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In the business world, there are many different types of offices available to a company, the question is, which type of office best suits your business? Some companies will prefer to own their offices, which will offer them total control over the space. However, owning an office space can very rapidly become extremely expensive, and having to design the interior of the office to fit the needs of the company can take a lot of time and energy that most business owners don’t have. Moreover, it takes additional time and money to maintain the office space to keep it running as it should in top condition, which can add a financial drain to a small business. Another type of office is a virtual office, which is aimed towards online companies who need a business address, catering towards things such as mail management, meeting rooms to hire in the event a client would want to meet, and call management. This is a good way for companies who work solely online to have a physical address to mail things to – virtual offices are offered at Unit 2, Bankside – however they aren’t an option for companies needing a physical office space to work in. Serviced offices are a great alternative for businesses who need their own space, but don’t want to buy an office space outright or have the expense of maintaining a busy office.  

So, what is a serviced office? A serviced office is a rented office space which is fully ready and maintained by the owner of the property, including cleaning, restocking and providing top quality broadband. It is a much cheaper alternative to buying an office space, as it is rented and the monthly costs also include all amenities, Wi-Fi, electric, etc. It is a responsibility taken from a business owner’s shoulders as they don’t have to worry about furnishing an office and all the bills that come with that. The benefits of working from a serviced office are huge compared to the benefits of buying your own office as a smaller business. The most obvious benefit is that it would be more viable financially to rent an office rather than buy one, which would save lots of money that could be then put back into your company. Another benefit of working from a serviced office is the flexibility of the contract, while renting a serviced office you have the opportunity to decide if you like the area the office is located in and have the option to terminate the contract if it is not working out for your company, which is a luxury that buying an office space wouldn’t allow you to have. Moreover, usually serviced offices are in a prime location to grow a company, where it would be extortionately expensive to by an office, but renting one is a viable option. This allows for a company to reap the benefits of working in an area which companies thrive in, without having to pay the huge price tag of owning an office there.  

Serviced offices are available in many different places and are available to many different companies, offering peace of mind to business owners who know their office space is well maintained and secure. For example, Unit 2, Bankside is a fully serviced office building, offering a range of office spaces and meeting spaces to suit your needs. The range in size and price for the rooms available provide the option to choose whatever is within your price range. Every office at 2 Bankside comes with inclusive bills, Wi-Fi, and electric so that there are no hidden costs once the lease is signed. Serviced offices usually come with additional shared amenities between the different offices, and 2 Bankside is no exception! With a shared reception, breakout room, toilets, and a fully stocked kitchen, 2 Bankside has everything there is to offer when it comes to serviced offices and would be a great place for any size business to work from. It could be a worry for some companies looking into serviced offices that they are not private enough for a company to work from. However, even though it is in a shared building with some shared amenities the office space is totally private, and the security system offered by 2 Bankside is top of the range including 24-hour CCTV and even a ring doorbell.  

Another benefit of choosing a serviced office space for your company to use is that serviced offices usually come with some benefits that even traditional offices wouldn’t provide. This could be private parking, a stocked kitchen area, or a number of other things but is something worth taking into consideration when deciding if a serviced office space is suitable for you and your company. It is also beneficial for business owners to choose serviced offices because the maintenance of the building is somebody else’s responsibility, along with the health and safety checks, cleaning, and hygiene. This is something that the building manager will have responsibility over and that the business owner won’t have to worry about.  

To summarise, there are many different types of offices, and they all suit different types of businesses, serviced offices come with many benefits and the electric, internet, cleaning, safety and maintenance are all taken care of, which is perfect for a new business just finding its feet. Unit 2, Bankside also offers both virtual office spaces and serviced office spaces. If you are interested in hearing more about either space, please book a meeting with a member of our team!  

2 Bankside Serviced Offices: https://www.2bankside.co.uk/serviced-offices/  

2 Bankside Virtual Offices: https://www.2bankside.co.uk/virtual-offices/  

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Are you looking for a more flexible, cost-effective, and collaborative workspace? Consider working in a serviced office. This blog post will explore the many benefits of working in a serviced office, including cost savings, shared amenities, networking opportunities, professionalism, and a sense of community. With all the perks serviced offices have to offer, you and your business will thrive in this work environment. Contact us today to learn more about our serviced offices and how we can help set up your business.

