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The Managed Office model is booming. With occupiers increasingly drawn to flexibility and landlords eyeing premiums of 125–130% ERV, this segment is set for continued growth. Expert panels, such as recent ones by Flex and the City and BE News, have debated what defines a Managed Office - covering services, lease structures, and move-in timelines.
But here’s one topic that rarely gets airtime: technology. What tech should you provide as a Managed Office operator? When should you provide it? And how do you avoid costly delays?
This guide breaks it down.
1. Connectivity: the backbone of every office
For most businesses, reliable connectivity isn’t optional, it’s mission-critical. In 95% of cases, that means a dedicated fibre leased line. It’s high-capacity, secure, and built for business. The challenge? Installation can be unpredictable. While suppliers quote 60–90 days, delays (often caused by legal processes) are common.
Your options:
- Pre-connect your buildings
Fast move-ins, less stress. Most operators choose this route. - Order after completion
Avoid paying for unused services, but risk delays.
Pro tip: Some suppliers will pre-connect at no cost. Explore this before deciding.
Quick-install workarounds
If you skip pre-connection and your tenant wants to move in fast, there might be some quick-install solutions to save you. However, these often come at a premium or deliver sub-par performance, so pre-connecting is usually the smart move.
2. Local network: firewalls, switches & WiFi
Lead times for these services are shorter than fibre, but it's still worth considering pre-installing.
Your options:
- Pre-install equipment
Guarantees quick occupation and peace of mind. - Install post-completion
Works if tenants prefer their own kit, but adds complexity and risks delays.
Many operators still prefer to pre-install for simplicity, even if some tenants bring their own gear. Worse-case scenario, you reuse the equipment in your next project.
3. Meeting room tech: avoid the AV headache
Video conferencing is now standard but fit-outs often miss the mark. Should you fully equip rooms? Probably not. Systems like Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet have unique requirements, making a one-size-fits-all approach impractical.
Smart approach:
- Install TV displays and cabling during fit-out (or at least the cable routes)
- Consult an AV specialist, not just your fit-out contractor. Poor planning here often leads to costly rework.
Summary: keep it simple, plan ahead
There’s no universal tech blueprint for Managed Offices-but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Pre-connection and smart planning can save time, money, and stress.
Author: Lee Zweig | LinkedIn
