There is a lot of paperwork when you first start a business. If you have no experience in setting up your own company, everything is going to be new and confusing. You will be worried you do something wrong. For example, you are bound to have come across a registered office address. While you probably know you have to have, do you need to work at these premises?
There is often confusion between a business address and a registered office address in London. This guide is going to get you acquainted with a registered office address and whether this is a place you have to operate from.
What is a Registered Office Address?
A registered office address is the official name for the address of your company. This is where government bodies and other representatives can mail and correspond with your business. For example, if you have a letter from HMRC or Companies House, this is where it will be posted to.
If you have a company, you must have a registered office address. The law in the UK means this is an obligation, which you can view in the Companies Act 2006 in section 86. This section applies whether you have an online business or a physical company operating in person.
Something worth noting is that the general public can view your registered office address. It is widely available and on the public register. You can choose to change your address at some point. It should be available to view on your website, business letters, invoices and marketing material.
Are You Required to Work at a Registered Office Address?
Most assume that a registered office address is where a company operates from. However, this is not necessarily true. You are not required by law to work at the registered office address. Yes, you have to provide this information when you form your company and have one for the duration of its operation. Yet, you do not have to carry out day-to-day responsibilities here.
For example, some companies want to have a registered office address in London. Except, there is one problem. They do not want to buy or pay extortionate rent prices. To get around this issue, they have a virtual office in London. They can use this as a registered office address and operate from home or elsewhere in England. W1 Virtual Office supplies a registered office address for limited company UK. This is legal since it is an address from a physical building and has post-receiving services. Thus, you do not have to work here, but you still benefit from a London postcode.
What are the Advantages of a London Registered Office Address?
Have you wondered why everyone wants a London registered office address? It can have a host of benefits for your company. What’s more, with virtual offices now a feasible option, you can attain one yourself. Here is why you should consider this option.
Enjoy the Status
Everybody knows London. It is a famous city that is recognised around the world. Since this is the case, it is going to give your company status. Indeed, people will be impressed by the fact that you have a London address. If you are new to your industry, this can be a welcomed boost that makes customers trust you. You can appear more professional.
Cost-Effective
If you have ever done some research on the price of renting an office in London, you will know how costly it can be. The rent is double what it can be in other areas of the UK. Then, you have the overheads to worry about. Most new or small businesses cannot afford to have an office in the capital.
So, you might be wondering why we are saying that a London registered office address to cost-effective. Well, it can be if you secure a virtual office. You benefit from the status but at a fraction of the cost.
Secure More Sales
There is no getting away from the fact that customers care where a business is located. If you are somewhere in the UK that people do not respect or like, they are unlikely to make a purchase from you. Alternatively, if you are somewhere impressive, you are more likely to secure sales.
Well, London is famous around the world. It is a busy city and one known for business. So, having a registered office address here is going to be beneficial for trading. You will be respected and this can be the final element to secure sales.
