Flexible Terms
With the worries of Coronavirus, people are publishing blogs and articles about working from home. Friends are sharing images of them in their PJs, working from home. Conference calls are now a gamble as to which pet will embarrass their owner first.
For some people, it’s just not an option to work from home, so if you are still sharing communal facilities and need to have contact with other people it’s time to work flexible but also work safe.
Over the past few days I have reviewed our company’s Contingency Planning to make sure it’s up to scratch to cover the current COVID-19 issues.
I have read more information on disease containment that is necessary for one lifetime. But it all comes down to some very easy rules.
If you have to share a space with others, then you have to respect them and take a series of simple precautions.
Step One – Get your facts rightAs much as I’ve enjoyed the memes and photos sent to me by friends, knitting your own face mask and brewing up your own hand gel is not going to do any good.
Go to the source. The UK Government’s own GOV.UK which has up to date information and links to guidance from both the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England.
I remember when that phrase was stuck on mirrors to make you think about your own safety. It’s still true.
We all have to take responsibility for making sure we wash our hands and not sneezing over everyone else.
Make yourself aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and how it’s spread by bookmarking and reading the GOV.UK website.
Your workplace should have a policy on what to do if you are showing symptoms. Make sure you know what it says and what you should do.
If you think you may be showing symptoms then isolate yourself immediately and call 111.
Washing your hands is something we should all have been doing anyway (why do people need to be told this, it’s not a social nicety, it’s essential) but just in case you are still not sure how to wash your hands then the NHS have produced a great PDF you can download that shows you how.
Things you can sing or recite that take 40 – 60 seconds whilst washing your hands …
Or you can create your own poster using the fantastic washyourlyrics.com
I went for Jolene by Dolly Parton for mine!
You are sharing a space with other people. Don’t stand over them and cough! Dispose of that paper hankie straight away.
Don’t leave dirty plates and crockery on your desk. It’s very easy to end up just rinsing out your mug at the end of the day, don’t. And also DON’T wash it in the toilets. By law, companies must supply separate washing facilities for crockery away from toilets. Use them. Dry your cup on a paper towel rather than the dodgy tea towel that hasn’t been washed this century.
Keep a clear desk policy – it’s easier to wipe your desk down with an antibacterial wipe when it’s clear. Did you know, when you use an antibacterial wipe or spray you need to let it dry before you use the surface or you run the risk of dissipating the effectiveness?
Be safe out there!
#flexspaceuk #flexibleworking #keepingsafe
With it being World Mental Health Day this month, and Stress Awareness Week approaching next month, we were inspired to write a blog on how to tackle and combat stress at work. Whether physical or desk-based work, or even travelling from one appointment to another, you need to look after yourself.
Being stressed and under pressure is a normal part of life. However becoming overwhelmed with stress, with no wind-down time, can lead to mental health problems, and affect the wellbeing of the person involved.
National Stress Awareness Day is a timely reminder that we must take a moment to think about our own wellbeing and seek support in managing stress. Sometimes we can get carried away with work and focus too hard on goals or achievements. You can forget that you can make somebody else’s day by taking the time to talk to them, or even sharing a smile.
For employers, it is vital to create a stress awareness zone at any workspace, where staff can talk about, and share their thoughts or feelings when they are feeling overwhelmed. Colleagues should be encouraged to share advice, tips and give support to other staff members who need help.
Many modern companies are now placing workplace wellness at the core of their business by recognising the importance of their staff. Employers today find it vital to ensure individuals feel valued and supported. Placing mental health and wellbeing at the heart of any business can improve the productivity and happiness of staff members, resulting in a positive impact overall.
By focusing on the wellbeing of staff, the result is a healthier environment and a more productive team. Now, that is a ‘win’ for any company, of any size.
Flexspace is the master of self-storage for both businesses and individuals. We offer self-storage units of different sizes at six of our locations across the UK. All our destinations within reach of main roads, near or in major towns and cities.
So, whether you are looking to use it for business or personal storage,
below are the benefits of using a storage unit at Flexspace:
Flexspace offers flexible storage terms, whether it’s for a minimum of a month, or longer if needed.
