Serviced offices in the creative city
March 14, 2010 - 10:03 am
Experts like Charles Landry have ensured that the potential of the creative industries to contribute to economic development has been widely accepted. In particular, Landry has promoted the idea that innovative firms can be at the economic heart of a creative city. In the past, there may have been those who saw the arts as entertaining the upper echelons of society. Nowadays, the regeneration possibilities linked to modern creative industries are commonly recognised.
Cultural quarters are now common features of British cities. Most of these cities also have creative sectors. However, it would be foolish to pretend that the creative industries are evenly distributed across the British territory. For various social and economic reasons, there is a tendency for creative industries to be concentrated in specific neighbourhoods of certain cities. When thinking of British cities, many authorities can plausibly claim their city is creative, but only one set of city politicians can contend that theirs is the creative city of the nation.
The creative industries largely foster economic growth in the same way as other economic sectors. In addition, though, they sometimes become one of the reasons why employees in other industries choose to live in a city. This phenomenon can arguably be observed in vibrant London.
Using a serviced office in London or other appropriate city permits a creative firm to be where other creative firms are thriving. Contacts are there to be made and when the serviced office is left behind in the evening, networking can continue at a prestigious cultural event.
During economic uncertainty, pick a serviced office
March 13, 2010 - 12:02 pm
Economist John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) once compared economic forecasting with astrology in terms of its reliability. His mocking comparison has arguably been justified in recent years and the British economic outlook remains particularly uncertain. Firms have to be especially flexible during periods where opportunities and challenges are particularly awkward to assess.
It could be argued that the modern history of economic development has been a narrative of booms and slumps. However, there have been periods of relative stability. For example, between 1950 and the end of the 1960s there was a period some economists have labelled as a ‘Golden Age.’ More recently, in the British context, there was quite a stable period in the decade that followed 1995. During relatively predictable economic times, the tools policy-makers use to manage the economy often work well. Despite this point, economic imbalances can develop which bring the stable era to an end.
At the current moment, it is problematic for businesses to know where the UK economy is headed. Much depends on what happens to other major advanced economies. It is also important to acknowledge that some economic sectors are likely to do better than others. There are many ways in which firms can show flexibility. For example, they may make greater use of temporary staff.
Serviced offices are ideally suited to firms that want to be able to adjust quickly to new opportunities as they arise. Their affordability means that serviced offices enable capital to be invested in other aspects of expanding firms.
Why hire your own personal assistant?
March 12, 2010 - 11:01 am
Some managing directors have had negative experiences of hiring unreliable personal assistants. Driving a small or medium-sized enterprise forward is hard enough without the difficulties associated with underperforming staff. Absenteeism, forgetfulness or inefficiency can be the cause of considerable frustration.
It is not always a question of merely being frustrated. Missing an important message can have significant consequences. If a message is not conveyed properly, the resulting confusion may have a detrimental impact on a sensitive negotiation, for example. Answering calls inappropriately can give a terrible impression to clients. While a serial offender will doubtless be replaced swiftly, some damage to the reputation of the firm may already have been done.
Sometimes a personal assistant may be satisfactory in terms of their performance, but nevertheless may have irritating habits. For instance, they may be a compulsive talker who has difficulty in giving you the space to think. It could be the case that you are actually more productive when they are on holiday. While some personal assistants are very proficient with regard to their duties and barely replaceable individuals, this cannot be ascertained prior to the hiring stage. This is because the relationship with a personal assistant depends on at least two people, so previous references may be irrelevant.
A virtual office can eliminate the need for a personal assistant. By providing a call answering service, a virtual office can be just what a small firm requires. Furthermore, all the potential costs and possible complications of hiring a personal assistant can be avoided.
The corporate world is increasingly a virtual one
March 11, 2010 - 10:00 am
Sometimes stating the obvious is not such a bad thing. Despite the bursting of the dot.com bubble about a decade ago, the virtual world has become an increasingly important part of the real economy. This is especially true in the affluent countries, some of which have little traditional manufacturing left. The virtual world can be depicted as an exciting capitalist frontier, a bit like the American West was in the nineteenth century.
