WHERE a company is based is of crucial importance for most businesses, whether established or start-ups in order that they portray the right image to new and existing customers, says commercial property agent Prop-Search.
But all too often, trying to source suitable office accommodation presents one of their biggest dilemmas.
Location and the working environment can also be the difference between success and failure. Day-to-day property management is not something that most small businesses want to worry about and that is why serviced offices have grown in popularity. They enable companies to have accommodation that suits their individual needs without the hassle of managing the space or dealing with numerous bills – as well as less onerous commitments in terms of lease length.
Such offices in Daventry, aimed at companies that demonstrate an involvement in sustainability – such as the design, planning and material production to construction, facilities management and refurbishment – are being promoted at the iCon Innovation Centre on Eastern Way. Prop-Search is pleased have recently been instructed by the University of Northampton as its letting agent.
iCon offers 55 business incubator units from just 162 square feet, a conference theatre for up to 250 people, exhibition space, meeting rooms and a cafe which is open to the public. It is also a leading example of energy efficiency and a sustainable building in its own right.
Samantha Jones, a Surveyor at Prop-search, said: “Offices at iCon offer businesses a very neat solution to their office requirement – they can move in on an inclusive rental basis, which includes all of the costs that you would expect to pay in a traditional office, such as heating, power, building maintenance, insurance – but for one monthly figure and with no cumbersome lease agreement.”
As well as offering modern offices, iCon has a professionally manned reception area that offers post handling, call answering and front of house services as well as accessible break-out areas – along with supported IT and telecom packages. The auditorium, with a fully accessible tiered seating configuration and audio visual facilities, creates a bespoke event layout to cater for individual requirements. This is supported by a range of other meeting facilities and break-out areas.
Each office suite features suspended lighting units, thermostatically controlled central heating, cooling by way of a natural air-vent system, dado and perimeter trunking with ample electrical sockets, and window blinds. There is secure basement car parking as well as ample surface parking on the site.
Prop-Search can confirm that accommodation at iCon is already proving popular and Samantha Jones added: “The majority of recent interest in iCon has been from young and start-up companies that are unwilling to commit to long leases for conventional office space. They see the option of serviced offices as providing a greater choice to accommodate their ever-changing needs.”
Further information on the opportunities available can be obtained from Prop-Search on 01933 223300 or 01604 492000 or at the website www.prop-search.com