Post Office (PO) Boxes are common across the UK for both individuals and businesses, offering privacy, security, and logistical ease in mail management.
However, not all PO Boxes are created equal, some serve unique purposes and are linked to specific entities, drawing public interest due to their unusual nature or historical associations.
One such address is PO Box 716, High Wycombe, HP11 1XT. This PO Box has surfaced in various contexts, from corporate correspondence to past promotional campaigns, and even as the registered address for dissolved companies.
This article explores the background of this address, who currently uses it, its previous associations, and whether there are any legitimate concerns when sending mail to it.
What Is PO Box 716 High Wycombe HP11 1XT and Why Is It Unusual?
PO Box 716 is part of a classification known as a “large user” postcode, assigned by Royal Mail to addresses that handle substantial quantities of incoming mail. This differentiates it from standard UK postcodes, which typically cover up to 80 residential or commercial properties.
The HP11 1XT postcode, introduced in June 2000, is assigned to a single user. This means all mail going to this postcode is directed to one specific entity, typically via a sorting office or third-party mail handler. These types of postcodes are commonly used by banks, marketing firms, and public service providers.
Furthermore, because of the nature of large user postcodes, the actual geographic coordinates may not reflect the physical location where mail is received. Instead, they often point to the Royal Mail facility or the business’s head office.
Who Uses PO Box 716 High Wycombe HP11 1XT?
The address PO Box 716, High Wycombe, HP11 1XT was once used by the now-dissolved company RUTHMOR LIMITED.
During its operational period, this PO Box was listed as both the company’s registered office and correspondence address. It was also used by Samuel Burke, one of the company’s directors, for official communication.
- RUTHMOR LIMITED was officially dissolved on 25 April 2023.
- Following its dissolution, the company is no longer obligated to monitor or respond to any mail sent to this PO Box.
- Despite this, the address still appears in online directories and business records, which can lead to confusion for individuals or organisations trying to make contact.
Some digital sources have since linked this address to First Move Marketing Services Ltd, a business known for handling direct mail and marketing fulfilment.
While this suggests the PO Box may now be managed by a third-party mail-handling service, there is currently:
- No official confirmation that First Move Marketing Services Ltd operates this specific PO Box.
- No publicly available business registration explicitly associating the company with HP11 1XT.
As such, any use of this address should be approached with caution, particularly when sending confidential or legal documents. Verification of the recipient’s identity and current mailing address is strongly advised
Is It a Scam if RUTHMOR LIMITED Is Dissolved but You’re Still Receiving Letters?
Receiving mail from a dissolved company is understandably alarming.
There are several explanations for this:
- The sender may be unaware that the company is dissolved.
- Mailing lists and databases may not have been updated.
- A third party could be intentionally using the address to appear legitimate.
In more concerning cases, scammers may exploit dissolved company addresses to appear trustworthy. These tactics often aim to trick recipients into revealing sensitive personal or financial information.
If you receive a letter from PO Box 716 High Wycombe HP11 1XT, and it claims to be from RUTHMOR LIMITED, you should be cautious. Always check the legitimacy of the sender before acting on any request.
Should You Be Concerned?
Not all correspondence from this PO Box is cause for concern. However, when receiving mail from a company that is no longer active, or from an unfamiliar sender, you should remain alert.
Be cautious if the letter:
- Asks for immediate payment or sensitive details
- References old transactions or unclear business relationships
- Lacks verifiable contact information beyond the PO Box
What to do:
- Look up the company’s status through official channels
- Avoid responding or providing information until verified
- Report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities
Scams that use former business addresses can be highly sophisticated, which makes it even more important to verify before you trust.
What Happens to Mail Sent to a PO Box Linked to a Dissolved Company?
