Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by admin
Entrepreneurs looking to start their business in the heart of London, in the UK, can benefit from a registered office address. While London is known to be quite an expensive city to rent office space, a registered address in London makes it easier for business owners to establish a business at an affordable cost.
Whether you are a startup or a conglomerate, you can incorporate a business in London which can significantly enhance the credibility and professional image of your business. London registered office address allows you to keep your residential address private and separate from your personal address creating an organised structure for handling your mail.
How does a UK-registered office address work? This blog will explore the pros and cons of using a registered address service in London, how it works, and how it can meet your business needs.
What is a registered office address and why is it Important?
A registered office address allows business owners to incorporate their business in prestigious locations without being physically located there. A business can be home-based or operated in a different country and still maintain a physical image in any of the UK locations.
For example, you can use UK-registered address services to incorporate a limited company in London and start operations. With the London address, your business will be perceived as a business that has a physical office in a prestigious location attracting a wide customer base.
The purpose of a registered office address is also where statutory records are kept and made available for public inspections. The registered address must be in the same jurisdiction as the company and any changes made to the address must be in the same jurisdiction as the business.
How do I operate without being based in London? With the evolution of technology, businesses can operate without having a physical office and be successful. Like the example above, if you are located in Pakistan and want to tap into the UK market, a registered office address service will help you incorporate a business using a London registered address. Your registered office address will be in London jurisdiction as your business.
With a UK company registered address, entrepreneurs can tap into the UK market hassle-free. The registered address comes with many features that will help businesses to be compliant and operate smoothly. You may not know the business laws in the UK but with a registered address service, you will be able to stay compliant and meet all the filing and reporting deadlines.
Having a registered address in London has benefits for your business such as;
Legal requirement
According to UK law, businesses ought to have a physical registered address for legal correspondence and official notice in the UK. According to the Companies Act 2006, a registered address is a legal requirement for all companies incorporated in the UK. You can no longer use a P.O. Box address as your registered address. The address has to be in the same jurisdiction as the business.
Establishes a physical presence in a prestigious location
Whether your business is based at home, overseas, or you are a nomad, a registered office address will give your business a physical presence in London. This will enhance the professional image of your business and attract a higher client base, partners, and investors.
Ensures legal and official correspondence is received
Official and legal correspondence will be sent to your registered address. With a registered office address service, your mail will be received efficiently and managed professionally. You will decide on how you want to receive your mail to acknowledge them promptly.
Provides privacy and convenience
After company incorporation, Companies House makes your company’s address publicly available for transparency purposes. Your address can easily be accessible to anybody who searches for your company. If you use your residential address, you will be risking your home with unsolicited visitors and junk mail making it easier to miss important correspondence. A registered office address will protect your home and separate personal addresses from business addresses creating a convenient way of handling mail.
Why choose a registered office address in London?
A registered office address in London elevates your business’s reputation and opens doors to global opportunities. Its strategic location and dynamic business environment make it an ideal choice for companies looking to grow and thrive. Some reasons are below mentioned why you should choose a registered office address in London:
Credibility and professionalism
London is a global hub for finance and commerce. Having a registered address in that prestigious city can give your company a sense of credibility and professionalism. When potential clients and investors see that your business is located in London, they may have confidence in your delivery abilities and will build trust. They will be assured that your business is legal and a trustworthy entity.
Networking opportunities
London attracts international businesses by hosting many business events and workshops for networking opportunities and growing its economy. Your business is located in London, it can take advantage of these events and workshops to network with businesses, customers, partners, and investors who prefer to have a connection with companies that have a presence in well-known business centers.
Investment opportunities
London is a global financial center. It is leading in international banking, insurance, money markets, and derivatives markets. It also has many financial investments such as the equity market, financial services for both local and international businesses, foreign exchange activity, FPS projects, real estate investments, and asset management.
London also has many financial resources for businesses to help them with funding. From bank loans, and crowdfunding, to angel investors, startups can operate seamlessly in the prestigious city.
Proximity
London is centrally located and has an excellent transportation structure making it the top choice for businesses located within Europe, America, and Asia. London is the best gateway for global markets. The city’s transportation infrastructure is top notch, having six international airports, an extensive underground rail system, and a large network of ports for quick and effective getting in and out of the city.
Tax benefits
Unlike other countries, the UK has low Corporation tax which helps businesses save more of their profit. The government also offers various investment schemes such as the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) providing tax relief to investors.
Who needs a registered office address in the UK?
A registered office address is essential for many types of organisations operating in the UK. It ensures legal compliance, supports professional communication, and helps maintain privacy for business owners. Below are the entities that require a registered office address and why it’s crucial for them.
