If you're starting a business, you've probably asked yourself this at some point. At Leigh House, we've been helping people answer it for over 20 years. We offer virtual offices, serviced offices and meeting room hire, so we have no reason to push you toward one option over another. The right choice is the one that fits your business.

Here's what we've learned from two decades of helping founders decide.

Why Startups Choose a Virtual Office

Most of the people who come to us are new business owners who need a professional business address. They don't want to use their home address, and they often need one to register as a Ltd company.

A virtual office gives you that address, along with mail handling and the option to hire a meeting room when you need to meet someone face to face. It also suits established businesses that already work from home and want a more professional presence.

The Cost Argument

A traditional office can eat up 20-30% of an early-stage budget, and that's before you've paid for furniture, utilities or signed a long-term deal. A virtual office costs a fraction of that, and a fraction of a serviced office too.

For teams that work remotely or in a hybrid way, it's a simple way to get the credibility of a proper business address without the overheads.

Mail Handling That Works Around You

Your post is held for you, and we let you know when something has arrived. You can collect it as and when you need to, so there's no need to be tied to a fixed schedule.

Common Concerns About Virtual Offices

Some people worry about how a virtual office address will be viewed, particularly by Google and Companies House. In our experience, this isn't a problem as long as the right checks are done and you're happy with your setup and trading activity.

Why Checks Matter

Any reputable virtual office provider should carry out Anti Money Laundering checks before you sign an agreement. At Leigh House, we verify that your ID matches an address away from our building. That means documents like a driving licence and a utility bill, along with passport checks.

These checks might feel like extra admin, but they protect you as much as the provider. They help make sure your address is credible and holds up with Companies House, banks and search engines.

What About the Contract?

Our virtual office services have a minimum commitment of 12 months. If you think your business might not work out, bear in mind that you'll still need to pay for the service for the full term.

That's worth thinking about before you sign. We're upfront about it because we'd rather you make a confident decision than a rushed one. It's also reassuring that very few of our virtual office clients have found the service didn't work for them.

A Client Story: 13 Years and Counting

One of our longest-standing clients runs a travel company and has used our virtual office service for over 13 years. They originally lived locally and have since moved further afield, but they still use our business address.

They've also added further businesses to their original account, which has earned them additional discounts. They regularly come in to collect their post, and they love the building.

It's a good example of what a virtual office can do. Your business can grow and your life can change, and your address stays the same.

Choosing the Right Virtual Office Package

We offer three virtual office options: Basic, Plus and Ultimate.

• Basic is for businesses that aren't registered as a Ltd company.
• Plus is the package we recommend as a starting point, particularly now that most of the people we see are Ltd companies.
• Ultimate is there for those who want to go further.

If you pay annually, you get a 25% discount. It's one payment and one invoice, so there's nothing to worry about for 12 months.

Growing Into a Physical Office

A virtual office doesn't have to be permanent. As your business grows, you can move into a physical office space when the time is right, subject to availability. Many founders start with a virtual office, use the meeting room when they need it, and make the move once the business is ready for it.

When a Virtual Office Isn't the Right Fit

A virtual office isn't for everyone. If your team needs daily in-person collaboration, or your business depends on face-to-face operations, you'll probably be better off with a physical office space.

That's true whether you're considering a virtual office or a serviced office. Think about how your business actually works day to day before you commit, because the choice needs to be right for your business from the outset.

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Before signing up with any provider, ask yourself and them:

• Is a virtual office right for my startup, or do I need a physical space?
• Will I need daily in-person collaboration or face-to-face operations?
• What checks does the provider carry out before I sign?
• How is my mail handled, and how will I be told when something arrives?
• Am I comfortable with the 12-month minimum commitment?

What would it take to move into a physical office later?

Final Thoughts

For most startups and home-based businesses, a virtual office is a practical, affordable way to look professional and keep costs down. But it only works if it suits the way you run your business.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. We're here to help, and we'll recommend the best option for your budget and requirements, even if that isn't a virtual office.