Better still, you can start with a shorter agreement and then extend, or even increase the storage if needed and available. Given we have so many units it is easy to find more space if ever required.
All Flexspace sites have ample parking space, with dedicated bays near the storage facilities, making loading and unloading easy for you. We also have staff are on hand to supply, if needed, packaging materials to ensure that your items are well looked after.
If your concern is space, security or convenience, self-storage could be the solution for you. For more information on our self-storage spaces browse our self-storage solutions. Or call today on 0800 033 4444 to book a viewing.
Sometimes you can get fed up from working in your own garage, or over cramming your shed with all the stock and equipment you need to run your business efficiently.
As a company, you may require premises that is specific to the activity which needs to be carried out in. There are many benefits to renting a dedicated workshop unit to run your business from. Below we cover a few of them.
Strong transport links via road, rail and air are vital to many businesses, as well as to their staff. Having a workshop unit that is based on a business park is ideal as it gives you the options to pick from small, medium or large units. Workshops on all Flexspace business parks have easy transport links to get to, which makes it an ideal place to base your business. Your location can also play a huge part in the impression you want your business to give to your customers and clients.
One important consideration for all businesses is health and safety. Employee health and well-being are crucial when it comes to the physical working environment. Workshop units are usually designed for specific use and are better suited when it comes to the health and safety requirements of the work carried out inside them.
Every business will have a different need for the space available to run efficiently. It all comes down to what equipment is needed and where it can be positioned within the unit you take out. One of the benefits of workshop units is the dimensions and space within that allows the operation to run smoothly. Higher ceiling and areas dedicated to storage will benefit you when working in a workshop unit.
Some companies may need storage space within their units, others may need an office space included within. For SME’s having management and admin staff in the same location for all staff has a lot of benefits. An office within a workshop unit could allow more oversight and efficiency.
It’s not just businesses involved in manufacturing that can benefit from workshop units. Many companies that require space to maintain or store equipment can also make the most out of these workshops. With 58 locations around the UK to choose from, Flexspace offers easily accessible units, allowing your business to succeed in whatever you do.
At Flexspace we take pride ourselves in helping clients maximise the use of our facilities. Most of our workshop units have 24-hour access, CCTV, and come self-contained with their own toilet and kitchen amenities.
We understand that trying to find a place to set your business up can be stressful, with plenty of things to investigate, so we have a management team on hand to assist with any requirements. Nine of our sites with workshop units have staff on hand to help.
The option to downsize or grow can be accommodated on many sites, so if you find your business is booming, we can discuss moving to a larger workshop so that you can plan for the future. Furthermore, as a tenant of Flexspace, you also have easy access to our conference and meeting room facilities which are provided at a minimum cost. Free ample parking is provided at all our 58 sites which is an extra bonus.
So, why don’t you explore having a secure workspace you can call your own? We have a mixture of small, medium and large workshop units to let in ideal locations across the country, all available to let under flexible terms.
If you’d like to find out more about our workshop units, or would like to book a viewing in, call our sales team on 0800 033 4444 or email us in at sales@flexspace.co.uk.
Flexspace, the UK’s leading provider of flexible offices, workshops, industrial and self-storage spaces, celebrated its Hereford business centre’s 10 year anniversary this month.
Flexspace Hereford opened for business in June 2009 under the ‘Evans Easyspace’ brand, it provides business units on flexible terms to local clients in Hereford and the surrounding area. The centre’s aim, since opening, has been to support local small companies with business units which meet the needs of growing businesses. It was acquired by Flexspace in 2015 and this remains the company’s aim going forward.
Opened by Paul Keetch, Member of Parliament in 2009, the centre was designed to provide Flexspace clients with a local home to their businesses.
Flexspace Hereford Area Manager, Julie Taylor (left) and Centre Manager, Simona Gancheva (right) host a party to celebrate 10 years of business at Hereford.
Julie Taylor, Area Manager for Flexspace Hereford, mentioned: “We opened as the Incubator Centre for SME’s. By offering workplace flexibility across the last decade, many of our customers’ businesses have expanded to their own premises.”
