Serviced office FAQs
Whether you're a startup, growing business, or fully established, flexible office space solutions can be extremely useful to help temporarily or permanently house your staff.
We have collated some frequently asked questions about flexible office spaces to help you decide whether a serviced office solution is right for your business at this time.1. What is a serviced office?
A serviced office is a fully furnished and equipped workspace that is managed by a professional facilities management company. It provides businesses with all the essential amenities and services they need to operate effectively, including utilities, reception services, and maintenance support.2. Is this the same as a flexible working space?
Essentially yes – a flexible working space refers to a serviced office environment that accommodates various working styles and preferences. These spaces often include hot desks, dedicated desks, private offices, meeting rooms, and communal areas, providing individuals and businesses with the freedom to choose how and where they work. Serviced offices are sometimes also called business centres, co-working spaces and creative workspaces.3. When might a company need a serviced office?
Companies may need a serviced office at a number of key points throughout their life cycle, including (but not limited to):- Starts ups: Low overheads, flexible leases, all-inclusive offerings and networking opportunities mean flexible office space is popular among start ups and SMEs.
- Virtual teams: The physical addresses attached to serviced offices offer an ideal solution for registering and mailing purposes for companies with a high number of remote workers.
- Travelling teams: Businesses with teams spread geographically, or those who need to travel for business may find flexible office solutions provide them with a centralized hub where team members can collaborate, meet clients, and access essential resources.
- Relocating teams: Finding the right permanent office space can take time, and companies considering a relocation often find the need for temporary work space accommodation to bridge the gap between their old lease ending and their new office space being ready – flexible offices can help to fulfil this requirement.
4. What are the advantages of using a serviced office?
Considered a ‘plug in and go’ accommodation solution, serviced offices offer many benefits, including lease flexibility, quick access to high-quality facilities, cost-effectiveness. There are also arguments to say that flexible working spaces promote agility, collaboration, and encourage a dynamic work culture that values work-life balance and employee well-being.Other benefits can be seen here >
5. Is a service office right for my company?
Serviced offices are becoming more popular because of the array of benefits they provide, however they are not right for everyone. Serviced / co-working office space might in fact not be suitable for all businesses, especially those that require a high degree of data security such as private client wealth managers and law firms, or those businesses that wish to fully customise and manage their own office space to satisfy their needs. If you’d like some advice on which office solution is right for your business, please get in touch with one of our experts today.6. What factors should I consider when choosing a serviced office or flexible working space?
When selecting a workspace, it's essential to consider factors such as location, amenities, lease terms, pricing, community atmosphere, and scalability options. Office Freedom can assist you in evaluating these factors and finding a space that aligns with your business goals and preferences.7. Can I customize a serviced office to suit my brand and company culture?
Many serviced offices offer customization options, allowing you to brand your workspace and create a unique environment that reflects your company culture. From branded signage and decor to tailored amenities and services, you can personalize your office space to enhance your brand identity and employee experience.8. How can I find a suitable serviced office or flexible working space?
We’ve partnered with Office Freedom – the world’s largest marketplace for offices – to provide you with a selection of over 15,000 offices worldwide so you can find your perfect work environment. Their simple search tool allows you to search their extensive network of serviced offices and coworking spaces worldwide, and they are available to provide expert advice at every stage of the office search and procurement process.Get in touch
Bridget has over thirty years’ experience in lease advisory and roadside development across the UK, including working closely with agency teams. She carries out out-of-town rent reviews, lease renewals and re gears for a number of clients, including McDonald’s. On the high street, her clients include Specsavers, Virgin Media, Southern Co-op, St Peter’s Hospice and a number of local landlords and tenants. She also specialises in industrial, retail warehouse and office properties.
McDonald’s have been a key client of Bridget’s for over twenty years as she has acted on their behalf in the southwest, South Wales and east and west Midlands, including acquiring a dozen sites. She also acts for Virgin Media in respect of their retail properties across the UK. She has recently acquired two travel services sites at Weston Super Mare and at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol which will accommodate Starbucks drive-through units as well as petrol filling stations, convenience stores and fast food outlets. She also recently acquired sixteen retail warehouse properties in the Midlands for the new owners of Just for Pets. Bridget also has experience in car showroom valuation, and acts for Howards’ Garages and Dick Lovett.
Chris heads the Commercial Agency team from the Leeds office providing services to both landlord and occupier clients throughout Yorkshire and across the North of England. He specialises in the office and industrial sectors providing both acquisition and disposal advice to a range of clients to include national and local institutions as well as private individuals. He also provides advice in relation to Landlord and Tenant issues, including rent reviews and lease renewals.
Ed is Head of Carter Jonas’ London Office Agency Team and advises on the marketing and letting of surplus office space located in the West End, City and Central London office markets. Ed advises landlords and tenants on developing office marketing strategies and carries out competition analysis.
Ed also works with landlords in adding value to office buildings and improving rental returns, as well as representing landlords in lease negotiations.
Working from Bath since 1988, Philip has in-depth knowledge of the Bath market for offices and of the investment market. He has acquired, and disposed of, numerous large and prime properties across the South West, many off-market for clients and particularly within Bath and Bristol.
Serviced office space
If you are looking for a flexible solution, we can help you find the best workspace to suit your needs.