What Is Virtual Office? Benefits, Legality and More
As the business landscape evolves, so do the demands for more flexible and innovative ways of operating. The traditional office setup, once the heart of businesses, is being reimagined, paving the way for the rise of the ‘virtual office’. This revolutionary concept is reshaping the way businesses operate in the United Kingdom, offering a myriad of benefits particularly in the areas of professional image, cost efficiency, and geographical flexibility.
What is a Virtual Office?
A virtual office provides a registered business address, mail forwarding and package handling services, access to physical meeting spaces as needed, and professional receptionist services — all wrapped up in an à la carte service, where business owners can choose which services they want and need. These features combine to provide a business presence that extends beyond geographical boundaries.
However, it’s essential for businesses to be aware that the address provided by the virtual office cannot be used as the official registration address unless the business is actually operating from that location. For official registration purposes, the actual location of the business, where the main operations are conducted, should be used. That means a virtual office can’t be used to register a business with Companies House in the United Kingdom.
Benefits of Virtual Offices
One of the most compelling aspects of a virtual office is the professional image it offers. For businesses in the United Kingdom, having a reputable business address in a prestigious location like Mayfair or on the Strand can significantly enhance the company’s image and credibility. A virtual office allows businesses, regardless of their size, to establish a presence in prime business locations without the accompanying high rent costs.
A virtual office provides a registered business address, and most providers let you receive correspondence there (at a cost, of course). This means businesses can receive mail and packages at this address, even if they operate remotely or from a different location. This service is crucial for maintaining the professional image of a business as it allows them to have a fixed, reputable mailing address instead of using a home address or a P.O. Box.
Most virtual office providers offer mail forwarding services. This means that when a letter or package is received at the business’s registered address, the virtual office supplier will forward it to an address specified by the business owner. Some even take it step further with mail scanning services. When a piece of mail arrives, the provider scans the mail and sends it to the business owner electronically, which is ideal for time-sensitive documents.
For businesses that receive packages, virtual office providers usually offer storage facilities. These packages can be stored safely until they can be forwarded or picked up by the business owner. This service ensures that packages are not left unattended, providing a secure solution for businesses. You’ll typically need to be on the lookout for a supplier that offers a receptionist service in order to receive these, but there are plenty out there.
Given virtual office services often involve the handling of sensitive business correspondence, businesses need to ensure that their chosen virtual office provider complies with UK data protection laws. This includes the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation. It’s paramount that the supplier has stringent measures in place to safeguard the confidentiality and security of user information.
When selecting a virtual office provider, the credibility and reputation of the provider should be a key consideration. Carefully review the service agreement, which should outline what services are included, the associated costs, any additional charges, and the terms for contract renewal or termination. A thorough understanding of the agreement can help businesses avoid unexpected costs or complications down the line.
In spite of the digital nature of a virtual office, there are occasions when businesses might need a physical space for meetings, presentations, or workshops. Recognizing this need, many virtual office suppliers offer access to physical meeting spaces as part of their service packages. These meeting spaces are typically professionally equipped facilities, often located in the same prestigious areas as the virtual office address.
They provide a physical location where businesses can meet with clients, partners, or team members in a professional setting. These spaces can range from small meeting rooms to larger conference facilities, equipped with amenities like high-speed internet, audio-visual equipment, and often, catering services. The access to these physical meeting spaces is usually an add-on and is capped at a certain amount of hours per month.
Many providers offer flexibility in terms of booking these spaces, allowing businesses to schedule their usage in advance or even on-demand, depending on availability, and additional hours can be added on at a cost. This flexible access to physical meeting spaces further enhances the value of a virtual office, providing a blend of virtual and physical services that can be tailored to the unique needs of each business.