Introduction
Finding the right serviced office for your business is an important step in establishing a professional working environment. Serviced offices provide flexible workspace solutions, but selecting the right location, size and facilities will ensure the office supports your current operations while allowing room for future growth.
This guide explains how to search effectively for serviced office space and the key factors to consider before making a decision.
Finding the Right Serviced Office for Your Business
When searching for serviced office space, it is important to focus on your immediate business requirements rather than committing to more space than you currently need. One of the advantages of serviced offices is their flexibility, allowing businesses to scale their workspace as teams expand or contract.
Serviced office space can typically be found through:
- Commercial property websites such as MOVEHUT
- Specialist serviced office brokers or agents
- Flexible workspace providers directly
- Business centre operators with multiple locations
Businesses can conduct their own search online or appoint a commercial property broker to assist in identifying suitable office options.
1. Determining your workspace requirements
Before selecting a serviced office, it is helpful to evaluate the amount of space your business requires.
Typical planning guidelines suggest approximately:
100 to 125 square feet per employee
However, the required space will depend on:
- The nature of your work
- Equipment requirements
- Meeting room usage
- Storage needs
- Collaborative work areas
Flexible office environments may also allow businesses to supplement private offices with shared meeting rooms and breakout areas, reducing the need for additional space.
2. Facilities and services to consider
Serviced office centres vary significantly in the range and quality of facilities they provide. When evaluating different options, you should consider whether the building offers services that meet your operational requirements.
Key facilities to assess include:
- Meeting rooms and conference facilities
- High-speed internet connectivity
- Reception and administrative support
- Kitchen and communal areas
- Parking availability for staff and visitors
- IT infrastructure and technical support
- Security systems and building access controls
Ensuring these facilities are available will help ensure your workspace functions efficiently from day one.
3. Location and accessibility
The location of your serviced office can influence many aspects of your business operations, including:
- Client accessibility
- Staff commuting times
- Public transport connections
- Nearby amenities such as restaurants and shops
- Parking availability
Some businesses may prioritise prestigious business districts to strengthen their corporate image, while others may prefer more cost-effective suburban locations.
Choosing the right location should balance brand positioning, accessibility and affordability.
4. Image and professional environment
The impression your office environment creates can influence how your business is perceived by clients, suppliers and potential employees.
Some serviced office centres are highly branded flexible workspace environments with visible shared office branding, while others offer a more discreet corporate appearance that does not emphasise the flexible nature of the workspace.
Depending on your industry and brand positioning, you may prefer:
- Prestigious business centre environments
- Discreet professional offices
- Collaborative coworking spaces
Viewing the workspace in person can help determine whether the environment matches your company’s image.
5. Comparing Serviced Office Providers
Different operators may offer varying service levels and pricing structures. When comparing providers, it is important to consider:
- Licence agreement flexibility
- Included services and facilities
- Monthly rental costs and additional fees
- Availability of meeting rooms and shared space
- Quality of the building and management
- Reputation of the operator
Conducting multiple viewings and comparing several options will help you identify the best fit for your business.
6. Professional advice when renting serviced office space
Although serviced offices generally involve simpler licence agreements than traditional commercial leases, professional advice may still be useful.
Solicitors or commercial advisers can help you:
- Review licence agreements
- Confirm flexibility of terms
- Understand termination clauses
- Identify potential hidden costs
Obtaining advice before signing any agreement ensures the workspace arrangement aligns with your business requirements.
Summary
Finding a suitable serviced office involves assessing your business needs, workspace requirements and the facilities available within different office centres. Serviced offices offer flexibility and convenience, but careful consideration of factors such as location, space planning, services and professional image will help ensure the workspace supports your business effectively.
By researching available options, viewing multiple locations and understanding the licence terms offered by providers, businesses can secure serviced office space that provides both flexibility and a professional environment for growth.
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