Try to visualize having office space in a desirably located building on an "as needed" basis. Now visualize that your monthly payments include rates, service charge, electricity, and cleaning as well as furniture, receptionist and secretarial services. Also imagine having access to a complete array of modern office equipment and all the support services needed to conduct your business. Finally, suppose that the cost of this package is less, perhaps considerably less, than that of conventional office space. In broad terms, these are the features of business centres or serviced offices. An office space alternative being utilized by a growing number of businesses. GROWING IN POPULARITY The business centre concept - renting furniture, equipment and services as well as space - is not new. But the practice is more prevalent than ever. To many companies, the single biggest advantage of the business centre is the short-term commitment required. Business centre licensing agreements seldom extend beyond one year and most often run month to month. The fact that business centres license instead of lease space, means that tenants incur no legal costs to occupy their offices. They are also free of the administration involved with conventional office space. Tenants typically receive one bill a month. IDEAL FOR SMALLER ENTERPRISES Large companies frequently use business centres for geographically dispersed operations such as service and sales offices. They also use them to "feel out" a new market area without making a long-term investment in space and personnel. More often, smaller enterprises are attracted to busines centres. Start-up companies take advantage of them, as do consultants, lawyers, and business that wish to limit their investment in support services, at least temporarily without relinquishing such services entirely. SERVICES AVAILABLE What services can you expect from most business centres? You can generally expect to have your telephone answered and messages taken; mail pick-up and delivery; a centralized reception area and receptionist; and scheduled use of a boardroom. Business centres also offer a broad range of other services in various combinations. These include secretarial and word processing, copying, faxes, audio-visual equipment, office supplies and storage. The business centre concept is also used to advantage by individuals who merely want an impressive address with phone and mail service with infrequent use of an office or boardroom. Modified programs of this sort are sometimes available on a month-to-month basis. To view our available business centres click here