The freelance economy is booming, and with it, the demand for coworking office spaces for freelancers has never been higher. While working from home has its perks, many freelancers struggle with distractions, isolation, and a lack of professional networking opportunities.

Coworking spaces provide an ideal solution by offering a professional yet flexible workspace where freelancers can work productively, connect with other professionals, and access essential business resources. They do this without the overhead costs of a private office.

So, why should freelancers consider coworking office spaces? Here’s a look at the top benefits.

A Collaborative & Inspiring Work Environment

Freelancing often comes with a lack of social interaction, which can affect motivation and creativity. In a coworking space, you’re surrounded by professionals from diverse industries, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and shared knowledge.

Being in an open, professional setting allows freelancers to exchange ideas, build relationships, and find opportunities for collaboration that wouldn’t arise when working alone. Unlike coffee shops or home offices, coworking spaces are designed for productivity. Their modern layouts promote both focused work and organic networking.

The presence of like-minded professionals can also inspire innovation. It helps freelancers think outside the box and gain new perspectives on their work, as well as making new connections that can help them progress their business.

Boost Creativity & Productivity

Working from home can sometimes feel monotonous, leading to a decline in motivation and focus. Coworking office spaces provide bright, open, and energising environments that encourage creative thinking and productivity.

Studies show that workspace design plays a crucial role in productivity. Coworking spaces are designed to support freelancers with ergonomic furniture, natural lighting, and dedicated quiet zones for deep work. Many also include breakout areas and brainstorming zones to help individuals reset and recharge, keeping them engaged throughout the day.

A study published in the European Journal of Workplace Innovation found that coworking spaces enhance employee creativity through social interaction and knowledge sharing. The collaborative setting allows freelancers to exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and develop innovative solutions, making their work more dynamic and efficient.

For freelancers, this shift in environment can lead to fewer distractions, better time management, and an overall increase in work efficiency.

Encourage Discipline & Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest challenges freelancers face is setting boundaries between work and personal life. Without a structured workspace, it’s easy to lose track of time, leading to overworking or procrastination.

Coworking spaces help establish a routine and a sense of discipline and provide a dedicated workspace that separates professional life from home life. Working alongside other professionals naturally motivates freelancers to stick to schedules, meet deadlines, and maintain a structured workflow.

This structure helps to avoid the isolation that often comes with working solo.

Expand Your Professional Network

For freelancers, success isn’t just about the work—it’s also about building strong connections. Coworking office spaces create endless opportunities for networking by bringing together professionals across industries.

Being part of a coworking community means frequent interactions with potential clients, collaborators, and industry experts. These opportunities open the doors to new projects and partnerships. Many coworking spaces also host networking events, workshops, and social gatherings, allowing freelancers to expand their professional circles and stay ahead in their field.

Whether you’re looking for mentorship, business opportunities, or simply like-minded professionals to exchange ideas with, coworking spaces offer the perfect setting for organic networking.

Access to Business-Grade Resources & Amenities

One of the standout advantages of coworking office spaces for freelancers is access to premium office amenities without the high costs. Unlike home offices or coffee shops, coworking spaces offer a professional setup that includes:

• High-speed Wi-Fi and IT support
• Private meeting rooms for client calls
• Printing and scanning facilities
• Comfortable workstations and ergonomic seating
• Kitchen and break areas for coffee and networking
• 24/7 access for flexible working hours

Having these resources readily available enhances professionalism and efficiency, allowing freelancers to focus on growing their business without logistical concerns.

Why Freelancers Choose St James Business Centre

Finding the right coworking space is crucial for freelancers looking to increase productivity, expand their network, and maintain a professional presence. At St James Business Centre, we provide fully serviced coworking office spaces for freelancers with flexible membership options tailored to individual needs.

Located on the outskirts of Warrington town centre, our coworking space offers:

• 80,000 sq. ft. of serviced office space
• Flexible hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices
• Meeting rooms and breakout areas for collaboration
• A vibrant business community with networking opportunities
• 24/7 fob access, on-site café, and ample parking

If you’re ready to take your freelancing career to the next level, download our brochure to explore our coworking packages and facilities. Join a thriving community and work in a space designed for success!

In today’s flexible working world, businesses are constantly balancing remote and office-based work. While digital tools have made communication more seamless, face-to-face collaboration remains a vital part of productivity, creativity, and company culture.

