The UK's tech industry is vibrant, occupying a leading position in Europe and often seen as challenging global tech giants China and the US, with impressive statistics year on year around the number of unicorns, futurecorns, startups and scaleups.
But like most other new businesses, small tech companies lack the budget to rent their own office space from day one. Even after a year or two of promising growth, every penny counts.
In this article, we explore the suitability and benefits of serviced offices for small tech companies, highlighting the key tools and facilities they might need from an office space, and explaining how to find the perfect workplace that meets those requirements.
A good location is one of the top considerations for most tech companies when it comes to choosing a suitable office space.
It’s important to be well-connected to talented tech recruits, as the hottest tech talent are in high demand. For this reason, tech companies tend to set up shop in popular ‘tech hubs’.
London and the South East are perennially popular areas for tech companies to base themselves, in large part thanks to efficient transport connections, easy access to major airports and proximity to the capital's other amenities. However, other favourable cities include Cambridge, Bristol and Manchester.
But you don’t need to opt for a permanent office space to access excellent transport links. With a well-located serviced office, you can benefit from excellent digital infrastructure, a large pool of digital skills, a dynamic tech community, and plenty of investment avenues for your business - all while working within your budget and providing a great location for your team to commute to.
All businesses need reliable equipment and facilities to operate effectively. Tech companies especially rely on 24/7 interruption-free internet access, without which business literally has to stop.
When searching for a serviced office as a tech company, it’s vital to check that it has sufficient WiFi coverage, an uninterrupted power supply, and on-site support to help quickly if any issues arise.
Another important consideration for tech companies is safety. Serviced offices normally supply basic equipment like monitors and phones, and you are generally expected to bring your own laptops and any other equipment you might need.
Tech companies, however, typically use top-of-the-range machines, which might stand out as tempting targets in an unsecure space. A good serviced office will offer a monitored alarm system and CCTV throughout the whole building, keeping you, your colleagues, visitors, and your crucial equipment safe.
Like any other business, tech companies can also benefit from plenty of additional facilities within a serviced office. For example, there might be a fully equipped kitchen to prepare lunch and refreshments, shower rooms for those cycling to work or heading to the gym on their break, and air conditioning to set the optimal working temperature.
Since a tech company's work is centred on very portable equipment, remote and hybrid working is very common in the tech industry. Co-working spaces are one option that tech workers who want to work flexibly may choose to use; another model is to rent a serviced office.
Unlike traditional workspaces, serviced offices are bookable on short notice for as long as required. This allows your business to access a professional, modern, and fully equipped office space that suits your working arrangements. There’s also a range of workspaces to choose from. So, whether you need a quiet room to get your head down or a collaborative meeting area to share ideas, there’s a serviced office to suit your individual needs. In addition, serviced offices usually have offices available of different sizes, so if your tech company is expanding quickly, you won't need to move location to facilitate your growth.
See also: Key benefits of using a serviced office
See also: Benefits of hiring a meeting room for your business
Some serviced offices also offer bookable meeting rooms for those occasions where you need a bigger space for a project, or to welcome a client or prospective investor.
As well as facilitating hybrid working arrangements, the flexibility of serviced offices means that tech companies (and other businesses) can operate more cost-effectively. Unlike traditional offices, which generally come with lengthy contracts, hefty deposits, expensive rents, and inflexible exit options, serviced offices come with short-term leases (typically monthly).
There’s no ongoing commitment, so you only pay for the space you need, for as long as you need it. Also, if your circumstances change suddenly, you won’t have to worry about giving the landlord notice, getting your deposit back, or any other contractual constraints.
Finally, choosing a serviced office means that you can take advantage of any networking events or opportunities the provider offers. Networking is essential for new entrepreneurs: it connects you with other business leaders, allows you to exchange wisdom and experiences, and gives you the opportunity to make valuable connections that could help drive your company forward.
Networking is equally meaningful for your employees. Despite the common misconception that tech workers sit behind a desk all day with their headphones on, long-term remote working can be a lonely endeavour: the opportunity to spend time with colleagues, exchange ideas and collaborate, can not only boost your employees' moods, it might also boost their creativity and productivity.
Tech companies absolutely can use a serviced office. Many of their professional needs are the same as any other business. Whether it’s spacious desks, privacy, or ergonomic furniture, a good serviced office will come equipped with all the essentials that allow you to carry out your daily tasks.
They can also meet many specific needs that a tech company might have, such as access to iconic tech hubs such as Silicon Roundabout (the East London Tech Hub), premium facilities that are compatible with their high-grade equipment, and a chance to meet other tech professionals.
If you’re looking for a temporary, affordable workspace for your tech company, take a look at the 71-75 serviced offices. Located in central London, the UK’s prime tech hub, our furnished offices come with super-fast internet access, secure access to the building and CCTV throughout, and a communal area to relax and socialise.
Prices are all-inclusive, meaning that internet, utilities, service charges, business rates, and insurance are all covered.
Find out more and book a tour of our serviced offices, at a time that’s most convenient for you.
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