Globalisation in the nineteenth century was a process which occurred under the partial control of the British Empire. It involved a speeding up of communication and an expansion of capitalist development. Since the 1970s, a new phase of globalisation has proceeded swiftly under the protection of the United States. While a multi-polar international economy may now be emerging, the current wave of communication-based progress has been substantially driven by powerful American corporations.
Many of our lives have been utterly transformed by the advent of internet shopping and the various types of social media. Many modern citizens are now prepared to use their credit cards online. Whatever directions these diverse phenomena take, it is not possible to imagine that large numbers of people could go back to previous ways of existence.
With the virtual world becoming so dominant, the requirement for a small firm to have a traditional office is becoming history. Virtual offices can work just fine and can provide the conventional office functions. It is even possible to suggest that the virtual office is the appropriate choice in a ‘virtualising’ age.
Events should be remembered for the right reasons
March 10, 2010 - 1:58 pm
When hosting meetings or conferences, it is important to recall how many meetings some business people attend. Meeting fatigue can lead to people performing below their best. If your meeting fails to capture the full attention of the majority of the participants, it is possible that it will hardly be remembered at all. Worse still, if the meeting you organise fails to reach a satisfactory standard, it is conceivable that it could linger in the minds of those who attended it in a negative way.
Hosting meetings and conferences is always about at least two things. Firstly, it is about achieving concrete results through enabling high quality social interaction. Secondly, it is about cementing your firm’s reputation in a positive fashion. Efficient organisation can tick both boxes. Simple things like courtesy can also pay dividends. Furthermore, a varied programme can be invaluable in minimising meeting ennui. It is crucial that participants are given sufficient breaks. Networking sessions can also break things up pleasantly. These basic principles can be implemented in a flexible way.
However, the best laid plans can go awry if the venue for the meeting does not match the standards of your event management. There is little point in using high quality catering services if the building itself detracts from the event. Similarly, the best presentation may fall flat in a substandard meeting room. Meeting rooms must be decorated effectively and fitted with the kind of modern equipment that corporate clients hope for. By getting everything right, you can ensure that your event is remembered in a positive light.
Proximity matters to competitiveness
March 10, 2010 - 9:57 am
For over a century, economic geographers have known that proximity matters to firms engaged in similar economic activities. More specifically, Michael Porter has suggested that what he describes as clustering can be a key component in enhancing economic competitiveness. Firms that specialise in certain industries can have their performance boosted by being located in a milieu with a tradition of success in the sector. Collaborative opportunities and access to other competitive advantages can accrue to firms in a cluster.
Successful business visions are based on practical foundations
March 9, 2010 - 10:27 am
Many business gurus would agree that it is important to have a vision of where you want your business to go. Along with coherent but flexible business planning, this vision can be an inspiration. It can give a firm a sense of mission and develop its collective team spirit. This positive aspect of a business vision may be maximised if different colleagues contribute to the production of the vision.
Although some experts may suggest that realism should inform the vision of a new firm, others would contend that ambition should not be too restricted at an early stage. Coming up with a successful business vision could be conceived of as an attempt to marry realism with ambition. Ultimately, the degree to which a particular business vision may be judged successful can only be assessed in retrospect by evaluating the performance of a firm. As the business vision is only one ingredient in the mix, disentangling its influence from other factors may be a very complex affair.
While a business vision may largely consist of aspiration with regard to a particular sector of economic activity, it cannot be successful if it mainly remains in the world of abstraction. Its success is at least in part dependent on whether it can mesh with practical imperatives. An example of a practical matter that needs to be addressed is the type of office which will be used. A virtual office may be superseded by a serviced office for instance, if a serviced office is better equipped to meet the challenges posed by expansion.
Make it happen in high quality meeting rooms
March 8, 2010 - 1:26 pm
Obviously, business is about many things, but making things happen is something which can’t be excessively stressed. Some of the finest intellects may be completely unsuited to the world of business. It may be that they are indecisive, it may be that they are insufficiently ruthless, whatever the reason for their lack of effectiveness in business, the corporate world often seems to favour certain types of personality.