Despite the rise of remote work, companies that invest in well-designed office spaces continue to see higher engagement, better teamwork, and improved problem-solving.

So, why is the office still the best place for collaboration? Let’s explore five key reasons why in-person work remains essential for business success.

The role of the office in collaboration post-COVID

While remote work has become a staple for many businesses, the importance of office collaboration is greater than ever.

Over the last few years, millions of workers have transformed parts of their homes into makeshift offices. Virtual meetings through Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become routine, making it easier to share documents and manage projects remotely.

However, virtual interactions don’t fully replace the dynamic benefits of face-to-face collaboration. Studies have shown that in-person meetings can generate more creative ideas, improve team trust, and accelerate decision-making.

A well-designed office space supports innovation, productivity, and teamwork—elements that are difficult to replicate through digital tools alone. Let’s explore five key reasons why offices remain essential for collaboration.

1. Collaboration is more effective in person

The phrase “two heads are better than one” is particularly true in the workplace.

When colleagues work together in the same space, brainstorming sessions are more fluid, and problem-solving becomes faster. A 2023 study from Stanford University found that teams working in physical offices generate 15% more ideas compared to remote teams.

Face-to-face discussions also help:

• Reduce miscommunication caused by email or messaging apps
• Speed up decision-making without long email threads
• Encourage spontaneous conversations that spark creativity

Whether tackling complex tasks or sharing expertise, in-office collaboration is often more efficient.

2. Immediate and meaningful feedback

A key element of collaboration is real-time feedback, which is easier in an office environment.

When working remotely, feedback is often delayed due to email back-and-forths or waiting for scheduled video calls.

In contrast, in-office conversations allow for:

• Instant feedback on projects, leading to faster iterations
• More clarity, as tone, body language, and facial expressions are visible
• Smoother conflict resolution, as difficult conversations are more productive face-to-face

Things like body-language, facial expressions, and getting difficult points across can be more successful on a face-to-face basis.

3. Creative spaces for innovation and productivity

A well-designed office environment can boost creativity and improve problem-solving.

Dedicated collaboration areas, such as meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and informal lounges, provide employees with different environments suited for different types of work.

• Brainstorming rooms encourage idea-sharing
• Quiet focus zones help with deep work
• Casual spaces (like sofas or coffee corners) foster spontaneous discussions

Areas like this can make you feel more creative and energised – especially if you grab a coffee at the same time and put you in a different headspace to sitting at your desk.

5. Stronger team building and company culture

Being in the same location means you can get to know and understand each other well and helps improve team relationships.

Being physically present in an office:

• Helps new employees integrate faster into company culture
• Strengthens team trust and collaboration
• Encourages informal interactions that improve camaraderie

Virtual teams often struggle with building connections, which can lead to feelings of isolation. In contrast, in-person workplaces create shared experiences that bring teams closer together.

Companies that prioritise in-office collaboration often see lower turnover rates and higher job satisfaction.

5. A shared workspace encourages a shared purpose

When employees share a workspace, they naturally develop a sense of belonging and purpose. Their office is where they feel at home when they’re away from home.

A 2022 study by Gallup found that employees who feel connected to their workplace are 3x more likely to be engaged in their roles.

An office environment benefits both employers and employees, with:

• Stronger alignment with company goals
• Higher engagement and productivity
• A sense of stability and structure

If co-workers share a sense of place, they’re far more likely to have a shared purpose about the work done at that place too, leading to a willingness to collaborate and work together effectively.

Why the office still matters

While remote work has its advantages, office collaboration remains a powerful driver of innovation, efficiency, and team cohesion. A well-structured, engaging, and creative workplace improves teamwork and communication, encourages spontaneous innovation, and strengthens company culture.

Businesses that invest in well-designed office spaces create an environment where collaboration happens naturally, ideas develop more easily, and employees feel more connected to their work, ultimately leading to greater productivity and long-term success.

Find the right office for your team

Creating a workspace that supports collaboration starts with the right environment. Whether you need a flexible office space, co-working areas, or dedicated meeting facilities, the right setting can make all the difference. View our brochure to explore workspace solutions that bring teams together, encourage creativity, and help your business thrive

As your business grows, you might start wondering, “How much office space do I actually need?” It’s a tricky balance – too much space and you’re left paying for a lot of empty desks; too little and you’ll have employees accidentally elbowing each other during Zoom calls.

