The prime Minister has announced the new initiative under the banner “Business in You” suggesting that everyone has the potential to start up a new business given the proper support and resources. A business in you web portal is helping to bring useful resources to business fingertips and the web site also offers inspirational success stories from other small businesses owners.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister has announced that he will be making empty and under-used Government offices available for use by small businesses to help start ups find affordable office space.

Avanta’s sales and marketing director, Geraint Evans, spoke positively about the new campaign. He commented: “The Government is definitely on the right track by supporting these companies, some of which could become tomorrow’s multi-nationals.”

However Geraint did point out that providing office space specifically aimed at start ups businesses is by no means a new concept with operator’s like Avanta helping to support fledgling businesses by providing flexible serviced offices across the country. He added: “This is great news for budding entrepreneurs, but providing access to professional quality workspace at affordable rates and on flexible terms to small businesses is what the serviced office industry has been doing for the past two decades.”

Serviced offices offer the most flexible office space on the market meaning that you will not get tied down into any long term commitments and, with minimal upfront costs and fully furnished accommodation, you can get on with running your business from the off. For further information about affordable start up offices across London and the UK call 0808 231 3625.

It started back in October when Jon Abrahams became a proud parent for the first time after partner Carla gave birth to a son. Charlie Leonard was born on the 29th weighing in at 9 pound 13 ounces.

Already a father of two boys, Andrew Hogan is no stranger to fatherhood, however him and wife Gail were surprised to learn that they were expecting a baby girl this time around. Born just in time to see the New Year in, Freya Alexandra arrived on 28th December.

And the latest news has come from Andy de Wet Steyn whose partner Georgina gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday 8th February. Andy is another first time parent and is said to be thrilled following the recent birth. The new arrival has been named Alfie Jack.

Andrew Hogan commented: “It’s amazing that the three of us have had children within four months of one another. I said at one of our last meetings that we could bring them in for the next one and start them off early!”

All the babies and parents are reportedly doing well, despite tallying up more than a few sleepless nights between them. Andrew added: “Having three children under the age of four is a challenge but is certainly a rewarding one. I keep looking at the three of them and thinking how very lucky and proud I am!”

Here’s wishing a big congratulations to all three of our directors from the Easy Offices team!

The new IT service has been introduced to make sure that clients have fast access to quality support should they require it. IT technicians are available either in-person, or remotely, and can help with all day-to-day troubleshooting from setting up a firewall to basic email problems.

Avanta has launched the service as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to improving the overall experience of its clients and the quality, value and benefit of the assistance that they receive.

Group operations director, David Kinnaird commented: “Our IT team are hugely experienced and can help with everything from general day-to-day problems as well as installation, set-up, configuration, repairs, upgrades, security and remote-worker access set-up. This popular new service shows our commitment to clients, taking our service beyond four walls and providing a serviced office space that truly meets their business needs.”

The cost effective, on-site technical support is available on a pay-as-you go basis starting from £25 for a half an hour session that can cover any issue or concern no matter how big or small. Clients can also benefit from a free 30 minute IT consultation service.

The IT service has already been in demand by clients and a spokesperson for Square Mile Offices, based at Avanta’s Holborn serviced offices commented that they would definitely recommend the service they received. She said: “The support engineer dealt with the issues we were having quickly and efficiently and also took the time to help us understand what the problem was.”

Avanta’s serviced offices can be found across our website, if you would like to know more about offices in London or other locations countrywide please call 0808 231 3625 and will be pleased to help find the perfect new home for your business!

New clients have been signed from a range of industries with both local and international companies taking space. Three of the new clients have relocated to the business centre from nearby office buildings in Staines.

The largest deal has involved an unnamed occupier, which has taken 25 workstations. New international clients include Coraid, an American technology manufacturing company, which has taken 10 workstations and Dubai-based McDermott Caspian Contractors, which has signed on a 9 person office. Both of the new international contracts will run for a one year period.

