A business mail-forwarding service lets you give customers and suppliers one business address, then receive the physical post somewhere that suits you. You can work from home or another office while keeping a separate address for business correspondence.
At City Virtual Hub, that address is 49 Greek Street in Soho, London W1. Our Mail Forwarding package gets the original post sent onwards to your nominated address. Here is how the journey works, and what to decide before choosing a service.
There are two addresses to get right: the business address you give to senders, and the destination where you want to receive your forwarded post. They do different jobs.
Choose a destination where someone can reliably receive your business mail. Check the recipient name, building details and postcode, particularly if the delivery address is shared or has a reception.
For a CVH account, complete signup and the requested identity checks, then wait for confirmation that your account is active before directing mail to the address. Confirm the business name and address format with us so your post can be matched to your account.
Once the service is active, give the approved business address to the customers, suppliers and other organisations that need to send you post. They address their envelopes to your business there.
This is useful if you want your everyday correspondence to come through one place. A virtual-office subscription does not automatically update your bank, customer records or company filings: you still need to change the relevant details with each organisation.
The provider receives mail at the business address and forwards it to the destination on your account. With CVH, standard forwarding uses First Class Royal Mail, unless another forwarding arrangement has been agreed. Postage is charged separately from the subscription.
If an item needs special handling, the service and cost may differ from an ordinary letter. CVH’s mail-service terms explain the arrangements for parcels, signed-for post and other items, along with the applicable limits. Check them before arranging an unusual or important delivery.
You receive the forwarded post and can keep, sign, file or otherwise deal with the original documents as needed. Someone in your business should take responsibility for checking the mail and acting on anything with a deadline.
Allow for both stages of the journey: the sender’s delivery to your business address, then the onward delivery to you. Forwarding does not make the contents immediately available. If you need digital access as well, a combined scanning and forwarding service may be a better fit.
Your business address is part of how customers contact your company. Your forwarding destination is where you choose to receive your physical mail.
For example, a consultant working from home might use a Soho correspondence address and receive the originals at home. A small team might choose to have its post forwarded to the person responsible for administration. These are examples of how to organise incoming mail, rather than a reason to rent space you do not need.
If you want post forwarded overseas or expect your destination to change regularly, discuss the destination and suitable arrangements with the provider before subscribing. Do not assume every destination or delivery method is included.
When comparing forwarding services, check four things together:
For a broader comparison of address uses and package extras, use our virtual-office package checklist. Keep the comparison focused on the service your business will actually use.
Physical forwarding suits a business that wants the original documents delivered. If you also want access to the contents remotely, without waiting for the onward postal journey, consider adding scanning.
CVH’s Combo package provides scanned copies by email and physical forwarding. Our mail scanning versus mail forwarding guide explains how to choose between the three options.
When your destination changes, tell your provider and confirm when the new details will take effect. Include the complete address and recipient name. Make arrangements for any mail already sent to the previous destination; updating an account cannot reroute an envelope that is already on its way.
A virtual-office forwarding service also does not automatically collect mail addressed to your previous home or office. Royal Mail’s Redirection and Diversion services serve a different purpose: dealing with mail sent to an existing address when a business moves. The appropriate option depends on the move and address arrangements.
If you are changing providers, our business-address and mail handover checklist covers updating senders and arranging what happens to later arrivals.
CVH gives your business a London W1 address at 49 Greek Street while you choose where to receive your mail. Explore our London virtual office service or compare monthly and annual packages.
Not sure whether forwarding alone will suit you? Tell us how you want to receive your business mail, and we can help you choose between Mail Forwarding, Mail Scanning and Combo.
