July 21st, 2014
An increasing number of entrepreneurs are making use of cloud services to help them run their business. These can include everything from accounting to payroll and data storage. But is being completely cloud-based possible, or even desirable for a small business – or is there still a lot to be said for having a physical base in business offices for rent?
Cloud Services for Small Businesses
In this era of fast broadband and ever-expanding mobile technology, cloud-based services are increasingly popular. Data storage is perhaps the best-known type of service, via SkyDrive, Google Drive and other operators, but this is just the start. File syncing services such as Dropbox and remotely managed project management systems are also increasingly popular. These applications can make it easy for colleagues to share out work among themselves and see the updates that others have made, without the need to be in the same office space.
Online payments, invoicing and expense management can be handled by the packages available from Sage and others. It is also possible to use cloud software to record the time you spend working, in order to work out accurate billing, and to manage reports and analysis online. Web conferencing is yet another valuable business tool which can help people in far-flung office locations to work together, often combined with communication via Skype.
All these cloud-based applications can help small businesses to grow and succeed. By operating in a virtual environment, it is possible to afford infrastructure, technological capability and security levels which a new business would find it hard to buy in alone. Small operations can not only access servers and specialist software via the cloud, but also expertise, by communicating with IT specialists, data security experts and others. Yet another advantage is that using cloud services keeps your business mobile, because it is not dependent on a particular location or premises.
When Clouds Lead to Storms
Despite all the excitement about cloud services, they can cause problems. Any venture using these facilities will depend heavily on connection and reliability. What happens to your business if there is a service outage, and a remotely-held file or database which is urgently needed disappears for hours or even days? Some experts have also warned that there could be potential dangers to security when sensitive data is held on cloud-based servers, so it is important to check out any application you decide to use thoroughly and always have back-ups.
Another drawback to over-reliance on remote services is the difficulty in contacting support staff. It isn’t always easy to get in touch with IT experts who don’t work in the same shared offices, but may be in another part of the country or even abroad. When your computer or phone isn’t working, you need help near at hand and fast.
There are also some important aspects of business where you need a physical presence to operate effectively and give a professional impression. These include a permanent address for registering your company, a landline and somewhere to receive mail. Not having a landline number can even affect your ability to secure business finance or have a company credit card.
Also, however convenient you find it to use web-based services, they can’t give you somewhere professional to meet people, such as clients. Meetings on the ground are often preferable to discussions over even the best software, and real-life networking can offer a chance to build relationships and swap expertise in a way that isn’t possible online.
A Hybrid Solution
With so many reasons to use cloud services, but many potential problems too, what is the answer? Thankfully, it is possible to have the best of both worlds. If you move into managed offices at a Basepoint centre, you will have all the advantages of a bricks-and-mortar location, together with those of the cloud.
You’ll be based at an easily accessible, prime site, with facilities such as mail services, reception and serviced meeting rooms all on hand, but without the need for any major outlay upfront. Another advantage of moving into serviced office space at Basepoint is that you will be able to take part in a whole range of networking sessions, building valuable relationships with other small businesses operating within your chosen centre.
However, on top of all these advantages, Basepoint’s business offices for rent are also ideal for anybody using web-based technology. They have start of the art high speed internet enabling full access to latest cloud services, with IT support available on-site whenever needed, to solve problems quickly and allow you to concentrate on running your company. Whether you are seeking managed office space in Southampton, High Wycombe, Chatham, Ipswich, or elsewhere in England, we can provide you with the support you need to grow your business.
Business Offices for Rent – Contact Basepoint now to find out about our range of office space and flexible terms.
See what our customers say
“Specialist Computing has been occupying offices in Basepoint Business Centre, Bournemouth for over 5 years. The location has provided a very effective working environment with the provision of a good sized office space and the availability of telephone and broadband services. The centre’s management team are always friendly and helpful and the other businesses within the centre provide a pleasant atmosphere. Our visitors are always impressed with our accommodation and the availability of meeting rooms allows us to support our sales marketing and technical meetings in a professional manner. Security of our working environment, computers and documents are of particular importance to us and Basepoint Business Centre, Bournemouth provides us with the necessary facilities. Flexibility of occupancy is useful. We intend to remain here for some time, so the ability to adjust our accommodation with short-term additional space is a bonus when we undertake new projects.”
Mike Pomeroy, Specialist Computing (Bournemouth)
