Where to start

What you need to know before you sign for an office

Taking an office is a bigger decision than most people expect, and the paperwork can trip you up if you have never done it before. Street Estate, operated by TRINITY STREET DEVELOPMENT LTD, lets serviced office space to small firms, sole traders and growing teams. We keep the terms plain, set them out in writing, and talk you through anything that is not clear before you commit to a start date.

A serviced office is a room you rent with the running costs already handled. Heating, lighting, power, building insurance, cleaning of the shared areas and reception are all included in the price you see. You bring your laptops, your people and your own insurance for the contents. You do not need to chase a separate utility provider or wait weeks for a broadband line to be installed.

Most people want to see the space before they decide. You are welcome to arrange a viewing at a time that suits you, including evenings by prior arrangement. Walk the floor, check the natural light, look at where you would park, and picture your team at the desks. Ask whatever you like while you are standing in the room; it is the easiest way to work out whether a space fits.

Leases here are written to suit short-term plans as well as longer ones. If you are testing a new location, you can take a room for a few months and extend later without starting again from scratch. If your team grows faster than you thought, we look at what else is free in the building before you look elsewhere. Flexibility is the whole point of taking a serviced office rather than signing a full commercial lease.

Costs are set out line by line, including any deposit, the notice period and what happens if you leave early. There are no hidden management charges bolted on at month two. If a figure looks higher than you expected, ask us why, and we will show you exactly what it covers. Reading the small print now saves an awkward conversation later.

None of this is complicated once it is explained in plain terms. If you have a question that is not answered below, ring the office or send an enquiry, and a person who knows the building will come back to you.