The problem the service solves
The directors register is public. If you file your home or flat address, it becomes linked to your name for anyone searching the company. For non-residents that means publishing an address in your country of residence on a British public platform — often without need.
How is the service activated?
How the address appears on the register
The service address appears as the contact address related to your role as director, while your residential address is withheld from public display under the applicable rules.
The precise difference from Registered Office
Activation with a new formation or an existing company
At formation it is best to set the service address from day one so the residential address is not published then changed later. For existing companies we file a register update after subscription. A privacy package combines formation + both addresses in one path if you are starting from scratch.