Virtual Office Service Vs. Business Trading Address Location

business trading address proof

Understanding the Difference Between a Virtual Office and a Trading Address

When you set up a business, one of the most common questions is about addresses: What address should you use for your company? What exactly is the difference between a virtual office service and a trading address? This post aims to make things clear so you can make informed decisions about your business needs.

Virtual Office vs. Trading Address: What Do They Mean?

A virtual office address is a convenient solution for businesses that do not need a physical workspace. It provides you with an address to use for official purposes, such as company registration, receiving mail, and projecting a professional image. When you use our virtual office services, you get an address in a commercial location without the need to rent or physically occupy a space there.

On the other hand, a trading address is where your business physically operates. It is the location where your business activities are conducted, such as meeting clients, storing inventory, or managing operations. Banks and other institutions often require proof of this physical presence when you’re opening accounts or engaging in formal transactions.

Why the Distinction Matters

If you’re using our virtual office services, the address we provide can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

Registering your business with Companies House
Receiving official correspondence and mail
Creating a professional image for your business

However, it’s important to know that, even though our virtual office can be used as your business address, it does not serve as proof of a physical trading location. For example, if you are opening a business bank account, the bank may ask for evidence of your business being physically present at the address. This is where confusion often arises.

For proof of a trading address, banks or other organizations might request documents such as:

A rental agreement for office space
A license agreement for serviced office space
A business rates bill or rent invoice

These types of documents demonstrate that you are physically occupying a space and conducting business from that address. With our virtual office services, you are using our address as a mail-handling service, and not as a physical workspace, which is why we cannot provide such documents.

How to Use Our Address Services Correctly

Our virtual office services are ideal if you need a professional business address for registration, mail, and branding purposes. However, if you need an address that will serve as proof of a physical business presence, you may need to consider renting an office or serviced workspace.

To avoid any confusion, we always recommend understanding what kind of address proof your bank or any other institution might need before using our virtual office service as your trading address. This can help ensure smooth interactions and avoid any disruptions.

Learn More

To get more details about how our virtual office services can help your business, please visit:

If you have any questions or need clarification on how our services can work for you, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you find the right solution for your business needs.

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Whats is a Company SIC code?

What is a company SIC code? Here your can read OfficeServ’s quick and simple guide to company SIC codes. SIC is an acronym for the Standard Industrial Classification this is the code that tells everyone what your main business activities are. Here you can also find the official list of UK SIC codes.

Personal & Business UK PO Box Services

Looking for a complete UK PO Box service without any limitations or hidden fees! Get an address where someone is always able to sign for your important items and there is no limits on how much you can receive. Look no further than OfficeServ’s Virtual Office Service, perfect for both personal and business mailing requirements.

Serviced Shared Office Space: What are the benefits?

Collaborative workspaces are offices in which entrepreneurs, sole traders, start-ups and employees of various companies work under one roof, in a shared office space. Companies and users of shared collaborative workspace can come in all sizes—from startups to global enterprises.

Where to find your Company Unique Taxpayer Reference or UTR Number?

A company UTR is much like a personal UTR but it solely belongs and is related to the company, it is a 10-digit number that HMRC issues to all new registered businesses. A letter confirming the UTR number is normally sent to the company’s registered office in the proceeding weeks after formation.

What is a Directors Service Address?

Simply put, a Directors Service Address is an address a director can use on the public record at Companies House that they can be contacted at but do not live at. However the term “Directors Service Address” in the world of Virtual Address Services, can cover a lot more than just the companies director! Read on to find out everything you need to know about company service addresses.

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P.O. Boxes & Royal Mail Redirection

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What is a Virtual Office Service?

As the service name suggests a Virtual Office gives your business all the benefits of having a physical office location but virtually. This can be great and benefit all types of businesses, both small and large. Instantly providing your business with most of the services a physical office has to offer without any off the major overheads associated with leasing or owning commercial property.

Unique Amazon Seller Account Address

So you have decided to start selling on Amazon, with the retail giant’s huge customer base and easy-to-use platform, it’s no wonder why so many people are eager to start their own Amazon business. But before you can start selling, you need to create an Amazon Seller Account.