The slightly clumsy expression ‘mover and shaker’ is sometimes used to capture the kind of characteristics that an entrepreneur seems to be required to possess. While the need to take risks can be emphasised too much, an entrepreneur does have to be able to perceive and grasp opportunities as they present themselves. Dynamism, persistence and drive are key qualities which entrepreneurs can cultivate. A bit of luck does not hurt, but resilience can help to ensure that misfortunes only result in temporary setbacks. What is sometimes overlooked in short discussions about entrepreneurship is that things are not made to happen just anywhere.
Typically, striking a great deal does not happen in depressing surroundings. That is not to say that business people require luxury to do good business. However, it is to suggest that meeting rooms have to be adequately maintained and blend comfort with function appropriately. Meeting rooms should have an ambiance which puts entrepreneurs at ease. It is then up to the individuals concerned to evaluate the specific situation with care and decide what strategies to pursue. If everything seems in order, they can make it happen.
Serviced offices in a globalising location
March 8, 2010 - 9:25 am
Globalisation is a complicated and multidimensional process which is much older than some commentators have contended. However, throughout most of its recent history London has been a globalising city. Economic decisions made in London have had implications for diverse places on an international basis.
Since the 1970s, cities like Detroit and Leipzig have been ‘globalised.’ Their populations have been reduced, their economic bases eroded. Attempts at regeneration have not stopped them from being really vulnerable to each dip in the international economy. Decisions about their future are often made elsewhere. In contrast to these cities of decline, London is well placed to take advantage of economic upturns at an early stage.
It makes sense to locate a firm where it is likely to be able to exploit emerging opportunities. London is a dynamic centre with plenty of human capital. In the modern economy, human capital is a key determinant of a firm’s potential. Attracting and retaining the right personnel is central to sustaining economic success. Moreover, the variety of office options in London means that all types of firms can find something suited to their specific needs.
Serviced offices around UK cities come with various benefits. Choosing to acquire a serviced office in London is a positive choice for a multiplicity of reasons. Just having a London address can be an asset, but owners or managers of ambitious firms will realise that being situated in a globalising location could well have a transformative impact on their economic fortunes down the track.
Don’t be tired of life
March 7, 2010 - 9:18 am
Back in 1777, Dr Samuel Johnson may not have realised how famous his great saying – “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”) – would become. Firms located in the London of 2010 know the multiple advantages that their choice gives them. Depending on their sector, these firms capitalise on the various benefits of being in a capital city. The relative advantage of being situated in the capital in Britain is often greater than the advantages associated with being in the capital of other nation states.
Critics of contemporary British society like geographer Doreen Massey sometimes complain that it is too ‘London-centric.’ They argue that the concentration of economic strength, political power and cultural dominance leads to excessive inequalities. However, firms which elect to do business in London are well placed to exploit the opportunities which are available. These firms can network in an area where networks are dense and social capital is high.
Not every firm reaps rewards simply by being in London, one location does not suit all, so a cost-benefit analysis can make good sense. Yet it should be noted that many firms and workers who have worked in London are very loyal to their city. This loyalty reflects the positive experiences they have had. The unique position of London in Britain is underlined by the evolution of its own governance framework.
Using serviced offices in London can be a great way for a firm to establish itself in the city. Once you have used serviced offices in the capital, you may be reluctant to leave them behind.
Virtual offices can reduce British commuting blues
March 6, 2010 - 4:20 pm
Commuting in Britain can sometimes be a grim experience. Whether travelling by car or public transport, the commuter can suffer from weariness and inconvenience on a regular basis. Particularly during inclement weather, getting to work can be an ordeal which can impact on the effectiveness of the individual concerned. Disruption to travel routes can lead to stress and this may be exacerbated by the fear of being late.
For those individuals who put in long hours at work, commuting nightmares can lead to feelings of irritability and the idea that they are under pressure. Crowded trains which break down or cars which fail to start can be a real cause of tension. If severe commuting difficulties persist over a considerable time period they can eventually cause sleep deprivation and contribute to poor health. In short, long commutes can impact adversely on work performance.
If you are setting up a new company, you have many choices to make with regard to your office location. Depending on the size of your staff and on other factors such as your industrial sector, it may be prudent to opt for a virtual office in London or elsewhere. Congestion can be severe in London and tube strikes can also be a problem. By going down the virtual office route, you can reduce your commuting costs and avoid the hordes of commuters.
There are many other positives associated with adopting flexible virtual office solutions. Especially when a firm is in its initial phase, considering the option can be an astute step to take.
