In the realm of UK business, an address holds more than geographical relevance, it is a legal cornerstone. One address that frequently appears in Companies House records but often raises eyebrows is PO Box 4385, Cardiff, CF14 8LH.
This address is not a typical registered office or a corporate headquarters. Instead, it serves a very specific purpose for Companies House and can indicate red flags when linked to a business.
This article explores what this address is, why it is used, who it is associated with, and what it means if your business or mail is linked to it.
If you’ve received correspondence from this PO Box or discovered it on a public company profile, read on to fully understand its implications.
What is PO Box 4385, Cardiff, CF14 8LH and Why Is It Used by Companies House?
PO Box 4385, Cardiff, CF14 8LH is not a conventional mailing address for businesses or government departments.
It is a default address used by Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies, in cases where a business fails to maintain a valid registered office.
This address acts as a legal placeholder, a fallback option applied when a company’s original registered office is either:
- No longer authorised or,
- Is being used without permission.
It ensures that statutory notices and legal documents still have a destination, even if they won’t be received directly by the company.
Who Are the Companies Registered at PO Box 4385 Cardiff CF14 8LH?
When this PO Box appears as the registered address on a company record, it typically reflects that the company has not maintained a valid address, or has used an address without consent.
Common Traits of Companies Listed at This Address:
- They failed to provide evidence of their right to use a previous registered office.
- They were using another party’s address (e.g., a landlord’s or previous agent’s) without authorisation.
- They are dormant, abandoned, or close to being struck off the register.
Many businesses, ranging from small private companies to shell corporations, may end up listed under this PO Box.
Some examples publicly found in the register include companies like JISPARROW LIMITED or BITSTER LTD, although hundreds may share the same listing.
Why Would a Company Be Assigned This Default Companies House Address?
This address is not randomly assigned. Companies House has a defined legal process that leads to its application.
Key Reasons a Company May Be Assigned This PO Box:
- Unauthorised Address Usage: If a company uses an address without the property owner’s permission, that owner can file a RP07 form with Companies House.
- Failure to Respond: If the company fails to respond within 28 days with proof of authorisation (e.g. a tenancy agreement or utility bill), Companies House may intervene.
- Registrar Action: The registrar can unilaterally change the registered office to PO Box 4385 to ensure continued delivery of statutory communications.
Once this address is applied, the company is legally still active, but it signals a compliance issue that must be resolved to avoid further penalties.
What Does It Mean If Your Company Is Registered at PO Box 4385?
Being linked to this address often signifies non-compliance or administrative neglect. It is a red flag for clients, partners, and regulators.
| Aspect | Implication |
| Compliance | The company failed to maintain an authorised registered office. |
| Mail Handling | Mail sent to this PO Box is typically destroyed after 12 months if unclaimed. |
| Reputation | Appearing under this address may reduce business credibility. |
| Legal Risk | It can lead to strike-off procedures if not rectified. |
This address is not a real office, no staff receive mail there, and no communication is forwarded. Companies listed under this address are effectively unreachable through standard post.
Why Might You Receive a Letter from PO Box 4385, Cardiff, CF14 8LH?
Receiving a letter from this address may initially be confusing, but it often signals an official communication from Companies House. It may be addressed to your business, or to a company that has (legitimately or not) used your address.
Common Scenarios:
- A company director receives a strike-off notice or confirmation of an address change.
- A property owner receives mail intended for a business wrongly registered at their address.
- Notifications involving address disputes for a Person with Significant Control (PSC) or company officers.
- RP09 or RP10 form acknowledgements regarding unauthorised officer address use.
In any of these scenarios, the letter is not promotional or fraudulent, it is an official notice tied to the Companies House legal framework.
Is PO Box 4385 Cardiff CF14 8LH a Scam or Official Address?
PO Box 4385 Cardiff CF14 8LH is completely legitimate, but it is not an operating business location. While it may appear impersonal or unfamiliar, it does not indicate a scam. Instead, it often signals an underlying issue with a company’s records that needs attention.
This address is part of a government strategy to ensure accurate and compliant company information. Its purpose includes preventing address fraud, maintaining administrative oversight, and ensuring legal accountability.
