What is a Virtual Office?

If you're starting a new business or looking for ways to streamline your operations, you might have come across the term "virtual office." But what exactly does it mean, and how can it benefit you? 

Think of it like this: a virtual office is a fake but legal office. It’s a real office location which gives you services without the need to rent an actual physical office space. 

What does a Virtual Office Provide?

Typically, a virtual office offers a range of services and amenities that can help your business establish a professional image. Our virtual office packages here at Startup A-Z (SUAZ), for example, include features such as an address you can use on your website, or on your business cards if you’re a director. You can also access meeting rooms for your client meetings, and have your mail forwarded smoothly. With these services, you’ll instantly have that boost your business needs, and be more flexible in managing your operations. 

Why invest in a virtual office?

In 2023, 44% of UK professionals work from home and if you’re one of them, here are one of the few reasons to invest in a virtual office. 

• To save money: Normally, a virtual office is a lot cheaper compared to an actual office space. This allows you to minimise costs, and can be especially beneficial if you’re a startup and a small business with limited budgets.

• To have more work flexibility while creating an impression: A flexible work set-up and a professional image all at once. Virtual offices offer you a flexible option to run your business operations even if you’re travelling. Or if you plan to hire remote workers, this can come handy to you.  

Virtual Offices vs. Traditional Offices or Coworking Spaces

Many people are confused how a virtual office compares to traditional office spaces or coworking setups. So, we’ll break it down for you:

Traditional Office: Involves renting or owning a physical workspace. You’ll need this if you have a stable team and specific space requirements.

Coworking Space: Provides a shared workspace with various amenities. They usually offer the space per desk. A coworking space can be ideal for freelancers, startups, and small teams seeking a collaborative environment.

Virtual Office: Offers the perks of a physical office without the associated costs of actually using the space. Virtual offices offer a middle ground between traditional offices and coworking spaces. They’re for businesses seeking flexibility, a prestigious image, and remote work options.

To give you a brief idea of the price comparison in Manchester, 

• Virtual office starts at £ 12.99 - £ 413 a month. To know more about how much a virtual office costs, we’ve summarised it for you.  here 

• Traditional office rental in a prime location can go up to £40 per square foot per month. 

• A coworking space ranges from £320 - £446 per desk in a month, or depending on the space you will be occupying. 

  
  

Are Virtual Offices for Small or Large Businesses?

Virtual offices can be a good option for businesses of all sizes, but they are especially well-suited for small businesses. Smaller companies often have limited resources and can benefit from the cost savings and professional image that a virtual office provides. Whereas, larger companies with multiple employees and established office spaces may not require the same level of flexibility and virtual services.

Where Should You Locate Your Virtual Office?

The location of your virtual office depends on your business needs and preferences. If you want to be close to your clients, you may want to choose a virtual office in a central location, but this can cost you more. So, if you want to save money, you may want to choose a virtual office in a less central location. It may be inexpensive, but you’ll also lose the convenience of being near to your clients. You’ll ultimately have to consider your business needs and do thorough research to select the most suitable location for your virtual office.

Keep in mind that if you plan to use the virtual office as your registered address, it's important to choose a virtual office within the same state where your company is registered. This ensures compliance with the legal requirements and regulations of the state in which your business operates.

Things You'll Need if You Set Up a Virtual Office

To effectively run a business with a virtual office, there are a few essential items you'll need, and good news – you probably have most of these:

• a reliable laptop or computer,

• a phone or phone system for communication,

• cloud storage for file sharing and collaboration,

• a video conferencing service like Zoom for virtual meetings, and

• an email address or business email account to receive digital mail. 

Equipping yourself with these tools will help you maximise the benefits of a virtual office setup. If you need help on how to set up a virtual office, we’ve written a piece with further information to help you along. 

Does a Virtual Office Support Remote Working?

Absolutely! One of the significant advantages of a virtual office is its ability to support remote working. With a virtual office, you can maintain a professional and secure image while using your address to conduct business. This allows you to enjoy the flexibility and freedom of remote work, while still projecting a professional presence to your clients and customers.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a virtual office can vary depending on the provider and the package you choose. Generally, virtual offices offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional office spaces. Prices typically range from affordable monthly rates (£19-30) to more comprehensive packages with additional features (£90-100). Here at SUAZ, we offer virtual offices from as little as £ 12.99 a month.

To Conclude... Is a Virtual Office Right for You?

If you're looking for a cost-effective and flexible way to set up your business, a virtual office may be the right solution for you. Virtual offices offer a variety of services that can help businesses project a professional image, save money, and work from anywhere.

To learn more about our virtual office services in Manchester, you can visit our website. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have, to help you find the right virtual office solution for your business.