The WOW! Award Nominations pt37
March 5, 2010 - 4:05 pm
MWB Business Exchange and our people are passionate about service. We strive to exceed the expectations of our clients and give their businesses the freedom to excel. That’s why we have introduced The WOW awards. The WOW awards enable our clients to recognise individuals who have excelled in our clients eyes. Here are a few examples of what they have said about our People:
Amel from Houndsditch
Amel is an outstanding person! she is always in a good mood and available to help if required! I always request she attend our conferences that we hold at MWB
Nominated by Conor Brennan
10:24:13 03/03/10
The Whole Team from Cavendish Square
We at Align Technology nominate the whole team for their exceptional performance. They are always reliable and always willing to help and go out of their way to fullfil any request. In the short space of time I have been here, they have always been approachable and professional. Keep up the good work. A very big thankyou. Nominated by Neena Dogra
Nominated by Neena Dogra
23:12:48 02/03/10
Nicola Tuckey from Bracknell
I wanted to have a couple of whiteboards installed in our new office. To save us the expense of buying new ones, Cheryl offered me some from previous customers. Nicola then took me to their storage area and let me choose a couple. As I was not sure of their sizes, Nicola went back and measured them for me. She also had them installed in the office. Once installed, she was a bit sorry that they needed cleaning. Cheryl and her team at MWB always go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service, and they always do it with a smile.
Nominated by Anne-Laure McLeman
17:00:31 02/03/10
Veronica from Euston Fitzrovia
I have used the Euston Fitzrovia venue four times now and received a high level of customer service from Veronica on every occasion. She deserves the recognition for her excellent skills which have guaranteed that I will use the venue again in future as well as recommend it to my colleagues.
Nominated by Crystal Layne
15:49:19 01/03/10
Maria & her team from Cavendish Square
Its very difficult to single out one person from our support team at Cavendish Square who deserves more praise than anyone else. We moved in recently and have had interaction with all members of Maria’s team and each of them was equally helpful in making our move-in a very positive experience. We’re glad we chose this center for the building and now we’re very happy we made the right decision based on the services from the people from MWB.
Nominated by Jason Currill
11:16:00 01/03/10
Hannah, Coral, Julia, Lisa, Betty from Staines
All of the centre staff have been extremely helpful and have gone above and beyond during my year in the offices. I especially think that the reception staff Coral, Julia and Lisa have been not only efficient but helpful and have very pleasant demeanours in everything that they do for us, the first impressions our clients get when visiting us are very important. I also want to say a big thanks to Betty and Hannah as they are able to deal with any situation with speed and efficiency. The team at Staines are wonderful and as a customer I would feel happy to recommend people to use the centre.
Nominated by Kelly Newell
10:40:55 01/03/10
The exchange of certain knowledge is best in meeting rooms
March 5, 2010 - 9:22 am
We live in an age of information. Some would suggest that we suffer from information overload due to the modern technology that delivers large volumes of information to us on request. Others argue that information is at the heart of our innovatory progress. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the evolving information debate, it can be hard to separate useful from useless information. Furthermore, information may be accessible through the latest technology, but certain types of information are most easily exchanged via face-to-face social interaction.
Knowledge which is not codified and certain types of expertise are best conveyed through traditional meetings. Conventional meetings facilitate the development of trust in ways which even video conferencing may not. Video conferencing can limit carbon footprints, but some individuals may be uncomfortable with it if sensitive information is being imparted.
Swapping confidential information or expertise that has not been systematically broken down into data which is easy to use cannot be done anywhere. Some environments are inappropriate and do not enable this kind of information exchange. For example, buildings which are not looked after properly or rooms which are not clean do not foster the gradual development of trust between people from different firms.
Modern meeting rooms which are furnished suitably and come with up-to-date equipment can be an ideal setting for the exchange of many types of information. Mutual benefits can be obtained if firms collaborate together effectively. Effective collaboration will not even commence if the meeting rooms are not conducive to this type of activity.
A virtual carbon footprint
March 4, 2010 - 2:23 pm
Although a cold winter and some confusion about the science has increased scepticism about global warming in Britain, the scientific consensus relating to the need to limit carbon emissions to avoid the possibility of catastrophic climate change remains intact. Due to the failure of governments to deliver a coherent approach at Copenhagen, the need for action at all levels to address the issue persists. Firms and individuals are obliged to consider their contribution to global warming.
