Choosing your very first business location, a professional space for your business, is really important. It’s the place you will hopefully lead your company to success, so it has to be right. There are so many different options to choose from, but knowing what is available is the best way to make the most informed and sensible choice for your business at this time. To help you, here’s a look at the various different office options available and how they could benefit you:
Virtual Offices
A virtual office is a service where you get a professional postal address, a number, reception services, business mail and package forwarding, and additional services all in one package. It’s a great option if you can’t afford a physical office and the majority of your work is based online.
Some people like to utilise virtual office services right at the beginning of going freelance or working online, as it is a way to have a professional image without having to pay the price of offices and warehouse contracts, which are not only expensive, but very inflexible. As a startup, you can’t always afford to be committed to a six month office contract, and you might not even be able to afford one, but you also can’t afford to look unprofessional to potential clients who expect a certain level of professionalism. Virtual offices are a really helpful tool to use as you grow and build your business, helping you to maintain a professional image whilst you gain success.
Self Storage Offices
Self storage in London is commonly used to store domestic and business items, but it can often be used as an office, too. It depends on the facility, of course, but many will allow you to work from your unit, and may have handy services like internet accessibility, a cafe, receipt of deliveries at reception and more. Even better, they are miles cheaper than an office or a warehouse, and the size of the unit can vary from a gym locker size, all the way up to a football field. The security is also generally better than you will get at home, or even in a warehouse or office block. These facilities are in the business of keeping your stuff safe, so you can expect all the latest in security and ways to protect property, including CCTV, digital lock systems, security, gating and security lighting.
Shared Offices
Shared offices are usually a complete office setup on a floor or in a building where at least two companies share the space. It is likely to be open plan, and ultimately, all the parts of the office like the toilets, cafe and other areas are totally shared. It works well for businesses who cannot afford to rent a whole office space, and those who want to potentially collaborate with complimentary businesses in a mixed space.
Working Space And Self Storage Combo
Some businesses like to combine the benefit of a London self storage unit and an office space. To save money they may rent out an office space for team meetings, client meetings and day to day operations. Self storage space is then used for stock storage, deliveries, fulfillment and other more space intensive tasks. Some people who are unable to afford an office might even use a working from home office and then self storage for their stock so that their home doesn’t become a warehouse, and so the stock is protected from environmental damage, human damage, theft etc.
This kind of combination is a great way to have the space to store stock and other space heavy needs, without having to pay for the square footage for them, all whilst still having a working space that isn’t cluttered and full of items.
Single Office Rental
You can rent an office inside a building that is full of other single offices that are rented by other companies. You get a business address, a private space to work, and a place to meet clients, but without having to pay rent for the whole building. Often, this kind of arrangement means businesses can afford to have an office in a fantastic location, potentially in the middle of a city. The single office scenario is also great if you are a one or two person business as it means you don’t have to worry about accommodating extra staff.
Unfurnished/ Furnished
It is worth considering that furnished and unfurnished office rentals exist, because both have pros and cons. With an empty office you have the chance to design it in the way that you want, and can utilise London self storage in the meantime to store your office belongings. Of course, having an office that is already filled with furniture means it is ready to go, and ultimately, you save on the upheaval of moving things to and from different offices. Of course, you are then responsible for those accessories, and may have to put up with furniture that you don’t really like.
Both have their pros and cons, and considering both in a measured way means you have the best chance of making an informed decision.
Serviced Offices
A serviced office is a completely furnished office that is regularly cleaned, managed, and gives you access to facilities like a break room, break out areas, toilets and maybe even a gym and spa depending on the building. There is usually access to a meeting room, too. Is this option the cheapest? Absolutely not. They can be really expensive. However, if you want all mod cons with no long-term commitment, or if you want a short term office to utilise, it could be a good choice.
Which Office Option Will You Go For?
The choices above are just some of the most common office options available to consider as a business looking for new digs. The best thing to do is research all your options, visit potential premises and then shop around for the best value for money version of your chosen office type. Ultimately, whether you choose affordable self storage, a serviced office, or even virtual office options, by doing your research you’ll make the best choice for your business, accommodating your big ideas and goals, hopefully helping you to achieve great business success moving forward.
