Serviced offices boost British economy
Posted yesterday on the Coregus office industry blog - ‘5 ways that serviced offices can help British businesses beat the economy’ (click here to read full article).
Basically, the article argues that there are 5 main ways in which serviced offices can help to insulate businesses against the credit crunch effect - an effect that is predicted to continue for the next year or two. While traditional office lettings may have slowed, the serviced office market is continuing to thrive, and here are the reasons why:
1. Short term rental contracts
Business have their own space within having a 5 or 10 year lease on their hands - vital for start-ups, entrepreneurs and other SMEs, allowing them to take control of their start-up or moving costs.
2. Growth space
Taking space in serviced offices means that a business only needs to pay for as much space as they need at that time - and no more. It also allows for rapid expansion into larger space overnight at the same centre, no fuss required (and no new stationery as addresses and telephone numbers stay the same).
3. Downsizing
A less well known (and less publicised) benefit of serviced offices is the option to downsize if the credit crunch is really hitting hard. This means moving from the existing space (at the end of an existing contract) to a smaller office until the market picks back up.
4. No surprise bills
Rent bills, water rates, electricity, internet charges - these bills can all weigh heavy when money is tight, which is where serviced offices come into their own. With one monthly bill for the licence fee (always the same amount), and one bill for all services (phone calls, photocopies etc), budgeting is made easy as companies are safe in the knowledge that their only two ‘office’ bills arrive at the same time every month.
5. Staffing and office equipment
No need to employ a secretary to answer the phone or sort the post - business centres do these things for you. Furniture and phones are not a problem either - serviced offices come fully furnished, right down to the telephone handset.
I’ve got a couple of things to add to that list:
6. Telephone and broadband systems
Telephone and broadband systems cost thousands of pounds to set up from scratch (if you take on a traditional office lease). At a business centre, you are safe in the knowledge that you will have access to the latest digital phone and broadband systems, you won’t have to deal with any technical issues, you won’t have to buy expensive phone handsets - saving thousands in the process!
7. Networking opportunities
Where better to meet other business that may be able to help you (or vice versa), than a business centre, where lots of other companies are right next door?