“The business centre provides a wide range of offices, workshops, meeting and conference rooms. All with the benefit of superfast broadband. Flexspace Hereford is in the centre of Rotherwas and is a thriving hub for new businesses, with easy access to the M5 and airports.”
Simona Gancheva, the Centre Manager based at Hereford, added: “I am confident the next ten years will bring even more success. Both to Flexspace, and the businesses who choose to use our centre.”
David Cameron visited Flexspace Hereford in 2012 where Julie showed him around the business centre. They discussed SME’s, and the impact of business rates on small companies in the region.
To celebrate a decade in business, Julie and Simona hosted a 10th birthday party in the reception area. They invited all clients based at the Hereford centre to drinks, nibbles and a cake in celebration of their centre achievement. Clients were thanked for their continued trust and support over the years.
With Flexspace Hereford offering office spaces ranging from 130 to 570 sq. ft alongside virtual office services, and workshop units, the centre, located on Rotherwas Industrial Estate, is ideal for businesses of all sizes.
Further information about the centre and available spaces can be found via www.flexspace.co.uk or calling the sales team on 0800 033 4444.
Flexspace offers the benefits of separate accessible business meeting rooms at 15 of our locations, all at reasonable prices for our clients, available as and when you need them. There are many benefits that these spaces offer our clients, below we list our top 5.
Privacy matters a lot when it comes to business. Sometimes, you may find that you need space to sit and talk to clients or employees in a private space. Meeting rooms allow for open discussions within a separate room without broadcasting to your entire company.
Working with other people helps to discover ideas; be it with your own team or having a meeting with similar minds from other industries. Meeting rooms allow for new ideas to generate and give space to get creative.
If you are unable to travel to meet clients based at a long distance, one of the increasingly common aspects of modern business involves working through technology, and remaining connected.
Meeting rooms give you space to set up your own video conferences, fitted with the latest audio systems so that you’re able to project the image you want on a professional level, even from a distance.
Meeting rooms give everyone a chance to speak up and ask the questions that they can’t in an open space or via email. It allows employees to interact with their management, opening up frank discussions.
A good first impression is key. Finding a space that presents you and your business in the most favourable light is important. A well-furnished meeting room space, with the perks of its modern equipment, will impress those that you meet. Helping you win business and increasing your profile. It puts clients at ease, and allows them to place their confidence in you.
No matter how much businesses are to advance, there is no substitute when it comes to providing a personal touch.
You can book a meeting room by the hour, half day or full day at any of our following sites: Bolton, Dunfermline, Grangemouth, Hereford, Harrogate, Kirkcaldy JSBP, Leeds Burley Hill, Melksham, Newton Aycliffe, Northampton, Shrewsbury, Swindon, Peterborough, Wakefield and Watford.
To find out more about our meeting room spaces or to book one today, please get in touch with us on 0800 033 4444 or email us in at sales@flexspace.co.uk.
Finding the right business location isn’t too stressful when you usually know what you’re looking for. When looking for the right premises for your business, you need to choose the right size for your company. So, the starting point is to make sure you know what you require from an office environment, but also what you can omit.
Catering for both your short and long-term needs has a massive impact on finding a space just right for you. As office spaces are usually priced based on the size and facilities on offer it can be easy just to consider the short term. But with Flexspace, there is often the opportunity to grow whilst remaining on the same site.
The first consideration is whether you have space within your office you can free up. Most offices are used for storage as well as a place of business. It can be frustrating if you are having to hold onto files from previous years or having to clutter up the office with filing cabinets. So consider whether you can move your items into storage.
At Flexspace we offer storage spaces at our Bellshill, Blackpool, Deeside, Grangemouth, Kirkcaldy, Leeds, Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newark, Newton Aycliffe and Wakefield centres; allowing secure and convenient access to your archives, paperwork and other potentially important items.
Not planning business growth in advance could potentially hinder business expansion. As your company matures, you may be adding staff and senior management could require private spaces within the office. So it may be a good idea to either start with spare space in the room you choose or plan more space just in case. You can often find adjacent offices in Flexspace locations or, alternatively, ask us to put partitions in for you. We’re keen to make sure your space works for you.
Too much of anything can sometimes be a negative too. Empty desks or space that is left unused can give visiting clients the wrong impression with regards to your business and its success.
