UK Commercial Property News | Prime Office Space

The Most Trustworthy Accent According to Customer Service Reviews: UK

Posted on December 16, 2024

Personalised customer service experience is the most important thing for British consumers. The question is, does personalisation include catering to a customer’s preferred accent?

When it comes to customer service, certain UK accents are often seen as more trustworthy than others, which will invariably extend to trust placed in the business. Positive experiences lead to happy customers; negative ones lead to lost sales.

This phenomenon of accent preference isn’t just based on stereotypes but is backed by surveys that highlight the power of dialects in shaping interactions. Let’s have a look at the most trustworthy UK accents, diving into what makes each of them so endearing in customer service.

Why accents matter in customer service

There’s plenty of research showing that foreign accents impact people’s perception in customer service interactions, as people associate the speaker’s accent with the brand’s voice.

The same can be said about UK accents. Trustworthy accents not only make communication more effective, they can also build better rapport with customers and encourage brand loyalty. In other words, having the right mix of accents in customer service teams can improve customer satisfaction and enhance company reputation.

Tagged Business, Business Advice, customer service, Economy, uk cities

Office Secret Santa Etiquette – The dos and don’ts for a harmonious workplace gift exchange

Posted on December 2, 2024

Two women colleagues wearing Christmas jumpers and red and white Santa hats are sitting on a fluffy white rug next to a white-dusted Christmas tree with silver baubles, exchanging gifts and smiling. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

Ah, the office Secret Santa—a time-honoured workplace tradition where mystery meets merriment and (hopefully) good taste. Done right, gift exchange games like these can definitely brighten the office vibe. But done poorly, it can create more awkwardness at the work Christmas party than an over-shared email chain.

For this blog post, we polled 50+ office workers, managers, and HR staff about their particular company’s Secret Santa ideas as well as their dos and don’ts. To ensure your office holiday gift exchange stays on the cheerful side, here are the golden rules of this tradition.

Secret Santa etiquette dos: What do UK office managers and staff say?

Do: Give enough time

Nobody enjoys the idea of running up and down a crowded high street in the middle of a Secret Santa rush. Especially at the time of year when the shops are already packed and the weather is less than accommodating. Most of the workplaces who responded to our survey said they give staff 2+ weeks to prepare. Considering that everyone is busy during the festive season, a week’s notice should be the absolute bare minimum.

Tagged Christmas at work, end of year celebrations, Festive season, Gift Exchanges, Office Matters, Secret Santa

The Friendliest Cities in the UK

Posted on October 11, 2024

Three laughing women share a long blanket around their shoulders while standing on the street. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

Although the UK might not be known for its outstanding weather, the friendliness of some British cities can certainly make up for the lack of sunshine. Friendly cities have a welcoming atmosphere and people who live and work in them generally enjoy a better quality of life. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 friendliest cities in the UK, explaining why these locations could be ideal for your next office space.

The UK’s top 10 friendliest cities

1. Blackpool

According to a survey by London North Eastern Railway, Blackpool tops the 2024 list to come out as the UK’s friendliest city with a score of nearly 80 over 100.

This Lancashire city is a renowned tourist destination, so local businesses have a long tradition of offering hospitality to visitors and newcomers. When discussing other things that make it a friendly city, residents report high levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

Blackpool’s friendly spirit extends to the city’s business scene, which offers support for those with a business idea to make it work.

Tagged Quality of Life, Top Cities to Work in UK, uk cities

15 of the Best Business Parks in the UK

Posted on July 26, 2024

The Full List: 15 of the Best Business Parks UK-Wide

1. Birmingham Business Park

Birmingham Business Park Address
Solihull Parkway, Birmingham
B37 7YN, United Kingdom

Conveniently situated just over 2 miles from Junction 6 of the M42, Birmingham Business Park is the most desirable office park location in the Midlands.

There are over 2.4 million square feet of office space available at the park, which is situated in 148 acres of established parkland. More than 150 businesses now call this thriving business park home and employ around 10,000 employees.