In this blog post, we will look at the business address requirement for your account to be accepted and how OfficeServ’s Virtual Office Services can not only fulfil the requirements but also help your business portray a profitable established image right from that first online sale.

Setting up your Amazon seller account is a very important task. One of the most important things on your Amazon seller account application is the address you provide for your business. Amazon requires that you provide a unique address and does not allow you to use a shared address. What is more, they will send a unique address verification code card to the location you provide, which must be received and the code on the card confirmed in your application process.

If you choose our Premium Virtual Office Service paying Yearly, we can provide your business an address like the one below, with a unique unit or office number.

YOUR BUSINESS NAME
UNIT 1234
82A James Carter Road
Mildenhall
IP28 7DE

You are then free to use this address with any business verification process like an Amazon seller account you require.

OfficeServ Virtual Office Premium

OfficeServ’s Premium Virtual Office Service can provide all the services you will need to start and grow your online retail business.

Being able to receive not only all and any business mailing requirements at your office address with OfficeServ, you can also receive your customer returns and then have those bulk forwarded to your confidential home address.

All Your Business Mailing Requirements
Product Labeling Address Use
Customer Returns
Website Contact Address
Google MyBusiness Address
1 Month Included Package & Parcel Holding
Unlimited Scanning & Emailing Of Incoming Mail

Unique Amazon Seller Address

OfficeServ Trustpilot

Here at OfficeServ we pride ourselves on great customer service and providing facilities that support your start-up or growing business. To obtain a unique mailing address at our offices, you will need to commit to using our services on a yearly basis. This requirement is to help ensure that the services we provide are not abused and that customers of our unique mailing address service are committed to their business plans.

See our latest reviews on Trustpilot now!

Virtual Basic

£10 +VAT per month £12.00 inc.VAT Only £9.00PM Paid Yearly!

Virtual Office Address ?
Your own Virtual Office Address to use for all your business requirements as you see fit.
Unlimited Mail & Parcels ?
OfficeServ do not limit the amount of items you can receive, or charge any fees! Unlike other providers, receive as much mail as you require.
Same Day Forwarding ?
All letters are sorted and forwarded the same working day, subject to collection cut off times. We only pass on the cost of any postage or shipping billed to us, no increase or fees!
Package & Parcel Forwarding ?
All packages and parcels are sorted and forwarded the same working say as requested, subject to collection cut off times.
Unlimited Scan & Email ?
We can open, scan and then email your letters the same working day they arrive. Original documents are held and available on request for 10 working days before being securely destroyed. Unlike other providers there are no limits on the amount of letters we will scan for you! Also our scanning makes the PDF document text searchable for your convenience.
Meeting Room Access ?
Access to book our meeting room at a reduced rate.
1 Week Mail Holding ?
Mail can be held free of charge before forwarding for up to one week, after which forwarding or collection will be required.
1 Week Package Holding ?
Packages and parcels can be held free of charge before forwarding for up to one week, after which forwarding or collection will be required.
Pallet & Freight Handling ?
We will accept and handle incoming and outgoing pallet and freight deliveries, subject to prior arrangement. Extra Fees may be incurred.
Registered Office Address ?
This service does not included the use of our address as a Registered Office in connection with Companies House. If you wish to use our address at Companies House for any requirements, you would also require our yearly Registered Address Service.
Unique Office Suite Number* ?
*Only available paying yearly. Your Personal Office Address! We provide a unique "Office 101" or "Suite 120" number to put in front of our address. You can then receive all the mail you like using the unique identifier, addressed to different trading names or people in your business, or even personal mail! This can also be used with Google, Bing and Amazon Address Verification Cards. Please note this cannot be used to register multiple companies at Companies House.

Pay Monthly Pay Yearly

POPULAR

Save 10% yearly

Virtual Standard

£16 +VAT per month £19.20 inc.VAT Only £14.40PM Paid Yearly!