It is important to note that this PO Box does not house employees, process mail for directors, or serve as a private company office. Misunderstandings arise mainly due to its generic appearance, but its use is entirely official and regulatory in nature.
What Action Should You Take If Your Company Is Linked to This PO Box?
If your company has been assigned this address, action is needed immediately to avoid penalties or even dissolution.
Steps to Resolve the Issue:
- Check Your Status: Log in to your Companies House WebFiling account and review your registered office address.
- File an AD01 Form: This is the official document to change your registered office.
- Provide Authorisation: Submit proof that your new address is legitimate—acceptable documents include:
- A recent utility bill
- Signed tenancy or lease agreement
- Property ownership documents
Failure to take these steps could result in legal actions or the company being struck off the public register.
Can You Remove PO Box 4385 from Your Company’s Official Records?
Yes, the address can be removed and replaced with a valid one, provided the proper documentation and process is followed.
| Requirement | Description |
| Filing | Submit Form AD01 via WebFiling or through a formation agent |
| Proof | Upload a document showing you have the right to use the new address |
| Timeframe | Updates generally reflect within a few working days |
| Follow-up | Ensure all director and PSC addresses are also updated, if applicable |
Once approved, the updated address will appear in the public Companies House register, and the PO Box 4385 entry will be overwritten.
How Do You Contact Companies House to Resolve PO Box 4385 Issues?
If you need to take action or report misuse of an address, Companies House offers multiple contact points:
Contact Methods:
- Phone (General Enquiries): 0303 1234 500 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm)
- Email (General): enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk
- Freedom of Information: informationrights@companieshouse.gov.uk
- Media Enquiries: press@companieshouse.gov.uk
- Textphone/Accessibility: 0300 373 0995
- Welsh Support: Available through the main helpline on request
You may also submit complaints about address misuse or report fraud involving PO Box 4385 using the RP07 form online.
What Are the Consequences of Ignoring This Companies House Default Address?
Ignoring the issue may seem harmless at first, but there are serious consequences if no action is taken.
- Company Strike-Off: Companies House may initiate dissolution proceedings.
- Missed Legal Notices: Critical documents won’t reach you, including fines or court orders.
- Restricted Access: Inability to file confirmation statements, accounts, or appoint new directors.
- Public Record Damage: Future investors or customers may avoid engaging with your business due to credibility concerns.
Timely resolution is vital to protect both legal standing and business reputation.
Conclusion
PO Box 4385, Cardiff, CF14 8LH plays a unique yet critical role in UK corporate compliance. It is not a business location, nor is it a fraudulent address.
Instead, it is a default safety net used by Companies House to maintain legal continuity for businesses that fail to comply with address requirements.
If your business is linked to this address, or if you’ve received a letter from it, consider it a prompt to take immediate action. Ensuring your registered office is valid, authorised, and up to date protects your company’s standing, credibility, and legal integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RP07 form and how does it affect company addresses?
The RP07 form allows a property owner to dispute the use of their address as a company’s registered office. Once submitted, the registrar investigates and may reassign the company’s address to PO Box 4385.
How long does Companies House wait before changing a company’s address?
After receiving a complaint, Companies House gives the company 28 days to prove it has the right to use the listed address. If no valid response is provided, the address is changed.
Can landlords prevent companies from using their address without consent?
Yes, property owners can file an RP07 form with Companies House to challenge the unauthorised use of their address.
Does using PO Box 4385 affect my business’s credit rating or funding eligibility?
While not directly impacting credit scores, being linked to this PO Box can raise red flags for lenders, investors, and potential partners.
How can you search which companies are listed at PO Box 4385?
You can search for companies on the public register and filter by registered address. Multiple companies can be listed under this PO Box simultaneously.
Can a director use a separate service address to avoid this issue?
Yes, directors can list a different correspondence address for privacy or logistical reasons, but it must still be authorised and valid.
What happens to mail sent to PO Box 4385 by mistake?
Companies House destroys any mail sent to this address after 12 months if it’s unclaimed. It is not forwarded to any company or director.