Companies that have moved from nearby office buildings include Isosceles Finance, which has taken 20 workstation for a year and recruitment companies Pertemps and Adams & Oliver, which have taken 22 workstations in total between them.

Talking about the recent deals, business centre manager for Orega Staines, Sarah Pennacchini, commented: “We’ve enjoyed a wave of activity at our Staines business centre in the last few months which has resulted in signings totalling almost 5,800 sq ft. International clients like Coraid and McDermott recognise our excellent access to Heathrow airport, London and southern England via the motorway network, while our flexible and well-equipped offices and professional, friendly staff appeal to a wide range of companies considering relocating or expanding.”

Located on Fairfield Avenue, Orega has recently set up a couple of new initiatives at the Staines office centre. A new marketing suite was constructed in the building which offers a relaxed setting wherein sales meetings with potential clients can be held. Stylishly fitted out with comfortable leather furniture and in-room refreshments the new marketing suite concept is one that Orega now intends to roll out to its other business centres.

Additionally Staines is now offering a new part-time office scheme which offers permanent desks to business men on the move. Designed specifically for individuals that spend a large part of their week away from the office, clients can return to their partitioned desk, which is in a shared office of four, whenever it suits them without having to pay to rent an entire office of their own.

To find out more about these Staines Serviced Offices Call 0808 231 3625 to speak with a member of our sales team who will be happy to discuss your specific requirement in detail and can advise on pricing, availability and viewings.

It has been a busy few months for the flexible office operator having recently announced the opening of several new business centres across the country in areas including Manchester, Greenwich Peninsula and two new locations in the City of London.

The Watford business centre has been agreed in a deal with leading European property group IVG. i2 Office has worked with IVG in the past, having agreed terms on one of the operator’s flagship centres at No 1 Leeds with the property group.

i2 Office has taken 13, 154sq ft of space in a grade A building located opposite Watford Junction Station. The new offices will offer a host of business services including two onsite meeting rooms and showering facilities.

With fit out of the offices already underway i2 Office CEO Philip Grace commented: “Watford is an important business centre for the North of London and our new business centre will be perfectly located for rail and road access. We are pleased to be working with IVG once again and look forward to creating a successful business centre in Meridien House in 2012.”

To view the new Watford Serviced Offices in further details please click here or for advice on pricing, availability and viewings please call us on 0808 231 3625.

The new centre was officially launched just 6 weeks after Forsyth agreed a 20,000 sq ft lease at the property situated at 45 Moorfields. The offices have already been attracting fervent interest from clients and were launched at a respectable occupancy level of 50% with further clients due to move in this month.

The offices are spread across the seventh floor of the Moorfields building and offer fully serviced accommodation. With a total of 140 workstations available, clients benefit from a dedicated reception (pictured above) and prestigious boardroom.

General Manager Ally Miciul commented that due to the popularity of the new serviced offices Forsyth is already planning on expanding within the same building. She said: “The location and facilities available at the Centre have proved so popular that plans are already in hand to now fit out the 6th floor which will provide a further 140 workstations as well as additional meeting rooms”.

Following the success of the latest office launch Forsyth has revealed that it is looking for opportunities to launch further business centres in London during the coming year.

If you are looking for Serviced Offices in London we’ve got it covered with offices in all areas of the capital including the West End and City. Give us a call to discuss your specific requirement in further detail on 0808 231 3625.

Most Popular Serviced Office Articles:

Fun Quiz: Twenty Questions on Serviced Office Operators

How to Tame the Annoying Habits of Your Office Colleagues

i2 Office announced the launch of the new Manchester offices towards the end of 2011 after agreeing a 15,000 sq ft deal at Chancery Place in the city centre. The new offices mark the first expansion by the operator into the North West of the country.

Leigh commented that he is “excited” to join the team and to work for a company that is “gaining a reputation for the quality of its accommodation combined with a modern, flexible approach to meeting client requirements.”