Office units feature open-plan floor plates and are refurbished to a high standard, with new LED lighting, suspended ceilings, VRF comfort cooling, raised access floors, and dedicated car parking.

Where is Birmingham Business Park?

Birmingham Business Park is located 2.3 miles from Junction 6 of the M42 and Junction 4 of the M6. Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International train station can be reached in approximately 7 minutes, making it one of the most accessible business parks in the entire United Kingdom.

Tagged Aztec West Business Park, Birchwood Business Park, Birmingham Business Park, Business Parks, Cambridge Business Park, Chester Business Park, Cobalt Business Park, Exeter Business Park, Exeter Science Park, Farnborough Business Park, Greendale Business Park, i54 Business Park, Maxim Business Park, Maxim Park, Oxford Business Park, Quorum Business Park, South Gyle Business Park, Trafford Park, uk

The Impact of Remote Work on London Office Rental

Posted on June 6, 2024

A woman wearing jeans, trainers, and a green t-shirt sitting on a picnic blanket, working on her laptop in a park. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

The generalised adoption of remote work has significantly reshaped the landscape of the office real estate market worldwide. London, as a global business hub, has also experienced significant shifts in office space demand and in its rental dynamics due to the rise of remote and hybrid work. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of remote work on London office rentals, analysing key trends, challenges, and opportunities for office-based companies.

Remote Work in London: Key Facts and Figures

In early 2024, a survey found that 59% of Londoners worked remotely to some extent.

London has had the 9th highest increase in the number of remote / hybrid job postings since 2020, and the total share of remote job postings for the capital city is around 13% of all advertised positions.
Data from the Office for National Statistics confirm that London has the highest amount of remote workers in the UK, with 4 in 10 working from home as opposed to a national average of 2 in 10.
In 2023, the average worker in London went to the office 2 days per week as opposed to 4-5 days pre-pandemic.
Companies in the city’s professional services sector are the most likely to adopt fully remote or hybrid work practices.

Next, let’s look at how the figures above translate into office real estate trends within the city.

Tagged London, Office Matters, office space trends, Remote Work, UK Commercial Property

Navigating the Office Rental Maze: Exactly How Much to Rent Office Space in the UK?

Posted on May 21, 2024

A man in a striped cardigan gazes contemplatively at a wall covered in plans. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

In today’s dynamic business environment, having a dedicated office space can be a crucial factor that dictates the operational success and image of a company. With an increase in demand for office spaces across the UK, particularly in major hubs like London, understanding the true costs associated with renting is essential for any business, big or small.

When considering the expansion or relocation of a business, or even starting a new one, office space renting inevitably comes into play. While it might seem straightforward, with a monthly rent figure typically at the forefront most people’s considerations, there are numerous unexpected, even hidden costs, that need to be taken into account. These range from direct expenses, such as utility bills and service charges, to other more subtle costs like furniture, technology setup, and even potential renovation expenses.

It’s important for businesses to comprehend the full spectrum of expenses that come with renting UK office space. An informed decision, based on a clear understanding of these costs, can not only save significant amounts of money in the long run but also ensure that the chosen space aligns perfectly with the company’s needs and budget.

In this article, we will look into the various factors that contribute to the overall cost of renting UK office space. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make strategic decisions about your next office move or startup location.

Tagged Business, Office Matters, Office Requirements, office space

What is Hot-Desking? Discovering the Future of Workspace Flexibility in the UK

Posted on September 26, 2023

hot desking in the UK

In the modern age of flexible working conditions and digital nomadism, the way we view traditional office spaces is changing. Amongst the numerous innovations arising from this shift, one concept stands out in particular: hot-desking. Increasingly embraced by organisations throughout the United Kingdom, hot-desking represents a dynamic and efficient approach to office management and organisation that not only redefines our understanding of the workspace but also presents a compelling range of benefits for both employees and employers alike.

