Taking your business to the next step can be a daunting and uncertain prospect, which is why seeking the support of a business centre can help. Mantle have established business centres that offer small companies a virtual office service to handle your customer service contact even when you are out of office. Mantle’s Group Development & Marketing Manager Jo Hart shares her advice on how a virtual office can work for you.
Why should you use a business centre?
Business centres provide companies with the flexibility and services they need to grow. A virtual office can provide home-based and small companies with a legitimate business address that they can use on websites and in customer deals.
To customers, it will look as though you have an office in a prime location, helping you to build a credible brand image. It can also help to improve your geographical reach without you having to be tied to a permanent office space. It's far more cost-effective too, saving companies from having to pay office fees and deal with on-going maintenance while providing the professionalism needed to grow and develop a new business. "They are a low-cost, flexible option for start-up companies who don't want high-cost overheads and long-term commitment," says Jo.
What are virtual office services?
With a virtual office, you can enlist the help of a receptionist to manage the correspondence and customer service of your business. For self-employed people or start-up companies, hiring an additional person full time to cater to these needs is not always a viable option. A virtual office means that even when you're not available customers can reach you.
If you do need physical office space, Mantle's Kings court business centre in Stevenage is offering one month free with no deposit to companies who sign up to a one year lease on an office. There are also meeting rooms available for hire by the hour where you can host clients, conduct business and make a lasting first impression. Meeting room hire is half price on Mondays and Fridays.
How does a virtual office work?
A dedicated coordinator will be available through office hours five days a week to handle any calls, messages and inquiries you may receive and keep you up to date. Jo explains: "Having that person at the end of the line gives clients peace of mind. It builds trust and reliability when they know their calls will be answered, which is really important for any business, particularly one that's just starting."
What are the benefits of a virtual office?
Having a virtual office will make it appear that you have a fully fledged business set up, creating a lasting impact that people will take seriously. "Often people don't know what a virtual office is and the services it has to offer. It can really boost a company's professionalism and image," adds Jo.
Many start-ups and small companies work remotely or with a home set up, which can make it difficult to grow a business and take it to the next level. A virtual office offers a low-risk and flexible option to help combat these issues and ensure that start-ups make it through those tough first years.
It offers the opportunity to work from anywhere while having the peace of mind that your customers are taken care of by the dedicated business centre team. Mantle offer rolling monthly agreements so you don't need to commit to a long term contract.
Why choose Mantle Business Centres?
Mantle Business Centres focus on the importance of making its members feel part of a community. They have five sites throughout the UK and host bi-monthly networking events for all members to attend. Their aim is to offer a relaxed and welcoming environment where business owners and entrepreneurs can mingle with like-minded people and create those all-important connections.
For more information about Mantle Business Centres, call 0333 00 66 330 or email hello@mantlebusinesscentres.co.uk. Alternatively, visit mantlebusinesscentres.co.uk
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