When the home office is no longer practical and you need take on more staff, an office is the logical next step for your business. However, there are several options you could consider if cost is an issue and holding you back from expanding your business.
Over the years we’ve been asked time and again what makes the perfect office space. It’s a tough question because there are just so many factors to consider, so we always say “how long have you got”!
Over the last 5 years the serviced office sector has seen a staggering level of growth. In 2015 the number of new business centres rose by 4% to over 2,300 across the UK. With occupancy levels at an all time high, growth across the sector is continuing in the first quarter of 2016.
The UK’s growing £30 billion recruitment sector has been using serviced offices for some time now. The sector has been quick to expand following the downturn with growth of around 10% forecast for 2015/16 and more in the year ahead. But even with expansion this thriving industry is still keen to ensure they optimise the value and flexibility in their office space.
Grasping the pace of change in tech development is becoming a skill we all have to master. But putting this new tech to work to help enhance your business and drive performance and productivity is still something many businesses have yet to do.
It’s fair to say that the choice of office locations in London can prove to be quite daunting and making the right decision about your new business address is really important for your company’s future growth.
When you work away from the office it can prove to be rewarding and annoying in equal measure. From one perspective it can be quite a buzz to be able to work from somewhere close to your client or even from home, but on the other hand the lack of structure to your day can potentially reduce how productive you can be and let’s not forget the lack of essential amenities you take for granted around the office.
With the news that one of our operators has gone under offer to take space in The Shard, it clearly demonstrates that flexible workspace operators are now offering not only an invaluable level of service, but aesthetically, some of the best office spaces in London and across the UK. London has various commercial skyscrapers with many of them now offering flexible serviced offices, with exceptional design and breath taking views. With the advent of flexible working, they’re rapidly becoming more and more popular for SMEs as well as large corporations. SME’s are increasingly looking for Grade A, iconic space on a flexible basis and our operators now have space in The Shard, The Gherkin, Heron Tower, The Leadenhall Building, Broadgate Tower, Tower 42, CityPoint, 1 Canada Square E14, 40 Bank Street E14, Euston Tower and Millbank Tower, all of which are among some of the best serviced office spaces in London.
In recent years, major companies have begun to introduce the idea of the all-inclusive office – most famously, Google’s US headquarters, with their quirky décor, chill-out rooms and open plan spaces. The idea is to encourage a more holistic work experience, with gyms, lounges, cafeterias and a mind-boggling range of other facilities to keep employees healthy, happy and motivated. Until recently, the only way to get these perks was to work for a corporation big enough to afford them in their permanent office space – but this coming January, The Office Group will open the doors on their renovated serviced offices at Henry Wood House and offer London an entirely new breed of workspace.
Growing marketplace
Leased spaces have historically been the preferred option for small and larger businesses. Yet things have gradually begun to change and Serviced Office spaces have come into the frame. The technological changes we’ve been dealing with have morphed into changing the dynamics of the office space industry. Serviced offices are becoming more popular, for several reasons which we will explore.