Serviced Office or Conventional Office Renting?
So far we have seen the benefits of using a serviced office but you now have to consider if renting a conventional office is going to be more economical and worthwhile.
Serviced offices are better seen as a short-term solution for locating, so if you are seeking to locate for, say, longer than 6 months, renting a conventional office may prove to be more economical.
Conventional offices usually require a minimum of a 3-year lease and a maximum of 15 years. Therefore, if you intend to stay at a location within this period, it is almost certain that renting a conventional office is the better option.
Further, if you have more than, say, 15 employees, aside from the initial capital costs, in the long-term, your monthly expenses will work out less than what you would pay to use a serviced office (due to 'pay-per-person' charges).
If you are certain (and I mean - certain!) about the steady growth of your business in terms of employees and the need for space, again if you are looking to locate for long periods, conventional renting is the answer. You will find it hard to terminate an outstanding lease if the need for more space (for example) becomes a necessity, and will therefore have to serve the remaining time of the contract.
The other advantages of renting your own office are the freedom to organise the building to your requirements (with the consent of the property owner) and the chance to brand the building. It will also work out much cheaper if you already own office furniture and equipment.
Where Can I Find a Serviced Office?
Ever since the 1990's, the awareness of the market potential has made many companies jump at the chance to provide serviced offices. It has therefore become a service that is widely available throughout the UK and Worldwide.
There are an increasing number of small companies that offer their services, usually from a single location. The providers (large and small) can be found in the Yellow Pages, business magazines/newspapers and through their company web site.
Click here to search for a full list of
serviced offices available in your areaOther serviced office links:
Official Space /
Imex /
HQ Global /
Regus
Summary
Serviced offices provide a short-term solution for small businesses wanting a flexible lease for an office that can be used instantly. The range of services offered can compensate for a number of business needs and are usually instantly available. You (the occupant) are only required to pay for additional charges such as telephone and Internet usage with the other charges being inclusive in the monthly rent.
Serviced offices are now widely available throughout the UK and Worldwide. The diversity of standards offered can even give those with minimal funds a chance to experience the benefits.
However, it is important that you assess the necessity and importance of using a serviced office as a long-term commitment can prove to be the un-economical option. If a long-term lease is required, say, over 6-12 months, renting a conventional office is much more economical and in addition, has its own share of advantages that cannot be offered by a serviced office.
If the need for office space is not an issue to you, but the desire to enhance your business image is: a serviced office can provide effective solutions. Most of the services offered are available to businesses that do not rent out office space and so their benefits can be absorbed into your business: wherever you are.
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4. Serviced Office or Conventional Office Renting?
