Frequently Asked Questions
A quick reference guide for your frequently asked questions. If you can't find an answer,
call us on 0800 13 13 511 and speak to one of our office space experts for free, helpful advice.
Why do UK Office Space provide a FREE service?
At UK Office Space we charge our Office Providers an introductory fee when we receive enquiries for their offices. This is a pre-agreed fee and does not affect the price you pay. Instead it means that we're able to offer you a completely free service, any time you need us.
What is included in the price of a serviced office?
Fully serviced offices tend to charge per person, per month. The price will include rent, rates and service charges, and you'll often get facilities such as internet access and phone lines too. Most serviced offices are fully furnished and include a shared reception area with reception staff who will answer the telephone in your company's name. You will usually share kitchen and toilet facilities and will be able to hire meeting and board rooms on an adhoc basis. Costs and standards can vary greatly from office to office, but our Office Providers are usually able to tailor office solutions to your needs. If you have specific requirements make sure you tell us so we can help find the best office space for you.
How do I obtain price and availability information for the offices displayed on the website?
We don't advertise office prices and current availability on our UK Office Space website. Why? Because prices constantly fluctuate and availability is continually changing as offices are let and vacated on a regular basis. Rather than advertise inaccurate or out of date information, we prefer to offer a FREE "price and availability collection" service. Please continue with your office search, complete the enquiry forms containing your contact details, and we'll send you a Personal Search Report which includes a guide price and availability for the offices you've chosen. On top of that, one of our experienced consultants will provide you with specific and up to date prices and availability upon request. Don't forget, this is a completely FREE service.
How do I get a general price guide for my business plan?
The easiest way is to submit an enquiry via the website. It would help us if you could let us know (using the comments box) that you are interested in information only at this point. We will then qualify your enquiry and request information from our Office Providers. In a couple of days you will have a pretty good understanding of the projected office costs for your business plan.
What is the difference between a serviced office and a conventional leased office?
There are many differences between conventional and serviced offices. However the main difference is flexibility. Serviced offices give you the opportunity to move-in within a few days of reaching an agreement, and you will not have to sign a long-term binding lease. Therefore if you are unsure of expansion plans or the ideal geographic location for your business, serviced offices could provide an ideal solution.
What are the main differences between a commercial lease and a flexible lease (licence)?
There are many differences, the main differences include:
Serviced or Licenced Offices
- Offer great flexibility. Perfect if you're not sure about your ideal location, or if you have expansion plans on the horizon which mean you may be considering further office moves in the near future.
- Expansion and contraction is often possible within the same building.
- The licence agreement is very brief, so you will be able to complete the simple documentation yourself without the need for a lawyer. As soon as the licence is signed and the deposit paid (usually the first month’s rent) you can move in. Your legal commitment extends to as little as 1 month at a time.
- There is no capital outlay required. All services, facilities, fittings, furniture etc.. are included in the monthly licence fee.
Unserviced or Leased offices
- Finding the right building and arranging a lease can be a lengthy and costly task, but the long-term benefits can make it worth the effort. If signing a conventional lease you will seriously need to consider the space required and the location. The minimum commitment is generally between three and fifteen years.
- Expansion and contraction is unlikely within the same building.
- You will need to employ the services of an agent and lawyer experienced in the field to negotiate the main terms of the lease and draw up the complex documentation.
- The cost and upkeep of refurbishment, fit out, IT cabling, telecoms and furniture will be your responsibility. Capital outlay will also be required at the end of the lease to pay for dilapidations liability.
Are serviced offices cheaper than unserviced offices?
It's very difficult to compare because there are so many differences. Unserviced or leased offices will usually require the tenant to maintain and pay for refurbishment, fit out, IT cabling, telecoms and furniture, so can require a large sum of capital outlay. This is not the case for a serviced office, where all the set-up and ongoing costs are rolled into one monthly fee. The monthly fee can vary from £200 to £1000 per workstation depending on location and facilities.
