Why a serviced office option is ideal for start-up businesses

Starting a new business can be an exciting time, filled with optimism and anticipation about future plans, and high hopes of where it might lead. With this excitement can also come stress and uncertainty, particularly if it is your first entrepreneurial venture. Getting your finances in order, researching your competitors, ensuring your staffing requirements are met - the list goes on for any emerging business owner. High on this list of priorities often sits the question of where to base your business.

In this month’s blog, we’re looking at some of the reasons why you should consider basing your start-up business in a serviced office.

Space for trial and error

For many new business owners, the uncertainty that surrounds starting a new business can make many of the key decisions difficult. As businesses emerge and progress, they are often engaged in a constant process of figuring out their way of doing things. A large part of working out how they do things, is figuring out where they do them. Despite the prevalence of working online, it is still important for many businesses to have a physical presence, and serviced office providers can offer a good source of advice and guidance when deciding on the workspace that is right for you. From virtual to small and large office spaces, many serviced office providers deal with clients of all shapes and sizes, from a range of sectors and with a variety of needs. This level of expertise can be a great source of comfort for new businesses looking to get off the ground.

Additionally, serviced office providers often offer a range of different workspaces, so are best placed to advise on what type of office would work for you. Your team, type of work, and leaderships styles are all factors that can influence whether an open-plan, hot desk, or a more private arrangement is best. Serviced offices offer you the choice of workspace, alongside the expertise.

Similarly, many serviced office providers offer flexible lease agreements which can be hugely beneficial for emerging businesses. Ranging from three months to more long-term options, flexible lease arrangements can take away the pressure associated with more lengthy leases while your business navigates the early stages.

Saves time (and hassle)

Serviced offices offer business owners peace of mind when it comes to the logistics and, what some might consider, mundane aspects of starting a company. Everything from technology and high-speed WiFi to maintenance and bills is covered by your provider, which means you have more time to focus on the day-today tasks and long-term goals of progressing your business. With some providers, including venYou, housekeeping is also included, offering you clean and tidy workspaces without having to outsource a team of cleaners!

Location, location, location

Basing yourself in a thriving business environment can make getting your business’s name out there and building knowledge a lot easier. Serviced offices that are located in business districts and city centres can offer a sense of community, and be a big selling point for your business. Belfast has developed a reputation for being a forward-thinking, business-focused city with a thriving entrepreneurial landscape. Currently, 80% of Belfast’s businesses are considered ‘micro’ businesses, with nine employees or less. If businesses of all sizes are attracted to a particular area, there is a good chance that the relevant supports, custom, and workforce are in place to allow your business to thrive.

Networking opportunities

Serviced office providers offer workspaces for any and all sectors that require offices. Many serviced office providers are also very focused on the social aspects of their properties. This variety of clients and business sectors can be beneficial in building a network of contacts and relationships, which are hugely beneficial to start-up businesses.

Conclusion

Deciding the right office space for you and your business is an important part of any new business plan. Serviced office space can help take your new business to a different level, allowing you the time to focus on the important stuff. Allowing you the time and space to establish yourself in the best workspace for your business, as well as connecting you to a community of other businesses, serviced offices have you covered.

venYou currently offers four distinctive and high-specification buildings, ideally located in Belfast city centre, which provide a range of workspaces and flexible, short to long term contracts for businesses. Since its establishment in 2011, the company has helped start-up and emerging businesses to progress, and to that end, is proud to once again sponsor the ‘Best Start-Up or Emerging Business’ category in this year’s Belfast Telegraph Business Awards.

The 2024 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards have officially launched and are now open for entries. Find out more here: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/tag/business-awards.

If you’re a start-up business looking for your new Belfast base, contact venYou today on +44(0)28 9091 8500 or email dlinehan@venyou.co.uk.