The SAIL (Statutory Address Information Lookup) system is part of Companies House reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. It changes how registered office addresses are verified and displayed. Here is what directors need to know.
What SAIL Does
SAIL allows Companies House to verify that a registered office address is a genuine, appropriate address. Under the new rules, Companies House can:
- Query addresses that appear to be PO Boxes or virtual-only redirects
- Require proof that the address can accept physical delivery
- Remove a registered office if it fails verification
What This Means for Your Business
If you use a PO Box or a cheap mail redirect as your registered office, it may be flagged. Legitimate virtual office providers with real premises (like a reputable Leeds provider) are unaffected — the address is a real commercial building with a reception team.
How to Comply
Ensure your registered office is at a genuine physical premises. If you are unsure, use our 7-point virtual office checklist. At many Leeds providers, the address has been in continuous commercial use since 2009. Get in touch.