Work and Relax: Hot Desking is rising

June 23, 2008

Hot-desking is growing more and more in popularity across the major UK cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham. These cities have serviced offices that offer hot desks for workers who want to make good use of their time between meetings or simply want to get out of the office and work in relaxing, quiet place.

Serviced office providers are reacting more and more to this trend and we can now find these hot-desks in most of the Business Centres based in UK business cities.

Search Office Space can report that a recent survey revealed that workers prefer to work outside the office as they get fewer interruptions. However, the Hot-desks space offered by the Business Centres to the workers is ideal for discussing confidential information in trendy and more relaxed and formal areas like the office or meeting rooms.

With this in mind the serviced office option can provide a much better solution to privacy issues and of course the extra services on offer come in very handy such as, photocopying and binding.

Search Office Space list all the serviced offices in the UK and offer a free and impartial search service to all businesses looking for a flexible and affordable office space to let.

Written by Emily · Filed Under Featured Stories

Going green over Easter – do your bit for the environment!

March 20, 2008

This Easter thousands of British businesses are planning no energy savings what so ever, with even the basic things in life, for example turning the lights off will be ignored by many companies. Energy will be wasted by leaving the heating on in the offices and also leaving electrical devices on, for example the printers will be left on all four days, despite the office being closed.

A recent survey that was carried out on 500 UK office workers were asked what kind of energy saving procedures would they follow or put in place over the Easter period to reduce their carbon foot print, many people replied that they do not think them or their company would be putting any energy saving factors in place, like turning off the lights or switching off their printers.

Almost 89 percent of business do not or have never turned off electrical devices in the office, and almost two thirds of all businesses are planning to leave the heating on despite the office being closed on this long weekend break.

Richard Smith, Managing Director, Search Office Space, says:

‘’I am very surprised that so many businesses do not even plan to do a very simple thing that could save a huge amount of energy to the environment. I do not think that it is necessary to heat up buildings or leave on printers and phone chargers when you know that you are not going to be in the office for the next four days. It all sums up to the fact that many businesses have forgotten the simplest ways of energy savings and how to reduce their carbon footprint.’’

A recent report by the Carbon Energy Trust found that many organisations are not very energy efficient at all, even though they may believe that they are doing their bit for the environment, they are in fact not even saving half the energy they should be.

Written by Vyoma · Filed Under Featured Stories, SOS News

Downsizing on Office Space in the US

March 17, 2008

There are many factors these days to consider when looking for an Executive Space/ Fully furnished office space.

The total cost of your office space will generally be at least 1/5th of your total budget set aside for your business; this cost will usually be the largest chunk of the companies’ cost after salaries. It is imperative to make the right decision about which office option to choose from as it will have a great impact of the profitability on the business.

With the current crisis in the USA, the net absorption of office space had slipped away rapidly. Many landlords have found that tenants have been downsizing space as current economic trends are showing negative signs in the sector and many business centre operators have started to sub lease developments. Previous reports have shown that with an increase of landlords subleasing properties the number of unemployment has also increased with the amount that centres are subleasing has gone up more than 2 million square feet since the start of the year; this is the largest quarterly increase in six years.

With Executives suite there is always the opportunity for you to upsize space or downsize space if need to. Executive suites are often licensed than leased. The alliance is a simpler form of agreement than a lease and unlike traditional leases you will not have to pay the landlords legal costs. Executive office accommodation generally allows you to move in and out quickly and it is ideal for organisations that need flexibility. Taking Executive suite only allows you to use the office space that you need.

Business Centre Operators will only charge you extra for the use of meeting rooms/ boardrooms, which is on a pay as you basis. Communal areas such as reception / waiting areas, kitchens and washrooms are usually included in the package.

This type of office space allows businesses to increase or decrease the size of their offices without having to change the business address or having to operate from two different sites. This is why in an economic situation where companies currently are, Executive suites seems to be the most secure option to go for as well as the most cost effective.

Flexibility is a very important advantage to businesses, especially when a business is expanding or down-sizing. Executive suites are evolving at the same rhythm as the business is growing

SOS America is the leading Executive Suite search facility in North America. We are listing all the centres and can help you with your office search by offering you a shortlist of Executive offices in the area where you are looking, but also give you impartial advice and arrange viewings on your behalf.

SOS America’s services are completely free of charge, if you require an executive office, call us today on 888.989.0006 or alternatively you can email your requirement to sales@sos-america.com

Written by Vyoma · Filed Under Featured Stories, SOS News

Living and Working in Atlanta, Georgia

March 12, 2008

Atlanta is the capitol of Georgia and is one of the most populous cities around. Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and recently went through a transition from being a city of regional commerce to a city of international influence.

