A List Of Top Questions To Ask Yourself Before Choosing A Serviced Office Space

We all know how expensive property is in the UK – even if you’re renting. For any up-and-coming business or entrepreneur, renting office space can be downright prohibitive, and there’s the added issue of the long-term lease.

Whilst there are some relatively good deals with a conventional lease, there’s no denying that it’s not as flexible and as good for your cash flow as going for a serviced office. And that’s precisely why serviced offices have hit the market in a big way – they’re a much more flexible alternative to a conventional lease, and you could preserve your cash flow, which is admittedly the lifeblood of any startup business.

But before you decide on a serviced office lease and jump on the bandwagon, so to speak, you may want to ask yourself some essential questions first. By doing this, you could be more sure of your decision and be sure that it’s the right solution. So without further ado, here’s a list of top questions you should ask yourself before choosing a serviced office space.

First – know what it is and what you can expect

You may already know how a serviced office works, but it doesn’t hurt to expound on it further. For instance, most of the serviced offices available today would already have the utilities needed to run a modern office, including the telephone lines plus the broadband connection. Some serviced office providers can even provide furniture and equipment, such as computers and handsets, but it’s no problem if you have your own.

The best news is that you can have your own private working space, and you and your staff or team can do as you please with the space – meaning you can arrange or decorate it as you see fit – whether with an open plan space or with closed cubicles.

You can also expect some valuable additional services, such as manned reception areas or lobbies, business or administrative services, and conference room or meeting room rental.

A checklist of important questions

But before you go ahead and go for the first serviced office, you see, it wouldn’t hurt to ask yourself some questions first.

1. How important is it for you to present the right image? For example, do you need a prestigious location, or is it important to have it easily accessible to clients and staff? More than this, consider the safety of the area and the proximity to transport hubs and stations.
2. What about the actual location? As you think about the location of your office, does it have to be in the town centre? Perhaps it would be wise to know where your clients are located first. Next, think about accessibility by car. For instance, there are units to rent in Manchester that offer a great location and are instantly accessible.
3. Think about your current and future staff. Will a move to this area serve as a motivation, or will it de-motivate them instead? What is the impact of such a move – to a new location and a new condition – on your staff? Will it be easy for you to find new talent if necessary?
4. What are your needs when it comes to space? Do you need new furniture or infrastructure, and what about telecoms?

Answer these above questions  first, and you’ll have a better idea of your requirements.