Alain Guillot

Life, Leadership, and Money Matters

Tips On Setting Up Your First Office

Photo by Marc Mueller from Pexels

Your business has grown to the point that you need some space to call your own. It’s an exciting time in any business. But how do you create the perfect office for your needs? 

Location, location, location

Where you set up your business is one of the most important decisions. A poorly chosen location will reflect badly on your business, especially when it comes to attracting talent and impressing potential clients. 

That’s not to say that you need to go for the most prestigious zip code, but you do need to put some thought into it. 

When choosing space look at geographic location, transports links, local shops and services, general atmosphere of the area. 

Incubator unit or managed office space?

Taking those first tentative steps into your own space can be daunting. There’s so much to consider. That’s why there are a number of ways to rent space without the hassle. Incubator units are just that, they are designed to provide fully furnished space for a small start up for a specific period of time. Often, the rates are heavily discounted during your time there. You’ll also have access to their other office facilities such as a receptionist and cleaning staff. 

Managed or serviced office space often allows you to set up in an area that would usually be too costly for you. You rent space inside a building that is owned and managed by another company. Depending on your contract, you will have access to reception, admin and internet. Some are furnished but others you will need fit out yourself. Lower the cost of kitting out your office by taking advantage of second hand sales websites and coupon codes such as Frontera coupon code and similar. 

Plan for the future 

Sure, you may only need an office big enough for two people and a meeting table now, but that won’t last (hopefully). As you grow and scale, your office space need to as well. If you’re run growth projections, then you will be able to estimate how long you’re likely to fit in a space. That’s not to say that you should should immediately rent out a huge premises. But try and find an office with options to expand when the time comes. It’s much easier to knock out a few interior walls than it is to completely move premises everytime you make a few new hires. 

Make interior design a priority

It’s your business, so rip up the boring office rule book that says everyone has to be in lifeless cubicles. Design your office around the ethos of your company. It should reflect what you do and your personality. Don’t be afraid to take some risks. If you want to put a pool table or a quiet room or even a small gym, do it. Don’t be constrained by ‘inside the box’ thinking. 

Creative, well designed work spaces have a positive effect on your wellbeing and productivity at work. Who wouldn’t want to work in a place like that?