Cost savings

One of the primary benefits of opting for a serviced office is the substantial cost savings it offers businesses of all sizes. By choosing a serviced office, you can eliminate the need for a long-term lease, which can tie you down to a specific location and incur significant upfront capital investments. Serviced offices provide a flexible and cost-effective alternative, allowing you to scale your workspace as your business grows without the burden of long-term financial commitments.

In addition to reduced rent, serviced offices also help businesses save on utility bills. With shared spaces and efficient energy management systems, serviced offices minimise operational costs, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses related to electricity, water, or heating.

Furthermore, serviced offices reduce the need to hire additional staff for cleaning or maintenance. These tasks are typically handled by the office management team, allowing you to focus your resources on core business activities rather than administrative tasks. By outsourcing these services, you can optimise your budget allocation and maximise productivity.

Shared kitchen and a bookable meeting space.

Shared kitchens are a great amenity for serviced office tenants. They provide a space for employees to socialise and prepare meals, which can help to boost morale and productivity. Kitchens are typically equipped with refrigerators, microwaves and tea kettles.

Bookable meeting spaces are another valuable amenity for serviced office tenants. These spaces can be used for a variety of purposes, such as client meetings, training sessions, and team collaboration. Meeting spaces are typically equipped with tables, chairs, whiteboards, and projectors.

The availability of shared kitchens and bookable meeting spaces can be a major benefit for businesses that are looking for a flexible and cost-effective workspace. These amenities can help to create a more productive and collaborative work environment, for the business.

Networking opportunities

Working in a serviced office offers exceptional networking opportunities that can boost your business growth. Interacting with professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds fosters cross-pollination of ideas, igniting innovation and creativity. These interactions can spark new partnerships, joint ventures, and access to unique expertise that might not be readily available within your immediate network.

Serviced offices often organise networking events, seminars, and workshops, providing platforms for you to connect with like-minded individuals and industry experts. These events facilitate knowledge sharing, foster collaboration, and enhance your professional development.

Beyond the immediate serviced office community, there’s a broader network of professionals in the vicinity. This proximity to other businesses and organisations creates opportunities for spontaneous interactions, potential partnerships, and exposure to a wider range of expertise. The diverse mix of professionals in a serviced office environment enriches your network, offering access to a wealth of knowledge and experience.

By building a strong network, you gain access to valuable resources, insights, and support that can contribute to your business success. Collaborating with other professionals can lead to new business opportunities, referrals, and access to specialised services or products. You can also tap into the collective wisdom of your network to address challenges, seek advice, and stay informed about industry developments.

Furthermore, a strong network enhances your visibility and credibility within your industry. Being associated with successful professionals and reputable organisations elevates your professional standing and can attract new clients or partners. In today’s interconnected business world, networking is essential for growth and success, and a serviced office environment provides an ideal platform to cultivate a robust network of valuable connections.

Professionalism

One of the key advantages of working in a serviced office is the professional image it provides. Having a prestigious business address to display on your marketing materials and business cards can significantly enhance your credibility in the eyes of clients and customers. A professional address can instill confidence and trust, making it easier to attract and retain business.

Regular cleaning and maintenance services offered by serviced offices further contribute to a professional work environment. A well-maintained office space not only creates a more pleasant and productive work atmosphere but also reflects positively on your business image. Clients and visitors will appreciate the attention to detail and the overall professionalism of your workspace.

Moreover, serviced offices often provide access to high-quality amenities and facilities, such as well-equipped meeting rooms. These resources enable you to conduct business meetings and presentations with a polished and professional touch, leaving a lasting impression on your clients and partners.

By choosing a serviced office, you can project a professional image without the significant investments and hassles associated with traditional office spaces. This allows you to focus your resources on growing your business and achieving your professional goals.

Community

Serviced offices often foster a strong sense of community and collaboration among their tenants. This can be a major benefit for businesses that are looking to connect with other professionals and build relationships. Additionally, the shared amenities and common areas in serviced offices encourage interaction and collaboration between tenants, creating an environment that fosters innovation and creativity.

