Here are some useful links;

Companies House Name Check

http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/WebCHeck/fastrack/

Information about registering for VAT

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/index.htm

New Businesses and the Inland Revenue

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/businesses/

Starting a Business Advice Page

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1073858805