/f/BOARDS/noticeboard/southessex///?post_id=1293576