Serviced office spaces also include other facilities such as on-site security and cleaning, in-house IT and communications departments and general management facilities. Instead of having to organise all of these separately, choosing a serviced office space means that all of the features offered by the building management company are included in the monthly rent.

This can be of particular benefit to start-up companies by giving them a set amount each month to budget to. Rather than trying to add up a series of random costs, a single figure covers all the eventualities and utility charges, allowing a business to ‘live within their means’ without any loss of provisional services. This makes bookkeeping and accounting much easier. In a standard, unserviced office costs can quickly mount, taking the company over budget. It may be something as simple as the cost of installing additional telephone sockets or lighting – items that in a serviced office are often included in the single monthly fee.

Security issues are also a consideration. In unserviced buildings, each individual business usually pays towards the security costs of the building, and if the building management decides to upgrade the security system, the additional costs can cripple small businesses. In a serviced office arrangement, the fees are included into the final monthly total, which stays at a set amount for an agreed period of time. This gives businesses the reassurance that their security is being maintained without having to add additional costs into their budget.

One of the most important benefits of a serviced office space is the flexibility it provides, enabling businesses to upgrade or expand quickly without having to eat into company funds to cover the additional costs of expansion. Many serviced offices also offer short-term leases and flexible break options, meaning that if your business is forced to relocate for whatever reason, then a temporary base can be set up in a serviced office space whilst you look at a more leisurely pace for your final business address. This means that the business can continue to operate without interruption, ensuring that you do not lose your place in the market.

Serviced office space offers a comprehensive solution to most business location situations, particularly for start-ups, small businesses looking to expand without too much additional cost and for businesses in transit between locations. With the current economic climate, there are plenty of serviced offices available at bargain prices, and management companies are often open to negotiation.