Changing Domain Name

[minidisc]

Hi All,
We are working on changing our business name and domain name. Our current name is too restritive in branding thus the change. Our current domain has been running for around 6 years and it is ranked fairly well on Google.
We will be using the same site, just with a new domain and name. I will redirect the old domain to the new domain for the life of the business as the domain is quite good.
I would like to know the best approach with the change so I can minimize rank lost and what I can expect when I do the change

Thanks

[Receptional Andy]

This is a very common topic, so there's plenty to read already [google.co.uk]

Essentially you need to permanently (301) redirect the old site to the new one and let search engines catch up, but you'll find more detail in previous posts.