May 1st, 2014
Managed office space hired on flexible terms is usually thought of as being primarily a solution for start-up businesses, who want to keep down overheads. But many of the features which make serviced offices work for startups can also be highly beneficial for more established businesses too.
Managed Offices for Startups
A whole number of features mean that Basepoint’s fully serviced offices and workshop units are ideal for startups. One advantage of taking on a let at our business centres is the flexible rental set-up, which mean you can take on workspace on either a short-term or longer-term basis, and it is also possible to move to a larger unit within the centre as your business expands.
Choosing managed offices also keeps overheads low, enabling savings in many areas. You will be able to share facilities such as receptionists, IT support, building managers, as well as maintenance and cleaning of communal areas. High quality communications and internet access will be available at affordable rates, which you would probably not be able to negotiate as a small business operating alone.
A variety of on-site facilities, such as free parking, cafe, breakout areas and reception, also give added value for both staff and clients. This type of facility helps a new small business to present a professional image, as does access to meeting rooms, something which is essential when organising important client briefings. Startups are also likely to find it especially beneficial to have access to a wider business community, with the networking opportunities this brings.
Serviced Offices for Established Businesses
Where do Basepoint’s startups go when they stop being startups? The answer is that many of them stay! But they are likely to move to larger units, or even acquire new units in other centres around the country to create a wider geographical presence.
While ideal for startups, many key features of managed office space can also work for larger businesses which are already established. Many businesses operated by single people, or two-person teams, need professional customer-facing offices. This includes therapists, accountants and consultants, many of whom find that having day-to-day office concerns taken care of, such as IT and mail, still works for them 10 years later. Well-located business centres with free parking are also likely to prove convenient for their customers.
Another type of business which could find serviced offices ideal for its needs is a company with a small office team, but an expanding team of sales people out and about. This type of venture may not need to accommodate all its sales people in one office, but it will still need enough space for client meetings and team briefings. The answer is to have the head office located in a Basepoint centre and then hire meeting rooms at other centres as and when they are needed.
Small high-technology or design businesses are also likely to find fully serviced offices ideal in both the short and longer term. This type of company doesn’t usually need a lot of workspace, but it does require reliable internet connections, phones and IT support, which a business centre can provide.
You Don’t Have to be a Startup to Join Us
Alongside all the new businesses operating from Basepoint, companies which are already established can find a base there too. Depending on the centre, units can accommodate up to 100 people in an open plan setting.
Moving to managed office space can help already established businesses to achieve a more modern and professional image, and often means they are able to move to a more desirable location. If a business has been operating from someone’s front room, it is obviously a huge improvement to have professional premises. This is also the case if you have previously been in an area which is difficult for customers to reach, perhaps in a city centre location where there is little parking.
The monthly rental can often be outweighed by savings on current outgoings, as a result of all the support services which will now be provided for you rather than you having to seek them out yourself. This includes areas such as security, with a secure door entry system provided and CCTV and alarm systems. Refuse collection, gas safety and all kinds of health and safety compliance, which would otherwise be your concern, can be dealt with centrally.
Taking away office management from your workload can help to improve your focus on your core business. This will mean that you have a lot more time available to spend on the activities which make money and serve your customers.
Whether you are looking for a new base for your established business, or somewhere to start up a new business, Basepoint offers a great choice of purpose-built managed office space and workshops. You can choose from 30 locations around the UK, including Bournemouth, Swindon, Exeter and Luton. The centres offer a whole range of support services, while our rolling contracts mean that you are not tied in for long periods.
See what our customers say
“As a result of changes to our UK operation in 2007, the need arose to move from our warehouse facility in Horndean. Basepoint Waterlooville provided the ideal solution for our workshop and office requirements. Their easy-in, easy-out terms allowed us to be moved in and fully operating in a timely manner and were a refreshing change from our previously experienced, commercial lease-related problems. The management team at Basepoint Waterlooville were very helpful and courteous and still are today!”
Will Davis, GCI Technologies (Waterlooville)
