Free service launched to help businesses find office space

Businesses can now take advantage of a free online service provided to find new office space in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

The service has been launched in response to the significant changes that businesses are facing with their office space requirements.

With many office workers working remotely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, businesses are reviewing the space that they require and the locations.

Make it Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire – the joint county and city inward investment team, says that despite latest Covid-19 workplace guidance being issued this week, most businesses still recognise the need in the long-term to maintain an office premise for their workforce.

To help them in their search for alternative options, Make it Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire has created an online form for businesses to submit their new office requirements. They will then receive a full personalised report of workspace available in the region.

Expert advisors will then offer businesses tailor-made support to help enable their operations to be established efficiently and effectively. This will include identifying suitable locations, assisting with planning and advising on grants and incentives.

LEP chairman Alun Rogers said: “We recognise that the Government guidance issued this week will reduce the numbers going into offices for the foreseeable future, however most businesses will want to keep office space for their employees in the long-term. We anticipate the need to maintain space for office get togethers and team meetings, and that these places will need to be modern and dynamic.

“It is likely that many people will mix homeworking with office working, even if they only go into work for a day or two. We want businesses across the region and nationally know all the advantages of locating in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, such as our superb connectivity and value for money.”

Philip White, cabinet member for economy and skills and deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council said “Working from home and remotely has proved successful for large sections of the workforce.

“However, we know that the office is a place for employees to socialise and collaborate. Companies are now looking at new business models which provide more flexibility for their staff and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are areas that can offer that without the big city costs and congestion.”