All limited companies are publicly listed, including their address.
When you create a company, your details are shared online by Companies House (as well as other websites and directories).
This transparency is fine for some companies, but it can be difficult if you run your business from home.
By using a virtual office address, you can protect your privacy and keep your home address off the internet and other public records. This also applies to the company director’s service address. If you want to keep that off the public records you can use a virtual office address for this one as well.
Adhere to your tenancy agreement
Some landlords do not allow tenants to use their properties for commercial purposes. Some tenancy agreements explicitly state that companies may not be registered at the address.
If you live in rented accommodation, you should check the terms of your tenancy agreement. Getting a virtual office address may be an absolute necessity.
Credibility and branding
Building a successful business relies, in part, on projecting a strong brand that appeals to your target market.
Your base of operations is part of this image that you project. And you can see why some companies need an office address inside a major city centre, rather than a suburban residence, in order to win the right kind of customers.
Having a virtual office address is a small detail, but it contributes to a picture of your company as an established, stable and significant operation. It’s a simple way to build trust, which is a priceless commodity for any new company. More about Virtual Office
Affordability
Virtual office addresses cost a fraction of the rent that you would pay for an office in a similar location. Because of this, some companies will rent office space in one location and have an address somewhere more salubrious.
Start a UK company from abroad
All UK companies must be registered to a UK address. If you are based outside the UK, you will need to arrange a British address in order to operate as a British company.
Your virtual office provider will be able to manage your mail and forward everything to your primary home or work address.
If you create your limited company with Tide, you can select a virtual office during the sign-up process.
Do I need a virtual office?
Virtual office addresses are not essential, for most people – unless your tenancy agreement forbids you from using your current home as your company address – or you are based overseas.
Apart from these two use cases, a virtual office is typically a choice based on convenience, permanence, privacy and branding.
How much does a virtual office cost?
The cost of a virtual office depends partly on the location, the provider and the additional services that you want. For a basic virtual office address, you might pay £20 – £70 per month.
If you want additional features such as mail forwarding, call handling or meeting space, then you will probably need to pay a little more.
Where should my virtual office be based?
This decision is really down to you, the company you’re building and the clients you want to attract.
While many people will choose an address in the largest city near them, others will want an office address in their nearest town.
For some business owners, the specific location is crucial. In addition to choosing the right city for your business, you may know the particular neighbourhood, street or building where you want to be based.
