What is a virtual office, and how can it help my business?

Businesses are no longer operating out of a traditional office space, with their employees, nine to five – Monday to Friday. The dual impact of the pandemic and ever-evolving technology means that businesses can now, more than ever, operate from anywhere in the world. They don’t need to be sat in an office next to their employees or co-workers to work successfully – or even in the same time zone.

As costs continue to rise across the business spectrum, a report by Vodaphone found that amongst a list of main worries for small business owners, broadband and phones costs accounted for 32%, with another 32% fearful of rent and mortgage costs.

What is a virtual office?

A virtual office is a paid service whereby business owners can base themselves remotely, while their business functions are based from a desirable location that their virtual office provides.

So, if you’re a recent start-up still working out of your home and considering whether you need permanent office space, a virtual office service could be the perfect solution. Perhaps your business already rents a physical space, and you’re wondering whether you need to keep spending money on ever increasing office rent.

Choosing a virtual office service means you can reap many of the benefits of having an office space, without paying for one.

What services can virtual offices provide?

1. A desirable business address: Chose a virtual office service with a desirable business address in a location where you want your business to have presence, to help raise your company’s profile. If you’re in the process of hiring, chose a specific city or postcode that could help attract talent in target areas.
2. Telephone answering: If you’re a small business and in and around meetings, you may not always be available to answer the phone during typical office hours. Perhaps you don’t have a business phoneline set up just yet and don’t want to publicise your mobile number. A telephone answering service means a professional call handler can pick up your calls, in the absence of a receptionist or PA. They can direct your calls appropriately or take a message, while you focus on what matters most.
3. Address and mail forwarding: If you don’t have a physical office space, having a dedicated address to have your mail sent to is a service you might want to consider. If you’ve just set up your business, you might still be working out of your home address – which you might not want to make public.

Your virtual office service can post out your mail to a location of your choice, often first class so you can receive your mail without delay. If you’re a frequent traveller or based abroad, consider a service that can forward your mail worldwide.

What are the benefits of a virtual office?

• No overheads
• Professional call handling
• Desirable company registered address for privacy purposes and business cards
• Mail forwarding, often to anywhere in the world

IoD Virtual Office

Did you know the IoD offers its own, in-house virtual office service?

IoD Virtual Office will immediately raise the profile of your business and transform the way you work as soon as you register your company in Pall Mall, London. The SW1 postcode places you in one of the most desirable locations for a business in the UK.

Our in-house team provide a 5-star service and professional call handling, avoiding the use of call centres. You will also receive invites to IoD Virtual Office networking events, to help you build your connections in the city with like-minded business owners and directors.