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

The working landscape is constantly changing. 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 that enables business owners to base themselves remotely or from various locations, by providing a range of business functions that 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. Virtual office services can also be attractive to frequent travellers or those based internationally.

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. 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. In addition, some virtual office services will allow you to register on Companies House with the virtual office address.
2. 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.
3. Telephone answering: If you’re a small business managing many responsibilities and regularly in 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 often direct your calls appropriately or take a message, while you focus on what matters most.

What are the benefits of a virtual office?

• Take advantage of a desirable address for marketing materials and privacy purposes
• Register your business on Companies House with a virtual office address
• Have your mail forwarded, often to anywhere in the world
• Benefit from professional call handling
• Reduce overhead costs
• Streamline business processes
• Enhance your professional image