Limited companies:
According to the Companies Act 2006, it is a legal requirement to have a registered office address when incorporating a company. An official address is necessary for official and legal correspondence where they can be recorded and come to the attention of someone acting on behalf of the company. It is also where statutory records will be stored and made available for inspection by the public.
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs):
With a similar purpose as that of limited companies, LLPs are also required to have a registered office address.
Community Interest Company (CIC):
Non-profit organisations in the UK must also have a registered office address. The address must be physical and must be in the same jurisdiction as the CIC.
Charitable companies:
Charitable organisations also require a registered office address for statutory mail, and receive legal documents, and notices from government entities. Charities do not show the trustee’s address unless the address has been provided for contact purposes.
Registered societies:
Registered societies in the UK require a registered office address to receive communications and notices from government entities, keep a register of members and officers, and comply with legislative requirements.
By maintaining a registered address with all these organisations, business owners get to maintain the privacy of their residents for both UK and International residents. They also get to efficiently handle personal and business mail separately as they stay compliant with legal requirements.
How to get a registered office address with BusinAssist
BusinAssist offers registered office address services that are legal to incorporate your company. We offer virtual registered office addresses of various locations in the UK which come with unique office numbers. Through our main page: https://businassist.com/uk-virtual-office-business-address.php), you can choose the location of your choice in the UK.
Step 1:
Our registered office service in London comes with 4 addresses located in prestigious towns that will enhance your business’ professional image and reputation. These addresses are located in central and East London. In central London, our registered office addresses are in Mayfair, Fitzrovia, and Holborn. In east London, our address is located in East Ham.
Business reputation is important because it can attract customers, increase sales, and improve financial performance and our addresses will help you do just that.
Choose any address that fits your business needs and “Click Here” to get an insight into where the address is specifically located and how we will handle mail for your business.
Step 2:
This is where you create a unique address for your business. To create it, you will have to;
- Choose the address type. Our addresses come in either an office, suite, or unit.
- Enter the office number of your choice
- Insert a Postfix
Step 3:
Choose a package that meets your business needs. Each plan comes with additional services such as mail handling and a UK bank account for your business. Other features advance from the basic to the premium packages.
With £45.76 annually, you can subscribe to our basic package and use the address for a maximum of 1 company and mail handling services of up to 10 post items monthly.
For £139.74 annually, you will get to subscribe to our standard package that comes with every feature in the basic package and additional features such as scanning or forwarding your post and a Free UK VoIP Landline Number of 250 minutes.
With all standard package features, our advanced package which is for £200.20 has additional benefits such as a business address for 2 companies, mail handling 20 posts per month, advanced mail handling services, Free UK VoIP Landline Number of 500 minutes, and Free Call Answering.
To enjoy additional free services, you can subscribe to our premium package that comes with a maximum of 3 companies that can use the address, 30 post items being handled per month, Call Answering services, a USA & UK virtual mobile number for local communication with clients and partners, and a free UK Business VoIP Landline Numbers with 1000 minutes.
Step 4:
At this step, you have the option to incorporate a company with the address you have created. The charges of the company incorporation depend on the package you choose. For the basic and standard packages, you will be charged government fees of £50.00, while for advanced and premium you will incorporate a company for free.
Step 5:
For company formation you will need to fill out the business owner or the director’s personal information like name, contact information, date of birth, residential address, and country of residence. You can choose to incorporate a company later on as well if required.
Step 6:
At this step, you have to fill out the company’s details such as name, registered office address, business activities, country, and address usage.
If you haven’t incorporated a company and wish to use the address for correspondence, you can tick the box for our team to allocate the address once the application is complete.
Step 7:
At this step, provide the contact information of the primary administrator and your company’s main point of contact. This can either be the director, business owner, or an Authorised Account Handler. The person’s information provided is the only person BusinAssist will be communicating with about the services acquired.
If the director is the main point of contact, there is a form where you will fill out his/ her information such as primary and secondary email address and phone number.
If it is the Account Handler, you will fill out their form by providing their name, address, date of birth, country of address, and phone number.
Step 8:
At this step, you have the opportunity to add supplementary services that align with what your business needs. The services come at a discounted fee which will be payable during checkout. The additional services provided are the additional services include:
- VAT Registration
- UK Virtual Mobile Number if you did not subscribe to our premium package
- EORI number application
- Company logo design
- Printed company documents
- UK Virtual VoIP Landline number
- Certified documents
- Company formation protection
- Government Gateway Account
- Corporation Tax and Companies House Webfiling Account Set up
- Company seal embosser
- 24/7 Virtual Receptionist / Call Answering Service.
Step 9:
At this step, you will have to choose how frequently you want to pay for the service. We provide flexible plans which you can pay quarterly or annually. If you choose to pay 12 months upfront, you will receive a discount. Our packages come with a bonus of receiving a discount if you pay for 12 months upfront.
