What is the SAIL address?
A SAIL address (Single Alternative Inspection Location) is an optional location where a company or LLP can store its statutory records and make them available for public inspection. It serves as a convenient alternative to keeping these records at the registered office.
If you choose to use a SAIL, it must be located within the same UK jurisdiction as your registered office. You must inform Companies House and provide a list of the statutory records stored there.
If you do not use a SAIL, you are legally required to keep all statutory company records at your registered office. Alternatively, since 30 June 2016, private companies have had the option to keep certain register information at Companies House instead.
What is the difference between a SAIL address and a registered office address?
A registered office is mandatory for limited companies. It serves as the official address where mail and legal notices from UK government agencies, such as Companies House and HMRC, are delivered. This address is publicly listed on the Companies Register.
All statutory records must be kept at the registered office and made available for public inspection unless a SAIL address is used or the company opts to keep the information at Companies House.
A SAIL (Single Alternative Inspection Location) is optional. It is an alternative address where a company’s statutory records can be stored and inspected. If you decide to use a SAIL, you must provide the address details to Companies House and specify which records are kept there. This information will be placed on public record.
Can a SAIL address be anywhere in the world?
A SAIL address must be in the same jurisdiction as the registered office, meaning the UK country where your company is incorporated (England and Wales, Wales only, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).
You can change a SAIL address at any time, provided it remains within the same UK jurisdiction.
What records and registers can be kept at a SAIL address?
Private limited companies can keep the following records and registers at a SAIL address:
- Register of members (shareholders or guarantors)
- Register of directors
- Register of company secretaries
- Register of debenture holders
- Register of People with Significant Control
- Register of charges and instruments creating charges
- Directors’ service contracts
- Directors’ indemnities
- Copies of company resolutions (incl. members’ ordinary and special resolutions; board resolutions; and written resolutions)
- Minutes of general meetings
- Documents relating to redemption or the purchase of own shares
All of these records are available for public inspection.
Do I need to make my company records available for inspection?
Yes, private limited companies are legally obligated to make their statutory records available for inspection every working day between 9am and 5pm. Company members can view these records for free, while members of the public are typically charged a fee set by the company.
According to the Companies (Company Records) Regulations 2008, anyone wishing to inspect a company’s registers must submit a formal request to the company, providing the following information:
- if the applicant in an individual, his/her name and address
- if the applicant is an organisation, the name and address of the person making the request on its behalf
- intended purpose/use of information gathered during inspection of records
- whether the information is to be disclosed to anyone else. If so, the name and address of the individual or the representative receiving information on behalf of an organisation, and how the information will be used by that individual or organisation
- specified date and time of inspection
The applicant is typically required to provide the company with at least 10 working days’ notice of the specified inspection date. However, only 2 working days’ notice is required if:
- it is given during the notice period for a general meeting or class meeting; or
- the company circulates a written resolution during that period
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 (section 117), within 5 working days of receiving a request to inspect the statutory records, the company must either:
- comply with the request; or
- apply to the court for permission to refuse the request if the company believes the inspection is not sought for a proper purpose
Will Companies House send my company mail to a SAIL address?
Companies House (and other government agencies) do not send statutory mail to a SAIL address. All official government mail and legal notices are delivered exclusively to the registered office.
If you prefer to receive your company’s official government mail at your SAIL address, you can change your registered office to that address. To do so, you must notify Companies House using form AD01.
How to register or change a SAIL address at Companies House
To register or change a SAIL address at Companies House, submit form AD02 using WebFiling. Additionally, file form AD03 to specify which records have been relocated to the new address.
Alternatively, you can let Startxpress handle everything for you!
For further insights, explore the Startxpress Help Center and Blog. If you have questions or need support, reach out anytime at support@startxpress.io!
Related Articles
Was this helpful?
0 / 0