Virtual Office Address ?
Your own Virtual Office Address to use for all your business requirements as you see fit.
Unlimited Mail & Parcels ?
OfficeServ do not limit the amount of items you can receive, or charge any fees! Unlike other providers, receive as much mail as you require.
Same Day Forwarding ?
All letters are sorted and forwarded the same working day, subject to collection cut off times. We only pass on the cost of any postage or shipping billed to us, no increase or fees!
Package & Parcel Forwarding ?
All packages and parcels are sorted and forwarded the same working say as requested, subject to collection cut off times.
Unlimited Scan & Email ?
We can open, scan and then email your letters the same working day they arrive. Original documents are held and available on request for 10 working days before being securely destroyed. Unlike other providers there are no limits on the amount of letters we will scan for you! Also our scanning makes the PDF document text searchable for your convenience.
Meeting Room Access ?
Access to book our meeting room at a reduced rate.
Unlimited Scan & Email ?
We can open, scan and then email your letters the same working day they arrive. Original documents are held and available on request for 10 working days before being securely destroyed.
1 Month Mail Holding ?
Mail can be held free of charge before forwarding for up to one month, after which forwarding or collection will be required.
1 Week Package Holding ?
Packages and parcels can be held free of charge before forwarding for up to one week, after which forwarding or collection will be required.
Pallet & Freight Handling ?
We will accept and handle incoming and outgoing pallet and freight deliveries, subject to prior arrangement. Extra Fees may be incurred.
Registered Office Address ?
This service does not included the use of our address as a Registered Office in connection with Companies House. If you wish to use our address at Companies House for any requirements, you would also require our yearly Registered Address Service.
Unique Office Suite Number* ?
*Only available paying yearly. Your Personal Office Address! We provide a unique "Office 101" or "Suite 120" number to put in front of our address. You can then receive all the mail you like using the unique identifier, addressed to different trading names or people in your business, or even personal mail! This can also be used with Google, Bing and Amazon Address Verification Cards. Please note this cannot be used to register multiple companies at Companies House.

Pay Monthly Pay Yearly

Save 15% yearly

Virtual Premium

£25 +VAT per month £30 inc.VAT Only £21.25PM Paid Yearly!

Virtual Office Address ?
Your own Virtual Office Address to use for all your business requirements as you see fit.
Unlimited Mail & Parcels ?
OfficeServ do not limit the amount of items you can receive, or charge any fees! Unlike other providers, receive as much mail as you require.
Same Day Forwarding ?
All letters are sorted and forwarded the same working day, subject to collection cut off times. We only pass on the cost of any postage or shipping billed to us, no increase or fees!
Package & Parcel Forwarding ?
All packages and parcels are sorted and forwarded the same working say as requested, subject to collection cut off times.
Unlimited Scan & Email ?
We can open, scan and then email your letters the same working day they arrive. Original documents are held and available on request for 10 working days before being securely destroyed. Unlike other providers there are no limits on the amount of letters we will scan for you! Also our scanning makes the PDF document text searchable for your convenience.
Meeting Room Access ?
Access to book our meeting room at a reduced rate.
3 Months Mail Holding ?
Mail can be held free of charge before forwarding for up to one three months, after which forwarding or collection will be required.
1 Month Package Holding ?
Packages and parcels can be held free of charge before forwarding for up to one month, after which forwarding or collection will be required.
Pallet & Freight Handling ?
We will accept and handle incoming and outgoing pallet and freight deliveries, subject to prior arrangement. Extra Fees may be incurred.
Registered Office Address ?
This service does not included the use of our address as a Registered Office in connection with Companies House. If you wish to use our address at Companies House for any requirements, you would also require our yearly Registered Address Service.
Unique Office Suite Number* ?
*Only available paying yearly. Your Personal Office Address! We provide a unique "Office 101" or "Suite 120" number to put in front of our address. You can then receive all the mail you like using the unique identifier, addressed to different trading names or people in your business, or even personal mail! This can also be used with Google, Bing and Amazon Address Verification Cards. Please note this cannot be used to register multiple companies at Companies House.

Pay Monthly Pay Yearly

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UK Company Certificate of Incorporation: A Key Document for Business Success

In the United Kingdom, a certificate of incorporation is an official legal document that confirms the formation of a limited company. It provides vital information about the company, including its name, registration number, date of incorporation, and its legal status. Obtaining a certificate of incorporation is a crucial step for any business owner who wishes to form a limited company in the UK. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what a UK company certificate of incorporation is, why it’s essential, and when it might be required for business purposes.

