From cartoon characters to great literary works, the inspiration for amusing and eye-catching business names can take many forms.

And while a puntastic shop name is no guarantee of financial success, a clever name can give a business an advantage over their competitors.

Graham Marley, chief executive of the Hastings-based not-for-profit Let's Do Business Group, says a funny name can have a positive influence, but warns that dabbling in double entendres or playing with punchlines only works in certain industries.

He said: “A name may well be what makes you stand out from the crowd but it can also detract from your business depending on which industry you are in.

“The most important thing is know your customer. I think the name of your business is key, it focuses the whole branding, not just about the company but also the values of the company.”

Here's our pick of Brighton's best punny names.

 

Barber Blacksheep, St George’s Road, Brighton

The Argus:

The barbers recently gained national recognition when their nursery rhyme-inspired name was listed as the third best punny and funny business name in the country.

The hairdresser’s current owner Catharine Wehrle was fortunate enough to inherit the shop’s distinctive and playful name, which was thought up by the previous owner's nephew in 2000.

 

He-van: Movers of the Universe in North Road

The Argus:
Picture by Adactio on Flickr

 

Wooden It Be Nice, Midhurst Rise

The Argus:
Carpenter Barry Jordan with his Wooden It Be Nice van

 

Brighton Wok, New England Road

The Argus:
Picture by Fred Pipes

 

Pie Society, Western Road

The Argus:

 

Quilty Pleasures, Upper Hamilton Road

The Argus:

Owner Elizabeth Betts said: “I think the name suits Brighton because Brighton has a sense of humour, people really like puns here.

“I can see how people find me on the internet and a lot of people search for ‘pleasures Brighton’, I imagine they were looking for something else other than fabric.

“People definitely remember the name rather than just the Brighton Patchwork Shop or something but I still feel a bit silly ringing up places and saying its Liz from Quilty Pleasures.”

 

 

Pulp Kitchen, Bond Street (now sadly departed)

The Argus: