London Executive Offices (LEO) conducted a UK survey recently with results finding that 64% of SME’s would choose London for their office location. Over half of the entrepreneurs and business executives surveyed over half said they strongly believe a London based office creates a better brand perception.
It might seem old fashioned in an ever-changing digital world but people still look favourably towards a prestigious London address.
Beth Hampson, Commercial Director at LEO, said:
“Start-ups, in particular, can thrive in London’s business eco-system and position as a global city, with unrivalled access to investment, customers, suppliers and skilled staff. Part of the attraction of London is the clustering of businesses in different locations, with demand for premium space to do business in London looking set to remain strong.
How can you use this research to help your small business? Here’s a few points to consider when selecting which office is right for you.
Picking the perfect office space can be a bit of an ordeal. It’s worth bearing in mind a virtual office can be a great alternative too traditional office options and is a cost-effective way of gaining a highly sought-after London address. Most virtual offices provide: London based telephone numbers, answered by professional receptionists under your company name, an address at which all business mail can be directed to and when you need to impress a client meeting rooms, business lounges and hot desking facilities are usually available.
If you think a virtual office could benefit your business, click here to view a range of locations.
First thing you should always be considering when it comes to the space is whether or not there’s enough of it. There’s no point even looking at anywhere where you think it’s going to be a bit of a tight squeeze. Hire an office design company, and get them to work out the nitty-gritty.
Decorating and aesthetics is important too. Will your company be able to properly imprint their brand and style within this space, or will that prove something of an obstacle? An office space should reflect the business within it, for both the clients and employees, it’s important.
You also need to consider the idea that you might expand, if all goes to plan, at some point. Most business models hope for expansion and growth, so you should factor that into your office.
Is it noisy? Is it an echoing space? No one likes to work, and some find it near impossible, in a loud, bombarding space. It’s been shown to literally impair our productivity and work. If the acoustics are off, then that’s going to have an impact on overall functionality. Same goes for road noise.
Right off the bat, you’ve got security, which for lots of people can be a big concern. You want to know that the building you’re working in is completely secured and protected, somewhere you can leave stuff overnight and not have to worry about it.
On top of that, a manned reception can be a real boon. It gives a first line of defence against cold-callers and general pesterers, but the customer service should be warm and professional. No one wants to head into work and be greeted by a surly miserable receptionist.
The building should be well looked after too. You can’t expect your staff to work anywhere that’s anything less than tidy, hygienic and functional. You need to know there’s staff on hand to deal with messes as they occur, and sort out technical issues. Having night-time access can be really useful for business that work down to the wire, and pull the occasional late or all-nighter. Knowing that if needs be, you can stay a little or a lot later at the office is super useful.
You also don’t want to be working right next to any direct competitors. Not only is it more than a little off-putting, but it can damage morale, and bear a real danger of both sides overhearing plans or strategies and even spying.
