Key Considerations When Looking for Office Space

Selecting a new office space can be demanding, whether it represents your first office or part of an expansion. One approach to simplify this decision is to opt for flexible office space, such as Bowman House, thereby avoiding the risk of a lengthy lease or contract that binds you to the wrong office.

But to make your choice even smoother, here are the essential factors you should consider when searching for an office space that suits you.

Location, Location, Location

The estate agent’s mantra remains just as accurate for an office as it is for a home. The reality is that the finest office in the world is no good if it is not convenient for your staff or customers.

Search for locations that are accessible and well-connected. Bowman House is situated at Whitehill Industrial Estate in Royal Wootton Bassett, just 2 miles from M4 Junction 16 (Swindon West). Swindon, Bristol, and the wider Thames Valley are easily accessible. We provide ample free onsite parking, including EV charging points.

Think About Appearances

Appearances certainly matter. Elements such as the external appearance, quality of reception, communal areas, and office spaces will influence customer perceptions and staff productivity.

If you notice something is amiss, so will anyone visiting your office. Examine the external maintenance, cleanliness inside, and the quality of furnishings. It is not just physical appearances that matter; pay attention to the welcome you receive from the reception and others in the building as well.

Consider Your Business Requirements

Your business needs might be at the forefront of your mind, but an office represents more than just desks and chairs. Your office must possess all the features and areas that support the people working in it.

Elements like the nature of your business and your company culture will all influence the style and layout of the office you require. If you are expanding, you may also need to allocate additional space. Furthermore, you should also consider the requirement for a rest area and kitchen facilities for staff, as well as external options, such as nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants.

What Is Included in the Rental

The additional amenities that accompany the office are crucial. Utilities such as electricity, water, and the internet remain essential. You will require an office that has everything you need connected, or you will need to arrange for those connections yourself.

Your IT team, if you have one, will be able to advise on specifications. However, since most devices are relatively low-power, your main determining factor is likely to be your internet access. Exactly what you require will depend on your business, but be sure to verify the speed and quality of any connection on offer.

Search for Any Hidden Costs

Your budget is likely to be a major determinant in selecting an office. However, a limited budget does not have to restrict you; many options can help keep costs low while preserving standards, such as co-working spaces.

When comparing different providers, ensure you compare like with like! Does the provider offer a cost per desk or a cost per square foot? There is a distinction – the former means if you scale up, the price increases pro rata (for example, a 50% increase if you go from 2 to 3 desks), while the latter means you understand you can add an extra desk (if the space permits) at no extra cost without having to relocate to a larger office.

You also need to calculate your total expenses. Although office rent is often advertised at a low rate, these typically provide nothing more than the shell, meaning you also have to budget for utilities, furniture, and maintenance. Examining managed and serviced office spaces will often work out more economical, as they provide a single fixed fee and save you the additional resources required for premises management.

Select the Type of Office You Want

The way we work has evolved. Offices have transformed from single-occupancy rooms to open-plan spaces, then to hot-desk environments. Where once people may have spent their entire working life in a single office, today they may never work at the same desk on 2 consecutive days.

Consider what options might work optimally for your business model. Conventional offices might be familiar, but you can discover that you are paying for desks which are frequently empty because people are working from home. Utilising co-working spaces for hot-desking or creating flexible workspaces might be a better option.

Understand Your Legal Responsibilities

Whatever type of office you select, you will be committing to a contract. Review your lease agreement carefully, as it typically binds you to the premises for a minimum of 1 year. Sometimes, the small print conceals unpleasant surprises, such as auto-renewals and strict notice conditions. Make sure you note your obligations to avoid being caught out. It is not uncommon for businesses to miss an auto-renewal and discover that their rent has doubled, leaving them trapped in a new 12-month contract.

More contemporary options, such as serviced offices or co-working spaces, offer flexible approaches, allowing you to have dedicated desks, private breakout areas or a meeting room when required. At Bowman House, we offer flexible terms and transparent contracts, providing a professional workspace with the confidence that you will not be bound to premises as your needs evolve.

The Bowman House Advantage

Choosing a professional business centre delivers significant strategic benefits that enhance your company’s operations and growth potential. At Bowman House, you secure more than just office space – you gain access to a comprehensive business solution designed for modern enterprises.

The financial benefits are immediate and substantial. Instead of expensive long-term commitments with uncertain requirements, you gain fully furnished, air-conditioned offices with utilities included in one transparent monthly fee. This approach eliminates the costly upfront investments in fit-outs, furniture, and utility connections that conventional leases typically require.

Your professional credibility receives an instant enhancement through our prestigious Royal Wootton Bassett address and dedicated reception services. A professional receptionist managing calls and greeting clients creates an immediate sense of trust and authority that is challenging to establish in home offices or basic commercial premises.

The networking potential within our business community provides exceptional value for growth-focused companies. Regular events and shared spaces naturally create connections with fellow entrepreneurs and established businesses, frequently resulting in partnerships and opportunities that isolated offices cannot offer.

What to Consider

While flexible workspace solutions present compelling benefits, several key factors require careful evaluation to ensure optimal alignment with your business needs and operational preferences.

Financial considerations extend beyond basic rental costs. Although serviced offices eliminate numerous hidden expenses, calculate your complete monthly investment, including additional services. Compare this total against conventional lease expenses, fit-out costs, utilities, and ongoing maintenance to determine genuine value.

Privacy requirements may present challenges in shared environments. Businesses handling confidential information or requiring frequent private discussions should carefully assess whether the available privacy levels meet their operational and compliance standards.

Customisation limitations exist compared to dedicated leases. While our spaces are professionally designed and fully equipped, consider whether any specialised equipment or unique spatial requirements might be restricted in a standard serviced environment.

Growth trajectory planning deserves attention. Although flexibility provides advantages, rapidly expanding enterprises might eventually find that dedicated premises are more cost-effective in the long term. Evaluate your projected timeline and whether flexible arrangements support your strategic objectives.

Think About Culture and Connections

Company culture remains vital, and businesses work hard to develop and maintain it. Whether it is through promoting their vision or organising team-building events and activities. However, while culture may seem distant from a topic as practical as office rental, where you work does make a difference.

Selecting a location surrounded by other businesses can add vibrancy and energy to your enterprise. In serviced buildings like Bowman House, spaces and events are designed to foster connections between businesses. It is not just about meeting people, though; it can also be an excellent way to establish new contacts, generate more business, and even launch new ventures.

Explore Bowman House for Your New Serviced Office

Bowman House is a professional business centre offering flexible workspace solutions. From day offices for occasional use to long-term managed offices, we can provide the space you require, when you need it, and work with you to adapt as your needs evolve.

Situated at Whitehill Industrial Estate in Royal Wootton Bassett, we offer convenient access to the M4 corridor and serve businesses throughout Wiltshire and beyond. With our range of office sizes, meeting rooms, and virtual office packages, we can assist regardless of your space requirements. Contact us on 01793 843100 or email info@bowmanhouse.co.uk to book a tour, and you could be working in your ideal office space at a prestigious Wiltshire address soon.