Managed vs Serviced Offices: understanding their difference

If you're in the process of choosing office space in London, you've likely come across the terms "managed offices" and "serviced offices." While they may sound similar, each option offers a unique set of features that cater to different business needs.

In this guide, we're going to help you through the details, comparing the two office styles, so you can make an informed decision about the ideal workspace for your business, and finally get on board with all the jargon.

What are serviced offices

Serviced offices are fully furnished and equipped spaces that come with a range of services and amenities. These offices are ready for immediate use, providing businesses with a hassle-free solution.

Understanding the serviced office: what is included, advantages and disadvantages

When you opt for a serviced office, you benefit from a package that typically includes furnishings, utilities, breakout spaces, reception, and more. A serviced office is your ready-to-use workspace, available for flexible rental. Managed by external workspace providers (like us), it comes fully furnished, allowing you to dive into work without the setup fuss.

Furthermore, all-inclusive monthly billing covers everything – from the space itself to WI-FI, phone lines, meeting rooms, hotdesking, and building management services. And, with flexible lease arrangements, you pay only for what you need, for as long as you need it.

Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of serviced office spaces:

Advantages of Serviced Offices

Disadvantages of Serviced Offices

Ready-to-use workspaces

Higher upfront costs

Comprehensive service packages

Limited customisation options

Flexible lease terms

Access to shared facilities and amenities

What are managed offices?

Managed offices offer businesses a customised solution, giving business their own space and autonomy over branding, technology, services and aesthetic. They are a larger space, self-contained and like serviced offices, with a managed office your rent is all-inclusive, paid monthly, and there are no upfront costs.

An insight on managed offices: what they provide, advantages and disadvantages

Much like serviced offices, managed office spaces operate on a monthly fee basis and are overseen by a third-party operator. While you have more autonomy in a managed office, you're also responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and management of the space. However, here's the significant distinction—they are generally leased as an entire office to a single business, rather than multiple businesses, meaning there will are no shared amenities such as a kitchen, breakout spaces, meeting rooms etc.

From lighting and furniture to branded decor and the finer details, you get greater control over the overall look and feel of a managed office. While the provider typically sets everything up before your move-in date, it will require some extra time on your part to decide on and organise all the details that will complete the space.

Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of managed office spaces:

Advantages of Managed Offices

Disadvantages of Managed Offices

Greater control and flexibility

Higher responsibility for management

Customised to your business needs

Longer setup times

Potential for cost savings

No shared amenities

Managed and serviced offices: how are they different?

Let's look at how managed and serviced offices are different to each other:

	Managed Office	Serviced Office
Lease Options	Managed offices usually come with a minimum lease term of at least 18 months, as the space is tailored to your specific needs.	Serviced offices typically operate on a per-workstation basis, offering the utmost flexibility with short-term leases.
Privacy	In a managed office, you have exclusive access to the entire space—a self-contained building or floor with private entry to meeting rooms and communal areas.	In a serviced office, the space is shared among multiple businesses, implying shared communal areas and facilities. However, this doesn't mean you sacrifice privacy. You still have your private space, and there are various meeting rooms and breakout areas for confidential discussions or focused work.
Customisation	A managed office puts the final design in your hands, giving you more control over interior layout decisions, including floorplans, fixtures, and the number of breakout areas.	A serviced office is pre-fitted by the provider, offering a ready-to-use space with everything from furnishings to various workspaces.
Company Image	Managed offices are branded as singular entities, carrying your company name exclusively and allowing you to create your unique identity, look, and feel.	Serviced offices are operated and branded by the provider, defining and delivering the working environment.
Amenities	As the entire space is leased to a single business, there is no access to shared amenities such as a kitchen, breakout space, private meeting room, etc. However, the spaces tend to be much larger than a serviced space and are self-contained.	The main advantage of a serviced space is the access to amenities. This can include an on-site kitchen/cafe, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, roof terrace, showers, bike racks and much more.

Managed or serviced offices in London: which one is the right office space for your business?

When choosing between managed and serviced offices in London, consider factors like your business model, growth projections, and your preferred level of control over the workspace. Whether you prioritise a turnkey solution or desire more customisation, London offers a diverse range of office spaces to cater to your specific needs.

In conclusion, the choice between managed and serviced offices ultimately depends on your business's unique needs and preferences. Understanding the key differences outlined in this guide will empower you to make the right decision for a workspace that aligns with your goals and operational style.

Find the office space in London that fits your needs

Explore major London locations and discover why Office Space London stands out in the market. Our serviced and managed office solutions provide businesses with prime locations, unparalleled services, and flexibility to support your growth. Browse some of our popular London locations including, Soho, Mayfair, Shoreditch, Chelsea and more.

If you want to talk about your options or require some help in your office space search, feel free to contact us today to find the ideal workspace tailored to your business requirements.