What is a UK company certificate of incorporation?

A certificate of incorporation is a legal document issued by Companies House, the official government registrar of companies in the UK. It confirms that a new company has been registered and recognized by law. The certificate includes essential information about the company, such as its name, registered office address, company number, and date of incorporation. It also states the company’s legal status, whether it’s a private limited company (Ltd), a public limited company (PLC), a limited liability partnership (LLP), or another type of legal entity.

Why is a certificate of incorporation essential?

Obtaining a certificate of incorporation is a necessary step for any business owner who wants to form a limited company in the UK. It serves as proof that the company exists and is legally recognized by the UK government. Without this document, a company cannot conduct business or enter into legal contracts.

In addition to serving as proof of the company’s existence, a certificate of incorporation also provides essential information that potential investors, creditors, and customers may want to know about the company. It gives information about the company’s legal status, its date of incorporation, and the names of its directors and shareholders. This information is crucial for anyone who wants to do business with the company or invest in it.

When might a UK company certificate of incorporation be required for business purposes?

There are several situations where a UK company certificate of incorporation may be required for business purposes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common scenarios:

Opening a bank account:

If a company wants to open a bank account, it will typically need to provide a certificate of incorporation to the bank as proof that the company exists and is legally recognized. This is essential because banks are required by law to verify the identity and legal status of their customers.

Applying for credit:

When a company applies for credit, such as a business loan or credit line, lenders will typically require a certificate of incorporation as part of their due diligence process. This helps them to verify the legal status of the company and assess its creditworthiness.

Entering into contracts:

When a company enters into a contract, it’s essential that both parties understand the legal status of the company. Providing a certificate of incorporation to the other party can help to establish the company’s legal existence and status.

Applying for licenses and permits:

Many businesses require licenses and permits to operate legally in the UK. To apply for these licenses and permits, the company may need to provide a certificate of incorporation to the relevant regulatory body as proof of its legal status.

Hiring employees:

When a company hires employees, it’s essential that it has a legal status and can provide proof of its existence. A certificate of incorporation can help to establish this and is often required by employers when conducting pre-employment checks.

Conclusion

In summary, a UK company certificate of incorporation is an essential legal document that confirms the formation of a limited company. It provides vital information about the company, including its name, registration number, date of incorporation, and legal status. Obtaining a certificate of incorporation is a crucial step for any business owner who wishes to form a limited company in the UK.

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How to Write a Simple Business Plan

A business plan is a document that outlines the key elements of your business, including your goals, target market, marketing and financial strategy, and operational plans. It serves as a roadmap for your business, helping you to stay focused and on track as you grow and develop. A well-written business plan can also be a valuable tool for attracting investors, securing loans, and recruiting top talent. It is important to take the time to carefully consider and research each element of your business plan, as it will serve as a blueprint for your future growth and success. When writing a business plan, it is essential to be clear and concise, while also providing enough detail to give a complete picture of your business. Some common sections to include in a business plan are an executive summary, a market analysis, a competitive analysis, a marketing plan, a financial plan, and an operational plan. It is also a good idea to include any additional information that may be relevant to your business, such as a management team overview or a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats). Here are some tips on how to write a business plan:

Define your business:

Start by giving an overview of your business, including your mission, vision, and values. Describe what your business does, who your target market is, and what makes your business unique.
Outline your products or services: Describe the products or services that your business offers, including any unique features or benefits. Be specific and focus on the value that you provide to your customers.

Define your target market:

Identify your target market by demographics (age, gender, location, income level, etc.), interests, and needs. Describe your ideal customer and how your products or services meet their needs.

Develop your marketing strategy:

Describe how you plan to reach and engage your target market. This could include tactics such as social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, or paid advertising.

Business People Planning Strategy Analysis from financial docume

Writing, planning strategy and brainstorming ideas on a glass wall in a modern design office. Young business woman thinking and drawing up a plan for success on a transparent board in the boardroom

Create a financial plan:

Outline your financial projections for the next three to five years. This should include your projected revenues, expenses, and profits. You should also include a budget and cash flow projection to help you manage your finances effectively.

