Serviced office space V Conventional offices?

February 21, 2008

Flexibility is key - One of the most important decisions to make for a business is to decide on the most suitable office space to rent.Renting office space is definitely a major part of any company’s budget and has to
be a cost-effective solution. Nowadays flexible office space is critical, especially important when a business is expanding or down-sizing and serviced offices are an ideal solution and also surprisingly cost effective.

Compare Apples with Apples not Pears - it is not applicable to compare serviced office inclusive pricing with conventional office exclusive £rent per square foot because Conventional office space rental is quoted on £per square foot basis, exclusive of rates, service charges, cleaning etc Serviced office space pricing is quoted fully inclusive so to make an apples with apples comparison one must compare total annual occupancy costs not the price per square foot.

Plug and Play, Fully Inclusive - Business centre accommodation is prewired, prebuilt and fully equipped – i.e. not requiring capital expenditure. Also the monthly rental is inclusive so unlike a traditional office where you have to spend time and money on IT, Telecoms, cleaning services and managing all other aspects of leasing a property, in a business center this is all included. “Pay-as-you-go” services are also available such as secretarial services, use of photocopier and meeting rooms (you often receive a number of hours free per month) which means you may not need to employ as many people as you think.

Pay for what you use - In a serviced office you only pay for the space you actually occupy, space for corridors, reception areas, IT rooms, break out/internet areas, kitchen space, comfort rooms is NOT charged for. However in a conventional leasehold office you pay rent , rates and service charge on the whole space whether you use it or not. Also you only pay for occasionally used space such as meeting rooms as and when you use them as opposed to paying rent, rates and service charge on this space the whole year round.

How does this benefit the tenant? This means that in a business centre you need a lot less space than in a conventional office, approx 50% less e.g. if you think you need 1000 square foot to accommodate say 3 individual offices, an open plan area for 2 people, meeting room, reception area, toilets, kitchen, IT room, you can easily accommodate 5 people in a serviced office in say 400 square foot. So what does this mean? It means that your annual budget for an office can stretch a lot further if you only need half the space you think you do.

Amazingly, as per MWB Exchange, Serviced Office space cost on average 60% less than conventional offices. The cost breakdown shown by MWB demonstrates clearly the difference:

‘The True Cost of the Flexible Office’ - , published by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) in 2001, identified an average saving of 78% by using a fully serviced business centre office.

‘The Total Office Cost Survey’, - published by Actium Consult and Cushman & Wakefield in 2004, found the average cost of rent and rates is only 49% of total office costs.

So how much space per person is needed in a serviced office? Business centres usually allow an average of 70sq Ft per person, and can vary from 55sq ft to 100 sq Ft, per person.

Written by Emily · Filed Under Newsletter Feb-08

Start-ups: the excellent benefits when they choose the serviced office option

February 21, 2008

Nowadays in the market place we can observe the number of SMEs and start-ups increasing day after day. In the fast growing industries where companies face stiff competition, serviced office space have proven to be an ideal, easy and fast solution.

Running a SME or start-up is a daily challenge where the focus has to be kept on every opportunity to save money and be faster than your competitors. Saving Money is a major concern once these small businesses are considering the office options available to them.

Leasehold of conventional space? Freehold? Serviced Office Space?

A wide range of option are available, but when the business employs 20 people or less, the option of a 10 year lease on conventional space or a freehold seem to be a very risky options, especially when we know that these businesses are due to grow in the first few years after the company has been set up.

This is why a Serviced Office is an ideal option as your first office. This type of space is the most flexible option available for start-up’s and SME’s:

They will have the Flexibility of taking small space with options to expand, on license agreement from as short as 1 month. The Business also do not only offer fully furnished offices but also provide with “hot desks”, meeting rooms on a pay-as-you-go basis and a wide range of secretarial and support services.

Time is money, so it is important not to spend months to look for the right office especially when you need to concentrate on growing your business. With serviced offices, businesses can move in within 24 hours! We would describe it as Plug & Play offices. The only thing the business needs to do is actually to bring their computers in, plug it in, and they are instantly ready to run their business. Everything else is taken care of by the Business Centre including, cleaning, office maintenance, IT and telecoms…

Serviced offices pricing is all inclusive, which means that the monthly fee is easier and more convenient to manage and budget for.

