The concept of an ‘office’ is rapidly changing.
Advances in technology and the rising trend of remote working mean that fewer and fewer companies are choosing to rent a physical office space, preferring instead to take their team online.
Opting for a virtual office offers companies a lot of benefits, from making huge savings on expensive overheads like rent and bills, to also offering their team flexibility in their working hours and location. And the really exciting thing? It enables companies both new and established to tap into the global talent pool – because if your team don’t have to commute to a physical office, they can join your company from anywhere in the world!
But if you don’t have a physical office, does the location of a virtual office matter?
Even though you may not have a physical presence, choosing the right virtual office location is still a crucial decision. Here are some factors to consider when thinking about where to register your business.
Business Environment and Reputation
Your virtual office may not have a physical address, but the location you choose will have a big impact on your business’s reputation.
When looking at options for your virtual office, make sure you take a good look at the business environment and reputation of the region you’re considering. Are there established industries or sectors that align with your business? Are there any regulations or taxes that might affect your operations?
It’s worth taking the time to conduct thorough research to confirm that your chosen location aligns with your industry, allowing you to boost your brand with an impressive professional postcode. For example, if you register your business at Impact Brixton, you’ll get all the benefits of an address in London’s bustling Brixton Village, a renowned hub for independent businesses.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
It’s the boring stuff that no one wants to read, but when choosing a virtual office location, it’s really important to understand the local legal requirements in your chosen region.
Even though you don’t have a physical office space, you may still be subject to things like corporate tax and business regulation. So when you’re registering your business at a virtual office, pay close attention to the business registration process, make sure you’re aware of tax obligations, and keep a look out for specific regulations that may impact your operations. And don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you need a bit of help – it’s worth getting it right now, rather than spending time and money trying to fix it all later!
Time Zones and Accessibility
One of the big advantages of a virtual office is the ability to collaborate with team members and clients from different locations around the world. These kinds of international teams can be really exciting, and it can be tempting to choose a virtual office location that’s far away from where you’re based.
However, when making these kinds of decisions, it’s really important to keep in mind where your clients and customers are based. If most of your clients are based in a specific region, it’s a good idea to choose a location in a place that aligns with their working and waking hours. A lot of people like to shop local, and they may be wary of a business that’s based so far away from where they live. Choosing somewhere close to your client base will help to tailor your idea to your target audience, making it seem more accessible to the people who matter most. It’s a great way to encourage your customers to engage with you and your brand.
Hybrid Working Options
There are tons of options out there for virtual offices. And these days, not all of them are fully remote. Places like Impact Brixton are physical workspaces that offer you the option to use their meeting rooms, attend their events, hot desk in their space, and network with their community.
This can be a great option for people who don’t have the cash flow for a physical office, but still want somewhere to use as a base on days where working from home just isn’t cutting it. It can be lonely to work for an entirely remote team, and a change of scene with the chance to chat to some other like-mined creatives could be the perfect boost to your productivity. So it’s worth thinking about whether you’d like the option to work from a co-working space from time to time – there are plenty of choices out there!
Choosing a virtual office over a physical space comes with tons of benefits, including cost savings, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to tap into a global talent pool.
But just because it’s not a physical space, it doesn’t mean that the location isn’t important. Take the time to make sure that your virtual office is in a reputable business hub, accessible to your customers, with all the facilities that you need to build your business. The right virtual office location can be a really strong foundation for your brand!
