First and foremost, it sounds very convenient: Just plug your laptop into the existing (and, of course, functioning) technological infrastructure, stow away your documents in the cabinets and shelves on hand and familiarize yourself with the espresso machine – and you are ready for business. Cleaning, reception and other services are (depending on the agreed scope of services rendered) taken care of by the landlord. Additional resources such as meeting rooms and extra office space are available too – also by the hour. All-inclusive arrangements such as these are not only convenient; they also save time and money - especially when there is only a limited-time need for workspace, short-term changes in the size of office or technological resources, or a change in location. Mark Dixon, CEO of Business Center provider Regus, is convinced: “After this recession, the way that businesses make real estate decisions will change. After all, the most expensive square metres are those that are being paid for but not used.”

Offices + Services = Business Center

Regus is a global player in the Business Center market. Thanks to a worldwide network of approximately 1,000 branches in 75 countries, Regus tenants can easily move their offices to another city. A membership with Regus Businessworld gives all Regus clients the opportunity of using professional daily offices and business lounges in 450 cities worldwide. In Vienna, Regus is represented at a total of six locations. Their newest Business Center at Kärntnerring is a first-class business address, as Garry Gürtler, Regional General Manager Central & Eastern Europe at Regus, knows: “Without our services, working at such a prestigious location is simply out of reach for most companies.” Your Office, a Business Center operator who offers 3,600 square metres of fully furnished and “fully managed” office solutions at the two locations of Wien-Mitte and the Euro Plaza business park, also creates custom marketing and distribution solutions for their Center clients. For Managing Director Michael Graf, this is the perfect complement to the office services. “We are consequently pursuing the exceptional combination of the business areas Managed Offices, Full-Service Offices, and Marketing. Our clients are recognizing the advantages this brings them for an integrated external image.”

Expansion instead of Stagnation

Alexander Varendorff, Managing Director of Bena, is expanding his Business Center portfolio by another top location, close to Vienna’s Naschmarkt. The high demand for the two other Bena business locations in Vienna’s inner city has proven that this market segment is far from being exhausted, says Varendorff: “With our new five-star Business Center – also located in the inner city, between the opera and Naschmarkt – we are able to provide another, highly interesting offer for companies.” “Business Embassy Sky 360” is the fifth Business Center by Bena, who – by their own account – are Austria’s largest provider of serviced offices. The unique 360-degree view from the large rooftop terrace, which is accessible for all tenants, was the inspiration for the name of the property. Interested parties can choose from three office types (Sky Office, Sky Suite or Sky Executive Suite) and, if needed, can take advantage of the versatile, individually bookable secretary and office support services. 24-hour guard service and an access control system provide security.

Rent a UNIT

The growing army of single-person businesses and small and micro businesses demands workspaces that are fittingly flexible and, most of all, affordable. UNIT-Service GmbH, a subsidiary of Wien Holding, wants to cater to this growing market with suitable offerings. They are starting off with two UNITs: UNIT Oberdöbling, and UNIT Breitensee in the red-brick building of the Missingdorfstraße business park. Each location has a thematic focus that is matched to the district’s demand. The UNIT concept is based on intelligent and functional architecture, where space can be expanded as needed. If desired, the UNITs can also be completely furnished, including IT infrastructure. Even if just one workspace is needed, UNITs can provide suitable options. UNITs offerings are completed by shared-use services and high-quality equipment such as a complete IT cabling system including a file-sharing server, wireless internet, the use of multifunctional devices, an espresso bar and lounge, meeting rooms and rentable seminar rooms.

“Move in and Grow”

Under this motto, the Vienna Business Agency and its Mingo Services department are providing affordable, fully furnished workspaces at eight locations. Their target group includes single-person businesses, start-ups, young entrepreneurs and micro businesses which can rent the offices starting from 11 square metres in size, at very reasonable rates. Besides the provision of office space, Mingo Services offer a multitude of other services such as individual coaching or business-relevant workshops. With these services, Gerhard Hirczi, Managing Director of the Vienna Business Agency, especially wants to target businesses with an immigrant background.

Working among Friends

After successfully implementing the business model “Friendsfactory – Working among Friends” in four German metropolises, Gregor Gebhart, Chairman of the board of Friendsfactory AG, made the move to Vienna in July of 2009. On the entire 27th floor of the ultra-modern Florido Tower, flexibly configurable offices with all-inclusive services – and a gorgeous view of all of Vienna – are offered. Or at least they were offered – according to Gregor Gebhart, within only a short time, the Friendsfactory in Vienna was rented at capacity. A second location is already being considered. “We always keep our ears open on the market and maintain an active exchange with our big Friendsfactory community, which places great value on our philosophy of networking and is pushing for further additions,” says Gebhart. [ IN ]