Flexible Office Space – Is It The Answer To Your Business Needs?

Studies conducted by the Business Centre Association, have shown that an increasing number of small and large businesses are opting to enter into flexible office space agreements rather than conventional leases, recognising the significant cost savings that serviced accommodation can bring. Flexible office space offers ‘easy in, easy out’ terms and can be the solution for companies experiencing periods of economic uncertainty or expansion.

Karen Pugh, facilities manager at Enterprise North East Trust, the largest provider of serviced accommodation in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire areas, explains that the increase in flexible work space is in response to the requirements of growing businesses in the area, "In order to encourage more new businesses to start up in the north east, and to deliver the needs of the growing businesses here, it is vital that there is available access to first class business premises. For small businesses it is very important that they are to be able to budget and predict cashflow. With a conventional lease there can be variations in spending from month to month to cover water, electricity and insurance. Whereas, with business centre space, there is a fixed all-inclusive monthly fee with no hidden surprises or variations in spending from month to month, giving new start businesses the ability to project their cashflow accurately. Business centres also offer more flexibility for new business start-ups with lease terms from one month to several years. There is also the additional benefit of being able to vary the length of the lease without incurring any financial penalties. This approach can help new businesses to start up and growing businesses to expand."

"Very often, small companies start with one person and they may not feel the need to rent a large office just for themselves. Using a fully serviced business centre allows owner managed companies to take a small amount of space initially, and as the company becomes more established and takes on more staff, they can expand within the same business centre with minimal disruption to the working environment."

Larger and more established firms are also recognising the benefits that serviced accommodation can bring according to Karen, "Serviced office space can be ideal for creating a temporary project base for larger companies, as the space is fully serviced companies can be moved in and set up within a short time, with complete access to broadband, reception services, office support, conference and meeting room space. Also, companies that have taken up contracts outwith their local area can set up in a new area by taking up serviced office space, saving the need to divert resources to the location, occupation and management of the premises. But with project based working the most important factor is flexibility, it is often the case that companies are uncertain of just how long the contract will last, business centre accommodation gives businesses greater flexibility and allows them to make short term decisions."

One of the key benefits of a serviced business centre run by Enterprise, is the support services that being co located with business adviser brings. But Business Centres don’t just offer office and workshop space, they also provide access to wide range of services including mail box services, professional call answering, conference meeting room hire (billed at an hourly rate) and a complete virtual package.