Finding that sweet spot is key to boosting productivity, morale, and the overall vibe of your office (especially if you’re in a creative or tech industry where brainstorming sessions and quiet coding time both need room to breathe).

Let’s take a closer look at how to figure out what works for your team – and why flexible office solutions might just be your new best friend.

Why office space matters for productivity and culture

Your office environment isn’t just about where people sit; it’s where they work. The right space can keep your team feeling energised, engaged, and, ideally, not counting down the minutes until they can leave.

According to the Design Council, well-thought-out office design can actually increase productivity by up to 20%. That’s a pretty solid boost, considering all you have to do is make sure the chairs are comfy and people have a bit of room to move.

A Dell study also found that 73% of UK workers said they’d consider jumping ship if their office space wasn’t inspiring enough. Who knew desks and lighting could have that much power?

All this to say, having a workspace that not only functions well but also feels right can make a big difference in how your team feels about their workday. Some people thrive in collaborative spaces, while others need a quiet corner to get into their flow. A flexible layout that offers both can keep everyone happy.

How much office space do you need per person in the UK?

Here’s where it gets a bit more technical; how much space does each person actually need to avoid bumping into their neighbours while also keeping things cost-efficient?

The British Council for Offices (BCO) suggests that a “sweet spot” for office space is 10-12m² per person, which not only boosts productivity but also keeps everyone comfortable, especially if you’ve embraced hybrid working. On average, that’s about 100-150 square feet per person, but this can vary depending on how your business operates.

For teams that love collaboration, you might want more space for breakout areas and communal workstations. On the flip side, if a lot of your team is working remotely, you could get away with fewer desks (and save a bit on rent in the process).

Here’s a quick look at typical space needs:

• Private office: 100–150 sq. ft. per person (for when you need peace and quiet)
• Open-plan office: 70–100 sq. ft. per person (for those who love the sound of collaboration)
• Meeting rooms and communal areas: 50–60 sq. ft. per person (because where else are you going to nail that client pitch?

 

Calculating the space your business needs

Now that you know how much space per person is typical, let’s walk through how to actually use those numbers for your own business.

1. How many people are in your team?
   This is the most obvious factor. Remember to account for future hires if you’re planning to grow in the near future when you do this calculation.
   
   Start with the basics. Multiply the number of people on your team by the space you think they’ll need.
   
   For example, if you’ve got 10 employees and you’re leaning toward an open-plan office, you’ll multiply 10 x 100 sq. ft., so you’ll need around 1,000 square feet of space to get everyone comfortably seated without crowding.
2. What kind of work do you do?
   Different industries and roles have different needs, and therefore require different layouts.
   
   If your team thrives on collaboration, you might want to allocate extra room for breakout spaces and group work areas. Alternatively, if quiet focus is key, factor in more private office space at about 100-150 sq. ft. per person for those who need it.
3. Do you need room for meetings or events?
   Don’t forget the extras like meeting rooms, kitchens, and those essential coffee stations.
   
   For these shared spaces, plan on about 50-60 sq. ft. per person. So, if you expect to regularly have five people in meetings, set aside at least 250-300 square feet for that purpose.
4. Are you adopting a hybrid working model?
   If a chunk of your team works remotely or in a hybrid setup, you could reduce the number of permanent desks. But you’ll still want flexible spaces for when everyone comes in, so consider hot-desking or shared workspaces to keep things versatile.

By applying these numbers, you’ll have a clearer sense of how much space your business needs – not too little, not too much, but just right.

And if you’re still unsure, you could start out in a flexible office space. These allow you to adapt your office size as your business grows, ensuring you always have the right amount of space.

How much space does your business really need?

It’s easy to overestimate your office needs. You get excited, think you’re about to become the next big thing, and suddenly you’re stuck paying for more square footage than you actually need. The trick is to strike a balance between comfort and efficiency.

For startups with smaller teams, or businesses experimenting with hybrid working, flexible office solutions give you a way to scale your space without going overboard. Start small, and expand as you grow. Chances are, you’ll find you need less space than you initially thought (especially if your team prefers to work from home).

It’s also a good idea to plan ahead. As your business evolves, your office should be able to adapt with you. Look for spaces with reconfigurable layouts, movable partitions, or hot desking to balance space, comfort, and cost effectiveness.

Future-proof your office space for growth

Speaking of evolving, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a long-term lease that doesn’t fit your business anymore. Flexible leases are your best friend when it comes to future-proofing. They give you the freedom to grow (or shrink) without the stress of being locked into something that no longer works.

