When an international property search and investment firm wanted to secure a new UK base, it took advantage of easy in/out workspace arrangements to meet its needs.
Homes or Houses, which provides a service to British expatriates or foreign individuals who are looking to acquire UK property, currently has more than £16m worth of assets under its management, including over 250 houses across the North East.
Led by founders and directors Jackie Fitzgerald and Michael Collins the company’s 20-strong team also provides property sourcing, refurbishment and management services as part of a range of outsourced services that also features advice in lettings and taxation.
As entrepreneurs in the fast-paced property sector, Jackie and Michael, whose clients are based around the world, must be able to react quickly to a constantly evolving economic landscape. And this goes for their own workspace requirements, which is why they decided to base their business at The Office Co.’s Metropolitan House upon returning from the Middle East to their native North East in 2012.
Currently occupying 200 sq. m of space across four offices, Homes or Houses benefits from an all inclusive lease arrangement that follows the ebb and flow of its own commercial fortunes; providing the flexibility required to accommodate expansion and, at times, business ramp-up.
Jackie Fitzgerald said: “The Office Co.’s rental packages are extremely versatile, very much suited to the needs of a nimble-footed SME like us, which works in an unpredictable investment and property world.
“What’s more, Metropolitan House with its close road links, is ideally located for access to our regional portfolio, and has ample safe and secure onsite parking for the team and the associated maintenance and lettings fleet.”
Workspace at Metropolitan House combines the suppleness required for expansive and ambitious small enterprises through tailor made, added value packages. These include superfast broadband, a manned reception, inbound call handling and deliveries among other infrastructure services.
Jackie, who has long term plans for the development of her business from Metropolitan House, feels that she benefits from an Office Co. team that nurtures a friendly and happy work environment.
She also sees landlord and owner Lynn Gate as a kindred spirit: someone else running an SME and who therefore understands the demands and pressures on businesses like Homes or Houses.
“Lynn is very professional and has a great rapport with people, listening carefully to what they want, and responding accordingly. Her open-minded and customer-first approach has enabled us take on additional space seamlessly over the years and evolve quickly from being a start-up.”
Services at the Office Co. are built around clients, who range from sole traders and start-ups to established small businesses. Indeed, it’s the ability to modify and move with the times, offering flexible packages around easy in/out leases, which differentiates the firm from others in a sector renowned for restrictive practices.
Jackie Fitzgerald said the ethos and rolling contractual arrangements are aligned to own her strategic vision for a business that will see new financial investment as the driver for growth in the coming 18 months.
“We anticipate significant expansion in the future, but the degree of uncertainty that this will undoubtedly bring can also be offset by the certainty of being at Metropolitan House – a great place to do business.”
The Office Co. offers a range of serviced and managed offices, virtual offices and meeting rooms for a wide range of businesses. More at www.theofficeco.co.uk