How much does Scope Office Search charge?

Our service is completely free of charge. We are paid by the office providers, never by you. There are no hidden fees, no catches and no obligations.

What type of office space do you search for?

We search for serviced offices, managed offices and leased offices across the UK. Whether you need a flexible short-term space or a long-term headquarters, we cover the full market.

Which cities do you cover?

We cover the whole of the UK with a focus on London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Liverpool, Brighton and Cambridge. Within London we cover all major areas including the City of London, Shoreditch, Mayfair, Soho, Fitzrovia, Holborn, Canary Wharf, Farringdon, Kings Cross and Victoria.

How quickly can you find office space?

We typically come back with a shortlist of the best options within 24 hours of your initial enquiry. For urgent requirements we can often source options and arrange viewings within the same week.

What happens during the office search process?

We start with a detailed discovery call to understand your requirements including size, location, budget and contract preference. We then research the full market and present a tailored report with the best options and indicative pricing. Once you have chosen your favourites we arrange viewings, handle all negotiations and support you through to completion.

Can you help with office space for a small team?

Absolutely. We work with businesses of all sizes, from startups needing space for two or three people right through to established companies requiring space for 100 or more. There is no minimum team size.

What is the difference between a serviced and a managed office?

A serviced office is a ready-to-use space within a shared building with all costs bundled into one monthly fee. A managed office is a fully dedicated space fitted out to your specification. Managed offices offer more branding, privacy and control but come with a longer commitment and higher cost.

Do you negotiate on our behalf?

Yes. Our relationships with office providers across the UK mean we consistently secure better terms, lower prices and more favourable contract conditions than businesses going direct.

What if I don't find anything I like?

There is no obligation at any stage. If none of the options we present are right for you, we go back to the market and keep searching. We only succeed when you find the right space.

How long are the office contracts typically?

Contract lengths vary by office type. Serviced offices typically run on agreements of around 12 months. Managed offices usually involve a commitment of 2 to 5 years. Leased offices are the longest commitment, typically running from 5 to 10 years and best suited to businesses with stable long-term requirements.

What to Look for When Viewing a Serviced Office

6 Apr

Written By Dan Goldsmith

Viewing a serviced office can feel straightforward: walk in, look around, decide if you like it. But the things that will actually determine whether the space works for your business are often not immediately obvious. Here is what to look for and what to ask before you commit.

Check the common areas carefully

The quality of a serviced office building is often most visible in the areas you share with other tenants - the reception, meeting rooms, breakout spaces and kitchens. These areas reflect how the building is managed day to day. If they are tired, poorly maintained or feel overcrowded, that tells you something important.

Ask how many meeting rooms are available, whether they are bookable in advance and whether there is an additional charge to use them. In many serviced buildings, meeting rooms are either limited or charged as an extra - both worth knowing upfront.

Test the internet

Internet speed and reliability is non-negotiable for almost every business. Do not take the provider's word for it - ask them for the dedicated bandwidth available to your suite specifically, not the building total. Some providers oversell connectivity and individual tenants experience poor performance as a result. If possible, run a speed test during the viewing.

Consider the noise levels

Visit at a time when the building is busy - mid-morning on a weekday is ideal. A building that feels quiet on a Friday afternoon at 5pm may be a very different environment at 10am on a Tuesday. Consider whether the noise level in the space suits the way your team works.

Ask about the other tenants

The businesses you share a building with matter more than people expect. They affect the atmosphere, the competition for common resources and occasionally the client perception of your address. Ask the provider what types of businesses are typically based in the building.

Check the contract carefully

Before you sign, make sure you are clear on the notice period required to leave, what happens if you need to upsize or downsize within the building, and what is and is not included in the monthly fee. Understand what the process is for adding or removing desks, and whether there are any penalties for doing so.

Red flags to watch for

Be cautious if a provider is unwilling to let you visit at a busy time, if the contract terms are unusually long for a serviced office, if the price seems too good compared to similar spaces nearby, or if there are significant hidden charges that only become apparent when you ask direct questions.

Get expert help

A good broker will accompany you on viewings, ask the right questions on your behalf and flag anything that does not look right. At Scope Office Search we attend viewings with all our clients and provide honest, independent advice throughout the process - completely free of charge. Get in touch today.

Dan Goldsmith

What to Look for When Viewing a Serviced Office

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What to Look for When Viewing a Serviced Office

How to Negotiate a Better Deal on Your Office Space

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