CEO of i2 Office, Philip Grace, said that the company has already received “considerable interest” in the new Manchester offices before fit out is even complete. He commented: “Leigh brings with him in depth local knowledge and excellent contacts across the North West business community.  I strongly believe that the combination of Leigh’s enthusiasm and the high quality accommodation and services that will be available at Chancery Place will be a real attraction for any business looking to make a base in the city.”

Leigh added: “With the right product in the right place, I think 2012 could be a good year.”

If you are looking for Serviced Offices in Manchester we’ve got it covered with offices in all areas of the city from central Manchester to the outskirt and airport districts. Give us a call to discuss your specific requirement in further detail on 0808 231 3625.

ONE Which serviced office operator won the title for Business Centre of the Year at the 2011 BCA awards after claiming all three finalist spots?

TWO Under which ticker symbol does Regus appear on the London Stock Exchange?

THREE In which town did Orega open its first business centre during April 2001 which later earned the title of Business Centre of the Year at the BCA awards?

FOUR Name the former CEO of disbanded MLS group who once appeared on TV show The Secret Millionaire?

FIVE During various organised events Avanta raises money each year for which children’s medical Charity?

SIX In which year and country was Regus founded by CEO Mark Dixon?

SEVEN Which serviced office operator claims to have the highest staff-to-client ratio in the industry?

EIGHT The reception area of which london building is home to the largest privately-owned fish tank in Europe, where Landmark Plc offers 36,000 sq ft of serviced offices?

NINE Name the serviced office operator taken over by Regus during the final quarter of 2010, adding a further 13 business centres to the Regus portfolio countrywide?

TEN Founded in Milton Keynes in early 2009, which rapidly-expanding operator announced new business centres in locations including Aldersgate, Greenwich Peninsula and Manchester within the last 6 months?

ELEVEN One of London’s original skyscrapers, which 32 storey building located in central London is home to the exclusive Paramount Member’s club which includes actor Stephen Fry? Name the serviced office operator found at the building for a bonus point!

TWELVE As part of the all-inclusive pricing package offered by Business Environment, clients receive a weekly delivery of which sugary confectionery treat to their offices?

THIRTEEN In early 2010 Avanta announced that it would be branching out into longer-term leasing and the conventional office space market with the launch of a new brand called….?

FOURTEEN The four unique brands Argyll, Palladia, Corpnex and Grosvenor all come under which group umbrella?

FIFTEEN What was the name of the card scheme introduced by Regus in summer 2008 that offers flexible access for travelling businessmen to any of its business centres worldwide?

SIXTEEN Which serviced office operator works closely with the Institute of Directors, offering specialised “hubs” in its Glasgow and Leeds business centres?

SEVENTEEN Part of the Regus portfolio, name the London building which houses the historic Lutine bell, salvaged from the wrecked British ship Lutine and rung before announcements of ships overdue or lost at sea.

EIGHTEEN Which operator runs celebrity hotspot the “Vanilla” Club at its Great Titchfield Street business centre in the West End?

NINETEEN With flexible office space in the UK and Hong Kong, which operator is part of Scarborough Group International, founded by Kevin McCabe in 1980?

TWENTY Which of MWB’s business centres boast a great claim to fame having featured in the filming of the 7th spy movie in the James Bond series, Diamonds are Forever?

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    ANSWERS BELOW     !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ONE Business Environment

TWO RGU

THREE Staines (Ash House)

FOUR Paul Williams

FIVE Sparks

SIX 1989, Brussels

SEVEN MWB

EIGHT Heron Tower

NINE Abbey Business Centres

TEN i2 Office

ELEVEN Centre Point, Targetspace

TWELVE Doughnuts

THIRTEEN Avanta Property Management Limited (APM)

FOURTEEN Executive Offices Group

FIFTEEN Businessworld

SIXTEEN i2 Office

SEVENTEEN Lloyds Building

EIGHTEEN Avanta

NINETEEN Forsyth Business Centres

TWENTY 107 – 111 Fleet Street (The business centre houses London’s oldest working lift which was featured in the film)

How Did You Do?

