Regus, the world's largest provider of flexible workspace, has reported a 44% increase in demand for virtual office services in the last 6 months at its Grove Park business centre in Leicester.

The rise in demand for virtual offices reflects the trend for Leicestershire's home-based and small businesses to seek workspace support that is low cost, low risk, and can dramatically increase productivity.

The virtual office services in question include a business address to use on company stationery, dedicated local phone number and receptionist to answer calls, mail collection and handling, and access to private offices or meeting rooms.

Some companies use their virtual office as a permanent arrangement; others use it as a staging post, before they expand to a physical presence - often at the same Regus business address.

One such firm is Leicester-based Clipper Consultants Ltd. The business consulting firm specialises in providing advice and services to small and medium sized enterprises across the Midlands.

Andrew Field, Managing Director, explains, "In January, I started my business at home but like many small companies, I wanted to project an impressive business image and have somewhere professional to meet clients. So I took on a Regus Virtual Office Plus that gave me the Grove Park address to use on my company stationery, where my post could go to, and a call answering service.

"We also got 5 days of private office use every month, which was really handy for meetings, plus I have a Businessworld membership so I can use business lounges in other Regus centres as the business grows. 

"Things were going well so I launched the business full-time in May. I decided to grow the business in stages rather than one hit because of the costs involved.

"I have just moved into an office in Regus Grove Park, to take us to the next stage of business development. Starting the firm with a Virtual Office definitely proved a cost-effective approach."

Greg Lunn, Regional Director, Regus comments: "With the economy still weak, local small businesses are acutely aware of the need to control spending. Virtual offices offer home businesses, start-ups and companies entering the UK market the benefits of a staffed office - such as a professional business address, and a professional receptionist to answer the phone - without the expense, risk and management time of setting up a physical presence."