The sense of community in serviced offices can also help to reduce stress and burnout. When employees feel connected to their colleagues and have a sense of belonging, they are more likely to be engaged and productive at work. This can lead to improved job satisfaction and retention, which can benefit both the individual employees and the businesses they work for.

Overall, the sense of community and collaboration in serviced offices can provide a number of benefits for businesses and their employees. By choosing a serviced office, businesses can create a positive and productive work environment that fosters success and growth.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Business meetings serve various purposes, whether it’s discussing job roles, evaluating team performance, meeting clients, or pitching ideas to investors. However, the success of these gatherings boils down to one thing: preparation. It’s crucial to ensure that business meetings are productive, especially when people have taken time out of their day to attend.

No one wants to spend hours in unproductive meetings.

In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to prepare for a business meeting effectively to maximise its effectiveness – at 2 Bankside, and beyond!

Before the Meeting: Taking time to prepare for a meeting can make all the difference between a successful and a lackluster one. Here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself effectively:

Confirm the Meeting: The first step is to confirm the meeting details, including the time, location, and format. If you’re the organiser, notify all attendees about these details along with any other relevant information. Make sure to book a suitable meeting space that accommodates everyone comfortably and has all the necessary equipment. Sending confirmation details via email allows attendees to add the meeting to their calendars, ensuring they don’t miss it.

It’s also important to invite only those who are essential for the meeting to maintain focus.

Understand the Meeting Purpose: Before attending, ensure that all attendees understand the purpose of the meeting. This ensures everyone is on the same page, and any questions can be addressed beforehand. Understanding the meeting’s objectives also helps you determine if you’re the most suitable attendee. Sometimes, organisations may overlook responsibilities within different departments, leading to unnecessary attendance. Knowing the meeting’s objectives in advance helps you avoid this situation.

Review the Agenda: A clear and concise agenda is crucial for keeping all attendees focused during the meeting. Meeting leaders should gather input from attendees beforehand to create the agenda. Reviewing the agenda ahead of time allows attendees to prepare any necessary information and jot down questions in advance, preventing last-minute scrambling during the meeting.

Complete any Required Reading or Research: Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the agenda, complete any relevant reading or research beforehand. For instance, if you’re attending a job interview, researching the company and its background is a good practice.

Set up Equipment: As the meeting host, ensure that all necessary equipment is set up and functioning properly. If possible, arrive early to set up the meeting room and check the technology. If you’re presenting, do a quick run-through to ensure that your visuals and text are clear.

Choosing the Right Meeting Location: Consider the purpose of the meeting and the participants when selecting a location. For creative thinking or team-building meetings, an off-site location might be suitable, while formal team meetings may require a conference room. If you’re a freelancer or small business without a dedicated office space, coffee shops or coworking spaces can be viable options. Ensure that the chosen location provides the necessary facilities, such as free WiFi and refreshments.

Ensuring Effective Business Meetings: While preparation is key, it’s also important to keep the meeting focused and on track. Stick to the agenda and remind attendees of the meeting’s purpose to maintain momentum. Setting time limits for each agenda item can help keep the meeting on schedule, but be mindful not to rush through discussions. At the end of the meeting, summarise the key points discussed and establish an action plan.

At 2 Bankside, we offer a variety of meeting rooms in central locations worldwide, ensuring that you can conduct effective business meetings wherever you are. Additionally, our virtual office plus packages provide access to meeting rooms as needed.

Booking your meeting room in advance allows you ample time to prepare for your next important meeting.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

In the modern landscape of business (especially after COVID), the traditional concept of an office is rapidly evolving. After many of us having spent 2 years essentially being forced to work from home full time, the shift towards remote work has been undeniable. With this, the virtual office has emerged as a powerful solution for all businesses – no matter your size.

Whether you’re a startup entrepreneur or a seasoned corporate executive, the benefits of embracing a virtual office are vast and plenty. Let’s delve into why this innovative approach to workspace management is still revolutionising the way we work.

Flexibility and Freedom

If you ask anyone who works remotely about the benefits of working remotely, they’ll most likely mention the flexibility and freedom of it all at the top of the list.

