Mix-up leads to change of name for Newcastle United

Aug 31 2010 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United’s name was legally changed on official records after a paperwork mistake was not spotted by administration staff.

Companies House, the registrar of all firms in England and Wales, apologised to St James’ Park chiefs after it emerged the club was re-named Novocastria Limited in error.

The mix-up involved Tyneside film-maker Steve Bowden, who had set up his own firm called Newcastles United Limited but was ordered to change it because it was too similar to that of the club.

Mr Bowden, best known for producing 2004 film School For Seduction starring Kelly Brook, was sent paperwork to complete by Companies House in order to make the change.

But he sent back a form that wrongly included United’s company registration number, instead of that of his own business, and administration staff failed to spot the mistake.

That meant the name-change – to Novocastria Limited – was rubber-stamped and a fresh incorporation certificate was produced on August 25.

After the error was pointed out to Companies House, the organisation moved quickly to apologise to United top brass and change it back.

Meanwhile, Benwell-born Mr Bowden said it was an honest mistake that led to the wrong details being filed. The married 38-year-old, now of Rowlands Gill, said: “I have been working on a project, which is about sharing knowledge and information between all the different Newcastles in the world.

“Because of that, I set up the company called Newcastles United Limited but the club objected, saying that it was too similar to their name and I got notification from the Secretary of State that I had to change it.