Outline your operational plan:

Describe how your business will operate on a day-to-day basis, including the processes and systems you will use to produce and deliver your products or services.

Include any additional information:

Depending on your business, it may be helpful to include other information in your business plan, such as a management team overview, a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), and any relevant industry data.

It’s important to keep in mind that a business plan is a living document that should be updated and refined as your business grows and changes. Make sure to review and revise your business plan regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and accurate.

I hope these tips have been helpful in giving you an idea of how to write a business plan. Remember to be thorough and include as much detail as possible, while also being concise and to-the-point. Good luck with your business!

Here are some websites that provide helpful information on writing a business plan:

SCORE: This non-profit organization offers a variety of resources and templates to help small businesses create a business plan, including a step-by-step guide and a business plan template. You can also access free business plan workshops and consulting services through SCORE.
https://www.score.org/resources/business-plan-template

Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers a range of resources to help small businesses create a business plan, including a business plan tool, a business plan outline, and a guide to writing a business plan.
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan

Keir at Sage is an industry expert in the small business and accountant fields. With over two decades of experience as a journalist and small business owner, he cares passionately about the issues facing businesses worldwide.

https://www.sage.com/en-gb/blog/how-to-write-a-business-plan/

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The Advantages of Setting up a Limited Company

Starting and running a business can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging and risky. One way to mitigate some of these risks is to operate as a limited company. A limited company is a legal entity that is separate from its owners and directors, and it can provide a number of benefits for businesses in the United Kingdom.

Limited Liability:

With any business comes risk, sometimes substantially elevated risk. Using a limited company can help mitigate this risk by limiting financial risk to the company. Normally, company officers or shareholders are not held liable for any company debt, fines, or legal suits as long as the business has been correctly operated in good faith. This benefit can give a great amount of peace of mind to any business owner, new or existing.
Low Set-Up Costs: In the UK, limited companies are very easy to establish with a very low cost to do so. You can set up a limited company in some cases the same working day for as little as £10.00 or even for free!

Established Reputation:

Using a limited company rather than being set up as a sole trader can provide a portrayal of being more established and accountable. All limited companies are registered at Companies House, and information on all businesses is viewable on the company register. The register shows the Registered Office of the company, who owns the business, and who is responsible for running the business. Using a registered office service can give your business an extra reputation boost and avoid using your private home address on the register.

Your Business Name:

Every registered company name is unique, meaning once registered, nobody else can register a business with the same name while your company remains registered. While this is not like a registered trademark and does not offer the same protection, it does ensure no other business can register and copy your official business name.

Tax Efficiency:

Limited companies can be a great way to become very tax efficient in your business and investment practices. While we are not able to cover this in detail here, as there are so many options to consider, some of the main benefits include taking profits as a mix of salary and dividends, which can be tax efficient for business owners.

Privacy Benefits of Using a Virtual Office:

In addition to the established reputation and other benefits of using a registered office service, a virtual office can also provide privacy benefits. A virtual office allows you to use a professional business address as your registered office, rather than your personal home address. This can be especially useful if you want to keep your personal home address away from public records and databases.

It’s important to note that while operating as a limited company and using a virtual office service can provide many benefits, it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice to determine what is best for your specific business needs.

National
Forwarding

£20 +VAT per year £24 inc.VAT

One Year Service ?
The yearly cost covers using our office address for your company’s Registered Address at Companies House. 365 Days cover starting from the day of purchase.
Forwarding Of Statutory Mail ?
Physical forwarding of any mail sent from Companies House or HM Revenue & Customs addressed to your Company. We forward the official letters the same working day to your confidential UK mailing address, 2nd Class Royal Mail at no extra cost to you!
Instant Set Up ?
Ready to use right away!
Optional Scan & Email ?
If you prefer we can open, scan and then email your letters the same working day they arrive. Original documents are held and available on request for 10 working days before being securely destroyed.
Directors Service Address ?
This service includes using our address for one company officer, they can be the Director, Secretary, Shareholder or Person of Significant Control (PSC). This cover is provided per person, regardless of the amount of positions they hold within the business.
Additional Directors * ?
The First is Included for Free! Additional Directors, Secretary's, Shareholders or Person of Significant Control (PSC) can be purchased for £5.00+VAT each, per year, as an Add-On. Please email reception for this if required after signing up.

