…and why the Fully Fitted Office is Such a Massive Draw
There is no denying that the popularity of the serviced office London wide has amplified considerably of late. And it is no wonder. Almost like a home from home, fully fitted offices offer much in the way of talent-retaining features, always good news for employers. And for the business owner, an office that comes ready to move into, configured to individual needs, and with a host of services packaged in, has to be the convenient option.
Here we take a closer look at why fully fitted offices in London are in such high demand, and also reveal five of the best serviced offices London has to offer.
What are the advantages of fully fitted offices?
Generally set within a well-located, unbranded building, the fully fitted, serviced model provides businesses with access to ready-to-roll office space, without the often drawn-out and costly process of lease negotiations.
The main redeeming feature of a fully fitted office is the fact that most or all of the associated costs are packaged into a single, convenient monthly fee. This allows for better budgeting, and improved cashflow certainty. Also, with much of the more substantial initial outlay covered, such as furniture, there is the added benefit of lowered set-up costs.
When renting fully fitted offices, London businesses get to hand over all the day-to-day hassle of dealing with maintenance and utility providers. Such time savings offer a massive benefit and much welcomed boost to productivity.
Another advantage to the serviced office is that many are offered on a flexible lease basis, some as short as three months. This way occupiers aren’t tied in long term when this would not be convenient for them.
In comparison to the longer traditional lease, which can often stretch out for many years, this provides a greater degree of flexibility, and instantly makes renting office space in a prime location so much more accessible for the start-up or smaller business, or those which have recently had to vary the way they operate due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Finally, serviced offices are usually housed within comprehensively refurbished, iconic buildings packed with modern features that make for amazing places to work. For the organisation seeking a prestigious location without the price tag, or the risk of a traditionally leased office, the serviced model really does make an astute choice.
What is included in the price of a serviced office?
When leasing a serviced office, London businesses will typically pay a convenient monthly fee. This is usually inclusive of:
- Rental of office space
- Basic office furniture
- Cleaning services
- Office and building maintenance
- Parking
- Utility bills (heating, water, electricity, telephone, internet)
- Buildings insurance
Some monthly fees for serviced offices in London may also include administrative support, reception services and personalised call handling. Sometimes such services will be offered as an add-on for an agreed additional fee.
It is important to bear in mind that fair use policies often apply to utility bills, with certain services capped to a set limit.
Parking may not always be included, especially where spaces come at a premium, such as with serviced offices in central London.
Many businesses considering renting a serviced office in London ask whether business rates are included in the monthly fee. More often than not they won’t be, but do check, because you may find some might include them in the package.
What features does a serviced office include?
When it comes to the features of a serviced office, London businesses will often find that these will vary from one building to another.
It is important to set down a list of your key priorities concerning office amenities, the things you absolutely must have, followed by nice-to-haves and then ideal scenario wish-list features.
The following list of typical serviced office features is a good starting point:
- Meeting rooms
- Lounge or breakout zones
- Natural light
- Private outside space
- High speed internet
- Telephone system and calls
- Video conferencing
- Air conditioning
- Fresh air ventilation
- Kitchen or tea point facilities
- Administrative support
- Manned reception
- Security
- 24/7 access
- Cleaning
- Showers
- Lockers
- Bicycle hire
- Bicycle storage
- Car parking
- Onsite gym
- Onsite restaurant
Where are the best places to find fully fitted offices in London?
Nowadays, the serviced office industry is growing at double digit rates UK-wide, with London having the highest number of serviced office operators, most zoned around the West End, the City of London, Southbank and the E1 postcode area.
In reality, there are high quality, feature-rich serviced offices to be found all over London. Let’s take a look at five of the best.
5 of the Best Serviced Offices in London
1. 78 Pall Mall, London SW1
This beautiful unbranded Grade II listed building incorporating 44 fully furnished serviced offices offers exceptional views, together with high quality office accommodation set out over five floors. A reception area, customer lounge and meeting room facilities complement the office space, and businesses opting to take a lease here can benefit from personalised call answering, mail handling and administrative support.
Facilities: Air conditioning, professional cleaning, fully-fitted kitchens, shower room with complimentary toiletries and linen, four meeting rooms, high speed internet, video conferencing.
Transport: Green Park, Charing Cross, Piccadilly
More information on 78 Pall Mall, London SW1
2. 28 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London W1
A welcoming building situated in the heart of one of Mayfair’s most esteemed streets, offering 14 fully furnished, serviced offices. The building provides compact yet immaculate accommodation, together with a stylish meeting room suitable for up to eight guests.
Facilities: High speed internet, telephone system, administrative support, 24/7 access, kitchen facilities with complimentary tea and coffee.
Transport: Green Park, Bond Street, Oxford Circus
More information on 28 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London W1
3. 23 King Street, St James’s, London SW1
A striking new office development nestled in the heart of the ever-popular St James’s, this property is surrounded by some of London’s most prestigious hotels and retail facilities. In the shadow of St James’s Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, the fully fitted serviced offices provide premium Grade A accommodation set out over the first, second and third floors.
Facilities: High speed internet, telephone system, tea points, administrative support, secure underground parking, 24/7 access, air conditioning, meeting rooms, video conferencing.
Transport: Charing Cross, Embankment, Westminster, Green Park, Piccadilly
More information on 23 King Street, St James’s, London SW1
4. 84 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1
This prominent, unbranded Grade II listed building houses 35 fully furnished serviced office suites over six floors, all benefiting from natural daylight. A dedicated reception, personalised call answering, mail handling and business support services compliment the high quality accommodation.
Facilities: High speed internet, telephone system, two meeting rooms, club lounge, video conferencing, professional cleaning, administrative support, 24/7 access, air conditioning, tea points, shower room with complimentary toiletries and linen.
Transport: Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Green Park
More information on 84 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1
5. 16 Old Queen Street, Victoria, London SW1
A particularly striking 17th century property in the heart of Westminster, offering a prestigious address just minutes from Buckingham Palace. Choose from 29 fully furnished serviced offices, accessed via a contemporary reception. Two meeting rooms, a customer lounge and in-house administrative support compliment the impressive accommodation.
Facilities: High speed internet, telephone system, two meeting rooms, customer lounge, video conferencing, administrative support, shower room with complimentary toiletries and linen, fully fitted kitchens.
Transport: St James’s Park, Westminster
More information on Old Queen Street, Victoria, London SW1
For the perfect serviced office in London, talk to Mellersh & Harding, the London property specialists
If you are looking for serviced, fully fitted offices, London property specialists Mellersh & Harding are at your service, poised to introduce you to an impressive portfolio. Why not contact us today to discuss your individual London serviced office requirements? You can reach our dedicated team on 020 7522 8500.
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