Hot-desking involves employees sharing communal desks and workspaces instead of having assigned personal desks. This practice capitalises on the realities of contemporary work schedules, where not all employees are present in the office simultaneously. Thus, hot-desking ensures that office space is used more effectively, reducing unnecessary overheads while encouraging a fluid, flexible, and collaborative workspace.

As hot-desking continues to gain momentum in the UK, businesses are seeking reliable avenues to find appropriate spaces to implement this strategy. This is where Prime Office Space steps into the picture. As a leading office brokerage service in the UK, Prime Office Space provides an unparalleled database of available office spaces – one that includes numerous options perfectly suited for hot-desking. With expert consultants at your service, we can assist you in finding the ideal space that meets your organisation’s specific hot-desking requirements.

Tagged 2023, coworking, Flexible Workspace, hot desking

Rising Popularity of the Short Term Office Lease Across the UK

Posted on September 17, 2023

woman smiling at a work desk

The commercial real estate landscape in the UK has been experiencing an intriguing trend over the past few years: the gradual shortening of office leases. This shift is not an isolated occurrence; rather, it signifies a comprehensive transformation that is reshaping the way businesses, landlords, and real estate professionals approach property leasing. It also comes with a unique set of implications and opportunities that are affecting various stakeholders involved in the leasing process.

The phenomenon of shortening office leases cannot be viewed in isolation. It is the culmination of a series of interconnected factors and pressures that are converging to redefine the commercial real estate market in the UK. The trend transcends geographical boundaries, encompassing major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and extending into the suburban and rural areas. It reflects an evolution of attitudes and practices in commercial real estate that has been shaped by both macroeconomic forces and nuanced, industry-specific dynamics.

At its core, the shortening of office leases represents a departure from traditional long-term commitments that once characterised the commercial real estate market. These multi-year leases were often seen as stable and secure, forming the backbone of many property portfolios. However, the shifting economic climate, technological advancements, changes in work culture, and growing emphasis on flexibility have challenged this once-established norm.

Tagged 2023, flexible office space, office leases, office space, office space trends, short term office space

End of Commercial Lease: What Happens | UK Checklist

Posted on August 16, 2023

A person holds a contract and another person points out details on the contract as they discuss requirements for the end of their commercial lease.

If you’re a business owner renting office or retail space, it’s crucial to understand the end-of-lease process to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption. This will occur when your existing lease is set to expire, and you’re either looking to renew, or to relocate. In either scenario, the end of your commercial lease calls for several steps and considerations, both in legal and practical terms. And all of these are critical to understand, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to your business.

In the course of this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for UK businesses preparing for the expiration of their commercial lease. We’ve compiled a detailed checklist to help you navigate this process with ease.

Tagged 2023, commercial property, Commercial Property Rental, Office Matters, Office Moves, Office Planning, Office Requirements, UK Commercial Property

Decoding Common Area Maintenance Charges: What You Need to Know

Posted on July 17, 2023

As businesses evolve and freelancers diversify their working arrangements, the notion of office space has seen a significant shift. For many, office spaces have moved from being permanent, often costly, fixtures to flexible solutions that adapt to the changing needs of the business. Regardless of your professional path, understanding the ins and outs of your office lease agreement is paramount, particularly for businesses and freelancers in the UK who are contemplating a shift to a more flexible office solution.

A significant, yet often overlooked, component of office leasing is Common Area Maintenance (CAM) charges. CAM charges refer to the cost borne by tenants for the upkeep and maintenance of common areas in a commercial property, such as lobbies, hallways, restrooms, parking lots, and any shared amenities. The details of these charges can be complex and can impact your overall office costs substantially.

This blog post aims to demystify CAM charges, explaining what they are, how they are calculated, and their importance when selecting your next office space. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, a start-up on the verge of expansion, or a freelancer looking for a more formal office setup, this comprehensive guide to CAM charges will provide you with valuable insights to help make the right decision for your business.

Tagged 2023, CAM charges, common area maintenance, office cost, office space, shared office space

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