Atlanta’s skyline has a mixture of high rise and mid rise buildings of both modern and post-modern landmarks. The city’s buildings are clustered together in three districts, which include Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead. The central business district and Buckhead have many big firms and businesses residing there, with it being the main district where the Atlantans go to work.

Atlanta is home to some of the county’s largest and most famous companies, including Coca-Cola (founded there in 1892), United Parcel Service, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Turner Broadcasting System and Delta Air Lines. Major industries include service, communications, retails, finances, insurance, conventions and manufacturing. Government, healthcare and education are also major employers.

SOS – Search Office Space have a huge presence in Atlanta, representing many serviced offices / executive suites in and around the area.

Search Office Space is a worldwide Free and Impartial Serviced Office / Executive Suites provider, established 1993. We undertake research on your behalf, collating the information you need, we filter the information to include all available office space that meets your requirements. We list all locations, price ranges and sizes worldwide.

Peachtree Street is one of the cities most famous walks and places to work at. Being a convenient location to work, the street is also a shopping destination envisioned to rival Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles.

Living in Atlanta is sure to make you feel like royalty. Gracious and inviting, the city of Atlanta offers you a traditional elegance with a modern twist to it. With a variety of stylish neighborhoods, world-class culture and a wealth of recreational and social opportunities, the city of Atlanta is an ideal place to work, play and raise a family!

Atlanta’s overall cost of living is 15% above the national average, with the median price for apartments at $760 per month. Average apartment rentals cost $930 with utilities at $90, putting it on par with apartments for rent in cities like Philadelphia and Los Angeles. The best part of looking for apartments in Atlanta is the huge variety available. There are more than 1,500 apartment complexes in the city, so you’ll find everything from historic buildings to modern high-rise luxury apartment rentals.

Residents of Atlanta enjoy four distinct seasons with generally mild temperatures throughout the year (the average daily temperature in January is only 41 degrees, while in July it’s a whopping 79). But thanks to the humidity in summer months, the city has earned the not-always-complimentary nickname “Hotlanta.” Fortunately, the heat of summer and cold of winter are short, and the gentle spring and autumn seasons are long and pleasant, getting people out of their apartment rentals in droves to enjoy outdoor activities. If you’re into sports, Atlanta’s a great place to live. Take in an Atlanta Braves baseball team at Turner Field, or check out the Falcons football team at Georgia Dome or the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. For non-sports entertainment, visit Underground Atlanta, a cool subterranean marketplace where locals go for shopping, eating and socializing.

Atlanta is the cultural and economic centre of the Southeast. This family friendly urban oasis has kept its Southern charm, whilst attracting newcomers from all over the world, with a moderate cost of living and housing options to fit every lifestyle. A world of opportunity awaits you – come and see for yourself what makes Atlanta great.

Require office space in and around Atlanta? Call us today on 888.989.0006 or email your requirement to sales@sos-america.com

Written by Vyoma · Filed Under Featured Stories, SOS News

The Downturn on the UK Commercial Property Market

March 10, 2008

Predictions of a fall in UK property prices generally focus on the residential market but more recently there is news that gives warning of difficult times ahead for the commercial market.

Reports suggest that the UK commercial property market may ‘bottom out’ from the middle of 2008 and many analysts are forecasting that UK shops, office space providers and warehouses will lose nearly 25% of their value between June 2007 and the end of year 2008. Already, the values of some out-of-town retail developments have deceased by up to 20% and the trend is expected to continue if consumer spending weakens and slows rental growth.

The commercial property industry began to fall in July 2007 as the rising cost of debt forced a number of private buyers out of the market. Deals were ground to a halt some time in September as the crisis in the credit crunch had forced sellers to pull deals. Saying this office space providers were the best selling and performing sector in January, after having been the worst in the previous two months as the downward momentum in Central London offices eased.

Three months ago the Investment Property Forum had predicted that there would be a 0.9% increase in the commercial and property market, saying this the total predicted so far today has now fallen to 2.6% this is set to fall by the end of the year 2008. Since the IPF launched the forecast in 1999, this is the first time since that there has been such a huge down fall.

The commercial property sector had been on a long term roll until recently when prices had risen by almost half. As a result of the slow growth in the commercial property markets, many businesses and firms have found that buying new properties has proved to be very difficult for them to purchase. As the demand for commercial property at this moment in time is at a moderate stage, purchasing a property is still just too expensive, especially for smaller firms that have to borrow money from banks. In this case larger firms are being able to purchase more developments as they have much more assets and can still afford to buy new developments despite the affects of the credit crunch. Larger businesses, which are well established in this industry, hold a lot of properties to their name and they can afford to purchase new properties under their belt, which means in turn an increase to their portfolios.

