Moving from a home based business to an office is a huge step for any business, but it needs to be considered carefully. After all why pay out costs on running an office if your business runs equally as well from home? Having commercial premises does give a more professional impression, more space to expand and the opportunity to take on permanent staff, but have you really considered all the options and impact it could have on your business?When it comes to staff, if you are looking to take on employees then you will probably need office space. However, think about whether you could utilise freelance staff who could work from home themselves. Also, some people do have employees working from home, especially if there's, say, a converted work space in the garden or garage. Still on the subject of other people, do you deal with clients? If you need somewhere to have meetings then an office could well be the answer, but remember there are cheaper alternatives such as hiring meeting rooms as and when you need them. If, however, you have daily client visits you would need a more permanent base from which to work.
With the change in working patterns we have witnessed so too has the use of freelancers grown 120% this year, reflecting how businesses are adapting to new technologies, budgets and work practices. So, while many are struggling to find work in the permanent job market, for others the route of a freelance may be opening many doors. Not only are many finding work as a freelance worker, but it's also a great way to test the water before setting up in business. For many it offers an opportunity to start building up clients and an understanding of how to manage your own time and finances before setting up as, say, a Limited Company.