No longer bound by the constraints of a physical office, employees have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. Whether it’s a bustling coffee shop, the comfort of their own home, or a remote destination halfway across the globe, individuals can tailor their work environment to suit their preferences and lifestyle. This flexibility not only enhances employee satisfaction but also fosters a healthy work-life balance, ultimately leading to increased productivity and morale.

Now, you may think ‘what does this have to do with having a virtual office?’ and it doesn’t have a direct correlation necessarily. However, if you are working from home with no virtual office, you may be missing out on that key rapport with your customers/clients. After all – it’s occasionally handy to be able to pop into an office building for client meetings!

Cost-Efficiency

Owning or renting a traditional brick-and-mortar office can be a costly endeavor. From leasing commercial space to furnishing and maintaining the premises, before you know it, the expenses can quickly add up.

In contrast, a virtual office eliminates many of these overhead costs. By leveraging cloud-based technologies and communication tools, businesses can significantly reduce their expenditure on the actual physical location itself, while still maintaining that ever so important professional image needed in a corporate setting.

Additionally, the savings made from not having to commute to an office location (whether that’s fuel or public transport costs) can be substantial for both employers and employees alike, resulting in a more efficient allocation of resources.

Access to the Global Talent Pool

With a population of nearly 8 billion people, it would be silly to rule out the majority just because they’re unable to get into the office. However, with a virtual office, you and your business have access to the full global pool of talent.

By leveraging remote work arrangements, you can tap into a whole wealth of skilled professionals regardless of their geographical location. This not only expands the talent pool but can also help promote diversity and inclusivity within the workforce.

Not only that, but there’s absolutely no reason as to why you can’t go ahead and get a virtual office in a different area or even country! This opens up your business for global expansion easily and efficiently, without having to sort out paperwork for visas and the like.

The Prestigious Business Address

Whether you’re wanting to be in the city centre for the prestige or the SEO, there’s no doubt that having a business address in a well known area is beneficial. You could even argue that it’s more beneficial than having an address in a lesser known area.

However, with the big city centre office location, comes the big city centre price tag. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to get around this? Well, there is! Having a virtual office in those key addresses for your business gives you that credibility and professionalism, without that hefty price tag.

Not only that, but most virtual offices give you a plethora of the benefits of owning or renting an office space (without actually having to own or rent an office space), such as hiring meeting rooms, receiving packages and even accepting phone calls. No one would even know it’s a virtual address!

In Conclusion

It doesn’t matter if you’re a business that works exclusively remotely or if you already have an existing business address. From easily expanding your reach globally to giving you that exclusive city centre address without the price tag, having a virtual office for your business can be beneficial to anyone and their business.

Are you looking for a virtual office or want to learn more about what they can offer? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you and your business grow!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Working from home was almost unheard of until the global pandemic starting in March 2020 changed the world forever. Although working from home became a vital way for people to still work during the pandemic whilst also staying safe and adhering to the government’s social distancing restrictions, the concept has still remained four years later. This raises the question: what is preferred, working from home or office work? While it is obvious that this is different for each individual person, as a whole, which the favoured method of working?

The global pandemic of Covid-19 sparked the initial idea for the vast majority of people to work from home. During the pandemic, even students had to work from home for some time, seeing their teachers and lecturers on teams’ calls. Now, working from home is a normal thing for companies to allow their employees to do. Some people prefer to work from the comfort of their own home, with the independence to work on their own, which is why working from home can be a perfect option for some people. Furthermore, the ability to work from home allows for people to work for companies they don’t live near to and gives opportunities that people otherwise wouldn’t have access to. However, the downsides that come with working from home have become apparent since this method of working has grown increasingly popular. The lack of social interaction has reportedly had a negative effect on the mental health of some people working from their home, with some people reporting that since working from home they rarely have need to leave the house.

Working from an office building is the stereotypical way for companies to work. While getting up early and going to work with other people in an office building may be some people’s worst nightmare, it has been proven that working amongst other people and building friendships and relationships with co-workers improves the mental health of people working for the company. Having a sense of routine and normalcy for staff can improve the quality of the work produced by individuals. Furthermore, being able to collaborate on projects in person increases the productivity of the workers and therefore boosts the standards of work completed.