Buy Now

International
Forwarding

£50 +VAT per year £60 inc.VAT

One Year Service ?
The yearly cost covers using our office address for your company’s Registered Address at Companies House. 365 Days cover starting from the day of purchase.
Forwarding Of Statutory Mail ?
Physical forwarding of any mail sent from Companies House or HM Revenue & Customs addressed to your Company. We forward the official letters the same working day to your confidential International mailing address, Standard Air Mail at no extra cost to you!
Instant Set Up ?
Ready to use right away.
Optional Scan & Email ?
If you prefer we can open, scan and then email your letters the same working day they arrive. Original documents are held and available on request for 10 working days before being securely destroyed.
Directors Service Address ?
This service includes using our address for up to two company officers, they can be Director, Secretary, Shareholder or Person of Significant Control (PSC). This cover is provided per person, regardless of the amount of positions they hold within the business.
Additional Directors * ?
The First is Included for Free! Additional Directors, Secretary's, Shareholders or Person of Significant Control (PSC) can be purchased for £5.00+VAT each, per year, as an Add-On. Please email reception for this if required after signing up.

Buy Now

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What is a Company Secretary?

In short a company secretary’s role within a company can be pretty simple. They are appointed to ensure all the companies legal filing requirements and such are adhered to and completed on time. Like directors, a company secretary is considered an ‘officer’ of the company (as defined by the Companies Act 2006). They can be an important member of the management team.

Their main roles and responsibilities can include:

Ensuring that all routine documentation is filed with Companies House such as the confirmation statement and company accounts. The confirmation statement confirms that the information Companies House holds for the company is up to date and accurate and must be filed within 14 days of the review period ending.
Updating and maintaining the company’s statutory registers for example the Register of Members, Register of Persons with Significant Control and Register of Directors and Secretaries.
Retaining company documents such as the company seal (if there is one), share certificates, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the Certificate of Incorporation.
Arrange and provide notice for director’s and shareholder’s meetings including circulating agendas, notices and other supporting papers. The company secretary is also usually responsible for preparing board minutes of director and shareholder meetings (to record the business transacted and decisions taken), resolutions, consent documents and ensuring that general meetings are held in accordance with the articles of association and UK regulations.

Does my business need a company secretary?

No, you do not have to appoint a company secretary for a private limited company. Any officer of the company can prepare and submit the required filings mentioned above. However it can ease the administrative burden and allow the directors to focus on running their business, knowing there is someone else responsible for these duties.

Who can be the company secretary?

Normally a person with experience in preparing and making companies house filings is appointed as company secretary. It can be any person capable of fulfilling the duties of the role, including a person who already holds another position within the business, like director or shareholder. If a company has multiple directors, it can be useful to appoint one of those directors, in addition to their role as director also as the company secretary if no other person holds the position, so that every officer knows who is responsible for making the correct filings on time.

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How To Start A Business? Setting Up A Limited Company

Get Started Now

Whatever your business is going to be one of the first things you need to do is get your business registered. In the UK its really simple and affordable to set up a new company, it’s also basically instant, so don’t hesitate to get it done. Once your business is registered you can focus on making the sales and services that are going to bring in the real money, while having the satisfaction of being your own boss and having complete control over your work goals.

Private Limited Companies can be one of the simplest ways of setting up a business, this blog post will only look at this type of company, however there are other types available and it’s always good practice to speak with a qualified business advisor or accountant to discuss your unique requirements and circumstances.

Why set up a Limited Company?

It’s all in the name, a limited company, while having lots of other benefits, primarily protect the business owners from the risk that come with running a business and the elevated risks a business may take to be successful. The limited part means it’s the business taking the risk, not you the business owner.

Step One

Decide on the ownership structure of the company, who is going to own the company, who is going to be in charge of the company? Normally this is very simple, one owner, one director. So you will need to decide the following:

1 – Who the company Directors are going to be – The people responsible for the day to day operations of the business.

