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When forming a company in the UK, two key terms often cause confusion: registered office address and trading address. While they may sound similar, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction is essential for meeting legal requirements, protecting your details, and presenting a professional image.

What is a Registered Office Address?

A registered office is the official legal address of your company, provided to Companies House at incorporation. It serves as the primary point of contact for government correspondence.

Key points:

• It is published on the Companies House register
• It is legally required for all UK limited companies and LLPs
• It is used by HMRC, Companies House, and other authorities for official mail
• It must be a physical UK address within the jurisdiction of incorporation (England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)

What is a Trading Address?

A trading address is the location where your company carries out its actual business activities. This may be an office, shop, warehouse, or home address.

Key points:

• It is not listed on the Companies House register
• A company can operate from multiple trading addresses
• It is typically shared with customers, suppliers, and couriers

It is commonly displayed on invoices, websites, and marketing materials

Do You Need Both?

Whether you need both depends on the nature of your business:

• Home-based businesses: Your home address can serve as both, though many owners prefer to use a registered office service to keep personal details confidential.
• Businesses with premises: An office, shop, or studio can function as both addresses.
• Companies with multiple sites: Using a separate registered office address makes compliance simpler if you have multiple locations for your business.

Can a Trading Address Also Be a Registered Office?

Technically, a trading address can also serve as a registered office if it meets Companies House requirements. However, many businesses choose to separate them to keep their trading location private, simplify record changes when they move premises, and add an extra layer of protection.

Why the Difference Matters

The registered office ensures your company never misses critical government mail, while the trading address makes sure customers and suppliers can reach you where business actually takes place. Confusing the two could mean overlooking important notices or sending customers to the wrong location — both of which can cause serious problems for your business.

Looking to Use a Registered Office Provider?

At MYCO, we offer registered office addresses in Central London, Edinburgh, and Ipswich — giving your business a credible presence and ensuring official mail is always handled securely.

Our services include:

• Expert support – outstanding service from our experienced team
• Secure mail handling – all official correspondence is received, scanned, and uploaded directly to your client portal free of charge
• Director address protection – upgrade to our Registered Office + Director Service Address package for just £10 extra to keep your director details confidential

Final Thoughts

A registered office is the legal foundation of your company, while the trading address represents your day-to-day operations. Whether you choose to use one address for both purposes or keep them separate, accuracy is key to staying compliant and building trust with your customers.

Ready to take the next step for your business with confidence? Explore our address services today.