Types of office space in the UK

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by: clickthrough
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Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2011 Time: 12:52 PM
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Different types of office space suit different businesses. Smaller businesses tend to use virtual office space. Virtual office space acts simply as a base for a business which they can use for all their correspondence with clients. Smaller businesses may even work from home, whilst bigger businesses would need bigger areas for which their business can operate from. In terms of selecting the right business premises, cost and location are both major factors. London, the hub of UK business, provides the most office space in the country, and these offices vary in price. London office space is great if you can find it in the best areas at the best prices. It is important to know the different types of offices in the UK.

The most common type of office in the UK is commercial office space. This is usually unfurnished offices. These are available on both long and short term contracts. Space can be leased or purchased by the company depending on their incomes. Commercial property in London can be cost effective if you can successfully negotiate rents, keep eyes open for inducements, arrange shorter agreements on leases and jump on any discounts. This is especially true in areas like Mayfair where office space has been offered at lower rents due to the economic downturn. The advantages of getting the best commercial office is that there will be room for company growth, it is better than working from home and by offering short term contracts, businesses can work at their own pace.

Serviced offices come already furnished, which is important as it saves money on furniture costs. This also benefits smaller businesses; as it allows businesses to move in and start working straight away. Websites display offers on furnished leased London office's, especially in areas like Covent Garden that offer a large selection of office buildings.

There is also virtual office space, where a business may save costs by simply using office space as a business correspondence address. They may also save costs by simply having secretaries or someone to answer phones there on business enquiries. There may also be offers based on a pay as you use basis. It certainly gives the illusion of a high status business. Indeed the office may simply be used for meetings, especially in businesses like real estate brokerage firms, whose workers work from home but may use the office space for meetings with clients.

Working from home is also considered office space in the UK. It is seen by some as a better and cheaper option. But arguably, other forms are more professional and less subject to distraction. More so, people who work from home tend to spend longer hours at home in the office and cannot activate a work switch off mode. Also using a home phone number as a contact number means you will be receiving calls at the weekend or out of hours. It would be better to maintain a more professional outlook by either having a virtual or a serviced office, as home offices may give wrong impressions to professional business people.

It is important to identify the correct type of office space for your business. If you live in an area like London, this is certainly a very important consideration that needs to be carefully thought about. Successful negotiation can lower costs and depending on the size of the business, will depend on which type of office space they choose.

About the Author

Shivani Gurtu-Louth - Operations Manager of Devono Property Limited. Devono are the only Covent Garden office space agents to exclusively represent tenants looking for Office Rental London. We can also help you find serviced offices in London. Our aim is to secure the best commercial property at the best price.