Sep 29, 2011
Regus: Demand for Virtual Offices Surges Across the Globe
The demand for virtual office is surging in New York, London, China and beyond. Now, Regus is offering some numbers to prove it.
Regus is reporting a 30 percent increase in the demand for virtual office services in the last 12 months in London. What’s driving the rising demand for virtual offices? Regus attributes the uptick to home-based and small businesses looking for workspace support that is low-cost, low-risk and can dramatically increase productivity. And those are indeed the core promises of virtual offices.
“With the economy still weak, small businesses are acutely aware of the need to control spending,” says Celia Donne, regional director at Regus. “Virtual offices offer home businesses, start-ups and companies entering the UK market the benefits of a staffed office—such as a professional business address, and a professional receptionist to answer the phone—without the expense, risk and management time of setting up a physical presence.”
Although definitions vary slightly across the industry, Regus outlines virtual office services as a package that includes a business address to use on company stationery, dedicated local phone number and receptionist to answer calls, mail collection and handling, and access to private offices or meeting rooms.
Regus says some companies use their virtual office as a permanent arrangement. Others use it as a staging post, before they expand to a physical presence.
“Using a Regus virtual office gives me a prestigious, city center business address, without the inconvenience of setting up an office there,” says Huw Williams, Proprietor of Belfast-based Powerline Compensation Ltd. “I can work on the move, wherever I need to be, or take the day off, secure that someone will answer the phone and take mail deliveries.”
Regus also reported a 15 percent increase in demand for virtual office services in the first six months of 2011 in the UAE, compared to the previous six months July to Dec. Joanne Bushell, Regus vice president for the Middle East and Africa, “Even though the economy in UAE is recovering, small businesses are acutely aware of the need to control spending.”
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