Things To Consider When Looking For Office Space

Choosing a new office space can be challenging, whether it is your first office or part of an expansion. One way to make that decision easier is to opt for flexible office space, such as Regal Court, thereby avoiding the risk of a lengthy lease or contract that ties you to the wrong office.

But to make your choice even easier, here are the key factors you should consider when searching for an office space that is right for you.

Location, Location, Location

The estate agent’s mantra, and it is just as true for an office as it is for a home. The fact is that the best office in the world is no good if it is not convenient for your staff or customers.

Look for locations that are convenient and well-connected. Regal Court is located on Slough High Street and is just minutes from public transport hubs, with central London and Heathrow being less than 20 minutes away. We have parking spaces for 100 cars, and we even have EV charging points.

Think About Appearances

Appearances do matter. Factors like the external appearance, quality of reception and communal areas, and office spaces will impact customer perceptions and staff productivity.

If you spot something is wrong, so will anyone visiting your office. Check for things like external maintenance, cleanliness inside, and the quality of furnishings. And do not forget that it is not just physical appearances that matter; pay attention to the welcome you receive from the reception and others in the building as well.

Consider Your Business Needs

Your business requirements might be at the forefront of your mind, but an office is more than just desks and chairs. Your office must have all the features and areas that support the people working in it.

Factors like the nature of your business and your company culture will all affect the style and layout of the office you need. If you are growing, you may also need to allow additional space. Furthermore, you should also consider the need for a rest area and kitchen facilities for staff, as well as external options, such as nearby shops, cafés, and bars.

What Is Included In The Rent

The additional amenities that come with the office are important. Utilities such as electricity, water, and the internet are essential. You will need an office that has everything you need connected, or you will need to arrange for those connections yourself.

Your IT team, if you have one, will be able to advise on specifications. However, since most devices are relatively low-power, your main determining factor is likely to be your internet access. Exactly what you need will depend on your business, but make a point of checking on the speed and quality of any connection on offer.

Look For Any Hidden Costs

Your budget is likely to be a major determinant in choosing an office. However, a small budget doesn’t have to limit you; many options can help keep costs low while maintaining standards, such as co-working spaces.

When comparing different providers, ensure you compare apples with apples! Does the provider offer a cost per desk or a cost per square foot? There is a difference — the former means if you scale up, the price increases pro rata (for example, a 50% increase if you go from two to three desks), while the latter means you know you can add an extra desk (if the space allows) at no extra cost without having to move to a bigger office.

You also need to calculate your total costs. Although office rent is often advertised at a low rate, these typically provide nothing more than the shell, meaning you also have to budget for utilities, furniture, and maintenance. Looking at managed and serviced office spaces will often work out cheaper, as they provide a single fixed fee and save you the additional resources required for premises management.

Choose The Type Of Office You Want

The way we work has changed. Offices have evolved from single-occupancy rooms to open-plan spaces, then to hot-desk environments. Where once people may have spent their entire working life in a single office, today they may never work at the same desk on two consecutive days.

Consider what options might work best for your business model. Traditional offices might be familiar, but you can find that you are paying for desks which are frequently empty because people are working from home. Using co-working spaces for hot-desking or creating flexible workspaces might be a better option.

Understand Your Legal Obligations

Whatever type of office you take, you will be committing to a contract. Review your lease agreement carefully, as it typically ties you to the premises for at least a year. Sometimes, the small print even hides nasty surprises, such as auto-renewals and strict notice conditions. Make sure you diarise your obligations to avoid being caught out. It’s not unheard of for businesses to miss an auto-renewal and find rent doubling, and that they’re trapped in a new twelve-month contract.

More modern options, such as serviced offices or co-working spaces, offer flexible approaches, allowing you to have dedicated desks, private breakout areas or a meeting room when needed. At Regal Court, we offer short notice periods and transparent contracts, providing a professional workspace with the peace of mind that you won’t be tied to premises as your needs change.

Think About Culture and Contacts

Company culture is important, and businesses work hard to develop and maintain it. Whether it is through promoting their vision or booking team-building events and days. However, while culture may seem a long way from a topic as mundane as office rental, where you work does make a difference.

Choosing a location surrounded by other businesses can add vibrancy and energy to your business. In serviced buildings like Regal Court, spaces and events are designed to encourage businesses to get to know one another. It is not just about meeting people, though; it can also be a fantastic way to make new contacts, generate more business, and even start new projects.

Check Out Regal Court For Your New Serviced Office

Regal Court is a fully refurbished office and co-working space. From a desk for a few hours to long-term managed offices, we can provide the space you need, when you need it, and work with you to adapt as you grow.

In addition to operating from Regal Court, we have partner workspaces throughout the area, so whether your business is local or global, and regardless of the type of space you are looking for, we can help. Call us today to book a tour, and you could be working in your ideal office space at a prestigious high street address soon.