What is a Virtual Office?

What is a Virtual Office?

An office is more than a room with desks and computers in it, and that’s why there are several different types. Here at Future Squared, we can help you find your ideal office, be it a serviced, semi-serviced or even virtual office. The latter of those options isn’t something that is widely known about, but as we move out of the pandemic and edge more into a new hybrid way of working, they’re likely going to be growing in popularity. 

What is a Virtual Office?

A virtual office isn’t a physical space – or rather, it’s not a physical space you can go in and work from. A virtual office is when a person goes to a business centre, registers their company and then chooses a package. Packages usually include call forwarding and mail management. Essentially, a virtual office gives the impression that you have a physical office, but you remain working remotely. 

What do Virtual Offices Offer?

We’ve already covered some of the features of virtual offices, but here are some of the other things that be included in your package:

• Mail management – you will have a professional postal address for company mail to be sent to, and it will then be forwarded to your actual address
• Envelope scanning – you can request envelopes be opened and the contents scanned over to you for real-time reading and admin
• Meeting rooms – whilst you won’t work in the office location, you can host meetings there when necessary
• Receptionist service – you will have access to a receptionist who can help you organise meetings
• Call forwarding – all calls will come through to one landline and can then be passed on to you or a message can be taken

Why Choose a Virtual Office? 

Virtual offices have many benefits and are a strong contender for lots of different businesses. When you choose a virtual office, you can enjoy:

• Many different packages tailored specifically to your needs e.g. call forwarding, mail handling or both
• Low monthly payments – often cheaper than renting out other types of offices
• Allows you to work remotely but have a professional base for your mail and calls to go to
• A flexible way of working
• Meeting space available
• Gives clients a more professional view of your business
• No personal data has to be given out to clients e.g. phone numbers or addresses

There are many more benefits to using a virtual office, including the fact that when you don’t have a specific location to work from, you’re not restricted in terms of the people you can hire. Typically, businesses need to set a catchment area for their employees to come into the office and commute, meaning the talent pool is dependant on location. When you have a virtual office, you can – in theory – hire anyone from across the world. This allows you to find the best of the best, something which is highly beneficial from an employer’s point of view. 

Another benefit of virtual offices is that they allow you the freedom to expand your business at short notice. As there is no physical space and you only have an online/virtual contract, you can easily terminate or extend your contract as you see fit. 

Who are Virtual Offices Suitable for?

In theory, almost every type of business can benefit from a virtual office. From the very smallest to the very largest of companies, virtual offices can be utilised by all because there is no physical need for space. Generally speaking, start-ups and smaller businesses use virtual offices whilst working from home, but they can come from all different sectors, including:

• Tech start-ups
• Accountancy firms
• Digital agencies
• Ecommerce businesses

There are very few businesses that virtual offices won’t work for. They are particularly popular amongst those who want to work and live in the countryside, but who occasionally require a physical city space to host important meetings. Many businesses benefit from a central location, but not everyone likes to be in the centre of all the action, nor does everyone have a need to be. If this sounds familiar, a virtual office could be the solution you’ve been looking for. 

Find Out More About Virtual Offices 

If you think a virtual office could be the solution for you, the Future Squared team are here to help. To find out more, simply contact us and tell our team your requirements. 

We will be able to advise you further and put you in contact with possible virtual office locations across the UK, including in London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester. We can answer any questions, including can I use a virtual office for company registration. Don't hesitate to get in touch today.