7 Benefits Of Managed Office Spaces

Managed office spaces are becoming increasingly popular as a fantastic alternative to traditional office spaces - and for good reason. 

In this article, we take a look at the benefits of a managed office space and who most benefits from them.

First of all, what is a managed office space? 

A managed office space is a fully managed, designed and furnished workspace and the concept was first developed in the 1960s. Managed office spaces are normally provided on a fully fitted out basis with a variety of services supplied to support its occupiers. 

They are available in many different sizes and they are also known as serviced offices or executive offices.

Managed office spaces provide flexible working space, which is highly beneficial to companies, especially in a post-COVID landscape.

Why choose a managed office?

• Ready for business - Everything is ready for you to move into straight away.

• Added flexibility - With flexible monthly lease agreements available.

• No hidden costs - All costs are upfront, and everything is included.

• Efficiency - Facilities like conference rooms at your disposal when you need it.

• Professional staff - Friendly on-site teams to help with the day-to-day tasks such as call answering and taking in mail and packages.

• Ideal for test marketing - Allows you to move into the area without committing to a long term contract.

What are the benefits? 

1. Easy, Low-Cost Set Up

The nature of managed office spaces allow you to essentially turn up and get to work, with very little set up required. As most office spaces are already furnished, you can move in right away.

No need to wait for phone lines or broadband to be installed, it’s all ready to use from day one and included in the package.

2. Flexible Lease Terms 

Conventional leases often require a long term commitment of at least a few years. In contrast, managed offices feature much more flexible lease terms, with many offering space on a month by month basis.

This allows companies to be more flexible when planning an office space, and the time they need it for. 

Crucially, companies have the ability to scale up or scale down their space needs as their business evolves.

3. Cleaning & Maintenance Included

In traditional offices, businesses have to hire separate companies to clean the office every night and provide maintenance of the building.

IT support is not normally included.  Maintenance of the building and the office space such as repairing lightbulbs is however included.

However, business centres that offer managed office space already have an on-site team for both cleaning and maintaining facilities, freeing up both time and money for businesses to purely focus on their operations and development.

4. On-Site Facilities

Organizations that utilise managed office facilities or business centres will be renting only the space that they need for the people that they employ.

Normally when taking a lease for office accommodation, companies will have to include space for tea points, meeting rooms, and break out spaces which they will pay rent, rates and a service charge on.

With a business centre, all of this is included - you just pay for the work space.

5. Trained Administrative Staff 

By taking a managed office space, you gain access to the professional on-site team of the business centre that can help with many tasks to make your life easier.

This can include meeting and greeting visitors for meetings, taking in parcels and mail, and even answering your calls. They also deal with the primary Health and Safety issues associated with running the office space. From organizing water testing, gas safety and lift maintenance, the on-site team undertake a lot of the work that is not normally considered when renting an office building.

6. Benefit From Rates Relief

Business rates are payable to the local council and are normally dealt with in two different ways. The serviced office provider will have all of the individual office suites individually rated by the valuation office, or they have one assessment for the whole centre.

Managed office accommodation like ours is individually rated, which means that if you are an organisation that qualifies for rates relief (small business, charity etc.), you can claim it.  Our customers also benefitted immediately from the government COVID grants.

7. Networking Opportunities

As managed office spaces are usually offered in business centres, this gives you the opportunity to network with the other companies in the building. 

This can be a great way of getting referrals and generating new business, as it’s made possible through managed office spaces.

Who is a managed office best for?

Having been through the benefits, who exactly is a managed office space best suited for?

Managed office spaces are suitable for companies looking for flexibility and is perfect for organisations not looking to be tied into multi-year leases or broadband contacts that can feel like a lifetime.

If you fit into any of the categories below, a managed office space could be ideal for you and your business:

Startups and High-Growth Companies: For businesses that want flexibility to match their growth projections or where an organization is not quite sure whether they will be needing to increase or decrease their headcount as their business needs change.

Project-Based and Remote Teams: For businesses that have teams/individuals who need to work remotely or in a specific location for a project.

Companies Expanding Into New Markets: For businesses that want to expand to new cities/areas without committing to long-term leases.

Transition Space: For businesses who are moving between locations and need quick and immediate access to an office space.

If you’re looking for a managed office space in Cheshire, choose coWorkz Sealand. Our Chester based site offers exclusive office space on a modern business park with extensive on-site parking.

Our site has a range of office suites of varying sizes available to let, with all offices provided on a fully managed basis - but on terms that can be tailor made to suit your exact needs.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact Tracy Backhouse today and arrange a viewing.