If you are a new, startup business or an existing business that’s looking to move or expand to Australia, you might be wondering what your best option is when it comes to finding office space. Serviced offices have popped up all over Australia, offering an exceptional opportunity for businesses of all scopes and sizes looking to get a workspace that works for them.
What is a Serviced Office?
We recognize that many people haven’t heard of serviced offices. While they have been around for a while, serviced offices are truly a best kept secret for entrepreneurs, startups, and existing businesses alike.
With a Serviced Office, the tenant receives a workspace (they often get to choose from a variety of options), but they also receive much more than that. Serviced offices are known for offering support services, such as receptionist service, copying and faxing services, fast internet, and more. If you need light administrative assistance, you might find that a serviced office offers everything you need.
Typically, serviced offices do not include contracts, giving you the option to scale as needed. With startups, this is very important. At the end of the day, a serviced office is a great way to get the space and support you need while also coming in below the price of other options, such as leasing a dedicated office space.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Serviced Office in Australia
Keeping the concept of a serviced office in mind, it’s important to remember that not all serviced offices are made alike. For this reason, there are many things you’ll want to consider when choosing a serviced office in Australia.
For instance, you’ll need to consider your business needs and ensure that your serviced office can provide for them. If you know that you will need a receptionist, then you’ll want to use a serviced office that offers that amenity. Bonus amenities like gym access are available with many serviced offices, so if that’s something you want, make sure it’s offered.
Another important thing to consider is budget and contractual obligations. Most serviced offices do not require a contract, and this is the optimal way to go. If you are a startup, you could find yourself needing a larger office space in six months, and being in a contract isn’t conducive to making the next move. In addition, you’ll want to ensure that you are getting a great value by comparing serviced offices to see which offers the best services at the best price.
Next, it’s important to consider location when choosing a serviced office in Australia.
Choosing a Serviced Office in Australia Based on Location
Australia is a unique business hub, offering numerous cities that are growing and offering various benefits. In this section, we’re going to break down choosing a serviced office in Australia based on the top five cities in Australia to live and work in.
1. Sydney
Sydney is more than just a beautiful place to live. When the rest of the globe was in financial crisis, Sydney’s number of businesses grew by more than 2,000 (from 2007 – 2012). Each year, more than $108 billion is generated in this international hub. Sydney has a wonderful infrastructure and a governance that supports new business. Some of the top businesses in Sydney include business services, retail, health, and manufacturing. The Australian Securities Exchange is also based here. Does this sound like a place where you’d like to set up shop?
2. Melbourne
24% of the Australian national GDP comes from Victoria, and Victoria’s economy is larger that most of South East Asia. Melbourne is a center for tech, logistics, education, research, transportation, and automotive. Aside from its stability and strength, Melbourne makes for a beautiful place to set up a new office or headquarter a company.
3. Perth
Perth is uniquely diverse. Known for being a mining and resources mecca, a number of businesses call Perth home, including six out of the world’s top seven energy companies. Perth is a great place for startups and entrepreneurs and is second in the country for their percentage of innovation active companies. If you’re looking for a city where you can grow, Perth might be for you.
4. Adelaide
Startups are welcome in beautiful Adelaide! Thanks to a number of initiatives, startups can receive grants, assistance, and tax incentives. Coupled with a lower cost of living, that makes Adelaide a top choice for a serviced office. Adelaide is already a manufacturing and defense tech hub, and more than half of the nation’s cars are made there.
5. Brisbane
Brisbane is known for its leading ports, as well as for being an IT and financial hub. An on-the-move city, it offers the promise of growth while also having a lower cost of living. The Brisbane City Council is committed to supporting innovation with incentives such as the Budding Entrepreneur Grant. If you want a place to spread your wings that truly supports growth, then you’ll love a serviced office in Brisbane.
Takeaway
Once you’ve decided on a city in which you’d like to find a serviced office, the next step is to research serviced offices there. You can get started by looking online. A quick search will yield plenty of options. Visit their websites and social media, read reviews and testimonials, and ask questions before narrowing down your search.
Once you’ve found a few serviced offices you’re interested in, then it’s time to schedule an appointment to take a tour and ask questions. Meeting the staff and even some of the people working there will help you make your decision, as well as answer any questions you might have.
At the end of the day, choosing a serviced office in Australia comes down to the right location and the right amenities!