Like any typical start up company our business was located and started from home. Meetings and working on projects were conducted from the spare room. When I first started the business with my friend and brothers we did not jump into hiring an office space straight away. We waited until we knew it was the right time to take the business one step further.
\nObviously there were quite a number of reasons for not hiring and office space at the early stages of the business. The most obvious reason was the cost associated with renting the office. There are several operating expenses associated with the office lease and to assist you with making the right decision I have broken this down to the following items:<\/p>\n

Rent and outgoing costs – the cost of the rent is generally proportional to the size of the office. If there’s lifts and a car parking space then the cost of the rent will be higher.
\nInsurance – this cost can be reduced if you have stronger security features in your office e.g. back to base alarm, security guards, cctv.
\nOffice furniture – although this is once off cost this can become quite expensive
\nUtilities – this includes electricity and water. Generally you won’t have to pay for water unless your office space has toilets, shower facilities or even a sink.
\nTelephone and Internet – business internet plans are more expensive than residential plans so don’t surprised if the cost is almost double.
\nSignage – having your business name on the foyer directory board is quite important. If you have the budget then we would recommend in purchasing a digital signage solution.
\nEquipment – this includes computers, printers, photocopiers. Some small businesss prefer to lease or rent this type of equipment because of the tax benefits.
\nSoftware – all businesses require the use of a word or spreadsheet processor or some AntiVirus software. There are open source tool that you will be able to use so search online.
\nThere you go that’s my list, so if there’s anything I left out let me know.