Serviced office space is the "best way forward" for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) says one industry expert.

According to officesplease.com serviced offices – ones that are furnished and full functional – are a more viable option for SMEs compared with buying a property due to the "collapse of the commercial" market in recent times.

Sarah Ellis, a director of officesplease.com, said: "With leased office space, if you are a start-up or a SME company you have to commit yourself for two to five years, which is a long commitment.

"Serviced office space, or managed office space, allows you to sign for a minimum of three months."

She added that the rent includes utility bills, reception services and furniture meaning that business' credit plan will be "nigh on perfect" with a "minimum cash outlay".

According to a poll conduced by the British Council for Offices and MORI in July 2006, office buildings in the UK rank among some of the best in the world, beating the US, France, Germany, Spain and Russia.

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