Research shows that car use is still one of the major ways in which British citizens contribute to the collective carbon footprint. The government recommends that individuals should try to reduce the amount of travelling they do in cars. Car manufacturers are intent on supplying vehicles which have less of an environmental impact than their predecessors. Progress may be very gradual and the email scandal at the University of East Anglia may not have helped, but the general trend towards ‘thinking green’ is having some effect.
However, traditional forms of car-based commuting can lead to large quantities of carbon being emitted into the atmosphere. Congestion, exacerbated by the ‘school run’, can increase the level of pollution. Public transport alternatives have not always been given the resources that could have persuaded more people to use them.
One way by which the battle to limit global warming can be waged is to use virtual offices. A virtual office in the UK can benefit inhabitants of villages on the other side of the world. Virtual offices are not only cost-effective business solutions, but they can also be responsible in ecological terms.
Avoiding office politics
March 3, 2010 - 3:16 pm
With a general election looming in Britain, it may be hard to avoid politics. Slogans, opinion polls, spin, manifestos and photo opportunities will give the media something to discuss for several feverish weeks. Despite all the frenetic activity, many citizens will not vote. Avoiding office politics can be much more difficult than choosing not to enter the polling booth.
In firms of various sizes, office politics can occasionally appear to be an unfortunate reality. Disgruntled workers can be bored of seeing others jostle for position. Sometimes competitive individuals can behave in underhand ways, creating resentment and causing friction. Employees with families can feel excluded if popularity in the office relates to evening social activities. Some individuals may enjoy participating in office politics, but those alienated by the struggle can feel stuck in a negative set of circumstances. If office politics get out of hand productivity may suffer.
An office environment should be an amicable place, but not all firms manage to foster a healthy atmosphere. Small firms which are just starting out may be inexperienced in sustaining the right kind of environment. If a firm is on the small side, a virtual office can be a great method of addressing its emergent needs.
Virtual offices can be cost-effective ways forward which permit small firms to make great progress. Particularly for those with little management experience, the virtual office can cut the need to hire and supervise employees too early. People who have had negative experiences of the darker sides of office politics may well feel liberated by a virtual office.
Meeting rooms that exceed expectations
March 3, 2010 - 9:14 am
Going to a meeting in a location that has not been visited before can be a bit unsettling. The other participants may not be familiar. Even the agenda may be a bit vague. In this situation, the venue of a meeting plays a crucial role.
If meeting rooms are not welcoming, the slightly nervous individual may not become fully involved in the meeting. This type of person may stay isolated and make a minimal contribution to the event. In a corporate context, it can be imperative to get everyone working in a cohesive fashion. Dominant personalities do not always have a monopoly on the best ideas. Obviously, encouraging participation is primarily a matter for staff, but the facilities and the appearance of a venue both have an impact on the feelings of the people who attend a meeting.
When someone agrees to attend a meeting at a location they have not previously frequented, they often have an expectation of what the venue may offer. This may be based on what is known about the organisation which is hosting the event. The size and reputation of the organisation can often influence what is anticipated.
If the organisation concerned is relatively new to the sector, there may be a certain degree of scepticism about an event it is delivering. In these circumstances, it is vital that the meeting rooms exceed the expectations of clients. Anything less than this and it may be the case that the prestige of the organisation suffers slightly. Modern facilities of a high quality are the best solution.
Serviced offices: providing flexible solutions
March 2, 2010 - 3:57 pm
The demand for different types of office space fluctuates over time and the search for high quality solutions to the needs of diverse firms is relentless. Firms increasingly require flexible arrangements which can cater for their specific wants. Flexible adaptation is arguably at the heart of the most effective modern business strategies.
The need for flexibility at the level of the firm has become increasingly obvious over recent decades. In terms of evolving technology and rapid economic change, many firms have been confronted with rarely encountered challenges associated with external change. Unfortunately, firms which have not responded to change in a flexible manner have often struggled to prosper.
