Serviced Offices vs. Managed Offices: What’s the Difference?

Curious about the various types of offices available? In this blog post, we’re exploring two of your options: Serviced Offices and Managed Offices. We’ll cover all the essentials, including what defines them, how they distinguish themselves from other office types, the advantages they offer and which option would be best for you.

Choosing Between Serviced and Managed Office Space

While the terms “serviced office” and “managed office space” are often used interchangeably, it’s important to recognise their differences when considering your workspace options.

What is a Serviced Office?

A serviced office is a flexible workspace solution available on a simple license agreement. These offices are managed by a serviced office provider (for example WeWork or Fora) offering a hassle-free experience. Typically tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, there are now large enterprises also making the most of the flexible/premium offering. Serviced offices are fully furnished and ready to use, providing everything you need to start working immediately. Plug & play is a term you might frequently come across in the serviced world.

What’s Included in a Serviced Office Space?

Whilst specifics will vary from provider to provider, a serviced office space agreement will typically include:

1. Fully furnished office ready to move in

2. Flexible, rolling leases

3. All-inclusive monthly bills, with provider-covered facilities management

4. Staffed reception and on-site support team

5. Communal kitchens and breakout areas

6. Meeting room access

7. Breakout areas and collaboration spaces

8. Cleaning and maintenance services

Benefits of a Serviced Office

• • • Cost-effective: These office spaces come fully equipped with everything your business needs, reducing upfront costs.
    • Sharing communal space: Gives you the opportunity to network and build relationships with other business leaders. 
    • Shorter or more flexible leases: You can rent the space for precisely as long as you need, avoiding long-term commitments.
    • Immediately ready to use: They are fully furnished and move-in ready, saving you time. Utilities like internet, water, and electricity are already set up.
    • Premium offerings and amenities (gyms, wellness room, phone booths, board rooms etc…)
    • Hassle-free

   

  What is a Managed Office?

   

  On the other hand, managed office spaces, while also operated by third-party providers, are typically leased for 12-36 months as an entire self-contained office to a single business, rather than divided among multiple businesses. These spaces often encompass more space per person, offering more room for dedicated amenities such as break out areas and kitchens rather than shared amenities. Managed office spaces can be customised to suit your specific business requirements, providing a flexible canvas for your workspace needs. 

  What’s Included in a Managed Office Space?

   

  A typical managed space will include some or all of the following:

  1. Basic furniture

  2. Monthly rent and utility bills

  3. On-site surveillance and security

  4. Bins and waste disposal

  5. Shared kitchen space

  6. Regular office cleaning services

  7. Parking

   

  Benefits of a Managed Office

  • • • Privacy: Managed offices typically provide more privacy compared to serviced offices. You’ll have your dedicated, private workspace, which is ideal for businesses that handle sensitive information or require confidentiality.
    • • Fully Customisable: Managed spaces offer greater flexibility in terms of office design and layout. You have the freedom to customise the workspace to align with your brand identity and specific operational needs (by the way, we can help you with this!). 
    • • A natural step from serviced before committing to a full lease
    • • Less upfront costs than a lease

   

  Which option is right for you?

   

  If you’re looking for a fully furnished office space, complete with an on-site management team and on-demand access to facilities, then a serviced office might be your ideal choice.

  Serviced offices are particularly well-suited for businesses of all sizes that seek a private workspace but still want to enjoy the benefits of a coworking environment. The flexibility offered by serviced offices can also be attractive to fast growing businesses, as you can tailor your agreement to align with your evolving needs. This is particularly helpful when a business is struggling to forecast how many staff will actively be using the office on a regular basis.

  On the other hand, if you prefer to have your very own exclusive workspace that allows for high customisability and a more fixed agreement, a managed office could be the right option for you.

  Combining elements of traditional office space with the amenities provided by serviced offices, managed offices offer SMEs and larger businesses enhanced flexibility compared to a conventional lease. This flexibility allows you to have more control over the aesthetics and ambiance of your workspace. 

   

  Managed and Serviced Offices in London

   

  As experts in office search and negotiation, we’ve consistently earned the trust of businesses seeking their ideal workspace. Over our 10 years working in the industry, we’ve gained the ability to identify what truly defines a great serviced office, gaining a deep understanding of the essential qualities that make these spaces exceptional.

  Below are the top qualities we look for:
  

  • • • Thoughtfully designed and furnished communal spaces
      • A caring and attentive centre team (they should be an extension of your business)
      • A space that reflects your business’ values and desired image 
      • On-site amenities like gyms and wellness rooms
      • Plenty of meeting rooms & phone booths

  We understand that businesses have diverse preferences and requirements. Here are some of our top picks for serviced and managed offices in London, each catering to unique clientele:

  TOG – Chancery House (Premium)

  

  Argyll – North Audley (Mayfair Corporate)

  

  WeWork – Mark Square (Shoreditch Creative & Vibrant)

  

  Runway East – Bloomsbury (Cost-effective with a Cool Vibe)

  

  Working From – Southwark (Premium and Stylish)

  

  Curious about how we can help you save money on your office search? Don’t hesitate to take advantage of our complimentary office search consultation. Get in touch with our team now by clicking here or give us a call on 020 8588 9876.