18+ points – Top Dog!! You are a serviced office buff! Got a story of your own? Why not contact the editor and tell us something we don’t know – guest blogs welcome!

14 – 17 points – Serviced Office Gossiper! Not Bad, you obviously have a good idea of whats been happening with the big wigs!

9 to 13 points – Must do Better! Your industry knowledge could do with a bit of a freshen up, keep an eye on what your competitors are up to on our news page.

8 points or less – Out of the Loop! you should read our blogs more often! Subscribe to our blogs or follow us on twitter @EasyOfficesBlog for all the latest from the serviced office industry.

We are all facing a tough economy but for start up businesses times could not be worse! Finding enough capital outlay for an office space can seem like too big a burden for many. However with up to four months free renting available now you can make that first step while substantially reducing your initial overheads.

As well as including major towns and cities across the country, this offer has now been extended to include areas in the City so, if your business is considering a move to the Capital, renting an office in London may not be as expensive as you thought.

The offer is available on fully serviced offices that are fully equipped and furnished meaning that you do not have to worry about the additional expense of fit-out. Every business centre running this offer has an onsite reception area where you can make use of admin and secretarial support services should you require them. On demand meeting rooms will be available for your convenience as well as a host of other business services at your fingertips.

Offices are ready for immediate start so give us a call today and you could be set up in your new office in just a few days! Find out more about which business centres are currently offering four months free on 0808 231 3625.

*Minimum licence terms and terms and conditions apply, please contact us for full details.

January is named after the Roman god Janus, who was usually depicted as a two-faced man looking towards the future and the past. For those demanding to know what the Romans ever did for us – apart from the sanitation and straight roads – the Roman belief that January is a good time for reflecting on the previous year, while remaining focused on the year ahead, is well worth heeding for business leaders today.

At Business Environment, we’re passionate about employee engagement, partly because rewarding the people our success depends on is the right thing to do, partly because we believe it’s an approach that drives our business success.

I want to take a Janus-like glance back to the end of last year to share what we’ve been doing in this area recently. In the run-up to December, we decided that we wouldn’t hold a Christmas party. Contrary to what you might think, we don’t need the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future sent to our houses. The festive period is the most expensive time of the year for families, so we decided to look at how we could help our staff manage the cost of Christmas.

We conducted a poll among all employees, asking whether we should arrange a Christmas party, or pay a bonus instead. Perhaps the DJ we’ve booked in the past is just that bit too fond of Westlife, but the bonus was the clear winner! Of course, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that many people will opt for a bonus at the most costly time of the year. The Christmas party can also be expensive if it involves buying a new outfit or taking a taxi. More inclusive and more popular among our employees, the bonus was the right choice for us last year.

Our decision wasn’t too unusual – a study carried out by the business website London Loves Business found that nearly half of the capital’s businesses weren’t planning to stage a Christmas party. Of course, there were companies that cancelled their Christmas party out of necessity because of difficult economic conditions. Indeed, one in five businesses in the London Loves Business survey cited budgetary concerns as their main reason for not arranging a party. That’s perhaps understandable – although managers should be wary of the false economy behind savings that damage staff morale.

Looking ahead, we want to build on our approach to the Christmas party throughout 2012. That doesn’t mean we plan to cancel all social events throughout the year, but rather we plan to listen carefully to our employees, understand their needs and consider how best we can reward them for their hard work. Indeed, we’ll aim to take a communicative, two-way approach across the board, so appraisals, for instance, will be characterised by realistic targets that form part of a jointly agreed plan to support employee development.

Businesses should consider the current economic climate not just in their dealings with clients, but their employees as well. Which is why, when it comes to the festive period, we’ll again listen to whether our employees would prefer a Christmas party or bonus. If a bonus is selected, it won’t be a case of ‘Christmas is cancelled’, but the less catchy but far preferable ‘Christmas is better tailored to your needs’.

You can find Business Environment Serviced Offices across the Easy Offices website. To discuss any of the flexible office space centres please get in touch and a member of our sales team would be pleased to tell you more! 0800 085 5050