Under the Business Names Act 1985 law requires you to disclose certain information about the ownership of the business particularly the name of the owner or owners and an address in the UK at which documents can be served.  

The address can be any address, related to the business or not, so long as documents can be served there. It makes sense for a company to use their head office or registered office address.

The information must be shown legibly on all:

• business letters
• written orders for the supply of goods or services
• invoices or receipts issued in the course of the business
• written demands for payment of debts arising in the course of the business.  

The name and address must be displayed so that it can be easily read in any of the premises where business is carried on and where customers and suppliers have access. It must also be given immediately, in writing, to anyone who asks for it in the course of the business.

What is the penalty for non-compliance?

The penalty, if found guilty of non-compliance, is currently a fine of up to one-fifth the statutory maximum. The statutory maximum is currently £5 000.