Having successfully assisted many clients looking to rent serviced office space, office space and virtual offices in London and the UK, we have set up a page of frequently asked questions to assist with your initial queries.
Serviced Office FAQ:
Who uses serviced offices?
Serviced offices appeal to most companies from small start-ups to large multinationals; however, they can be grouped into the following: Rapidly growing enterprises, Small Businesses, Foreign companies seeking a UK base, Large organisations that require local representation or a short-term office.
How can TheOffice4U really help me and my company find office space?
Our experience has shown that you come to us because you are looking for office space and you need help in doing so, nothing more and nothing less. We know that along the way you will see we provide excellent service and come back to us again down the line or invariably many of our clients have recommended us to their contacts. We offer our services free to you because we know our business and we receive a commission upon successful introduction of a client to a serviced office provider. Our success is based on ensuring we find you serviced office space that suits you. TheOffice4U are not bound to any serviced offices and are completely impartial and as such we are able to offer you a huge selection of office space available in London and the UK. We discuss your requirements on an individual basis and we listen. We will recommend a selection of serviced offices based on your requirements. We assist in arranging office viewings, listen carefully to your feedback, and can assist in negotiating the best price for your office space. It is in our interests to work hard to find you the right office space.
I am just looking for an office to rent. What is the difference between serviced offices and office space?
Conventional office space is going to be an attractive option for companies with staff in excess of 20-25 employees who are certain of their needs for the next few years. Business rates/service charges/buildings insurance/utilities/larger rental deposits/set up costs including furniture and phones are some of the costs not included in the monthly lease and are therefore an important factor when considering office space. Serviced offices include most of these costs in the monthly licence fee and there is no need for an initial capital cost.
What term must I commit to?
Serviced offices offer flexible office space and enable you to sign a licence from one month upwards. Some office operators would prefer you to sign for in excess of three months. As a general rule the longer you commit for the better the terms you will be offered. Conventional offices generally requires lease agreements for 10 years and above.
We may need space to grow within the building, is this possible?
All the serviced office space centres have numerous tenants that can give one month's notice and move out. For a greater chance of being able to grow within the building you should choose a larger centre, as it is more likely that another tenant will vacate allowing you to expand. Most serviced offices we work with are able to accommodate any demand. Conventional office space does not allow for expansion needs.
Can you use your own office furniture?
The majority of serviced offices are already furnished as furniture is included in the monthly costs. However more and more centres are facilitating tenants from providing their own furniture. Renting conventional offices means you need substantial capital outlay in setting up your office.
What facilities/services are included in serviced offices?
Almost everything. Serviced offices enable you to take an office in a similar way to using a hotel. The following services are included in the cost: telephone systems, switchboard & reception services, Internet access, Cat 5 cabling, secretarial assistance, photocopiers, office equipment including printing/binding facilities, meeting rooms, interview rooms, conference facilities, fully equipped kitchens, cleaning, mail handling, office furniture. The serviced office providers decide on the price per workstation not us. The typical office space allocated per person is 70sqft to 100 sq ft and this excludes all common parts, toilets WC's and meeting rooms.
Are the office space rates for office space negotiable?
Yes most of the time. The prices quoted are always negotiable. However, in a strong market when there is little space available, it is more difficult to receive any discounts. If you are looking to give a little commitment, you are more attractive to a serviced office operator and a landlord.
Do I need to provide a large office rental deposit?
No. Unlike conventional leases, you will only need to provide a rental deposit of between 1 and 2 months rent. Leased office space requires generally deposits of 6 months and above.
How quickly can I move in to my office?
Most serviced office space providers can have you up and running within 24 hours! Leased office space requires the assistance of solicitors and negotiations with a landlord can sometimes take longer.
For more information on serviced office space in London & the UK please visit the serviced offices page.
Virtual Office FAQ:
Is a virtual office for me and what are the advantages of virtual offices?
Perhaps you are a new business just starting up, or are an existing company that requires a presence in the UK. A virtual office solution will provide you with a total office experience without having to physically lease office space. A virtual office solution will typically provide your business with the use of a business address, personalised telephone answering, post handling and forwarding and in some circumstances the use of private offices and boardrooms on an ad hoc basis.
The virtual office advantage is that using the services of a virtual office solution on a 'pay as you use' basis, such as using a personalised answering service or a virtual receptionist might be a cheaper and less risky option to consider before investing in more permanent premise arrangements.
Will a virtual office work for my home business?
When you want to present a business address to your clients and benefit from the cost savings of a home office, virtual office space is right for you. And with virtual office call forwarding you will never miss a call whether you are in your home office or on the road. Virtual office operators handle your incoming calls in the name of your business and your calls are seamlessly transferred to your preferred number by a virtual office telecom system. Your virtual office operator can transfer the live call to your home voicemail or virtual office voicemail, or even e-mail you the message!.
Will a virtual office solution work for my small business?
A virtual office solution can give a small business a big presence. Call forwarding and mail forwarding allow your company to be anywhere you need to do business without the need to have a dedicated office. A professional operator answers your virtual office phone in the name of your business. Your incoming virtual office calls are seamlessly forwarded to your preferred number or messages can be taken and delivered according to your specifications. When it comes time to test a new market, you can reduce your setup costs with virtual office space.
Will a virtual office work for my medium or large business?
Virtual offices allow you to set up a local presence without expanding your real estate portfolio. You'll instantly have a dedicated virtual office business address, allowing you to test a market without the risk of leasing office space. And with virtual office call forwarding your calls can be forwarded to your existing telecom infrastructure. Rely on a virtual office to generate increased customer contact without the added expense.
For more information on virtual offices in London & the UK please visit the virtual offices page.
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