Things to Think About When Choosing Office Space

Selecting a new office space can be daunting, whether it represents your inaugural office or forms part of business expansion. One approach to simplify that decision is to choose flexible office space, such as Wrest Park Business Centre, thereby eliminating the risk of a prolonged lease or agreement that binds you to unsuitable premises.

But to make your selection even simpler, here are the essential factors you should evaluate when hunting for an office space that suits your requirements.

Position, Position, Position

The property developer’s catchphrase remains just as valid for an office as it is for a home. The reality is that the finest office in the world serves no purpose if it is not accessible for your team or clients.

Seek locations that are accessible and well-linked. Wrest Park Business Centre is situated in the historic Wrest Park estate in Silsoe, Central Bedfordshire, and is just fifteen minutes from the M1 or A1 networks via the A421 and A6. We offer parking spaces for over 400 vehicles, and we also have 4 EV charging points available.

Consider Visual Impact

Appearances are significant. Elements such as exterior presentation, reception standards, shared areas, and workspace environments will all influence client perceptions and team productivity.

If you notice something is amiss, so will anyone visiting your premises. Examine aspects such as exterior upkeep, internal cleanliness, and the quality of fittings. And remember that it is not only physical appearances that count; pay attention to the greeting you receive from reception staff and others in the facility as well.

Evaluate Your Enterprise Requirements

Your business demands might be at the forefront of your thoughts, but an office encompasses more than just workstations and seating. Your office must contain all the features and zones that support the individuals working within it.

Elements like the character of your enterprise and your organisational culture will all influence the style and arrangement of the office you require. If you are expanding, you may also need to accommodate additional space. Moreover, you should also evaluate the need for a relaxation area and kitchen facilities for personnel, as well as external alternatives, such as nearby stores, restaurants, and pubs like The Star & Garter.

What Is Covered in the Rental Fee

The supplementary amenities that accompany the office are crucial. Utilities such as power, water, and internet connectivity are vital. You will require an office that has everything you need connected, or you will need to organise those connections independently.

Your IT department, if you have one, will be able to guide you on specifications. However, since most equipment is relatively low-consumption, your primary determining factor is likely to be your internet access. Precisely what you require will depend on your business, but be sure to verify the speed and reliability of any available connection.

Search for Any Concealed Expenses

Your budget is likely to be a major factor in selecting an office. However, a modest budget does not have to restrict you; numerous options can help keep costs low while preserving standards, such as collaborative working spaces.

When comparing different suppliers, ensure you compare like with like! Does the supplier offer a rate per workstation or a rate per square foot? There is a distinction – the former means that if you expand, the price increases proportionally. In contrast, the latter means you know you can add an extra workstation (if space permits) at no additional cost without having to relocate to a larger office.

You also need to calculate your overall expenses. Although office rental is often promoted at a low rate, these typically provide nothing more than the basic structure, meaning you also have to budget for utilities, furnishings, and upkeep. Examining managed and serviced office spaces will often prove more economical, as they provide a single fixed charge and save you the additional resources required for property management.

Select the Style of Office You Prefer

The way we operate has evolved. Offices have developed from individual-occupancy rooms to open-plan environments, then to hot-desk settings. Where once individuals may have spent their entire career in a single office, today they may never work at the same workstation on two consecutive days.

Evaluate what alternatives work optimally for your business model. Conventional offices might be familiar, but you can discover that you are paying for workstations which are frequently vacant because people are working remotely. Utilising collaborative spaces for hot-desking or creating adaptable workspaces might be a superior option.

Comprehend Your Legal Responsibilities

Whatever style of office you select, you will be committing to an agreement. Review your lease contract carefully, as it typically binds you to the premises for a minimum of 12 months. Sometimes, the fine print conceals unpleasant surprises, such as automatic renewals and rigid notice requirements. Ensure you record your obligations to avoid any surprises.

More contemporary alternatives, such as serviced offices or collaborative spaces, offer adaptable approaches, allowing you to have dedicated workstations, private breakout zones or a conference room when required. At Wrest Park Business Centre, we offer short notice periods and transparent agreements, providing a professional workspace with the confidence that you will not be bound to premises as your requirements evolve.

The Wrest Park Business Centre Advantage

Operating from our stunning 90-acre parkland setting provides strategic benefits that extend beyond conventional office rental. Our location within the historic Wrest Park estate creates a unique atmosphere that naturally enhances creativity and wellbeing among teams.

The connectivity advantages are substantial, with 45-minute links to London via Thameslink, and proximity to both Luton Airport and Bedford, your business maintains excellent regional accessibility. Our comprehensive facility portfolio spans 157 offices across 3 business centres, accommodating teams from 2 to 40 people with flexible terms starting from just 3 months.

The professional support infrastructure includes staffed reception services, 24/7 secure access, and on-site amenities like The Avenue Kitchen. Regular networking events foster valuable business connections within our diverse community, which spans the finance, agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare sectors.

Important Considerations Before Committing

While Wrest Park Business Centre offers compelling advantages, several practical elements deserve thoughtful consideration to ensure optimal alignment with your operational requirements.

The rural parkland location, though inspiring, may present adjustment challenges for teams accustomed to urban commercial districts. While Silsoe village provides basic amenities, including a Co-op and local pub, businesses requiring frequent access to diverse suppliers should factor in travel considerations.

Parking availability, although generous with over 400 spaces, requires coordination during peak periods. The EV charging infrastructure remains limited to 4 points, potentially creating scheduling requirements for electric vehicle users.

Cost evaluation proves essential, as pricing spans from £10 daily rates to £6,747 per month for larger offices. The collaborative community culture offers networking value, although some businesses that prefer discrete operations may find the open environment less suitable than isolated arrangements.

Discover Wrest Park Business Centre for Your New Workspace Solution

Wrest Park Business Centre is a beautifully appointed office and collaborative workspace. From a workstation for a few hours to long-term managed offices, we can supply the space you require, when you require it, and collaborate with you to adapt as your needs evolve.

Contact us today at 01525 306000 to arrange a tour, and you could be working in your ideal office space at a prestigious parkland address soon, please contact us at info@wrestpark.co.uk