Business address - help

[Matski]

Hi folks, just needing a bit of advice on my business address....

I've just moved into a new flat and it specifically stated on the contract that the premises where not to be used for business purposes. They're not going to be (other than a bit of admin) but it would make my life much easier to receive all the business post here.

I'm just wondering how the letting agents would ever find out and what effect it would have on the house if we got into debt or suchlike.

We are a limited liability partnership if that makes any difference?

If we where registered somewhere else as a trading address (say a PO Box) could I then get all post sent here as an admin office or something?

Many thanks, Matt

[Indizine]

I suppose realistically speaking, they wouldn't find out, but if they did, they could use it as a clause to evict you perhaps?

But to be honest I'd guess it was standard wording and more about people doing physically trading such as using the property to sell cars from, using a spare room as a treatment room, doing work that causes noise, disturbance or nuisance to neighbours and surrounding environment can cause issues with the council so they are covering their back.

If it was me, I wouldn't worry about being self employed doing a bit of admin at the kitchen table and only the postman and you will see your post.

If you will have adverts or a website which your landlord could come across, then you could consider using a PO box, but this might not be suitable for your business image, in which case consider a virtual office.

[Matski]

Hi Indizine, thanks for the reply

A few people have mentioned that a PO box wouldn't be good for our image but have failed to mention why. Could you shed some light?

Also, what is a virtual office?

Many thanks, Matt

[Indizine]

I personally wouldn't recommend a PO box which is why I said it might not be suitable for your business image - it's because it can look like you are hiding behind what would seem an untraceable address (though you can actually request the main address from the post office anyway).

Therefore my suggestion above was to also consider using a virtual office address. This is usually a business centre that allows you to use their address as your address. Your mail gets posted there and either they forward it on (you pay the extra postage costs for this) or you go and collect it. You normally pay a monthly fee for this, around £20-£25.

[Matski]

Thanks for the useful reply

[celticquest]

Hi Matt
I am in the same boat.
Running a partnership from a rented property.
I spoke to our landlord and rental agency, explained that it was just a postal address and no clients would be visiting the property and they were ok with it.
Hope this helps x

[Paul Norman]

Avoid a PO Box. If nothing else, it lacks credibility with potential clients.

Speak to your landlord, who may not have a problem if consulted. If not, lots of virtual options are available, relatively cheaply, which give you a proper address, and often much much more.

[michael22]

i agree with paul norman the above,i would recommend a virtual office solution to provide you an address which mail can be forwarded from your clients and have your registed address there which could give you a better image for your clients as well easyer for yourself

contact 0207 788 7788 the company is called w1 office they would be able to advice the best service for you and sign you up

[Matski]

thanks for all the help guys, i ended up speaking to the landlord and he was fine with it.