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Written by Glenna Holmes on May 1, 2016

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Serviced offices can bring with them a wealth of benefits, as we discussed in this blog post.

So what should you be looking for if you’re thinking of making the move into a serviced office? Here is a handy list of things you need to consider before you sign on the dotted line.

• Do you need space to store stock as well as to work in? Can the facility offer you both? You don’t want to be commuting between the two wasting both time and money. If storage can be provided, can they offer trolleys and fork lift trucks to help move stock?
• What exactly is included in your monthly price? Does it include rent, business rates, all utilities, phone lines and broadband? Is there anything not included which you need to consider for budgeting purposes?
• Can you make the most of a central reception? What services do they offer? Can they answer phone calls with a personalised response?
• What security measures are in place to protect your belongings and your business?
• As a business it can often be hard to predict what the future may bring. If you need to upsize or downsize your office space at any point, is that possible?
• What communal areas are there and how are they used? Are there opportunities for networking and making connections with other businesses based there?
• Is there meeting space available, is it suitable for your needs, and how would you go about booking that if you needed to?
• What kind of transport links does the office have? Is it handy for motorways if you’re in the car a lot? Is there sufficient parking and is it free or paid for? Can members of staff/clients without cars get to you relatively easily by public transport?
• Can you speak to some existing tenants to find out more about how everything works (and to get a bit of an inside scoop?)
• Do the offices operate under flexible contracts? What terms does the lease come with and what notice period do you need to give?
• Can you get 24 hour access if needed, or is it ‘office hours’ only?
• What speed is the broadband? Is it going to be sufficient for your needs?

There’s no denying that serviced offices provide a flexible and manageable facility for growing SMEs. Just make sure you double check what exactly is on offer – and whether it suits your business’ needs.

McCarthy’s operates a fully serviced business centre on Meanwood Road in Leeds. For more information call 0113 237 9600.