Planning for the future doesn’t mean you have to predict every single change, but it does mean you should pick a space that can adjust as your team’s needs change. Whether you’re hiring new staff, expanding your services, or just shifting the way you work, make sure your office can grow with you without the hassle of a full relocation. 

Choosing the right office space for your business

Finding the right balance of office space doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle. Think about your team’s size, the way you work, and how much room you’ll need as you grow, and you’ll be on the right track.

Whether you’re looking at flexible leases, virtual offices, or coworking spaces, the key is to shape your office to better suit your business needs.

Flexible office spaces are like a chameleon for your business – they can be whatever you need them to be. Whether it’s coworking spaces, shared workspaces, serviced offices, or hot desks, flexible offices adapt to your style and needs.

Since the pandemic, the demand for these adaptable work environments has skyrocketed. Businesses everywhere are shifting towards a more flexible approach to work-life balance. Remote and hybrid work models are the new norm, giving employees the freedom to balance their work and personal lives more effectively.

In this blog we’ll explore:

• Understanding Flexible Office Space
• Traditional Offices vs. Flexible Offices: How do they compare?
• Different Types of Flexible Office Spaces
• The Benefits of Flexible Office Space
• How Flexible Office Space Can Improve Your Business
• Who Should Consider Flexible Office Space?

Understanding Flexible Office Space

Imagine a workspace that moulds to fit your team’s vibe. Whether you’re heads down at a desk, chilling in a breakout area, or brainstorming in a creative corner, flexible workspaces keep things interesting and productive.

These spaces are perfect for businesses that want to give their employees more control over their work-life balance while boosting productivity and networking opportunities. It’s a win-win.

Traditional Offices Vs Flexible Offices: How do they compare?

There’s a lot of buzz about flexible versus traditional offices. With remote and hybrid work on the rise, more businesses are leaning towards flexible spaces that offer more perks.

In fact, 72% of UK employers offer total work location flexibility for their corporate employees, while only 28% require staff to be in the office full time. But what’s the real deal?

 

	Flexible Office	Traditional Office
Contracts	Think short and sweet. Flexible offices usually offer rolling 30-day contracts or 3-6 month leases, perfect for small businesses who need to manage their costs more closely.	Traditional offices often come with long-term contracts, bigger upfront costs, and a serious commitment.
Layout	A mix of workspaces – breakout areas, meeting rooms, hot desks, private booths – designed to keep your team inspired and collaborative.	Static setups with fixed desks and limited opportunities for daily mingling.
Services	All-inclusive, but for offices. Flexible offices often cover everything from parking to kitchen access, though you might have less control over décor.	You get to call the shots on the layout, but be ready to shell out for amenities and facilities.
Visibility	Open-plan layouts make it easy to connect with other businesses and freelancers – a networking goldmine.	Traditional offices can feel a bit isolated, limiting daily networking opportunities.
Creative Environment	Flexible offices allow for easy environment changes, keeping the creative juices flowing and morale high.	Even the most creative traditional offices can feel stale without a bit of stimulation.

 

 

Different types of flexible office spaces

There are various different types of flex spaces that could serve your business needs, here are the different types and what they offer:

Serviced offices

Serviced offices are your plug-and-play option. Managed and maintained by another company, these spaces are perfect if you want to hit the ground running without worrying about the details.

If you’re looking for an office you can move into and crack on with business asap, serviced offices are probably a good choice for you. 

Managed offices

If your business is big enough to have managed offices, you know you’re doing well.

Managed offices give you the whole shebang – a full floor or building to customise as you see fit. Great for businesses that want complete control over their space.

Shared offices

A shared office provides space for multiple businesses to work in the same area and share the same facilities. They are often suited to businesses or startups who are looking for a part-time lease, where one company rents it for 1-3 days a week and the remaining days are rented by a different company. You get all the benefits of an office without the full-time commitment.

Coworking spaces

Coworking spaces are like the Swiss Army knife of office spaces – versatile, flexible, and perfect for freelancers, individuals or small teams who want to meet up and collaborate in a vibrant environment.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of hybrid and remote working, they have become increasingly popular as go-betweens for teams from one business to meet and collaborate. They’re so popular in fact, that the percentage of remote workers using coworking spaces is expected to double by 2026. 

Coworking offices offer a flexible approach to working, as they can often be booked on demand.

