A serviced office, also known as a managed office or a business centre is a fully equipped office building overseen by a facilities management company that rents out individual spaces for flexible time periods. Conventionally, a company would need to build or rent a full office space from which they operate a business. In Ghana, that is a commitment of at least a year and the commercial space would be completely empty, leaving the burden of furnishing, setting up office equipment and staffing to the seeker.

Serviced offices offer great benefits to various client types. Start-ups and very small staff companies, for instance, can rent for as little as half a year while they see what direction the company takes. As they may have much smaller budgets, they can benefit from the provisions of managed offices. Global firms that are headquartered elsewhere but need a local presence in a country can find serviced offices a brilliant solution. Sometimes, a team or group working on a short-term project needs a space to collaborate for just a few months, and so renting a managed commercial space that has all the essentials for their business needs is perfect. Even a company that intends to own a building or move into one that is still being prepared for them, can find the best refuge with a serviced office.

The biggest benefit of considering serviced offices is their provision of much-needed services and facilities, usually inclusive of reception and administrative staff and even tech support and internet connectivity. Renters have access to conference and meeting rooms with projectors, printers, furniture and security. Many serviced offices are beautiful and modern, complete with air conditioning, kitchen facilities and parking and have coveted locations in prime areas like Osu, East Legon, Accra Central and Airport City. They offer immediate occupancy and can be rented on a daily, monthly or yearly basis. Though they make for great flexibility, renting is likely to cost more than the conventional office rental.

Whether you are starting a company, moving your staff into a better space or need a business environment that can offer you a packaged deal with minimal effort on your part, serviced offices are worth considering if you are looking for an office to rent.