When you're just starting out with a new business, potentially big expenses can be daunting, like renting office space. But that needn't be the case, in fact renting office space can be money well spent.

5 Reasons for new businesses to rent office space

1. It's not that expensive anymore - Gone are the days where moving your business meant taking out an expensive lease and signing a multi-year contract. Nowadays there are options to suit all budgets and businesses.
   
   With shared office space you have the option of renting as much or as little desk space as your business needs, and therefore not paying for any wasted space which is unused. For example if it's just you at the moment, that's all you need to pay for.
   
   Likewise, serviced office space can be a great cost-effective way of moving into high-quality office space without long contracts, something no growing business need to be burdened with.
   
   
2. You'll be surprised what you can get done - When you're starting a new business there is always the temptation to work from home, because it's free. But that also adds the temptation to have a lie-in, watch 'five minutes' of morning TV and countless other procrastination techniques.
   
   Many people find that by having an office which is separate from their home life they are able to be considerably more productive and as a result it's after moving into an office that their business really begins to thrive.
   
   
3. No more meetings over dirty dishes - While you might be happy working from home, would you really be happy conducting a business meeting from your kitchen table? Many office space premises also come with access to professional meeting rooms which give a much better impression of your business than dirty bowls of cornflakes.
   
   There's also the prestige which comes from having a professional address, people corresponding with you may feel more reassured to see you have a 'proper' business address, rather than being based in a block of flats or on a residential street.
   
   
4. It's not just about where your desk is - There are other benefits to renting office space other than your physical location. Many serviced offices come with access to facilities including IT support, receptionists, postal services, this is usually included in your monthly fee, but can sometimes also be used on a pay-as-you-go basis.
   
   
5. You'll never guess who I bumped into - By renting shared office space you will undoubtedly come into contact with more business people than being based at home. Many shared office spaces are organised to position similar organisations near to each other and this can be a great way to network with people who might be able to help your business grow.

About the author: Simon Crisp writes on behalf of www.officegenie.co.uk, the UK's first proper online marketplace for desk space and shared office space.