Satellite offices

Satellite offices are additional branches of a larger company that are in a different location to their main offices.  They’re suited to businesses wanting to create a productive and collaborative work environment for employees outside of their main offices.

They’re a particularly great option when looking for talent in different areas or countries. They provide an office for employees to work from in a new location, making it easier to collaborate and work with their team in person.

Virtual offices

A virtual office allows businesses to get all the benefits of a physical office space, without actually having to rent a full office space.

They’re perfect for businesses wanting to dip their toe in the water in a new location before fully committing to a satellite office. They often include many benefits such as:

• A different postal address (a great option for entrepreneurs just starting from home)
• A receptionist that takes calls for your business so you don’t have to provide your personal phone number, open mail to your virtual postal address and scan it over to you.
• Access to meeting rooms, so if you were looking for talent or opportunities in the area, you have somewhere to meet with them.

Not all virtual offices will provide all of these services, so it’s worth checking what’s on offer before you commit to a virtual location.

Hot desks

Hot desks often get confused with coworking spaces, but they are related. ‘Hot desk’ just means not having an ‘assigned’ to seat in. Office spaces tend to have hot desks if the employees are hybrid or remote, and co-working space will almost always be made up of hot desks (which is where the confusion comes from).

Different offices for different businesses

With so many options, how do you choose the right one? It all depends on what your business needs.
A creative business might thrive in an open, airy workspace, while a corporate team might prefer assigned seating and easy access to coffee and tea. The key is finding the right fit for your team’s vibe and your business goals.

The Benefits of Flexible Office Space

There are many benefits when it comes to choosing office space, from how much money you spend to location and whether it aligns with your business goals and future plans. 

Cost efficiency

Flexible offices can help businesses manage costs more efficiently than traditional leases. Unlike traditional office leases, they don’t require an upfront cost to fit-out the office, pay security deposits and furniture expenses. 

Flexible offices come with all this ready for you to move in and start work, usually on a shorter term commitment with added flexibility. Having shared amenities such as meeting rooms, reception, kitchen areas, parking, showers etc. make flexible offices a popular option for new businesses, as it reduces the need to invest in and maintain their own amenities. 

Scalability

If you need to scale up, or scale down, flexible office spaces generally have the ability to flex to your business needs by easily being able to adjust the amount of space you rent without being locked into a long-term lease. 

Unlike traditional offices, leases can range from month-to-month rolling contracts to 1-3 year leases depending on your business needs. Shorter term leases reduce the risk of paying for unused space during downturns, or unforeseen circumstances (like a global pandemic). 

Collaboration and networking

Many flexible office spaces come with a community atmosphere that is welcoming and makes it easy to find new connections.

Think about it, if you’re working in a shared office space with entrepreneurs and individuals, you’ll have a lot more resources at your disposal than if you were working in your own, managed offices, siloed from other small businesses and freelancers. 

Many buildings also hold events to help businesses connect and find services local to them. 

Employee satisfaction and productivity

Flexible office spaces are a big win when it comes to keeping employees happy and productive. Why? Because they let people choose how and where they work best.

Whether it’s finding a quiet corner to focus or a cosy spot to collaborate, flexible offices cater to everyone’s needs. This not only boosts morale but also helps people get more done in a way that feels good to them (and benefits your business!).

How Flexible Office Space Can Improve Your Business

Adaptability

Change happens. When it does, flexible office spaces make it easier for your business to adapt. Whether you’re expanding, downsizing, or just need a new kind of workspace, these spaces give you the freedom to adjust without the stress of long-term commitments.

Attracting Talent

Today’s top talent is looking for more than just a paycheck – they want a workplace that fits their lifestyle.

Offering a flexible office space can make your business more attractive to potential employees. It shows that you value their needs and are willing to provide a work environment that’s modern, comfortable, and adaptable.

Supporting Hybrid Work Models

With more businesses embracing hybrid work, flexible office spaces are the perfect fit. They provide a blend of spaces for both in-office and remote workers, making it easy for your team to stay connected and productive, no matter where they’re working from.

Who Should Consider Flexible Office Space?

Startups and Entrepreneurs

If you’re running a startup or a small business, flexible office spaces are a great choice. They allow you to grow without the worry of long-term leases. Plus, the vibrant, community-focused environment is perfect for networking and finding new opportunities.

Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

SMEs can benefit from the cost savings and flexibility these spaces offer. With shared amenities and short-term contracts, you can focus more on growing your business and less on worrying about expensive leases.

Corporate Teams and Satellite Offices

For corporate teams and satellite offices, flexible spaces are a smart solution. They provide a professional environment without the hassle of long-term commitments, making it easier to set up a new branch or project team in a different location.

How to Choose the Right Flexible Office Space for Your Business

Assessing Your Office Needs

First things first – figure out what your business needs. How big is your team? What amenities are must-haves? Do you need a space that supports collaboration, or one that’s more about quiet focus? Knowing these details will help you pick the right space for your team and your business.

Exploring Flexible Office Options

Don’t rush the decision. Take your time to explore different options. Whether it’s a serviced office, coworking space, or virtual office, each type offers something unique. Make sure to choose one that aligns with your business goals and work style.

Making an Informed Decision

Choosing the right office space is a big deal. It’s worth doing your homework to make sure the space you pick supports your business and helps your team thrive. Consider location, cost, and the specific features each option offers. The right space should feel like a natural fit for your business now and in the future.

Explore the Benefits of Flexible Office Space

Flexible office spaces are more than just a trend – they’re a smart choice for businesses looking to stay adaptable in an ever-changing world. Whether you’re seeking a space that grows with you, supports hybrid work, or simply inspires creativity, there’s a flexible office option that can meet your needs.

We’ve explored how flexible offices differ from traditional setups, the variety of spaces available, and the many benefits they offer – from cost savings to improved employee satisfaction.

In essence, flexible office spaces provide the freedom to create an environment that truly fits your business. They’re designed to evolve with your company, making them a great option for businesses of all sizes.

Effective team meetings and meetings with clients are really important as this is your time to solidify your position in your business and show your team and its clients exactly why your business is the best place to be but where do you start? How can you run an effective and successful meeting?

In this blog we will discuss why meetings are so important and how you can run yours most effectively.

Why are meetings important?

Meetings are crucial for communication across various organisational segments. Teams, despite diverse viewpoints, collaborate towards shared goals. Regular meetings foster communication, idea exchange, and collaboration, key elements for success regardless of team roles

 

What are the 4 p’s of effective meetings?

 

Purpose

Why are you meeting? What is the purpose? Are you meeting for a general catch-up with your team to see if they need any support or are you checking in on the progress your team is making towards completing its goals?

Planning

Where are you meeting? How long for?

The environment that you and your participants are in can directly affect your performance and the tone of your meeting.

Running an in-person meeting with your clients or your team in a bright and modern space will enhance the natural performance of your team and in turn breed more creative ideas.

For quick team meetings try using co-working space, an open and relaxed environment made for collaboration.

For more private and professional meetings opt for a meeting room or a boardroom. These are completely private and professional spaces built to impress your clients.

Lucky for you we have the perfect spaces available to hire, you can hire one of our professional meeting rooms here.

Preparation

Have an agenda. A meeting agenda readies participants by outlining the purpose and discussion points, aiding goal achievement through defined objectives and time frames.

Participation

Engage with your participants through regular intervals, ask questions to keep people engaged with what is going on.

What are your thoughts? Does anyone have anything to add?

Not questions to intentionally catch your team out but questions to make people feel like you want them to be involved and are interested in listening to their opinion.

Sometimes people can feel a little overwhelmed and actively engaging with the introverts of the session can ensure that they are part of the team instead of feeling like a spare part.

Finally

Don’t forget to follow-up with your team after the meeting itself. After you’ve run your meeting, you might want to deliver a follow-up email if what has been discussed and what those discussion points will affect.

We hope we have helped you with some tips on how to run effective meetings.

Team meetings are an important and crucial part of building your team and achieving your business objectives.

When done well, meetings can help improve overall performance of the team and the productivity of individual team members.

St James Business Centre can help you run effective meetings and get the most out of your meeting space.

For high-quality meeting spaces, explore our meeting rooms and co-working space. Contact our team for further details through our website by clicking here.

For the space you need to carry out effective in-person meetings, take a look at our meeting rooms and co-working space or contact our team for more information via our website by clicking here.

 

Want to know more about St James Business Centre, Warrington?

St James Business Centre is an 80,000 sq. ft. building offering serviced offices, conventional offices, and virtual office space to rent in Warrington town centre, we are close to train stations and offer extensive on-site parking. We also offer co-working space for anyone needing flexible working without the demands of permanent office space.