A co-working environment is one place where empty desks aren’t an issue. Many small businesses start off by using co-working spaces, allowing them to meet clients in a professional environment as well as keep costs down.
We pride ourselves in offering a range of office spaces, sized for all small and large businesses. We offer facilities such as free on-site parking, security, and meeting room access at low costs for all clients.
The majority of Flexspace offices are also located off the main motorway networks, offering easy access to all clients. To arrange a viewing or to find out more, please give our sales team a call on 0800 033 4444 or contact us by email.
Coworking and shared office spaces are currently on the rise in the business world. As more companies have a demand for this flexible way of working at a reduced cost, we at Flexspace have responded by offering coworking space at five of our locations.
There are many advantages to working in a coworking space, we’ve covered a few key aspects below.
Also known as a shared office, a coworking space gives SMEs, entrepreneurs and freelancers access to all the facilities and perks of a conventional office space, without all the additional costs that go with it.
Coworking spaces are usually open plan surroundings where a client would pay for the space they need, giving them access to a mix of private and communal areas. These spaces offer a more relaxed work environment with an open plan, ‘come and go as you please’ informal working environment.
One of the common benefits to renting out a coworking space is the cost of it. For those that are just starting off their business, this kind of work environment can be very cost effective. Many businesses at their initial stages find that lower rent costs offer the ability to free up capital for investment in value-generating assets. Flexible coworking environments tend to be more affordable and also less stressful before, during and after a business takes up a space.
Many coworking tenants find themselves being able to work and network at the same time. Working in a collaborative space with likeminded businesses and people can help free up thinking and give exposure to new ideas. The collective nature of co-working spaces is ideal as it provides networking opportunities and gives tenants the chance to start new conversations with everyone from potential clients to business partners.
Coworking spaces focus on like-minded communities which offer your business greater productivity. Design inspired office space settings also work to foster efficiency in a co working environment. For employees there are obvious benefits, with fewer hours spent commuting, greater independence and flexibility in their work. These spaces are designed for the benefit of employees. Alongside happier staff, shared workspace encourages innovation through exposure to new ideas and ways of working.
Flexspace offers coworking spaces at Bolton, Dunfermline, Harrogate, Newton Aycliffe and Peterborough. All of our coworking spaces are situated within a business park, located off the main motorway networks offering easy access, and close to different local amenities. These spaces also come with free parking and security to all clients.
We offer a minimum of 6 months tenancy for all our coworking tenants. Clients can move in on the day they sign and begin working immediately. They are also able to book a meeting room at any time (depending on availability) at a minimum cost if private space is required.
All coworking spaces at Flexspace come furnished. Once clients feel like they have outgrown their coworking space they have the advantage to keep the same business centre address and expand to a Flexspace office.
To book a viewing or to find out more please call 0800 033 4444 or contact us by email.
Flexspace provides support for all business clients, be it small or large, whether on short licences – or long-term leases. This blog talks through the advantages in being a Flexspace client, and the support that can be provided from the time you’re setting up, throughout your business journey and as your company grows.
When starting up a business, at Flexspace we understand it can be difficult to find the right place to set up and get the ball rolling. There’s plenty to consider, and the to-do list can seem never ending. Flexspace clients are offered flexible terms, with the minimum of a 12-month agreement to sign up to. We avoid tying you into lengthy contracts as you work towards a budget.
Should you realise that you need more space to operate comfortably, Flexspace aims to provide a simple expansion agreement, making it hassle free for you to move your business to a bigger area – whether this be for an office space or a workshop unit. Similarly, if you’re looking to downsize, once your lease or license agreement comes to an end, we’re more than happy to assist in providing you with a unit that suits your needs.
To take the burden of having to find or buy office furniture, all Flexspace offices can be ready furnished with chairs and desks. We also provide a range of infrastructural facilities such as running water, power supply and security at selected locations.
Fifteen of Flexspace locations are manned centres, where there is a fully staffed reception desk, providing clients with staff on hand to help. For other locations, area managers visit the centres almost every week, and are at the end of a phone line to help clients at any time if need be.
