A “SAIL address” is a Single Alternative Inspection Location address where a registered company or LLP can store their statutory records and make them available for public inspection.
Today, we’ll talk you through the in’s and out’s of SAIL addresses including whether you need one, their benefits, and restrictions.
What is the Difference Between a SAIL Address and a Registered Address?
The registered office address is an address where all of the mail, including legal documents from the HRMC or any other government agency, gets mailed to for a business. It is also the one used in the public list of companies in the country. A SAIL address, on the other hand, is an optional address where a company’s statutory records can be stored and inspected, but no mail will be sent.
If a business does not have a SAIL address, the registered address is the automatic one used for holding statutory records.
Do I Need a SAIL Address?
Unlike a registered office address, you do not need to use a SAIL address if you do not want to. SAIL addresses are often used by businesses for convenience as they provide an alternative location to the registered office for statutory inspections.
The Benefits of Using a SAIL Address
Although a SAIL address is not a requirement for businesses in the United Kingdom, many owners choose to have this as a convenience as a SAIL address allows you to separate the daily functions with a SAIL address.
Many companies who operate from a home address, and have this listed as their registered address, use a SAIL address as this prevents anyone who wants to see your statutory books from turning up at your place of residence.
A SAIL address can be different from your registered office address. For example, some may choose to use their accountant’s, solicitor’s or another address as their SAIL, however, you would need to ensure that the right statutory records are held there and you may find that your accountant charges a fee which could add up pretty quickly.
If you decide to use a SAIL address, you should be sure to notify Companies House. Owners cannot use this address if Companies House is not informed.
What Records Can Be Kept at a SAIL Address?
There are certain records that can be kept at a business’ SAIL address. These include the following: •Register of the residential address of the directors
•Copies of all resolutions
•Minutes of all general meetings
A SAIL address can also keep other records which should be available if there is a need for inspection. These include: •Register of a business’ members. This includes the guarantors and the shareholders.
•Register of the business’ directors
•Register of the business’ secretaries
•Register of holders of debenture
•Register of People with Significant Control
•Register of the business’ charges as well as instruments that create charges
How Can I Set Up Or Change My Business’ SAIL Address?
Any business owner who wants to register or to change their SAIL address should do so with Companies House. The AD02 form should be submitted through WebFiling. Another form, the AD03, should be used to specify which records will be moved to the SAIL address.
A business that wants to use a SAIL address should ensure that the address is in the same region as your business. For example, a company registered in England must have a SAIL in England, whilst a company registered in Scotland would require a SAIL in Scotland.
Whilst a SAIL address is not a requirement, it does have its benefits, especially for smaller businesses operating from home. Setting up a SAIL address is straightforward using the forms linked above.
published under Business Address Guides