The commercial and property industry could rapidly be affected by this downfall; predicting that agents and brokers may lose up to 7.8% of its capital by the end of the year, also the prediction that rental growth is also expected to fall by at least 1.1% this year.

Written by Vyoma · Filed Under Featured Stories, SOS News

The Life and Economy of Toronto

March 5, 2008

Toronto is a major international centre for business and finance. Toronto is generally considered the financial capital of Canada and has a high concentration of banks and brokerage firms on Bay Street; which is a major international centre for business and finance.

SOS – Search Office Space have a huge presence in Toronto, representing many serviced offices / executive suites in and around the area.

Unlike many cities whose economic fortunes are tied to one or two major industries, Toronto has a broad array of successful manufacturing and services clusters. Other international cities strive for the economic diversity that Toronto has already achieved.

Toronto’s population is cosmopolitan and very international. It is one of the world’s most diverse cities; about 49 percent of the population is non Canadian, this is mainly because of the city’s low crime rates, clean environment and generally high standard of living. Toronto is consistently rated as one of the world’s most livable cities. In addition to this Toronto was ranked as the most expensive Canadian city in which to live in 2006.

Toronto has an International and highly diverse nightlife scene. Great shows before they hit Broadway, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Toronto’s comedy clubs make this a must stop and visit destination city Thus with several venues for dance and musical performances with top world wide names performing, the nightlife nightclub scene is at an all time high.

Visitors who like to shop will find Toronto is their kind of city. There are a number of interesting shopping areas which are perfect for outdoor strolling and feature a wide range of locally-crafted, original and antique merchandise. With a wide variety of big box stores, shopping malls and specialty boutiques to choose from, Toronto is sure to satisfy you.

If you’re looking for office space in or around Toronto, call us today on 888.989.0006 or alternatively email your requirement to sales@sos-america.com

Written by Vyoma · Filed Under Featured Stories, SOS News

Life in London

March 4, 2008

London is certainly one of the most famous cities in the world. Many things can be connected with the name London such as; Big Ben, Trafalgar Square the River Thames and the West End to name but a few.

London is a cosmopolitan city; it consists of so many different communities where different nationalities and cultures live side by side. You will find many multicultural communities living in London where in certain areas you will meet a whole lot of multiculturalism all living in one area. With so many people living here there is a great percent of foreigners and you can say that when you venture to the London centre (Piccadilly Circus) you will stand more chance of hearing any kind of language but English.

Traveling across London can at times be difficult, particularly by car - the average traffic speed in the West End is just 8 miles per hour! The large tube system makes travel through London rapid though at certain times of day it can be overcrowded. There is a downside to London - it can sometimes seem noisy or overcrowded but despite these things you WILL have a great time staying in London.

Without doubt one of the principal reasons for coming to London is to take advantage of the excellent shopping facilities for which this great city is famed for. Many will come to London to buy antiques, of which an enormous array is available at any given time. Department Stores in London carry the same degree of temptation as any others in the world, but London’s are just that bit better, headed by the internationally known Harrods with its glittering array of quality and diversity. Harrods is the stuff of legends and what you buy there will be of the best of its kind. More retail outlets can be found in Oxford Circus.

For those who currently reside in London will agree with me that there is nothing better than the London life. There are many things to do in and around London. Take a stroll though Hyde Park or Green Park, visit the famous and historical statues at Trafalgar Square or St Paul’s cathedral, or just simply wine and dine with your friends and family in the West End where you will find the many array of the finest bars and cuisine that London has to offer.

Considering the beauty, fame and the size of London it is no wonder that so many people choose to stay, work and live here.

Written by Vyoma · Filed Under Featured Stories, SOS News

What’s It Really Like Living and Working in New York City?

March 4, 2008

Living in the Financial District is that you are living right in the beat of the pulse of the third largest-commercial office market in the United States (behind Chicago and Midtown Manhattan), with compelling historic sites for tourists. It can be pretty comical doing mundane things like carrying your dry cleaning past the New York Stock Exchange in your sweat pants, while other pedestrians are wearing suits or studying New York City maps trying to find where they are. Lower Manhattan is one of the most challenging, yet confusing areas in Manhattan, especially if you are a tourist. If one lives and drives in Lower Manhattan regularly, you will figure out the maze and become intrigued by it.