Overall, whilst it has become obvious that there is a place in our society for the ‘working from home’ approach some companies have adopted, it is still of huge importance that companies have spaces where their staff can work in-person with their colleagues.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Crafting an office ambiance is crucial to improving staff productivity for any business, nearly as important as assembling the right team.

A strategic office set up that fosters innovation and comfort, motivating your workforce to take pride in their environment, optimising available space efficiently, and integrating technology tailored to your business requirements, serves as a catalyst for development and expansion.

In this blog post, the team at 2 Bankside explores the significance of cultivating the ideal workspace through commercial office fit-outs for business growth, along with some insightful office and workspace concepts.

 What Constitutes an Office Fit-Out?

A commercial office fit-out involves adapting your interior space to suit your business needs. At 2 Bankside, we offer a modern space with high spec tech to support your every day.  For instance, if you operate a call centre, a fit-out or office refurbishment encompasses adding workstations, seating, technology, while also ensuring a welcoming, comfortable, and functional setting for your team. It goes beyond all the essential elements crucial for your business operations, such as phone lines, network infrastructure, and ergonomic workspaces for optimal efficiency. An office fit-out essentially tailors the space to your business requirements, remember, it’s for humans and not machines!

How Can an Office Set Up Foster Business Growth?

 If you’re contemplating the significance of the ambience in your office, the set up and the vibe or energy consider the type of environment that enables peak performance. A workspace devoid of warmth, cramped quarters, and lacking privacy seldom inspires employees to excel. Think: grey cubicles in corporate American films. No personality, no success.

Transforming such a space into a welcoming, ergonomic office furnished with appropriate equipment not only enhances your business’s image but also fuels growth.

Enhanced Facilities & Equipment

To elicit the best performance from your staff, providing them with adequate tools is massive. Outdated equipment and malfunctioning facilities impede business objectives, leading to wastage of time and resources on repairs, hindering optimal functioning. A strategic office relocation or expansion strategy, integrating robust facilities and the latest equipment tailored to support your team, constitutes a worthwhile investment.

Despite the initial costs, such investments yield substantial returns through heightened motivation and productivity.

Crafting a Positive Impression for Clients

 Place yourself in your client’s shoes. What impression does your office convey when they step inside? How do you wish them to perceive your business? Does the visible areas of your office, including washroom facilities, reflect your values or appear outdated? When contemplating office fit-out strategies, consider the impression you want to leave on clients. Ensure that the spaces they encounter are not only conducive to their needs but also reflect positively on your business, providing an enriching user experience. Showcase your achievements and team within these spaces to reinforce why clients should engage with your business.

Stimulating Motivation & Productivity

Deliberating an office expansion warrants careful planning to cater to your workforce’s diverse needs effectively. Incorporating varied zones and workspaces allows employees to choose environments conducive to their tasks, fostering a sense of value and motivation, consequently enhancing productivity. Therefore, expanding your office with a focus on creating a space that acknowledges and inspires your employees’ efforts is pivotal for business growth.

Space Optimisation

Optimal workspace design doesn’t necessitate vast expanses; instead, strategic planning can maximise available space to accommodate your team’s requirements. A well-executed office expansion, complemented by effective space utilisation strategies such as smart storage solutions and embracing a paperless environment, ensures efficient utilisation of space. Streamlining clutter before transitioning ensures that only essential items occupy the new space. Incorporating compact furniture and innovative storage solutions facilitates space optimisation, promoting a conducive work environment.

Cultivating Company Culture

Your office space serves as a reflection of your business’s identity. An outdated workspace devoid of functionality fails to inspire the energy essential for business vitality or foster employee retention. A meticulously planned office expansion enables you to enhance your company culture, embodying your aspirations while reflecting the unique personalities of your team members. By integrating open-plan collaborative spaces, relaxation zones, versatile work areas, and innovative storage solutions, you can create an environment that not only embodies your business values but also fosters a vibrant work culture, making it an appealing workplace.

Interested?
We’re a recently renovated contemporary office space in Gateshead designed to help your business grow beyond measure. You’ll not only be in good company but in a space where design works perfectly with functionality.

Find out more here or speak to a member of the team and dial 0191 809 0769