Virtual Offices in Gateshead & Newcastle: What They Are and Who They’re For
Not every business needs a full-time office. Some people work from home, while others run remote teams or operate across several locations. For these businesses, renting a permanent workspace may be more than they need.
A virtual office in Gateshead or Newcastle offers another option. It provides a dedicated address for correspondence and related services without the cost of renting a permanent desk or office.
For businesses operating in the North East, it can be a straightforward way to establish a local presence while continuing to work remotely.
In this guide, we’ll look at:
- What a virtual office is
- Who could benefit from one
- Virtual offices vs serviced offices
- Why location matters
- What’s available at Metropolitan House
- Common questions about virtual offices
What is a virtual office?
A virtual office is a service that provides an address and supporting services without a dedicated desk or private office.
Packages vary between providers, but can include receiving and handling post and providing an address for use on business correspondence, websites and marketing materials.
This can be useful if you work from home but want to keep your personal and working addresses separate. It can also suit companies based elsewhere that want an address in the North East without opening a permanent branch.
The main difference is that you aren’t renting an office. You’re paying for the services you need, not space you may rarely use.
Who could benefit from a virtual office?
A virtual office can work for businesses with different setups and at different stages.
Freelancers and sole traders may want a business address other than their home, especially when they don’t need a permanent workplace.
Startups can use one while establishing themselves, without taking on the cost of an office before they need it.
For remote and hybrid teams, a virtual office can provide a consistent address even when employees work from different locations.
It can also be useful for businesses expanding into the North East, giving them a local presence before deciding whether they need physical premises.
Established companies reducing their office requirements may also choose this option if they still need somewhere to receive correspondence.
Virtual office or serviced office?
The choice comes down to whether you need somewhere to work or mainly need an address and related services.
A virtual office could be suitable if you work most of the time remotely and don’t require a permanent desk.
A serviced office provides an actual workspace, making it more suitable if you have employees who need desks, want to work alongside colleagues or regularly see clients in person.
For businesses considering serviced offices in Gateshead or Newcastle, this can provide a physical base without having to manage every aspect of running an office yourself.
Your requirements can change, too. A business might start with a virtual office and later move into office space in Gateshead as its team grows, while another may reduce its workspace as remote working becomes more established.
Why consider Gateshead?
If you’re looking for a virtual office in Newcastle, Gateshead is worth considering because of its proximity to the city.
Metropolitan House is located in Swalwell, Gateshead, around 500 metres from the A1 at Junction 72. It is next to the Metrocentre and a few miles from Newcastle city centre. Metropolitan House
For a company that works remotely, commuting may not be a daily concern. However, being close to Newcastle can be useful when you need to visit, collect post or meet someone in person.
There is also free on-site parking, making occasional visits easier for clients, staff and business owners travelling by car. Metropolitan House location information
The location may also appeal to businesses comparing office space in Newcastle with office space to rent in Gateshead. Being outside the city centre doesn’t mean being far from it, with the A1 providing access to Newcastle and the wider area.
What’s available at Metropolitan House?
Metropolitan House provides virtual office services for businesses that don’t require a permanent office but still want an established location for their correspondence.
The service includes a business address for use on company documents, websites, marketing materials and correspondence. Incoming mail and deliveries can also be handled, with collection or forwarding available. Virtual Offices at Metropolitan House
Virtual office customers can book meeting room space through reception when they need somewhere to meet clients or hold a meeting. Virtual Offices at Metropolitan House
For businesses that later need a permanent workplace, serviced offices in Newcastle and Gateshead provide another option. Dedicated office space is available at Metropolitan House, allowing businesses to choose a setup based on their requirements. Metropolitan House offices
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a virtual office if I work from home?
Yes. A virtual office can give you a separate address for business correspondence while you continue working from home.
Is Gateshead a good location for a virtual office?
It can be, particularly if you want to be close to Newcastle without being based in the city centre. Metropolitan House is a few miles from Newcastle and has free on-site parking. Metropolitan House
Can I meet clients at a virtual office?
At Metropolitan House, virtual office customers can book meeting room space when required. The room can accommodate up to 12 people in a boardroom style arrangement. Virtual Offices at Metropolitan House
Is a virtual office cheaper than renting an office?
It will generally cost less than dedicated office space because you aren’t paying for a permanent desk or room. Prices and services vary, so check what is included before choosing a package.
Find the right workspace for your business.
Choosing between a virtual office and physical workspace comes down to how your business operates. If you mainly work remotely, a virtual office may provide everything you need without committing to a permanent office. If your team needs somewhere to work regularly, a serviced office may be more suitable.
Metropolitan House offers both options in Gateshead, allowing businesses to choose the arrangement that fits their current way of working. To find out more about virtual offices and serviced office space, get in touch with the Metropolitan House team.