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What Is a Serviced Office? Your Complete Guide

27th September 2024 - 10 mins
What is a serviced office? Everything you need to know

Serviced offices have risen in popularity over the past few years as businesses seek new ways to adapt to more flexible ways of working. But what is a serviced office?

A serviced office is a fully equipped rented office environment that is fully managed by an office service provider. Serviced offices are an alternative to the conventional office setup as they offer flexibility with added peace of mind that all your business needs are met. 

What Is a Serviced Office? Understanding The Basics

Also known as an executive office or managed office, a serviced office usually comes with numerous benefits such as a reception desk, internet connectivity, conference facilities, mail handling and manned phone systems. Serviced office spaces are particularly popular among startups or companies entering new markets, as they offer a professional environment without the long-term commitment and high upfront costs associated with traditional office leases.

Definition of a Serviced Office Space

A serviced office space is a fully furnished, managed office environment that is rented out to businesses or individuals on flexible terms. It includes essential amenities and support services, allowing tenants to begin working without the need for long-term commitments or significant upfront investments in office infrastructure.

How Serviced Offices Differ from Traditional Office Spaces

Serviced office spaces represent a paradigm shift in the way businesses approach their workspace needs. Unlike traditional offices that often require substantial upfront investment and long-term commitment, serviced offices offer a turnkey solution that aligns with the dynamic nature of modern business. These fully equipped and managed environments provide companies with the flexibility to scale their operations quickly, minimise overhead costs, and focus on core business activities without the burden of facility management.

Benefits of Choosing a Serviced Office

A serviced office fosters a collaborative ecosystem where businesses can thrive in shared, high-quality work environments. The advantages of business networking are vast – cultivating meaningful relationships in a serviced office environment helps to open new doors and inspire collaboration.

Flexibility and Scalability

A primary benefit of choosing a serviced office is the option to scale up/scale down in the future without committing to a long traditional office lease. This innovative approach to office space reduces the financial risks associated with conventional leasing whilst giving start-ups, freelancers or SMEs a more flexible office solution.  

Cost-Effectiveness and Predictable Expenses

Serviced offices offer a cost-effective business solution by transforming unpredictable overheads into manageable, fixed expenses. Unlike traditional leases where companies face variable costs for utilities, maintenance, and unexpected repairs, serviced offices bundle these expenses into a single, all-inclusive monthly fee. This consolidation of costs allows businesses to forecast their expenses with greater accuracy. The predictability of outgoings enables more precise budgeting and financial planning, which is particularly beneficial for small businesses with tight cash flows. 

Prestigious Address and Professional Image

Whether it’s a historic building in London’s West End or a sleek, modern tower in the heart of the financial district, when you choose a serviced office with a prestigious address, your business card and website will feature an address that commands respect and attention. The prestigious location not only impresses clients and partners but also boosts your team’s morale and productivity. The image of success fostered by an exclusive London address and sophisticated facilities can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships. It positions your business as a serious player in your industry, regardless of your company’s size or stage of growth. 

Time-Saving and Hassle-Free Setup

Enlisting a serviced office as your business premises means you benefit from in-house operational support such as IT support and admin services, leaving you more time to focus on your business. Not only this, but the best serviced office providers also offer onboarding support to help you move in.

Serviced office spaces in premier london locations

How To Find The Best Serviced Offices in London

Here at Argyll, we offer exceptional offices across over 25 iconic London locations to give your business a serviced office space to impress clients and make life easier for you and your work. Our serviced offices grant you the opportunity to elevate your company’s profile without the hefty price tag typically associated with prime real estate. Choose from our collection of effortlessly stylish exclusive London workspaces which boast attentive service and seamless business support as standard. 

Prestigious London Locations

Where you choose to do business speaks volumes about your vision and ambition. Set your business up for success with a serviced office space from Argyll. You’ll gain instant access to some of the most sought-after business addresses in London- from Chelsea to Mayfair, and Holborn to the City.

High-End Furnishings and Decor

At Argyll, we pride ourselves on offering serviced office spaces that exude sophistication and refinement. Our spaces are unbranded, so you can put your brand centre-stage. Our exclusive locations are meticulously appointed with high-end furnishings and decor, creating an ambience of understated elegance that reflects the prestige you’d expect of a prime property address. 

State-of-the-Art Technology and Infrastructure

Keep your business up and running with 24/7 specialist tech support, office relocation services, and security system design. Our tech specialists ensure a seamless transition and that any tech issues are sorted promptly and efficiently. You can access all this support and more when you choose an Argyll serviced office, enabling you to maintain your business operations and keep everything running smoothly.

Exclusive Amenities and Services

Our professionally designed reception areas, managed by courteous and efficient receptionists, ensure that every visitor receives a warm welcome, reinforcing your company’s commitment to quality and professionalism.

Benefits of a serviced office

Who Can Benefit From Argyll’s Serviced Offices?

No matter the size or longevity of your enterprise, we have a scalable office solution to suit.  