2 – Who the shareholders of the company are going to be – The owners.

If it’s a simple one person business, that one person will be the 100% shareholder and also occupies the position of company director.

There is no requirement to appoint a company secretary. Find out more about company secretaries here.

business-hierarchy

offices-to-let

Step Two

When you set up a new limited company it is a legal requirement to have a real street address for the company’s registered office address, this address is available for anyone to see and find on the public register of companies.

To avoid using your personal home address for this requirement, and to keep your home address private, you can use a virtual address service. OfficeServ can provide a professional business address location to for-fill this requirement, all for the low yearly cost of only £20. See our Registered Address Services Here.

Step Three

How to actually register the business, formally known as Company Formation. There are several ways you can go about doing this. Below we have outline four simple ways.

1 – Directly from your Company with Companies House, you can do this via the companies house website, the only cost involved is a £12.00 fee. This method is pretty simple, their website has a step by step guide.

2 – Using a formation agent, this is a business/agent that submits your application to form a company on your behalf to Companies House. You may think, what’s the point? Cut out the middleman and save money. However, using a formation agent can be really helpful, they will make sure your application will be approved before you submit it, so there will not be any delays. They also normally waive the £12.00 filing fee, you can sometime form a company for less than £12.00 using an agent! OfficeServ currently do not provide company formation services.

3 – Tide Bank – Tide is a “fintech bank” that provide banking services to UK businesses. At the time of writing, they currently have an offer to form your business and open your business bank account completely free of charge. What’s the catch? No catch really, they do however encourage you to use their Virtual Office partner Hoxston Mix but you don’t have too! Hoxston Mix provide virtual office service from an address in Hoxston London, their pricing is fair but can be much more expensive that other providers like us, OfficeServ!

4 – Using a Solicitor – There are solicitors that specialise in company formation and corporate business structuring. We recommend this option if your requirements are more complex and sophisticated.

How much does it cost to set up a company?

Only £24! It can be as little as £24 to officially form a company and have a business address! If you use Tide Banks offer and the OfficeServ Registered Address Service you can set up a business and have an official business address provided by us for only £24! What is even better, we do not up our charges for our address the next year, you will only pay £24 each year for our Registered Address Service.

National
Forwarding

£20 +VAT per year £24 inc.VAT

One Year Service ?
The yearly cost covers using our office address for your company’s Registered Address at Companies House. 365 Days cover starting from the day of purchase.
Forwarding Of Statutory Mail ?
Physical forwarding of any mail sent from Companies House or HM Revenue & Customs addressed to your Company. We forward the official letters the same working day to your confidential UK mailing address, 2nd Class Royal Mail at no extra cost to you!
Instant Set Up ?
Ready to use right away!
Optional Scan & Email ?
If you prefer we can open, scan and then email your letters the same working day they arrive. Original documents are held and available on request for 10 working days before being securely destroyed.
Directors Service Address ?
This service includes using our address for one company officer, they can be the Director, Secretary, Shareholder or Person of Significant Control (PSC). This cover is provided per person, regardless of the amount of positions they hold within the business.
Additional Directors * ?
The First is Included for Free! Additional Directors, Secretary's, Shareholders or Person of Significant Control (PSC) can be purchased for £5.00+VAT each, per year, as an Add-On. Please email reception for this if required after signing up.

Buy Now

International
Forwarding

£50 +VAT per year £60 inc.VAT

One Year Service ?
The yearly cost covers using our office address for your company’s Registered Address at Companies House. 365 Days cover starting from the day of purchase.
Forwarding Of Statutory Mail ?
Physical forwarding of any mail sent from Companies House or HM Revenue & Customs addressed to your Company. We forward the official letters the same working day to your confidential International mailing address, Standard Air Mail at no extra cost to you!
Instant Set Up ?
Ready to use right away.
Optional Scan & Email ?
If you prefer we can open, scan and then email your letters the same working day they arrive. Original documents are held and available on request for 10 working days before being securely destroyed.
Directors Service Address ?
This service includes using our address for up to two company officers, they can be Director, Secretary, Shareholder or Person of Significant Control (PSC). This cover is provided per person, regardless of the amount of positions they hold within the business.
Additional Directors * ?
The First is Included for Free! Additional Directors, Secretary's, Shareholders or Person of Significant Control (PSC) can be purchased for £5.00+VAT each, per year, as an Add-On. Please email reception for this if required after signing up.