Flexibility can be very hard to achieve and sustain. One way of remaining flexible is to maintain vigilance with regard to altering opportunities. Exploiting the best opportunities can produce good results and minimise costs. Cost-effective flexible solutions to business dilemmas can free up capital and personnel for other activities. Specialisation in what a firm does best is apparently one of the secrets to attaining prolonged business success.
When it comes to serviced offices, they represent a great opportunity for many dynamic firms. Serviced offices offer much more than they did in the past. The facilities they now provide can deliver significant benefits when contrasted with alternative office arrangements. It is best practice firms are looking for as they attempt to get ahead in a competitive and fluid context. Some firms may overlook the economic potential of making the most of their office arrangements and they are simply missing out.
Serviced offices for the creative class
March 2, 2010 - 3:13 pm
In recent years, the quality of serviced offices in London has improved significantly. Alongside this positive development, there has been an increasing appreciation of the economic contribution of the group Richard Florida has described as ‘the creative class.’ Firms which employ individuals that can be categorised in this way may do well to locate in areas which possess impressive cultural amenities.
The concept of the creative class has been attacked by some academic critics. Admittedly it may be a little imprecise, but the term is arguably a useful way of referring to individuals who work in the creative industries. Furthermore, using the term for convenience does not mean that any particular set of urban policies are endorsed.
Retention of high quality employees is important in the creative industries. The creative class typically appreciate vibrant urban environments. As a multicultural city, London is ideal in this regard. Creative industries can sometimes benefit substantially from cultural heterogeneity. They may not fare as well in the provincial towns of northern England, for example, as they typically have the potential to do in London. Innovative ideas can flow where diverse cultures meet.
In the national and international context, London is a significant centre for the creative industries. Firms of various sizes can benefit from clustering together. Networking opportunities are enhanced when firms in the same sector locate in close proximity to one another. Serviced offices around West End cultural provision can be a flexible solution for dynamic firms looking to progress in this exciting sector.
Searching for serviced offices in London
March 2, 2010 - 8:56 am
Seeking serviced offices in London is not quite the same as looking for similar office arrangements in other parts of Britain. London has been categorised as a ‘world city’ by experts like Sir Peter Hall. In other words, London is a cultural and economic giant of international importance. As such, it is a major location for dynamic firms of all sizes. Hence it can be a little tricky to select the right serviced office for a firm because of the amount of choice available.
The crucial thing is to narrow down the options in a way which can deliver the best possible solution. For example, the needs of the business may dictate that not just anywhere in London will do. Considering serviced offices around West End amenities may be a sensible approach, if that fits in with other factors. It may help to think of London in distinct parts and ignore the areas which do not promise to provide the most desirable economic opportunities. However, the connectedness of a firm may be a priority and it can be prudent to acquire a location which is situated in proximity to businesses in different districts.
Ultimately, few people know what a particular business needs as much as its management. Nevertheless, the use of serviced offices in an internationally important city can be a boon to many different types of firm. While modern firms rely on a range of communication systems, face-to-face meetings remain crucial and having office facilities in a vibrant location can have a very positive impact on economic outcomes.
London meeting room matters
March 1, 2010 - 5:55 pm
Organising a meeting in the capital can be problematic for a small firm. It can lack the office space and facilities to make their clients have a positive experience. The best way to proceed may be to hire modern meeting rooms for the occasion, but many firms still decide against making this prudent decision.
The use of modern meeting rooms can be a shrewd choice because it ensures that clients are impressed by their surroundings. A favourable impression can make clients relaxed and eager to get down to business. It is all about combining comfort with function. A properly organised space can enable social interaction effectively.
In the modern corporate world, image is obviously a key concern. When clients leave a meeting, the holders of the event hope that they will take away positive memories and the provision of excellent facilities is crucial in this regard. Clients will sometimes discuss meetings with other business people in an informal way and if they have enjoyed the experience they may spread the word. A small firm can develop additional contacts if it is associated with high quality overall.
In relation to various spheres of corporate activity, astute firms of various sizes are realising how outsourcing can boost their productivity. Diverse firms can benefit from outsourcing when they are looking for somewhere to hold meetings. If space is at a premium, or if facilities are sadly past their best, the logic for outsourcing is extremely persuasive. Meeting rooms that impress clients can pay significant dividends, directly or in a more complex manner.