To find an office space for your business, it's important to consider a few things first. There are multiple ways to locate an office, but you need to ask yourself some questions before committing to a lease. Our guide offers top tips to help you find an office that meets your professional needs and makes life easier for your team, whether you're a growing organization or a small enterprise.

Finding an office space: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Consider the size of your company
2.  Determine the location of the talent
3. Make sure public transit is accessible
4. Establish the type of office that your company needs
5. Confirm that you have all the amenities required
6. Examine the facilities in the area
7. Ensure that the workplace you select supports your brand image
8. Schedule a tour
9. What happens next?

1. Consider the size of your company

• When selecting an office for your business, the size of your company is a key factor to consider.
• However, it's not always a straightforward decision based solely on the current number of employees. 
• If your business is expected to grow in the near future, it's advisable to account for this when choosing your office space. 
• You could opt for a slightly larger space or consider a flexible office that allows you to upsize or downsize as needed.
• On the other hand, if your company has adopted more flexible work arrangements, a smaller space with shared workspaces may be more cost-effective.

2. Determine the location of the talent

• One effective way to improve your business's reputation and brand image is to strategically position your offices near other like-minded businesses. By doing so, you can benefit from the shared reputation of the businesses in the area and potentially attract customers who are already interested in the products or services you offer.
• For example, if you operate a law firm, locating your offices in the same area as other prominent law firms, such as those situated in Old Bailey, London, can provide your firm with a level of prestige and recognition that might be difficult to achieve on your own. By being located in close proximity to these respected firms, your business can benefit from the shared reputation and perception of the area, potentially attracting clients who are seeking high-quality legal services.
• In addition to the potential customer benefits, there are other advantages to being situated near like-minded businesses. You may have the opportunity to collaborate on joint marketing initiatives or share resources, leading to potential cost savings and new business opportunities. Additionally, being located near other businesses in your industry can provide you with valuable networking opportunities and the chance to build relationships with other professionals in your field.
• Overall, strategically locating your business near other like-minded businesses can have numerous benefits for your brand image, reputation, and potential customer base. By becoming part of an established community of businesses in your industry, you can potentially increase your visibility and build a more recognizable brand.

3. Make sure public transit is accessible

It is important to take into account the accessibility of office space in addition to its affordability. Consider the availability of public transport links, motorways, and airports, as well as parking options if necessary. Convenient transportation options can reduce commute time and stress, promoting a healthy work-life balance. For global businesses with frequent business trips or international visitors, a nearby airport is also crucial, but proximity to the airport is more important than having planes flying overhead.

4. Establish the type of office that your company needs

• In today's world, the availability of different office options has increased. 
• Although traditional offices still hold value, it is recommended to explore other alternatives to identify an office arrangement that best suits your needs. Two such options are serviced offices and virtual offices. 
• Serviced offices provide an all-in-one space solution with private office space, furniture, IT infrastructure, and communal facilities, such as meeting rooms, parking, and WiFi, and offer flexible lease agreements. 
• Virtual offices offer remote businesses a reputable business address, phone and mail handling services, and discounts on meeting rooms. Additionally, virtual office providers like Orega allow easy upgrading to a physical office when required.

5. Confirm that you have all the amenities required

To ensure your business runs smoothly, you'll need to consider the range of facilities required for each office, which goes beyond just desks and chairs. Therefore, we have put together a checklist of essential facilities, including soundproofing, collaboration spaces, business lounges, climate control, CCTV, concierge services, bookable meeting rooms, tea and coffee, free WiFi, parking, and bicycle storage, ample desk space, and IT support.

6. Examine the facilities in the area

While not strictly necessary, having convenient local amenities nearby is a valuable asset. It's recommended to take the time to explore the area surrounding your chosen office building, and take note of nearby options for quick lunches, upscale restaurants for business dinners, hotels for visitors, shops, and trendy bars for post-work entertainment.

7. Ensure that the workplace you select supports your brand image

To create a positive brand image, it's crucial that your office space aligns with your desired image. This includes factors such as the building's exterior and interior appearance, location, and the reputation of neighboring businesses. Before signing a lease, it's recommended to conduct thorough research to ensure the building accurately reflects your brand.

8. Schedule a tour

It's not uncommon for a space to look significantly different on paper or online than it does in real life. Whether you're searching for a new office or planning an event, it's essential to get a realistic impression of the space before making any commitments. One of the best ways to achieve this is by booking a tour.
 
A tour can provide you with a better understanding of the space's layout, size, and overall atmosphere. You'll be able to assess the suitability of the space for your specific needs and determine whether it meets your expectations. This experience can also help you identify any potential challenges or limitations that may not be immediately apparent on paper or online.
 
It's recommended that you take advantage of free, no-obligation tours offered by reputable office suppliers or event venues. This ensures that you can explore different options without feeling pressured to commit to anything. By taking the time to book a tour, you can gain a more accurate understanding of what space has to offer and make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

9. What happens next?

Once you have considered the above-listed factors and found a potential office space, the next step is to negotiate the lease terms, such as the length of the lease, rent, security deposit, and any additional fees or charges. It's also important to thoroughly review the lease agreement and seek legal advice if necessary before signing it. Finally, prepare for the move-in process and ensure a smooth transition for your team.