A better business image! With the hard competition between Business Centres, SMEs and start-ups can be assured of well managed accommodation. Business Centres ensure that companies renting their space will be located in an attractive environment that is well presented, thus enhancing your business image and creating an excellent first impression to your clients.

Serviced Office space is the new temporary and medium term solution for businesses looking at a fast and easy solution.

Should you have any client you believe would be interested, or if you are interested for your own business, please call us today and let our experts help you.

SOS is also happy to share the commission we receive from Business Centres for every deal we close with clients you would refer to us.

Written by Emily · Filed Under Newsletter Feb-08

SOS New White Label is now available!

February 20, 2008

SOS is proud to introduce our brand newly updated bespoke White Label. This is a fully functional copy of SOS site technology, but unbranded, viewed by your site visitors as an excellent new and very useful tool. This data is powered, managed and continuously refreshed by SOS.

The White Label allows you to offer a listing of 1000’s of locations and Business centres. Customers will be able to source serviced offices, virtual offices and meeting room facilities from London or New York to Tokyo to Sydney and locations worldwide. For our business centre clients we are also able to customize your White Label by excluding your competitors by name and/or location.

It is a very user-friendly tool, allowing free text, intelligent search and distance based search results. SOS has also added interactive Google maps, drop down menu’s and quick links to make the search as easy as possible.

For every deal SOS close as a result of referrals made through your white label , we will give you a shareof our commission. As an alternative, we are also scheduled to trial an affiliate scheme whereby we pay you an agreed amount for each qualified lead.

To enable you to track the referrals, SOS will provide you with your own personal log in where you will be able to monitor the amount of referrals that came through your website as well as how we are progressing with them. You will be able to access all the prospects details and be able to communicate with the SOS consultant that is handling each prospect.

To add this facility to your site at no cost to you whatsoever, please contact Emily Mouquot on 0208 909 5207 or emily@sosplc.com .

Please see below some examples of the new bespoke version of the SOS White Label:

US Business Center Operators

Premier Business Centres - www.pbcenters.com/locations/ ; see “Other National/Worldwide Locations” link on Home Page

Corporate Office Centers - www.corporateofficecenters.com/locations.php see “Other national & worldwide locations” link

Barrister Executive Suites- www.barrister-suites.com/suites-properties see “click here for other National/Global Locations”

Interactive Business Centres- www.interactiveoffices.com/findoffice.php see “Try our Global Search” (30+ locations across N America)

Examples of Real Estate Brokers that use our white label facility

Cushman & Wakefield - www.cushmanwakefieldeurope.com/global/en/home.htm - Property Search > UK > London > Serviced Offices

DTZ - www.dtz.com “click on Search for Serviced Offices”

Knight Frank - www.knightfrank.co.uk/commercial/search/ - see Serviced Offices

ATIS REAL - www.atisreal.co.uk - see Property Search - “Search our list of Serviced Offices”

SIOR Broker Network- www.sior.com/locateaproperty.asp - see “Locate Executive Office Suites”

CORFAC Broker Network- www.corfac.com/PropertyListings.asp - see Locate Executive Office Suites in the US and Worldwide

Colliers Houston - www.colliers.com/Markets/NewJersey/ - see “Global Executive Office Suites”

VOIT - www.voitco.com/voit_availprops.htm see “Executive Suite Search”

WHITE LABEL TESTIMONIALS

DTZ

—–Original Message—–
From: Andrew.Barnes
Sent: 30 June 2004 15:54
To: Richard Smith

Great lead - many thanks we are on to it for non serviced office options - the level of enquiries being generated from our site is great!

Kind regards
Andrew Barnes
Director

Mark Phillips On behalf of The West End Office Agents Society

I have known Richard Smith for a number of years. Firstly as a West End Agent between 1985 and 1993 and subsequently when he established SOS.
I have always found him to be reliable and trustworthy and reactive/flexible when specific requests are made.
The White Label was attractive to West End Agents.com because the search was branded in our colours, does not mention “powered by SOS”anywhere and is available at no charge with of course the opportunity to earn money for our nominated charity without doing any work. Also when a visitor carries out a search, it is undertaken within the site as opposed to a simple link away from our site which we wanted to avoid. These factors combined with the fact that there are interactive clickable maps of regions throughout the world and that none of our time is required to maintain it (SOS updates to their database are simultaneously reflected in the White Label) made it a very attractive proposition and a useful new resource to the website.
I was more than happy to recommend this service to The Committee because of the success and unobtrusive nature of the service that we enjoyed at Edward Charles & Partners. Basically it is a no- brainer especially as I receive regular updates on any leads that are received.
I hope this helps but please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Mark Phillips
On behalf of The West End Office Agents Society

