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We're taking a look at some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding flexible office space from how much office space to take, to whether the office is dog friendly. Some of the answers will vary from provider to provider, but they're important questions to ask when you begin your search. If you’re unsure on any terms in this document then visit our Flexible Office Space Glossary here.
Each space varies depending on the provider, however you can generally expect to have access to: Kitchenettes, break-out spaces, bathrooms, quiet rooms, meeting rooms, telephone booths, lockers, showers and in some cases even screening rooms, gyms, recording studios and rooftop terraces.
This can depend on the provider, but options usually start with a monthly rolling contract that can be terminated at 1 months’ notice. Most private offices are available on a 12 month contract, sometimes with an option to break the contract at 6 months. Increasingly providers are offering 24 and 36 month contracts for businesses seeking a longer term solution.
Generally the providers will include: Rent, business rates, service charge, utilities, furniture, maintenance, 24/7 access & security, daily cleaning and kitchen & breakout areas. In some instances an allocation of meeting room usage will also be included.
In most cases – yes. If you have opted into a private office then most providers are very accommodating to you adding your own branding and styling all the better for helping build company culture.
Providers understand how important the internet is to their customers so invest heavily in their IT infrastructure. They will generally have a main fibre line into the building with at least one other back-up line.
Most of the time the providers will provide phone lines within their buildings and this generally comes at an additional cost of circa £30.00 per unit and the rental of the physical phone will also be at an additional cost, although there can also be an option to bring your own phone handset with you.
Yes. Whilst most providers will supply furniture they can remove it if you’d prefer to install your own. Many of our clients like to bring their own Sofa!
Many providers now offer an ‘Enterprise’ or ‘Managed’ option for larger requirements (typically 30 people and up), which essentially offers a fitted space with your own front door and the opportunity of making your own customisations. Everything is rolled into one monthly cost for ease and the space can be leased from 12 months to 5 years.
The alternative is taking a conventional office space. For more information on the different types of space click here.
This depends on the provider to which you decide to take your new space with however if you have a private office most will allow you to put up anything from your own branding to complete reconfiguration and even portioned walls should you decide to build your own internal meeting rooms & private offices.
Whilst the average commitment term is 12 months, most providers can offer greater flexibility via either a 1, 3 or 6 month term.
Serviced offices like to make it easy for you so they market the space on a desk basis, so 5 workstations available for 5 people at a combined monthly price. You can of course take the space for 5 people and only use 3 or 4 desks, but the overall price will remain the same. Read our space calculator guide for more information on how to work out exactly what you need
This varies from provider to provider and from building to building. On average, it is about 1 person to 50 sq ft (1:50), however it can go as low as 1:30 in some more efficient spaces and as high as you like if you want a more generous space.
The majority of providers allow for 24/7 access for members, with the reception desk being typically staffed between 9am and 6pm. However it is worth asking up front when you are viewing the space to establish if 24/7 access is available, as not all buildings are able to cater for this.
Many providers are pet friendly (select ‘pet friendly’ on our search filter) however a large proportion do not allow for pets. They will clearly state in the marketing material and contract whether pets are allowed. If it is an unusual pet then it is definitely worth highlighting in advance of any search of discussions to establish whether it will be permitted in the office.
Very few providers have a live external database of the companies currently in the building. However many have a board showcasing logos or names in reception so it is worth looking out for or asking when you’re viewing the space. If you want to locate next to a specific company or with a cluster of companies in a specific sector then there are a number of sector specific providers that can accommodate, subject to which sector it is.
Looking for a new office or want to list your office space for rent? Our team of experts are on hand to help.
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