How to Choose an Office Space

There are thousands of private, coworking and flexible office solutions out there. We for one list over 13,000! But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the perfect fit for your business and employee's needs?

Don't worry, we are here to help make finding a workspace easy. Even - dare I say it - enjoyable!

We've drawn on our 25 years of market expertise to compile a step-by-step guide to finding the perfect workspace.

Are you ready?

Gorgeous, isn't it.

1. Do your research

You have two options here.

i) Use an online office broker to browse the offices in your chosen town or city. Spend some time looking around at the different styles of office available, and the amenities that come with them. Start thinking about a budget and what is most important to you. For example, do you want to impress clients with an amazing interior, or is flexibility more of a priority at this stage. Perhaps you're looking for both!

ii) Let an experienced office broker do the research for you so you can focus on running your business. Our research shows decision makers value these key attributes from an office agent or broker

2. Pick the right location

Location, location, location. It's undeniably one of the most important factors to consider when searching for a new workspace. Amido chose Shoreditch, in part because of its proximity to other tech companies. For some businesses it's their employees who determine the location, for others it might be clients.

If you're a little unsure of where to base your business, ask your consultant who will be happy to provide some impartial advice.

3. Brief your workspace consultant

If you've adhered to the second option in step one, you'll have already discussed your needs with your broker. If you've decided on a location yourself and shortlisted a few desirable options on our website, it's time to tell them.

4. Arrange viewings

Always try before you buy, as the old saying goes. An office consultant will act as your single point of contact throughout your search and will organise all the viewings for you, saving you from having to speak with multiple landlords and providers.

We know you're probably super busy looking after your business, so just let them know when you're available and they will organise the visits around your schedule. They'll also attend viewings with you where possible to help out when it comes to making that final decision.

5. Take a look around

Attend the viewings on your schedule to get a real flavour for each space. Take your time looking around - there's no rush. Your consultant be there to answer any practical questions you might have - if not, they can answer them afterwards.

You'll always have the opportunity to visit workspaces at a time convenient for you. It's great to see a real mix of what's on offer...

Ahoy there! Check out this nautical themed breakout space. Click on the image to see more.

6. Shortlist your faves

Hopefully, after viewing the properties on your schedule, you'll have found the perfect one for you, or at least have a few faves. At this point, request a second viewing. Perhaps you'd like to take a colleague to have a look, or maybe you just want a closer look before you make a final decision.

7. Revisit them

Take another look! Again, stay as long as you want and ask as many questions as you like.

It's often those the little design details that make a difference.

8. Negotiate the best deal

Most of the time, when it comes to flexible workspaces, there is always room for negotiation, so if you love the look and feel of a space but it's a little over your budget, your consultant will do their best to get it down to your desired price.

9. Sign the contract

As soon as your personal consultant has negotiated the best terms on your behalf, the workspace provider will issue you with an agreement to sign. This will be tailored around the requirements outlined at the beginning of your search, e.g. "three months", "one month notice period". The great thing about these agreements is that they are more flexible than the traditional office leasehold. That's why growing businesses love them.

10. Move into your new space!

Once you've established a move-in date, there's only one thing left to do. Gather your belongings and colleagues and move into your amazing new office space! Flexible workspaces are incredibly 'grammable, so why not tell the world how much your love your new workspace on Instagram?

It's also a great way of letting your clients know you've moved office.

Our client Amido's new office boasts an ace breakout space.

As you can see, searching for an office can be an exhausting process, which is why its easier to just let the experts do the hard work – for free!

Are you on the lookout for a new office? You've come to the right place. Get a personal office consultant today.