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FAQ
1. How comprehensive is the Instant Offices'
database?
The database is comprehensive throughout the UK, USA
and Australia with almost all the serviced offices listed;
this includes everything from the operators at the top
of the market to the economical options at the bottom.
Coverage in Asia, Africa and mainland Europe is currently
comprehensive in all key commercial cities only.
2. Do you give preferential listings to some
operators?
No, the buildings are listed by availability with the
centres with the most space available listed first.
You can list the results in a different order if you
require.
3. Who pays for the service?
The operators (Landlords) pay Instant Offices a commission
for the introduction of new business. You can ask us
for as much advice as possible, as our service is free.
4. How do I know what's available?
The table shows the total number of workstations in
the building together with the total number of workstations
available today. The number available today is divided
up into several different rooms.
5. How often is it updated?
The availability is updated at least once a week.
6. What are e-mail availability alerts?
If you find a building that is suitable but has no
availability shown we will send you e-mail alerts when
suitable space becomes available. When you've found
your new office and no longer wish to receive any further
information it is easy to unsubscribe.
7. Can you provide guidance on the advantages/disadvantages
of different buildings/locations?
Yes, there are several surveyors and ex Business Centre
Managers at Instant Offices who can provide advice on
the advantages/disadvantages of different areas. To
discuss your requirement please call +44 (0) 20 7376
8080.
IT Issues
1. What is an EI/T1/Lease line?
E1/T1/Lease lines are essentially all the same and
provide broadband Internet access. It is a permanent
connection to your server and provides very fast downloads/uploads
of data from/to the Internet. An increasing number of
Business Centres provide this level of connectivity
however you will generally be charged for using it.
2. Will the Business Centre provide PC's?
Most centres will provide IT equipment if required;
however it is likely to be prohibitively expensive.
3. Do we need to network our PC's?
No, most of the more expensive centres offer a secure
LAN (Local Area Network) to every office through Category
5 cabling. Most centres provide at least one port per
workstation included in the total monthly charge.
4. What is videoconferencing?
Videoconferencing enables you to have a "virtual
meeting" with people in other locations worldwide
through either television or computer.
Costs
1. What does the cost guide mean?
This is the indicative cost per person per month for
a fully equipped office. It includes rent, business
rates, service charges, electricity, heating, furniture,
building's insurance, telephone handset, telephone system
and generally telephone answering, telephone line rental
and meeting room hire.
2. Why are some operators so much more expensive?
The difference in cost is reflective of the location,
standard of offices and level of service. The most expensive
operators are comparable to a four star hotel whereas
the cheapest operators are comparable to a one star
hotel.
3. Are the quoted prices negotiable?
Yes. The prices quoted are always negotiable, however,
in a strong market where there is little space available,
it is more difficult to receive any discounts.
4. What other costs are there?
You will need to pay for your telephone calls and Internet
access together with secretarial services and meeting
rooms as and when you use them.
5. Do I need to provide a large rental deposit?
No. Unlike conventional leases, you will only need
to provide a deposit of between 1 and 2 months rent.
This is the same for any company whether it's a blue
chip or a start-up.
6. Are telephone calls charged at a premium?
Most operators charge "standard" national
carrier rates. The operators have negotiated preferential
rates with other telecommunication carriers but often
do not pass on any savings to their customers. Some
operators charge a premium above national carrier rates.
It is wise to make your own inquiries with each operator.
7.Are they more expensive than a conventional
lease?
It depends on how many people you need to accommodate;
how long you need the office for; and, how quickly you
need to take possession. It is difficult to analyse
the exact cost unless you compare a specific serviced
office with a specific conventional lease. Instant Offices
have developed a model that enables you to make an accurate
comparison. Click here to use the Instant Offices' interactive
cost calculator.
Rating system
No rating - Basic
One star rating - Economical
Two star rating - Standard
Three star rating - Premium
No rating - Basic
The office space offered will be of a very basic standard.