You will be charged automatically after every three months from the time of purchase if you choose the quarterly plan and after every 12 months for the yearly plan.
Step 10:
This is the last step of the application process. Ensure everything is correctly picked and accurately filled out before checkout. Read the terms and conditions of our buying and refund policies. You will also get to understand what is needed for you to get the free additional services functional for your business. The terms also state that our service is subscription-based only meaning that fees due will automatically be charged on your billing date.
Once you read and understand the terms, you can tick the box to show that you agree with them.
Click the “checkout” button to insert your payment gateway. An account will be created for you with one of our experts for an easier KYC verification process.
What are the key features of our registered office address service in London?
Mail handling: Your mail / post will be professionally handled and delivered to you promptly. The posts received in our London addresses are scanned and forwarded to you anywhere in the world for free. You are also able to collect your post via courier.
Limited company formation: Depending on the package you have subscribed to; you have the option to incorporate your limited company and only pay government fees for basic and standard packages. For our premium and Advanced packages, you have the option to form a limited company for free.
Opening a UK bank account: Our packages come with a free UK bank account with a cashback of £100. A business bank account helps you separate personal and business transactions for a seamless cash flow.
UK VoIP Landline Number: Our registered office address service comes with a free UK landline number for any UK city of your choice. You can receive unlimited inbound calls and make calls via a mobile app.
UK & USA virtual mobile numbers: Communicate with your customers and partners locally with our USA and UK mobile numbers which come with the facility to make & receive calls, & receive SMS & OTP’s. No matter where your business is based, you can communicate from anywhere in the world and operate smoothly.
Call Answering: We have virtual assistants who are ready at any time to receive calls on behalf of your business. They will take your customer’s message and forward it to you via email.
How does BusinAssist provide the best registered office address service in London?
BusinAssist ensures your business gets more than just an address. Our services are designed to make meeting legal requirements easier and to support your operations. Below are the main reasons why BusinAssist offers the best registered office address service in London:
Ongoing support: We offer ongoing support for you to remain compliant with legal obligations and requirements. We work closely with several accountancy firms to ensure your company’s annual accounts are filed on time. We also ensure your confirmation statement is filed accurately and on time.
Telephony solution: Our registered office address service comes with various telephony solutions for a seamless communication process for your business. If you have no time to handle your business calls, we have 24/7 call answering services, where our virtual assistants will answer calls and take messages in the name of your business. Your messages will be forwarded to you via email.
If you can handle your calls, we have UK virtual mobile numbers and VoIP Landline Numbers which have advanced features for your business needs. These VOIP solutions will help you communicate with your customers locally from wherever you are located.
Customer-centric features: Our services are designed to meet the needs of every business, whether a startup or a conglomerate. We understand customers’ expectations and perceptions which is why our packages come with features designed to help with daily business operations.
Cost-effective packages: Our packages are affordable to meet every business’s needs. We have a range of packages that businesses do not have to break the bank to subscribe to.
Benefits of using a registered office address in London for your company
A office address in London offers more than just a legal requirement. it provides your business with significant advantages. From cost savings to enhanced privacy, here are the main reasons why using a London address is beneficial for your company:
Flexibility: Registered office address in London allows entrepreneurs to work without being physically located there. This gives business owners the flexibility of operating from anywhere in the world while maintaining a physical image in London.
Prime location: Addresses from London are located in prestigious location which enhances the professional image of your company. It also enhances the credibility of your company making customers perceive your business as legit and trustworthy.
Scalability: You can easily scale up or scale down with a registered office address since it does not have long-term contracts. Expanding to other regions within the UK or overseas is easier since you do not need a heavy set up process.
Privacy: Registered office address will shield your residential address from being accessed with the public. This makes your home secure even if your business is home-based.
Presence in the international market: London is a global hub for international businesses, making it easier for a company to benefit from global presence and tap into the international market. This makes it easier for the company to partner with international experts and benefit from investment opportunities.
Registered office address vs. business address: What’s the difference?
The registered office address and business address seem to sound the same but they are different. Often used interchangeably, a registered office address is for official legal use while a business address is for day-to-day operation. Here are some differences between the two addresses.
Definition: The registered office address is the official company address for an incorporated company and it is made publicly available on the Companies House register for transparency.
A business address is where a company runs its day-to-day operations. It can either be at the registered office address or an entirely different address.
Purpose: A registered office address is used for legal and official correspondence purposes. a registered office address has to be a physical location where someone on behalf of the company can receive official correspondence and legal notices and be acknowledged.