Our meeting and conferencing facilities, on-site café and spacious internal courtyards means your business has access to everything it needs under one roof.

Contact us for more information.

 

If you’re looking for office space for your business, one of the decisions you might be facing is whether to choose a serviced or leased office. To help you see which one’s right for your business, we’ve put together everything you need to know in this short and helpful guide.

 

Convenience or freedom

The first thing to consider is which of these is most important to you. Serviced offices are generally more convenient as more or less everything is done for you. All of the important stuff is there, including chairs, desks, and storage. And the essential infrastructure will be in place too. Many serviced offices will have ready-made break out areas, meeting rooms, and cafes or restaurants onsite.

With a leased office, you’ll need to sort out the fixtures and furniture yourself, as well as many of the services. This can take much longer to organise than you might think, so many businesses prefer the convenience of a serviced office. However, you can configure your office space however you like, so you can put your brand stamp on it more than with a serviced office.

Long-term commitment

Leased office spaces are usually a longer-term commitment than serviced office agreements. It can also take time to agree contracts, especially when compared to serviced office agreements. You can usually have more flexibility in the term if you take a serviced office agreement too. This is useful if you’re not sure how long you want to stay in a premises or if you need to move to a larger space as your business grows.

 

Costs

One advantage of a long lease is that you can sometimes control your overheads, as you can negotiate costs for services, and you know the price of your lease won’t change over the length of its term. With a serviced agreement, you can budget easily as you know what your monthly or annual costs will be, however, you won’t be able to save on overheads as you can with a lease. There’s also no guarantee your costs will be the same if you renew your agreement either.

As with all business decisions, understanding the numbers is vital before you sign anything, so it’s important to make a business plan that includes your projections for the future. This will help you decide which type of office space will suit your needs now and going forward.

 

St James Business Centre is an 80,000 sq. ft. building offering serviced, conventional, and virtual office space to rent in Warrington town centre, close to train stations and with extensive on-site parking. We also offer co-working space for anyone needing flexible working without the demands of permanent office space.

Our meeting and conferencing facilities, plus spacious internal courtyards in Warrington means your business has access to everything it needs under one roof. Contact us for more information.

What is a virtual office?

A virtual office is where your business has a registered office address without you having to physically base your business there. This might be in an office block, business centre, or anywhere else with appropriate space and facilities. It gives the impression your business has an office even if it doesn’t, and there’s usually someone on-site you can deal with any post and phone calls in your behalf.

Who can have a virtual office?

Virtual offices are suitable for any business, but are particularly useful for anyone based from home that wants to create a more professional image. Having an office address can also give you more creditability. Some businesses might also want to have a presence in a particular are where similar businesses to them are based (E.g. Silicon Valley or Saville Row) but can’t afford an office there. A virtual office is a straightforward way to get round this issue.

Newer businesses or start-ups can benefit from having one too. If they expand very quickly, for example, having a virtual office means they don’t need to rush to look for bigger premises. It also means you can cast your net a bit further to try and catch talented people for your business. Not having the fixed location of an actual office allows you to recruit people from anywhere you like.

What are the advantages of a virtual office?

There are a number of reasons why you might opt for a virtual office, including costs, environmental concerns and even improved productivity. Having a one means you won’t pay out as much every month on things like rent, facilities, and business equipment, so it can be more cost effective. You might even be able to pay on a flexible basis and change your arrangements quickly if you need to.

A virtual space can also be better for the environment as staff can work from home and don’t need to commute. This will improve morale and productivity too, leading to a better work life balance. This, in turn, leads to reduced staff turnover and fewer sickness days.

It’s also worth adding business support here. Many virtual offices can offer the same level of business support as you’d get if you rented a physical office, including reception and admin services. And, if you needed to get everyone in your business together, or need to meet clients, you can often hire conference rooms and all the associated tech in the building where your virtual office is based.

A virtual office is a flexible, affordable way of working for many companies, and many business owners now believe it could be the way forward. Why not see if it could work for your business?

St James Business Centre is an 80,000 sq. ft. building offering serviced, conventional, and virtual office space to rent in Warrington town centre, close to train stations and with extensive on-site parking. We also offer co-working space for anyone needing flexible working without the demands of permanent office space.

Our meeting and conferencing facilities, plus spacious internal courtyards in Warrington means your business has access to everything it needs under one roof. Contact us for more information.