Everything you need to know about setting up a professional business presence in the UK and Europe with Great Minds Virtual Services.
Q1. What is a Virtual Business Address?
A Virtual Business Address is a real UK street address you can use for your business mail and official correspondence, without physically working from the property. We receive your post on your behalf and handle it according to your instructions.
Q2. Can I use this address as my company’s registered office?
Yes, in most cases you can use our Virtual Business Address as your company’s registered office address at Companies House, as long as your business is eligible and you agree to our terms. This service is for legitimate business use only.
Q3. Can directors use this address as a service address?
Yes, directors can usually use the Virtual Business Address as their service address on Companies House records. This helps keep your home address private. We do not provide legal or tax advice, so please check with your adviser if you are unsure.
Q4. Can I use this as my trading address?
You may be able to use the address on your website, email signatures and stationery. However, it is not a licence to occupy the property and does not give you the right to trade from or receive visitors at the address unless this is agreed in writing. Marketing or trading use must always be honest and not misleading.
Q5. How does mail handling work?
We receive your business mail at our UK address. You can choose for us to hold it for collection, forward it to another address, or scan and email selected items where available. Some options may involve extra fees. We do not accept cash, high‑value items or dangerous goods.
Q6. What ID and checks do you carry out?
To comply with UK anti‑money laundering and “know your customer” requirements, we must verify your identity and, where relevant, your business. We will ask for proof of ID and proof of address and may request further information before we activate or continue your service.
Q7. Are there any types of mail or use you do not allow?
We do not allow the address to be used for illegal, fraudulent, misleading or offensive activities. We may refuse or return items that are suspicious, unsafe, incorrectly addressed, or clearly not related to your business. If we believe the service is being misused, we may suspend or cancel it.
Q8. How do I cancel my Virtual Business Address service?
You can request to cancel by contacting us in writing, following the notice period set out in your agreement. You are responsible for updating your address with Companies House, HMRC, banks and any other organisations before or shortly after the service ends.
Q9. Do you offer refunds?
Fees are usually paid in advance for a fixed period. Refunds are not normally given for unused time unless we are required to do so under our terms or applicable consumer rights. Full details are set out in your agreement.
Q10. How do you protect my data and privacy?
We only use your personal information to provide and manage your Virtual Business Address service, meet our legal obligations and keep our records accurate. We do not sell your data. For full details, please read our Privacy Policy on this website.
Registered Office Address FAQs
Q1. What is a Registered Office Address?
A Registered Office Address is the official address of a UK company or LLP shown on the public record at Companies House. It is where official government and legal notices are sent. It does not have to be the place where you actually work.
Q2. Can I use Great Minds Property as my Registered Office Address?
Yes, if your company is eligible and you pass our checks, you can usually use our address as your Registered Office Address. This is for genuine, lawful business use only and is subject to our terms and any service limits.
Q3. Does this service include a trading address or physical office space?
No. A Registered Office Address service does not give you a licence to occupy the property, a desk, or a place to meet clients. It is for official correspondence only, unless you have agreed and paid for extra services such as a Virtual Office or meeting room use.
Q4. What type of mail will you receive at my Registered Office Address?
We receive official mail such as letters from Companies House, HMRC, courts and other government or regulatory bodies. We may also receive some general business post. We do not accept cash, dangerous goods or items that are clearly not related to your company.
Q5. How will my Registered Office mail be handled?
We receive your official mail at our address and then handle it according to your chosen option, such as forwarding to another address or holding it for collection. Some options may involve extra fees. We aim to process official notices promptly so you can respond in good time.
Q6. Do you also provide a director’s service address?
In many cases, directors can use the same address as a service address on Companies House records, helping to keep their home address private. This is a separate use and must still follow our terms. We do not give legal or tax advice, so please check with your adviser if you are unsure.
Q7. What checks do you carry out before providing a Registered Office Address?
To meet UK anti‑money laundering and “know your customer” requirements, we must verify the identity of the people behind the company and, where relevant, the nature of the business. We will ask for proof of ID, proof of address and company details, and may request further information.
Q8. Are there any companies or activities you will not accept?
Yes. We do not provide a Registered Office Address for companies involved in illegal, fraudulent, misleading or high‑risk activities, or where we cannot complete our checks. If we believe the service is being misused, we may suspend or cancel it and notify the relevant authorities where required.
Q9. How do I change or cancel my Registered Office Address service?
To change or cancel, please contact us in writing. You must also update your Registered Office Address with Companies House and any other relevant bodies. Until Companies House has updated its records, official mail may still come to our address.
Q10. Do you offer refunds on Registered Office Address fees?
Fees are usually paid in advance for a fixed period. Refunds are not normally given for unused time unless required under our terms or applicable consumer rights. Please check your agreement for full details.
Q11. How do you protect my company’s data and documents?