Buy Now

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VAT is a tax charged by VAT-Registered businesses on most goods and services in the UK, this post will look at when a business should be registered, as always we strongly recommend speaking with a professional accountant or business tax planner to discuss your unique business requirements.

What is the VAT Registration Threshold?

The VAT registration threshold is the point at which a business is required to be VAT registered, based on their businesses turnover exceeding a predetermined figure. This figure is reviewed every year by HMRC and normally goes up, however at the time of writing this it has not been increased since 2018.

The current compulsory turnover registration threshold is £85,000.00.

This means if your business makes taxable sales totaling more than £85,000.00 within the period of a tax year, you must register for VAT and charge VAT on your sales.

When should my business Register for VAT?

A business can voluntarily register for VAT at any time if the business meets the required criteria, there a few reasons a business would register for VAT before the business exceeds the compulsory registration threshold.

Turnover is expected to exceed the threshold relatively soon after starting, and dealing with VAT right from the start makes sense planning wise.

Customers of the business are also generally VAT registered and being VAT registered would not be a disadvantage because clients would claim the VAT back from HMRC. This means the business is probably better off registering for VAT because it can recover the VAT on its purchases.

The business is often in a refund position with HMRC, so the business is actually better off being VAT registered.

What are the different rates of VAT?

There are a few VAT rates, and as a business owner or manager you should be aware of the different rates and what they are used for.

20% Is the Standard Rate – This is the rate that’s charged on most goods and services in the UK.

5% Is the Reduced Rate – This rate is charged on things like energy and heating fuel, installation of energy-saving materials, sanitary hygiene products, and some other products.

0% Is just that, the Zero Rate – This is applied to cold food, books, children’s clothing and shoes, public transport etc.

Other categories are “Exempt” for things like providing credit, education fees, some types of postage, fundraising etc. Some other things can be considered “Outside the scope of VAT” or “Not Vatable” such as, rates, wages, things like MOT tests, land, etc.

For more detailed information on what VAT should be charged on and what is should not please check the .gov website here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rates-of-vat-on-different-goods-and-services

What is the VAT Registration Criteria?

You can find detailed information on the current VAT registration criteria on the .gov website using the following link.

https://www.gov.uk/register-for-vat

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When incorporating a company in the UK, registering a business for VAT, or opening a business banking account, and other registration processes you have to choose at least one SIC code, and sometimes more. SIC codes make up a classification system that tells Companies House and other institutions in broad terms what the company does. It is a structured system that promotes uniformity in recording companies’ main business activities.

What is a SIC code?

A Standard Industrial Classification code or SIC code is a 5-digit code that classifies a business’s main area of economic activity and is used for sorting companies into categories. It must be chosen from an official list of SIC codes. The classification of each company is available for anyone to view on the public record.

SIC codes are grouped into sections of categories. The sections are alphabetical starting with Section A. Each section covers a pretty wide but related list of activities, for example Section A is Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Section H is Transportation and Storage, going all the way to Section U which is Activities of Extraterritorial Organizations and Bodies!

How to find my SIC code?

The best place to start looking for the relative SIC codes to your business is the .gov website. On the .gov site you will find the complete list of UK SIC codes and their respective business activities. This list is the full list of codes available from the Office of National Statistics.

https://resources.companieshouse.gov.uk/sic/

How many SIC codes does my company need?

Normally only one SIC code is required. However there may be situations where more than one code is not only required but preferable. It is always best to seek professional legal advice to insure your company is correctly set up. For example, if you are running a limited company that’s business is property, the business both buys and sells property and also retains property to rent, multiple codes may be required.

Do I need a SIC code if my business is not trading?

Yes, a dormant company still requires a SIC code! In fact there is a specific SIC code for dormant companies and non-trading. Again you will need to seek professional legal advice for which code is correct for your business.

99999 – Dormant Company

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