What is a business address?

[CharlieF]

Just wondering in this modern age if a business address has to be a physical address - can it be an email address? My business is contacted online or by telephone - if I arrange to meet face-to-face it will be at my client's address or a neutral location.

I don't really want to use my home address on invoices and my business is so small that I don't want the expense of a PO Box or similar service. Plus I rent my home and the lease says I can only use the premises as a private residence. I don't see the problem with the lease as I'm not visited by customers or generating any other kind of disturbance, but it doesn't feel right to put the address on business documents like invoices. I don't want any post to my business!

I believe a business needs an address in case of legal service, but I could make that available on request to the business email address. I realise I will have to give an address to HMRC but I can't think of anyone else who really needs it.

Thoughts welcome.

 

[fisicx]

You have to have a physical address on your website by law if the business makes any financial transactions.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

The largest thing that matters in business in confidence with the company, no physical contact address means to most, that its a con artist of some sort

 

[Newchodge]

When you have a disgruntled cutomer who wants to sue you, they have to serve legal papers on you at a physical address. I would never consider doing dealings with an entity whose address I did not know.

 

[Newchodge]

I believe a business needs an address in case of legal service, but I could make that available on request to the business email address.

REALLY? No way would I trust a business that I was in dispute with to do that.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

No you will look like a right fly by night without an address
You could use a virtual address service if you cant use your home address

 

[ctrlbrk]

Thoughts welcome.

There are a lot company formation offers that provide you with an address at their premises, for a modest fee. As far as I can tell they all offer this service for LTD company formation, if that is what you intend to do.

 

[Mr D]

Just wondering in this modern age if a business address has to be a physical address - can it be an email address? My business is contacted online or by telephone - if I arrange to meet face-to-face it will be at my client's address or a neutral location.

I don't really want to use my home address on invoices and my business is so small that I don't want the expense of a PO Box or similar service. Plus I rent my home and the lease says I can only use the premises as a private residence. I don't see the problem with the lease as I'm not visited by customers or generating any other kind of disturbance, but it doesn't feel right to put the address on business documents like invoices. I don't want any post to my business!

I believe a business needs an address in case of legal service, but I could make that available on request to the business email address. I realise I will have to give an address to HMRC but I can't think of anyone else who really needs it.

Thoughts welcome.

Is there any particular reason why you would not want your home address listed online?
Renting, not wanting face to face meetings - can all be got round. Your legal duties as a director or owner won't be classed the same way as turning your front room into an off license.

As others say you not putting an address down would be problematic. Some will not use virtual address businesses either, if you don't pay for forwarding of mail you don't get to receive legal notices..... and the first time someone applies a CCJ on you that you were unaware of you will try challenging it! Causing more aggro for whoever wants money.

 

[Mark T Jones]

'A physical address at which documents can be served

As others have said, not only is it a legal requirement, its essential for credibility

Most private landlords will agree to it in this situation

One thing I add is to make the address match the business message

 

[The Byre]

One thing I add is to make the address match the business message

Corporate United National Trading Ltd.
c/o Mrs. Cecilia Goat-Habit,
Flat 5,
17, Oil Drum Lane,
Sidcup.

 

[porcupinecutie]

Most private landlords will agree to it in this situation

I agree with this. Some of my previous workmates who decided to pursue a personal business was able to get their landlords on board with the idea. In theory, it sounds good, but actually persuading your own renter to do the same can be tricky. I hope that you do have a good relationship with them. Hahahahahaha.

 

[Mr D]

I agree with this. Some of my previous workmates who decided to pursue a personal business was able to get their landlords on board with the idea. In theory, it sounds good, but actually persuading your own renter to do the same can be tricky. I hope that you do have a good relationship with them. Hahahahahaha.

It's not running a business from the address it's doing admin from the address.
Which sounds much better.

 

[Ozzy]

At this moment in time the Companies Act legally requires that a Limited company has a physical address that it can receive legal notice to, and that address must be published on all communications (websites, emails footers, invoices, etc). As already mentioned, it's the law and to trade from a Limited company you must do this.

The law is largely unchanged in some 150 years, so is a bit behind the times, but the Companies Act is currently being updated and changes in legislation that will allow electronic communication is coming - but likely will take a few more years to come into effect.