Serviced offices vs managed offices: What to consider when locating your business

Choosing the right office space is crucial for any business, impacting everything from employee productivity to company culture. When it comes to selecting a workspace, two popular options are serviced offices and managed offices. Each type offers unique benefits and challenges, so it’s essential to understand which is best suited to your business needs.

Serviced Offices: Flexibility and Convenience

Serviced offices are turnkey spaces that provide businesses with flexible lease terms and a wide range of amenities. Some of the key aspects to consider when deciding if a serviced office is the right fit for your businesses are:

Flexibility

Serviced offices typically offer both short-term and long-term leases, ranging from a few months to years, making them ideal for businesses that need flexibility. Serviced offices also offer scalability. As your business grows, serviced offices allow you to easily adjust the amount of space you need without the hassle of long-term commitments.

Amenities

One of the most attractive benefits of a serviced office is the all-inclusive packages that often accompany leases in these offices. Often, they include utilities, internet, cleaning services, and reception support in the rental price, simplifying budgeting and reducing overheads. Access to shared facilities such as meeting rooms, lounges, and break-out areas can also encourage networking between teams and other clients.

Location

Serviced offices are often located in prime business districts, providing your company with a professional image and easy access to clients. A central location can also be a useful selling point when attracting top talent for your team. 

Ready to Use

Another one of the main benefits serviced offices provide is the immediate setup. With furniture and infrastructure such as IT already in place, businesses can move in and start working immediately.

Managed Offices: Customisation and Control

Managed offices offer businesses more control over their workspace, allowing for customisation while still providing essential services. Here are the main points to consider: 

Customisation

Managed offices offer businesses personalised space. Businesses have the freedom to design the office layout and branding to fit their specific needs. Managed offices also give you control over the infrastructure. You can choose your own technology and equipment, ensuring that they meet your operational requirements.

Cost Efficiency

While the initial setup cost may be higher, managed offices can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for businesses planning to stay in one location for an extended period.

Lease Terms

Managed offices usually require longer lease agreements and more commitment, which can be beneficial for stability but may not suit rapidly changing businesses. 

Exclusive Use

Unlike serviced offices, managed spaces provide exclusive use of facilities, ensuring privacy and security for your operations.

Which Option Is Right for Your Business?

The choice between serviced and managed offices depends on several factors, including your business size, growth plans, and budget. Serviced offices offer the flexibility and cost control needed for small businesses and startups looking to minimise risk and adapt quickly. Larger or more established businesses might benefit from the control and customisation of managed offices, aligning the space with their long-term strategy and branding. However, centrally located managed offices may be pricier and do not offer the same features and amenities as their serviced counterparts.

Ultimately, the decision between serviced and managed offices should align with your business goals and operational needs. Evaluate your priorities in terms of flexibility, cost, location, and control to find the perfect space that supports your growth and success.

Consider your business’s future trajectory and choose the office solution that best accommodates your current and upcoming needs. Whether you opt for the flexibility of a serviced office or the personalised touch of a managed office, your choice will significantly influence your company's culture and productivity.

venYou is one of Northern Ireland’s leading service office providers, offering grade A spaces from single offices to full floors. If your company is looking to establish itself in an exciting new region, contact venYou today to find out more about our Belfast offices: +44(0)28 9091 8500 or email dlinehan@venyou.co.uk.