Edward Charles & Partner LLP

Barrister Executive Suites

“Thanks so much for your help and persistence over the past months. The White Label link has proven to be a great enhancement to our site. Much appreciated. SOS is one of our greatest lead sources. I highly recommend to others”

Sincerely,
Carrie Gates
Vice President, Leasing & Marketing
Barrister Executive Suites

CORPORATE SUITES

—–Original Message—–
From: Hayim Grant
Sent: Sat 08/05/2004 00:19
To: Roger Voralia
Subject: RE: Another White Label has closed

We have been surprised by number of clients that browse our web site are searching for space in other cities. SOS’s White Label Search Program is an efficient seamless method for our clients to find space in other cities and for us to realize profits from otherwise lost opportunities.

Hayim Alan Grant
President
Corporate Suites
New York City

Written by Emily · Filed Under Newsletter Feb-08

Serviced Office Sales: Global Office Space Acquisition Services

February 20, 2008

Business Centres Operators both nationwide and worldwide are looking to expand their portfolios.

They have asked SOS to identify suitable accommodation for them and it may be that you have office space listed in your books that may be suitable.

We are looking for offices that match the following requirement:

- 15,000 to 30,000 sq ft

- Rectangular floor plates if possible

- Cellular space or suitable for sub division

- Good commercial location

Should you be marketing space matching the above please do not hesitate to contact Serviced Office Sales Managing Director.

Please don’t hesitate to contact:

Douglas Green
DDI 0203 170 6382
dgreen@sosplc.com
18 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London, W1S 1HX

Written by Emily · Filed Under Newsletter Feb-08

Serviced Office Sales: Global Office Space Acquisition Services for Business Centres

February 20, 2008

Serviced Office Sales is a specialist service for both Independent and National Business Centre Operators.

Service Office Sales was set up purely to assist Business Centre Operators who wish to either:

Acquire further premises/centres either leasehold or freehold
Dispose of existing Business Centres
Consider Management Contracts for the running of their Serviced Office Space

Over that last five years we have been instrumental in the sale of a number of large groups and individual freehold and leasehold premises on behalf of our clients whilst acquiring over 500,000 sq ft of office spec in the UK for conversion into Serviced Offices.

We understand the need for complete confidentiality and would be pleased to discuss your specific requirements and plans for 2008.

Please don’t hesitate to contact:

Douglas Green
DDI: 0203 170 6382
dgreen@sosplc.com
18 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London, W1S 1HX

Written by Emily · Filed Under Newsletter Feb-08

Optimize the traffic on your SOS listing today!

February 20, 2008

SOS has proudly introduced the SOS News section onto searchofficespace.com website few months ago. Today, 30% of the visitors of SOS website are reading the News blog!

We would like to optimize the traffic you get onto your listings, we would like visitors to go more often onto your listing and generate more requirements.

Here are 3 easy steps to optimize your traffic onto our website:

- Add Photos to your listing: It has been proven that the majority of visitors of property websites seeking for an office will not consider a listing not displaying a picture. To avoid losing traffic, please send your pictures, at least one exterior and one interior of the building (jpeg or gif) to: Vyoma@sosplc.com or Paul@sosplc.com

- Add an up-to-date description of your Centre: Updating us on the availability as well as the promotions you are running to tenants is essential. Potential tenants will need to be aware of the different amenities available to them in the Centre as well as any other details that would make the difference between your Centre and your competitor next door. Send us today your up-to-date description, and we will be more than happy to add the update onto your listing. Please send to: Vyoma@sosplc.com or Paul@sosplc.com

- Let us know what’s new with your Centres/ Business: SOS is happy to write articles about your centres and business in our blog. All articles will have back links to your listings and the area where your centres are. Let us know what’s new with you and we will write about it and publish it onto our website. The more you send the more we write, so please send it all today to: emily@sosplc.com

Written by Emily · Filed Under Newsletter Feb-08

SOS, Search Office Space attending MIPIM March 2008

February 20, 2008

SOS, Search Office Space, is pleased to announce its attendance at MIPIM in March 2008 in Cannes, France.