A small number of facilities may be offered; however
the centre may lack a number of features that are standard
within the serviced office industry, such a reception
area, furnishings or cleaning.
One star rating - Economical
This classification denotes budget offices with a limited
range of services and facilities available. Maintenance,
cleanliness, security and comfort should, however, always
be of an acceptable standard. One star rated centres
may have irregular office layouts with an absence of
natural light in some cases. Despite being multi-storey
there may be no lift. Fit out and furniture standards
are of a basic quality.
Two star rating - Standard
At this level, business centres are usually of a size
to support higher staffing levels and offer a greater
quality and range of facilities. Offices, reception
and meeting rooms are better laid out, fitted and furnished
than in one star centres. The level of IT infrastructure
is a standard level and bandwidth to allow the average
client to conduct his/her business satisfactorily.
Three star rating - Premium
Centres of this category match the best quality international
standards of accommodation throughout the reception,
meeting room and office areas. Interior design should
impress with its quality and attention to detail. Furnishings
should be immaculate, services well-supervised, and
exceptional in attention to clients needs. Staff should
demonstrate a high level of service commitment and be
knowledgeable, helpful and well versed in all aspects
of customer care and business process, while combining
efficiency with courtesy. Air quality and air conditioning
are of world class standard. IT infrastructure can complement
even the more hi tech of companies, while the telephone
systems offer the complete range of products.
General
1. Who uses serviced offices?
Serviced offices appeal to most companies from small
start-ups to large multinationals; however, they can
be grouped into the following:
Rapidly growing enterprises
Small Businesses
Foreign companies seeking a UK base
Large organisations that require local representation
or a
short-term office.
2. What are the benefits of serviced offices?
Serviced offices provide the opportunity of taking
immediate possession on flexible terms. Research conducted
by the Chartered Institute of Purchase & Supply
proves that serviced offices provide substantial cost
savings for both small and larger offices over a short
period. For a more detailed analysis of the advantages
and disadvantages click here
3. What facilities/services are included?
Almost everything. Serviced offices enable you to take
an office in a similar way to using a hotel. The following
services are included in the cost: telephone systems,
switchboard & reception services, Internet access,
Cat 5 cabling, secretarial assistance, photocopiers,
office equipment including printing/binding facilities,
meeting rooms, interview rooms, conference facilities,
fully equipped kitchens, cleaning, mail handling, office
furniture.
4. Do they all have meeting rooms?
No. The vast majority of serviced offices do include
meeting rooms, however some of the cheaper centres may
not. If it is important for you to have access to a
meeting room please specify this on the property search
form.
5. Can you use your own furniture?
The majority of centres is already furnished and would
discourage tenants from providing their own furniture.
6. What is business centre branding?
Some business centres offer a discreet environment
disguising the fact that there is more than one company
in the building, whereas other buildings are heavily
branded in the colours of the business centre operator.
An extreme example of Business Centre branding can be
seen in a Regus building.
7. What term must I commit to?
Serviced offices offer flexible space and enable you
to sign a license from one month upwards. Some operators
would prefer you to sign for in excess of three months.
As a general rule the longer you commit for the better
the terms you will be offered.
8. What if I want long-term offices?
Serviced offices are only economical when you need
short-term offices, require a high level of flexibility
or require quick possession. If you can commit for a
term in excess of three years, a conventional lease
may be more suitable. Instant Offices cannot help you,
however if you call one of our team on the number that
appears at the bottom of this site we can give you contact
names of surveyors that specialise in the areas that
you are looking.
9. We may need space to grow within the building,
is this possible?
All the centres have numerous tenants that can give
one month's notice and move out. For a greater chance
of being able to grow within the building you should
choose a larger centre, as it is more likely that another
tenant will vacate allowing you to expand. The size
of the centre is indicated by the total number of workstations
table in the search results.
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Serviced
Offices Guide