Startups and Entrepreneurs

A renowned business address can open doors and lend credibility to fledgling businesses. Our serviced offices provide an ideal environment for startups and entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. Startups can begin with a small space and easily expand as they grow, without the financial burden of long-term leases or office fit-outs. Shared spaces foster connections with other entrepreneurs, potentially leading to collaborations, partnerships and new clients. Our serviced offices also have professional spaces for client meetings or investor pitches that are available on-demand, enhancing credibility without additional overheads.

Established Businesses Expanding to London

Fully equipped serviced offices allow companies to establish a presence in London quickly, without the delays sometimes associated with traditional office setup. As the London operation grows, businesses can easily adjust their office space without relocating or disrupting operations. We ensure all facilities meet local regulations, simplifying the expansion process for foreign companies looking to move to the UK’s capital. Established businesses can achieve a smooth and impressive entry into the London market, combining the benefits of a prestigious address with operational flexibility and reduced risk.

Remote Teams and Satellite Offices

More than ever before the way we do business demands an agile approach. Our serviced offices provide a professional environment for remote teams to meet, collaborate, or work individually as needed, without the long-term commitment of a traditional lease. High-speed internet and top-tier video conferencing facilities are readily available, supporting seamless communication with the main office or other remote team members. 

Argyll's serviced office lounges

The Argyll Difference: Elevating the Serviced Office Experience

Each of our private serviced offices is designed to the highest standards, helping you give the right impression to colleagues, clients and partners. When you choose Argyll, you benefit from a range of other benefits such as access to our sophisticated lounges, gardens and terraces, shower rooms complete with complimentary soaps and towels, and an experienced team who deliver exceptional service, so you can focus on your day.

Attention to Detail and Personalised Service

From the moment you step into one of our prestigious locations, you’ll notice the care taken in every aspect of our service – from the immaculate presentation of our offices to the warm, professional greeting you receive. Our attentive team is always on hand to assist with any query, ensuring a seamless and productive work environment. Our bespoke approach to service not only enhances your daily operations but also leaves a lasting impression on your clients, reinforcing your company’s commitment to excellence.

Networking Opportunities in Exclusive Locations

Our offices are situated in London’s most sought-after districts, attracting a diverse array of high-calibre businesses and entrepreneurs. Our approach to networking goes beyond simply providing shared spaces; we thoughtfully curate a mix of complementary businesses within our locations, facilitating synergies and potential collaborations to benefit our clients. We host networking events to bring our clients together to share insights and forge connections which prove fruitful on many levels. 

Tailored Solutions for Discerning Businesses

We work closely with clients to design office spaces that reflect their brand and optimise workflow. Our agreements can be customised to accommodate your needs, whether a short-term project or long-term expansion plans. We can adapt our state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to meet specific business needs. By offering this level of customisation and attention to detail, we ensure that each discerning business finds not just an office space, but a tailored solution that enhances their operations and aligns with their corporate culture and objectives. 

How to Choose the Right Serviced Office for Your Business

The team at Argyll work hard to ensure that each discerning business finds not just an office space, but a tailored solution to enhance operations and align with corporate objectives. We are on hand to make the onboarding process as simple as possible, so get in touch and let us help you choose the right serviced office space for you. 

Assessing Your Needs and Budget

When choosing the right managed office for your business, first assess your budget so you have a realistic expectation of what is required. Once you have determined the number of people needing workspace (factoring in future growth projections), calculate your maximum monthly budget for office space, factoring in additional costs you will be saving such as parking, concierge services and tech support. 

Questions to Ask When Viewing Serviced Offices

Asking the right questions ensures you’re making an informed decision. Begin by enquiring about the lease terms and monthly costs so you can plan effectively. Check the IT support available and the hours it covers. Explore the building’s security measures and access policies, especially if you or your team require after-hours entry. If you have a four-legged friend who likes to accompany you to work, be sure to check if the workspace is dog-friendly. Ask about booking procedures for meeting rooms and lead time for securing a shared space. By asking these targeted questions, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of what each serviced office truly offers, allowing you to make a decision that best suits your business needs and culture.

Why Argyll Stands Out in the London Market

Through a combination of unique offerings and exceptional service, Argyll’s serviced office spaces stand out from the rest. Many of our prime location offices are in historic, architecturally significant buildings, providing a unique blend of classic elegance and modern amenities. We prioritise discretion and privacy, which is particularly valued by our more high-profile clients.

Getting Started with Argyll: Your Next Steps

We invite you to reach out to our dedicated team to discuss your specific requirements and arrange a tour of our prestigious locations. During this initial consultation, we’ll assess your needs in terms of space, amenities, and budget to identify the perfect solution for your business.  

Booking a Tour of Our Exclusive Serviced Offices

Your next steps toward an iconic London office space are clear, supported, and designed to elevate your business from day one. Book a tour and see for yourself the Argyll difference. 

Customising Your Workspace Package

We’ll work closely with you to customise your serviced office space, ensuring it aligns with your brand and operational requirements. Our IT team will be on hand to set up your technology infrastructure so that you can start working right away. 

Seamless Move-In and Onboarding Process

Whatever you need, Argyll can facilitate your needs to make your new London office suit your requirements.