A reliable business address service can solve compliance, privacy, and mail problems for UK companies. This article explains what a registered office address is, how a business address service works in London, and practical steps to set or change your company address with Companies House.
TL;DR / Key takeaways
- A registered office address is legally required for UK companies and appears on public records.
- Virtual offices and business address services are valid for Companies House when they provide a physical postal address.
- Most London providers include mail forwarding, scanning, and Companies House filing support from around £20–£35/month.
- Use a professional address to protect privacy and maintain a credible business image.
What is a registered office address and why it matters
A registered address UK is the official postal address filed at Companies House.
This address receives legal notices, statutory mail, and is shown on public records. Examples include solicitor or accountant addresses used by startups to avoid exposing home homes. Stats: UK law requires this for every limited company.
Can I use a virtual office as my UK registered address?
Yes. A virtual office with a real postal address is acceptable for Companies House.
A virtual office provides a physical mailing address and optional services like mail handling and meeting rooms. Tip: confirm the provider allows Companies House registration and provides prompt mail forwarding or scanning. High-authority reference: check Companies House guidance for address rules at Companies House.
Business Address Service options in London
London providers usually offer tiered plans for startups and established firms.
Examples of common features: Companies House filing support, HMRC mail handling, mail forwarding, and digital scanning. Typical pricing runs from £20 to £35 per month. Interface Accountants offers a registered address service with mail forwarding, quick company formation, and accounting bundles; see their page: Interface Accountants – Registered Address Service. Trust indicators include client testimonials and local London locations.
Mail forwarding, scanning and digital delivery
Most services include mail collection, forwarding, and optional scanning.
Mail scanning is converting posts into PDFs you access online. Benefit: you can run a fully remote company while still receiving statutory mail. Tip: pick plans with same-day scanning and secure document handling.
How to change your registered office address with Companies House
Changing your registered address is a simple, three-step process.
- Decide the new address and ensure it accepts company posts.
- File form AD01 with Companies House online or by post.
- Notify HMRC and update internal stationery and contracts.
Quick fact: online filing usually updates public records within 24–48 hours. For HMRC address guidance visit HMRC.
PO Box vs registered office address
A PO Box cannot be used as a registered office for UK limited companies.
A PO Box offers postal anonymity but lacks a physical street address. Benefit of a registered address: it displays a street location and accepts legal notices. Expert tip: use a business address service when you need public credibility and legal compliance.
Using an accountant’s address pros and cons
Accountants often provide a trusted registered address service with filing support.
Benefits: professional handling of statutory mail and easy tax correspondence. Downsides: some providers bundle services and may charge extra for mail forwarding. Example: many London accountants include address services in company formation packages.
Pricing and package examples
Most London services follow three tiers: basic address, address + forwarding, and premium with scanning and company formation.
- Startup tier: ~£20/month address and Companies House registration support.
- Standard tier: ~£25–£35/month includes mail forwarding and scanning.
- Premium tier: ~£50/month adds phone handling and meeting room access.
Tip: compare monthly vs annual plans to save money. Check the provider’s terms for hidden fees on returned mail.
Summary
A business address service solves privacy and compliance needs for UK companies. Use a London-based provider if you want local mail handling and a professional image. For a practical option with formation and accounting support see the registered address service at Interface Accountants. For official rules consult Companies House and HMRC sites linked above.
FAQs
Can a director’s home address be hidden?
Yes, you can supply a service address for public records while the home address remains private on Companies House private register.
Is the registered address visible to the public?
Yes, the registered office address appears on the public Companies House register.
Will HMRC accept a virtual office address?
Yes, HMRC accepts a real postal address used for official correspondence.
How fast can I set a registered address?
You can set it during company formation or update it with an AD01 form; online updates usually reflect within 24–48 hours.
