We all know that first impressions count; the pressed shirt, warm smile and firm handshake will all make a positive impact on clients. Yet, the environment where these meetings take place can also have a lasting impression.

An office can say as much about your business as the company literature, thus it is vital that your chosen workspace sends out the right signals. Whether you choose a classic building in a traditional location or a contemporary space complete with funky neon under-lights, clients can be positively influenced by your environment.

John Drover, Sales Director at Executive Office Group recounted an interesting tale of an offshore Banking Centre that opted for serviced office space in their prestigious Argyll business centre at No. 1 Cornhill. Nestled in the heart of the City, No. 1 Cornhill overlooks the Bank of England and so was an ideal talking point when they were discussing taxes with clients!

London offers an abundance of choice across a variety of locations, so picking the right mix can be daunting. However an unbranded, serviced office can offer businesses a high quality product in an enviable location, for the fraction of the cost of a traditional lease. With this in mind its time to consider the future face of your business.

Strength and Discretion

Classic offices in prestigious postcodes attract firms who want to create an aura of prosperity and tradition. This established old London charm says to potential clients ‘trust us’, which appeals to financiers who need to reassure their clients that their money is in safe hands.

The period buildings of Mayfair and Belgravia foster an image of affluence, which has made them the stomping ground of asset managers and wealth funds. Boutique financiers are the lifeblood of such workspaces and often amass in these areas to be near one another and their wealthy clients. In fact, Mayfair has such prestige for hedge funds that Curzon Street has been nicknamed ‘hedge fund alley’ with over 250 clustered around this area.

Other financial institutions opt for an image of stability and thus choose to locate their business in the City, London’s historic business district. While many of the banks have relocated to Canary Wharf, pension funds, insurance companies and the occasional hedge fund place themselves amongst professional service practitioners and law firms.

With demand for classic offices running high in these exceptional locations, traditional leases can often mean daunting rents. Unbranded, serviced offices provide a cost effective alternative. In John Drover’s experience organisations both large and small have been attracted to Executive Office’s classic buildings:

“We have had ex-Chief Executives taking space in our Argyll buildings in Eaton Gate and Grosvenor Crescent to use as ‘home’ offices from which to run new ventures or complete tasks associated with Non-Executive Directorships. These buildings are conveniently located to their primary residence and help maintain a work-life balance by keeping paperwork out of the house.”

Style and Imagination

If you want to demonstrate to clients that your business has its finger on the creative pulse, the right surroundings can really set the tone. The unique cultural vibe of Soho and nearby Covent Garden has made these areas the stomping grounds of the Capital’s media, PR and advertising agencies.

While the financiers plump for the sumptuous surroundings of Executive Office’s Argyll buildings in the West End and City, creative companies crave funky spaces encompassing glass and modern furniture. Executive Office’s Corpnex building on Glasshouse Street provides exactly this type of environment. John Drover points out that companies looking for an inspirational space are often faced with significant fit out costs:

“Our creative companies are often pleasantly surprised at how cost effective Glasshouse Street is. They get a trendy environment and the added value of knowing that we have the capacity to accommodate any business expansion plans. However, clients can opt for a more traditional office by taking space in one of the Palladia buildings in Covent Garden and still enjoy all the area has to offer.”

Classic, contemporary and cost

A serviced office to suit the face of your business can be found in your area and will provide a cost effective alternative to a traditional lease. With the option of business support, a serviced office takes away the hassle of building maintenance and back office support, which means that you are free to concentrate on your core business. This, along with the image a well designed, unbranded office can create, is the reason many businesses across a wide range of sector choose this option time and time again.

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Author Resource:-

Emily Taylor is author of this article on City Offices in London.
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