Whereas, a business address is only used for business day-to-day operations. This is where suppliers, clients, and shareholders can find the company for meeting purposes or business inquiries.
Legal requirements: A registered office address is legally required to incorporate a limited or an LLP company in the UK. In contrast, a business address is not a legal requirement.
Location: A registered office address has to be in the same jurisdiction as that of the company. For business addresses, the location can be different from that of the registered office address.
Virtual registered office address in London: Is it a good option?
With the advancement in technology, registered office address have become rampant in the business industry to facilitate flexibility and seamless operations without being physically located in a place. A address in London makes it easier for business owners to operate a business seamlessly and maintain a professional image.
Having a registered office address in London can enhance your business reputation due to its prestigious business hub. When investors and potential partners see that your business is located in London, they will have confidence in your business’s abilities to deliver the services and products being offered.
For businesses that require a high level of trust such as law firms, accountancy, finance, or consultancy companies, a London-registered address is beneficial in creating confidence and reassurance. London is known to be the most expensive city so no one can form a company and spend all that money only to con and conduct fraudulent activities. A registered office address service conducts KYC before renting out their address to be used. This will perceive your business as a legitimate company.
London registered address also helps businesses fulfill the legal requirements while still taking advantage of enhancing the company’s reputation.
So, is a London-registered office address a good option for your business? Yes, it is. While maintaining legal obligations, businesses get to benefit from prestigious locations which enhances the professional image of the company.
The legal and compliance aspects of a registered office address
When you decide to incorporate a company in the UK, it is a legal requirement to have a registered office address. Whether you are located in the UK or operating a business while abroad, it is mandatory to have a registered office address that is in the same jurisdiction as where the company is registered.
According to the Companies Act 2006, the address has to be made public on the register for transparency purposes. A registered office address can be either your residential address or a virtual address as long as you have used it to register your company. However, it is vital to keep your residential address private for security reasons.
According to changes made on 4th March, 2024, companies incorporated in the UK should have an ‘appropriate address’. This address excludes P.O. Boxes. Virtual office addresses can be used as a registered office address as long as it meets the legal requirements which are;
A physical address where it can receive the company’s correspondence and be acknowledged by someone on behalf of the company.
In need of a registered office address? Contact us at [email protected].
FAQs
Q: What is a registered office address?
Ans: This address allows businesses to incorporate their company without needing to rent a physical office space. However, the address must be physically located in the same jurisdiction as the company.
Q: Can a virtual office be used as a registered address?
Ans: Yes, a virtual office address can be used as a registered address as long as it is physically located to receive legal and official correspondence and be acknowledged.
Q: Is it legal to buy a registered office address?
Ans: No, you cannot buy a registered office address. If in need of a registered office address you can rent from a registered office agent as long as it is a physical address.
Q: Can a UK company incorporated in England & Wales have a registered office in Scotland?
Ans: No, a company incorporated in England & Wales cannot use a registered office in Scotland. A registered office has to be in the same jurisdiction as the company. However, the company can have a principal place of business in Scotland.
Q: Can I change my registered office address?
Ans: Yes, you can change your address. However, you have to notify Companies House about the change of address within 14 days of the change.
Q: Can a registered office be a home address?
Ans: It is perfectly legal to use a home address as a registered office. However, Companies House makes the address publicly available for transparency purposes. This could result in your home address to be listed on third party websites and you could end up receiving junk mails and unwanted visitors.
Q: Can a UK company have an overseas registered office?
Ans: No, a UK company cannot have an overseas address. A registered office address has to be in the same UK jurisdiction as the company.
Q: Can you use a P.O. Box as a registered office?
Ans: No, you cannot use a P.O. Box as a registered office. According to the new law that took effect on 4th March 2024, it is illegal to use a P.O. Box as a registered office address for limited companies and LLPs in the UK.
Q: How to get a registered office address?
Ans: You can get a registered office address through;
- A company formation agent: they offer a registered office package that comes with a registered office address that is legal to incorporate your business with.
- Declare your address during company formation: If you have a UK address, you can make it a registered office address when incorporating your company.
- Use an accountant’s address: If you do not want to use your address, you can use your accountant’s or the person who will handle your taxes’ address.
Q: Does the Registered Office Service provide an ‘appropriate address’?
Ans: Yes, a registered office service can provide an ‘appropriate address’. An ‘appropriate address’ is an address where a director or someone acting on behalf of the company can be notified of any post addressed to the company and the sender can get a confirmation of delivery when it receives the post.
Q: Can I use the Registered Office Address Service as my service address?
Ans: Yes, a registered office address service can be used as your service address. A service address is used for official contact purposes and placed on the public Companies House Register.
Read Also:
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- How Using a Professional Business Address Service Can Help Boost My Business in the UK
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