Everyone says that the Financial District has no supermarket, no movie theaters and is dead at night. That may all be true (though not for long) and I think it is part of the allure for people seeking the quietude of a true residential neighborhood. Today, the UES and UWS are so crowded that I welcome the desolation of Lower Manhattan in the late evening.

Lower Manhattan might provide an interesting living environment for the residential dweller. The slivers of sunlight in the district’s core are adequately compensated by the open spaces and captivating water views of Battery Park and the South Street Seaport.

Also, the Financial District is only a short distance to desirable neighborhoods: TriBeCa, Soho, Chinatown, and the East and West Village. In most instances, there is no need, to contemplate traveling beyond 14th Street.

Regarding the supermarket issue, the new Amish Market has created a lively, healthy gourmet market (that delivers) and the proposed Youn Market at 99 John Street will provide a full service supermarket.

The good news is that the work for the Stone Street Historic District has begun. It has been reported that the cobblestone streets of Mill and Stone streets will be closed to automobiles to create a pedestrian mall of restaurants for tourists and residents.

Eric Kaufman for Real Estate Weekly

Written by Vyoma · Filed Under Featured Stories, SOS News

Commuting: The Ferocity and the Fun

February 26, 2008

ON Jan. 2, commuters in and around New York City woke up and celebrated the new year by going back to work. On that day and every workday since, I have been commuting with them, travelling in and out of the city to write an online series called Next Stop for The New York Times about how people get to their jobs and what they think of the ritual they go through twice a day.

I have been on Metro-North, New Jersey Transit, the Long Island Rail Road, subways, buses, a tram and a ferry. What I’ve observed so far has reinforced some hard truths about commuting. For many people, it is the bane of their existence. For others, it’s a trial worth bearing to be near their family, to live in a place they can afford or to get to the job they love.

In the more unusual cases, commuting provides downtime and an opportunity for camaraderie. The daily trek requires weighing priorities: convenience, speed, proximity and, of course, money. A small investment ($2) buys you a hard seat on the subway or a pole to hang on to. A little more money ($5) secures you an express bus like the X68 to Floral Park, with stunning views from the Queensboro Bridge. An even larger payment ($15) lands you a cushy chair on a Hudson River ferry with a balcony, strolling room and free morning coffee.The subway is the most democratic option. The same $2 will carry any rider from the high-priced real estate of Manhattan to the more affordable outer reaches of the city. As a result, you can see trains gentrifying in the same way real estate does; just ride the G train from its Brooklyn terminus, at Smith and Ninth Streets in Carroll Gardens, to Long Island City, Queens, to see how the passengers mirror the changing neighbourhoods.

Most democratic does not mean most popular, however, and the unhappiest travellers I found were on the subway. Worn out by drudgery, angered by slow service, they were the most vocal and the least satisfied, and that makes sense. Subway commuters rely on these trains for their day-to-day needs the way suburbanites rely on cars: to take the kids to after-school activities, to see the doctor, to go out at night. For them, the subway is not just a way to get to work, it’s a way to get everywhere. Despite their deep wells of anger, subway riders were generally the most reticent and the most difficult to engage. In a city of ubiquitous crowds, their commute remains a bastion of anonymity. It inspires (and requires) deliberately ignoring other people’s presence, an oblivion that goes beyond just avoiding their eyes or pretending to be absorbed by the grammatical errors of the MTA’s “Subtalk” ads. These passengers are used to crowded spaces, and they create personal cocoons.

Think about it: How often have you seen people clipping their nails as if they were in their own bathrooms? Other types of commuters have the opposite experiences. A group of Haverstraw residents who take the New York Water Taxi to Wall Street have become fast friends — they even hold onboard happy hours on Friday evenings, taking turns bringing food and drinks. Similarly, the bar car on the Metro-North New Haven line, the tram from Roosevelt Island and even the X68 express bus to Floral Park, Queens, have all sparked real friendships, a benefit that helps to transform the daily trek from something that must be endured to something that can be enjoyed. I will continue commuting and posting articles for the next week.

From my experience so far, it seems that people choose a commute based on a few not-so-simple factors: where they want to live and where they can afford to live, and what they are willing to put up with to get there. But no matter how they decide or how much they spend, they all end up with stories to tell.

Susan Stava for The New York Times.

Written by Emily · Filed Under Featured Stories

The SOS news blog now online!

October 15, 2007

We are proud to present a brand new place for all the latest SOS and industry news, the Search Office Space News Blog. There will be regular updates regarding our niche industry. We hope that users will find the information useful and informative.

We plan to grow the content steadily with 2-3 new articels every week at the very least. There will be constant imporvements and add ons in the very near future. The sections you can expect to see growing weekly are: