Receiving mail is an incredibly important part of business ownership, especially if it’s to establish some form of legitimacy. Due to this, knowing how to get a mailing address for business registration is vital, according to The Hoxton Mix. Now, as we’ll understand, multiple paths can be taken to get there, but before that, you’ll need to know exactly what it is you’re dealing with.
If you’re looking into how to start a recruitment agency in the UK, understanding the importance of having a legitimate mailing address becomes even more crucial. The process of establishing a recruitment agency requires a solid business structure, and having a proper address plays a key role in building trust with clients and candidates alike.
Let’s take a look at mailing addresses in general and why they’re crucial to your operation. Then we’ll check out the myriad of ways to obtain one, thus allowing you the accompanying benefits, particularly when setting up your recruitment business.
The addresses in question
Mail addresses are physical places through which one receives correspondence, and in regards to business, this can take several forms including your home address. However, for privacy reasons, it’s advisable to have a separate address from the one you use, hence why people often use alternatives, which we’ll get to.
Why get one
Distinguishing business addresses from personal ones is beneficial for the aforementioned security. However, many reasons why one would want to know how to buy a mailing address for business exist. Said reasons are as follows:
- They’re mandatory for LLC registration (limited liability companies have the identical corporate structure as private ones).
- They’re a mandatory aspect of the bank account application process, in which a P.O Box won’t suffice
- They give your operation more credibility, thus making people trust it, and subscribe
- They can allow for larger parcels to be taken that your P.O Box cannot contain
- They’re used by non-residents of a country to register their operations
- Certain varieties are an affordable alternative for those who can’t afford to get or rent an actual place
How to get one
Having gone through the appropriate definition, and the importance of these addresses we can now get into how one’s obtained. Now, the question of how to get a post address for business is one that’s answered in many ways due to the number of available pathways. Below are four options that you could take if you’re able, or if they suit you:
Getting an actual place
Rented out, or entirely bought physical locations where entities set up shop are one of the pathways in question. Said pathway is especially beneficial if your operation demands a sizable staff that’s best when on-site or if interactions with customers are necessary. This gives your operation a level of professionalism that encourages trust in interested parties, particularly customers.
Unfortunately, this address type is the more expensive of the options we’re about to discuss, due to the building, the utilities, and the fixtures being significant expenses. As such, alternatives such as the ones below appeal to the money-conscious.
Having a third-party stand-in
While virtual business addresses, which we’ll talk about later on, can be described this way, when we speak about a third-party stand-in, our registered agents come to mind. These are entities, or individuals possessing physical addresses, and with whom they are responsible for receiving compliance-related documents like those below are given:
- Legal documents and permits
- Official communication from the state
- Tax filings and invoices
These agents are then required to forward these to the business acquiring their services. While useful to keep up with compliance, these agents are only used for documents similar to those in the list, which is limiting if you’re looking for something that’s a little more all-purpose. Also, the agent should be present at their address during work hours, otherwise, the mail may not be received if they have other things you do.
Renting out a co-working space
Co-working simply refers to the use of a common space, or office by multiple people, self-employed, or otherwise. They then utilise its available utilities, equipment, and other amenities. This saves money, although, to many, it may appear that the address isn’t permanent.
If a registered address isn’t permanent and is changed, a process involving regulatory bodies follows. In the UK, for example, requires you to visit the Companies House website, and file the changes with the AD01 form. Also, when you find the space of your choice, chances are that it may come with additional fees for amenities, such as break rooms, so be sure to check for such during your search.
Seeking a virtual address out
Virtual addresses are physical locations that can serve as your actual address but don’t require you to occupy them. These do all the handling of mail, while still being valid for registration in certain countries. One such country is the UK, which has over 5 million businesses registered (as of 2023), with some having used the address type in question.
What’s pretty impressive about these addresses is that based on the chosen provider, and package, a host of services can be offered. Some of the most beneficial include:
- Telephone answering, that can assign a virtual receptionist to you
- Video conferencing, which encourages remote viewing
- Meeting rooms, in which actual productive meetings with interactions can take place
- A prestigious address, that offers those who use it credibility, and a level of prestige
To find the best address under this category, you just have to sift through the internet to find a provider that matches your needs and budget. You should, however, be knowledgeable of the limitations of your chosen package, while also accepting the handling of your mail by a third party.
Final thoughts
For business owners around the world, it’s safe to say that having a mailing address is not just a cool thing, but a necessity, especially as it pertains to registration. What the above information shows concerning how to get a mailing address for business is that there are multiple paths to take.
Other things that the above also shows are the few extra considerations, and possible drawbacks that come with using any of the above options. So, what can you take away from this read? Well, if you’re looking to start a business, hopefully, consider one of the above address options.