When a PO Box linked to a dissolved company remains active, there are a few different outcomes depending on who manages the box and whether it has been reallocated or still monitored.
| PO Box Status | Mail Handling Outcome |
| Still used by a new company | Mail may be opened by the new holder of the PO Box |
| No longer actively used | Mail is likely returned to sender |
| Managed by a third-party firm | Mail may be redirected, forwarded, or archived |
Unless the new holder is legally authorised to receive mail intended for the previous company, there’s a strong chance the mail won’t reach its intended recipient. If your message is important, consider confirming the address before dispatching it.
How Can You Verify Who Uses PO Box 716 in High Wycombe?
Verifying the current user of a PO Box can be done using public data sources and business records.
Key Methods for VerificationL
- Search registered company data for active addresses.
- Check business filings for correspondence changes.
- Use postcode look-up tools to view the postcode’s classification and usage history.
These checks can help clarify whether the PO Box is actively used, and by whom, before you send any correspondence.
Is It Safe to Send Mail to PO Box 716 High Wycombe HP11 1XT Today?
In general, sending mail to a PO Box is safe, especially if you have verified the intended recipient. These boxes are handled under secure Royal Mail protocols and are widely used across many industries.
However, extra caution is warranted when:
- The recipient’s identity is unclear
- The PO Box is tied to a dissolved or untraceable company
- The contents of your mail are sensitive, legal, or financial in nature
Where possible, contact the business via a secondary method, such as phone or email, to confirm the address before sending important documents.
Why Are PO Boxes Like This Still Commonly Used in the UK?
Despite the rise of digital communication, PO Boxes remain highly useful across a wide range of industries. From legal services to financial institutions, PO Boxes allow for structured, confidential, and high-volume mail handling.
Benefits of PO Boxes for Businesses
- Maintain privacy for directors or remote teams
- Avoid disruption from physical office relocations
- Centralise communication, especially during marketing campaigns
This is especially important for businesses operating in customer service, claims processing, and document handling, where mail is integral to their workflows.
Can You Contact RUTHMOR LIMITED?
Unfortunately, since RUTHMOR LIMITED has been dissolved, there is no active way to contact the company. All business operations, including communication, have legally ceased. Mail sent to its previously used PO Box will likely be returned, ignored, or received by an unrelated party.
The only individuals potentially reachable are former directors or officers, but even this poses challenges if no new correspondence details are available.
If your need to contact RUTHMOR LIMITED is legal or financial in nature, consider seeking help through:
- Legal channels
- Public record searches
- Professional networking platforms
Do not rely on the PO Box address for official communication; it is no longer linked to the company in any operational capacity.
Conclusion
The PO Box 716 High Wycombe HP11 1XT presents an interesting case of a non-standard business address with ties to dissolved companies, promotional campaigns, and marketing services.
While the address itself is legitimate and actively maintained by a third-party provider, its use by now-defunct companies like RUTHMOR LIMITED has led to confusion and concern.
As with any correspondence involving PO Boxes, particularly those previously linked to dissolved entities, verification and caution are critical.
Whether you’re sending legal documents, financial information, or general mail, knowing who currently operates the address can save time, money, and potential risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if a company is still active at a PO Box address?
You can search public records to verify the company’s registration status and address. Look for their latest filings and correspondence information.
What should I do if my letter to PO Box 716 is returned?
If your mail is returned, verify the recipient’s current address or contact them through alternative methods such as email or phone.
Can a PO Box be used for fraudulent or misleading purposes?
Yes, while most uses are legitimate, some individuals or entities may use PO Boxes to obscure their identity or engage in misleading practices.
What are the signs of a PO Box scam in the UK?
Unexpected requests for money or personal information, vague company names, and addresses linked to dissolved businesses are key red flags.
Is it legal to use a PO Box as a registered office in the UK?
Yes, companies can list a PO Box as a registered office if the full address, including a physical location, is provided in accordance with Companies House requirements.
How can I find a phone number linked to PO Box 716 High Wycombe?
Phone numbers are not typically listed for PO Boxes. However, you may find contact information on a company’s official website or in public records.
Can individuals also register PO Boxes for business use?
Yes, individuals operating sole trader businesses or freelancers can register PO Boxes to receive business correspondence.