We provide access to networking opportunities, so we work to create an office environment that hosts a variety of brands and businesses. Clients can open up to business opportunities within our workspaces and facilities.
We believe in giving small businesses the best support to help them make a success of their company. The owner of the business needs to focus on the tasks in hand, not the operation of the facilities.
We take away the headaches that can come with running your premises, so that you can get on with the main challenge: running a successful enterprise!
Perhaps that’s why more companies than ever are choosing to work with, and at, Flexspace. Book a site tour today.
There are many factors to consider before renting out an office space for your business. With plenty of options to consider, and knowing that there are so many things that can impact your decision, we cover the key features that can help you in the process of selecting the right workplace for you.
Location is the most important factor when choosing an office. Choosing a location for your workplace is more than just considering the neighbourhood. The area in which your business is located determines the image you create to new and existing client. Having your business situated at an accessible location is vital as it can contribute to the success or failure of the organisation. Not only would it help build your brand image if it’s in an ideal location, but also stand out for the right reasons.
Commuting to work can sometimes be draining and can impact on the productivity and wellbeing of your employees. Finding an office close to transport links can help employees get to work without a hassle, and clients to find you easily. Having local amenities around your workplace is always an added bonus, as staff prefer the convenience of having places to eat nearby.
When renting out an office you want to make sure that the size of the premises matches the size of your company. Cramped offices aren’t great for productivity and renting an area too large could mean you would be wasting funds on unwanted space. As a general rule, we recommend having 70 square feet per person, however, it is entirely upon a client and what suits their business depending on the size of desks or storage space required.
Flexspace offer a number of different office spaces to choose from and the type of office you choose depends on where your business is in its growth cycle. Start up businesses often choose to opt for coworking spaces as it is the most cost effective option. The next stage up would then be to take a private office for the business to grow and instil its own culture.
It pays off to look ahead to the future of your business, and choose an office that can be adapted to accommodate a team that suits your business as it evolves over time.
The cost of your office is probably one of the most significant factors to account for in your business. Spending too little could leave you with an office you’re not happy with, but spending too much may leave you struggling to pay the rent. The cost of an office space would need to be strategised effectively as the price tag attached could slow down your business growth.
A wise act would be to calculate the net income of the business to determine how much can be spent on the ideal office space. You’d need to determine whether you are prepared to scale up and get a bigger office or if you want to downsize to reduce your expenses. A budget needs to be set, and you would need to make sure you don’t go over that fixed amount. Having a clear budget in mind that fits with your business is crucial to prevent you from committing to space that is not maintainable from a financial point of view.
Parking space and the security of your office are common factors that can be overlooked when choosing an office space to rent.
It is important to consider the amount of parking you have available included in the office space you’re renting. Is the parking space free or is there a hidden charge on top for that? If there is only limited parking available, where could your employees, customers or clients park? You need to make sure there are enough spaces nearby and at minimum cost so that your team can get to work without the hassle. A secure parking lot would always be an added bonus.
The security of the building your business runs from is highly significant. Nobody likes to work in an environment where there are security risks. So one of the aspects to consider when choosing an office space would be to select a safe working location for yourself and your staff.
The length of a lease plays a key role in the decision of renting an office. For your first office, you may not want to tie yourself into a long-term commitment. Flexspace offer a minimum of a 6-month agreement to all workplaces across the country. We take into consideration that clients may not want to be stuck with an office if your business folds, sells or outgrows the space.
Our aim is to provide flexibility for all types of businesses, believing that the easier we can make it for small to medium businesses, the quicker the chances are for these organisations to grow and become successful.
The majority of Flexspace office and workshop units are located off the main motorway networks, offering free parking and security to all clients. We have a wide range of units in different sizes, with prices to suit all.
To book a viewing at one of our 59 locations, please call 0800 033 4444 or contact us by email.
Are you looking for increased flexibility and reach without the downside of a long-term commitment or cavernous space.
Or perhaps as your staff shift to a more versatile working model, you need to be closer to where they live, and your customers are?
Flexspace has a dedicated multi-site team who can listen to you come up with all the options. To put together the perfect portfolio of locations and facilities to help your business thrive.
Call our dedicated team on 0800 033 4444, or
