The business world is moving to a hybrid way of working. For team members, this is the perfect situation, with no commute, lower travel costs and overall better work-life balance.
However, as a business owner, there are still elements of running your company that you’ll need to consider. Not everyone is comfortable using their home address or personal contact details for business purposes.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, or a glowing start-up, there are many reasons why you may opt for a virtual office. From saving money to having a professional presence anywhere in the world, we'll be covering everything you need to know about how virtual offices can help your business expand.
What is a virtual office?
A virtual office provides businesses with a real office address and services without the additional costs of having a physical space. Companies are able to have a business address, phone answering services via a virtual receptionist and mail forwarding, all while being anywhere you like, be it at home, abroad or in a convenient flexspace.
Virtual office space can be found anywhere in the world, meaning you can have a virtual address in a prime location, without actually being there.
Things to look out for with a virtual office
With so many virtual office providers out there, it can be difficult to make a decision on who to choose. This could depend on the location of your new registered business address, or whether they have mail forwarding and telephone answering as part of their virtual office packages. Working out your needs first will put you in a strong position to select the right virtual office to suit your business - now, and for its future growth.
So, let's take a look at what you need to consider and how it can help to grow your business.
1. Location
If you want to have a business address in a prime location, you may need to find a virtual office space in a major city or a location that is well-known for the industry you are in.
Many start-ups and growing businesses rent a London virtual office space so they can benefit from a top-tier business address without the overhead costs. You may also want to consider transport links and how accessible your virtual office may be if you did need access to use the building facilities.
2. Meeting and conference room access
Just because you work remotely doesn't mean face-to-face meetings are totally off the table. Some virtual office services include meeting room access within their premises for this very reason.
You can book a professional meeting room that is fully equipped with all the technology and tools you need to hold an effective meeting, that’s all included in your virtual office package. The ability to hold meetings with your virtual office setup can also add professional credibility to your business.
On the go? No problem, if you’re travelling for work and need to arrange a meeting at the last minute, you can enjoy access to multiple locations, so you’ll never be without a professional meeting space. With over 10,000 meeting rooms worldwide, simply book when, and for as long as you need.
3. Virtual receptionist
As a business owner, you're most likely busy more often than not, which can make it easy to miss phone calls. A virtual office can include call answering services via a virtual receptionist to support you when you need it most.
You can have a dedicated phone line to forward calls and take messages, offering similar services to a virtual assistant. This could save you valuable time, adding to your respectability as you don't have to worry about your potential clients talking to a robot.
4. Technology and business services
When you're on the search for a virtual office, it's important to find out what technology and materials they have on-site and what's included in your package.
A top priority has to be fast and reliable WiFi, especially if you're going to have meetings with some participants joining remotely. Hybrid working is getting more popular by the day and it's important to keep everyone engaged, wherever they are. Additional services that can be beneficial to any company include scanning, printing and on-site amenities for when you do need to pop in.
Who uses virtual offices?
Virtual offices can be used by anyone, from freelancers to start-ups and global businesses; brands around the world are maximising their presence with a virtual address and call answering services.
For many, having a traditional physical office with a lengthy contract isn't suitable due to expensive running costs - especially when a team may be mostly remote.
How does a virtual office help my business?
A virtual business address is much more than an address to be used for registering a company too.As well as offering business owners a prime address anywhere in the world, a virtual office space allows businesses to maximise their presence, without the expense that usually comes with it.
Prime location
A virtual office allows you to benefit from a prime address - with flexible terms, real business centres and locations all over the world. Establish yourself where potential clients are situated, even if that's not where you may be, and build your business presence where it makes a difference.
Reduce costs
Your traditional office rental would likely involve expensive overheads, including maintenance fees and locked-in contracts. Plus, if your team is working remotely - or hybrid working - that money could be put to better use in growing your business.
Say goodbye to lengthy contracts, traditional offices and the costs that come with it - a virtual business address, when paired with optional meeting room access, delivers everything you need in a prime location.
Grow at your own pace
Running a small business or an ambitious start-up? Having a virtual office means you don’t have to worry as much about expenses and being able to pay them, So you’re then able to grow your team at your own pace, as your business develops. Make use of meeting rooms and working spaces for collaboration and client meetings.
Flexibility
By having a virtual office instead of a permanent physical space, you have the opportunity to scale up as your business grows. We understand there are times when you need to carry out a face-to-face meeting or have a designated meeting room for videoconferencing - both of which a virtual office address can accommodate.
The flexibility to build your business in any number of markets - with access to a global business lounge network - means you can be wherever your business takes you.
Better work-life balance
With virtual offices all over the world, it's easy to find one close to home. This means you have a designated meeting space, without a lengthy commute.
Professional business address
As well as presenting a professional image to clients, using a virtual office service allows you to keep all your personal details protected. This means you can use a virtual address on all relevant correspondence, as well as online directories and when registering your company.
How to choose a virtual office
Even though it is a virtual space, you will want to consider the location. Consider somewhere that is easily accessible for yourself, team members or visiting clients. You'll also want to know if the virtual office provider provides on-demand meeting or conference room access, that you can use for in-person meetings and with remote participants.
Here are a few suggestions to help select your perfect virtual office rental:
- Pay attention to the location and transport links available, especially if you intend on using the office space facilities.
- Find out about relevant phone answering services, to ensure you never miss a call again.
- If you're likely to receive a lot of mail, find out the relevant costs for mail forwarding.
If you would like to find out more about Regus virtual offices, please get in touch today.