MIPIM is the world’s premier real estate summit.

Richard Smith (Managing Director), Jonathan Weinbrenn (Corporate Director) and Emily Mouquot (Marketing Director) will form the SOS team.

SOS, Search Office Space, is attending MIPIM 2008, its 10 consecutive year, because it is a unique opportunity to meet key decision-makers in the industry and develop new long term relationships.

Please feel free to have a look at our profiles on MIPIM World website: www.mipim.com

Should you want to meet with Richard Smith, Jonathan Weinbrenn or Emily Mouquot, please feel free to get in contact to arrange a meeting whilst in Cannes.

Have a great event!

Written by Emily · Filed Under Newsletter Feb-08

5 Simple rules of office etiquette: make yourself a quality employee

February 20, 2008

We all remember the first few weeks of a new job when we really wanted to make a good first impression. Wake up extra early to get ready for the day, trying to look our best, be on time and probably work the extra 30minutes to show your boss that you are not afraid of overtime and willing to be committed to the company.

After the first few weeks, otherwise known as “the honeymoon period”, most of us start forgetting about some office behaviour “rules”. We start waking up at the last minute, forget to shave, don’t switch off your mobile, in fact starting to cut corners here and there.

SOS have decided to refresh everyone’s memory, and point out what kind of bad manners could have a dramatic impact on your working performance & environment.

Rule number 1: Be on Time

Be on time is the ultimate rule. Being late is not professional and you will always find your colleagues looking at you, thinking “Not a team player this one!”. Being on time is just showing the respect you have towards your colleagues, your boss and the company.

Rule number 2: Everyone has a mobile with great ringtones; you don’t need to share it with the rest of the office

Nothing more annoying than hearing for 50 seconds the latest “Crazy frog” ringtone your colleague downloaded this week-end on their mobile. It is not only annoying but also distracting. The “Crazy frog” won’t make anyone laugh, and it could actually set a bad office mood for the rest of the day. This rule is important: once you walk in the office, turn your mobile phone off or at least, just out of respect for your colleague, put your mobile on silence.

Rule number 3: Keep smelly food away from the office

Everyone enjoys a warm soup at lunch time especially when it’s cold outside. However, your colleague next to you may not share the feeling. Avoid all unpleasant odours, just out of respect for your work mates in the office.

Rule number 4: Always ask before borrowing

How many times did you return back from holiday or just back from a meeting and you couldn’t find your favourite pen or your very own stapler? And how many times did you take your colleague’s ruler or hole puncher without saying anything? Well, rules are rules; you always ask before you borrow, some people are very protective of their office supplies

Rule number 5: Always look professional

Looking professional is not only for your colleagues but also for yourself. Looking and acting professional makes you feel good about yourself. Not shaved, jeans and trainers is fine at weekends but not at the office. As an employee, you also represent the company, and should maintain professionalism in every way possible. Dressing smart and looking your best is one of them.

All these rules seem to be obvious and understandable; however, some people fail to follow them on a daily basis. A quick reminder from time to time may help to prevent a negative impact on the working environment of the company as well as your relationship with your colleagues.

All these rules seem to be obvious and understandable, however, everyone fail to follow them on a daily basis. A quick reminder from time to time may help to prevent from dramatic impact on the working environment of the company as well as your relationship with your colleagues.

Written by Emily · Filed Under Newsletter Feb-08

A warm welcome to 2 additional members of the SOS UK and Europe Sales Team!

February 20, 2008

Welcome to Sheena Patel and Ela Skupin to the SOS Sales Team.

Sheena , Sales Director for Dudley Stationery prior to joining SOS, will focus primarily on enquiries for North West London. Her experience in sales and knowledge of the North London area will no doubt be a great asset to the SOS Team.

Ela Skupin, has joined SOS after working as a property consultant in London for several years. Ela, originally from Poland, joins the team as a specialist for East Midlands, East Anglia and Europe. Ela has extensive knowledge of Europe and also Northern England where she has lived many years.