Choosing a space5 min read
Twelve questions to ask before you sign with a business centre
Most business centre tours cover the coffee and skip the contract. These are the questions that decide whether you are happy in month seven.
A tour shows you the lounge. It rarely shows you the things that matter in month seven.
On the contract
1. What is the minimum term, and what is the notice period? 2. What is the deposit, and under what conditions is it returned? 3. Can the rate change mid-term? 4. What happens if I need a bigger office in six months?
On what is actually included
5. Is the internet dedicated or shared, and is there a failover line? 6. How many meeting-room hours are included, and what happens when they run out? 7. Is there a service charge, a set-up fee or a "business rates" line on the invoice? 8. What are the printing limits?
On the address
9. Will you register Ejari in my company name, and how long does it take? 10. Can I use the address on my licence and Google listing?
On the day to day
11. What hours is reception staffed, and what happens to my post outside them? 12. Who do I call at 9pm when the door will not open?
Ask all twelve. The answers, and how readily they come, tell you more than the tour does.
