Perhaps you have decided to go for it and move into a serviced office. Many businesses, from freelancers and sole trader to large corporations, have taken the decision to get a serviced office contract instead of a conventional lease. Some are still hung up on the myths about serviced offices, but more and more businesses are realising that they are in fact just that – myths. They are recognising all the 21st century benefits that having a serviced office can bring.
But what are the questions you should ask now that you have decided to purchase a serviced office package? Here are five that you might consider…
1. What is the best/most affordable/most useful package I can get?
It is best to be honest and upfront about what you are looking for, what your budget is, what your flexibility is and whether there are any other centres you are interested in. Serviced office providers will want to be competitive and will often have a range of packages for you to choose from. Don’t shy away from talking about money straight away, because serviced office providers know that money is the first priority for any business seeking a serviced office package. If you are open and upfront with the provider, they will do what they can to accommodate you.
2. Are there any hidden costs?
Decent serviced office providers will not hide any costs from you. If the rent appears to be too good to be true, then scrupulously check your contract, otherwise you might find that extra, hidden costs are piled on top of your normal fees. Things that are too good to be true often are, and devious serviced office providers add monthly charges for all kinds of things, from internet use and office branding to using the kitchen facilities. Always make sure you know exactly what’s included and what isn’t.
You will find that some serviced office providers, such as Send Business Centre, will offer all-inclusive packages, with internet, phones, utilities, cleaning, car parking and much more all included in the fee. They will also make clear from the outset what items are included in each package.
3. What are the terms and conditions?
Always make sure you understand your contract before you sign anything. This is imperative. Check that you know where you can park, when you are allowed to access your office and as stated above, what is and is not included in your package. Send Business Centre happens to allow 24-hour access to all its serviced offices, there is parking for 200 cars and plans afoot for an extension, and the office space available is all-inclusive. However, these and many other details vary greatly from centre to centre and will have a significant impact on your decision.
4. What else have you got?
You’re probably looking for a serviced office provider that offers more than simply square feet. Ideally you want a company that offers meeting rooms, workshop space, storage space or a warehouse to let. You also want a company that has alternative spaces should you decide to expand. For example, Send Business Centre and Tannery Studios offer Surrey office space, studio space, fully-equipped meeting rooms, warehousing, large workshops and secure self-storage containers in the Woking and Guildford area.
5. What’s so good about the area?
Location is important, and businesses choosing to move into a serviced office are often doing so because they want an office in a particular location. Ask the centre for information about the local business community, how good their transport links are, whether they are on social media, what their connections and affiliations are, and try to ascertain their status in the area. People making enquiries of Send Business Centre will learn that the centre enjoys a prime spot on the River Way Navigation Canal amid beautiful Surrey countryside, with easy access to the M25 and close proximity to Guildford and Woking. The centre is on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ and runs a blog (which of course you know, since you’re reading it right now).
So there you have it. Here are some of the questions you should ask when looking for a serviced office. While I have endeavoured to answer some of them in respect of Send Business Centre and Tannery Studios, feel free to give them a call on 01483 225617 if you want to know more.
