Coffice – café lounge and instant offices in Bucharest’s business district

1. How and when did your business start, how was it influenced by the office market at that particular time?

Coffice started last year in summer and it’s a new concept part of the café lounge and instant offices. The office market is at the beginning, but it’s fast growing, very dynamic market where small companies, freelancers choose starting their business in small offices. Our research shows that serviced offices are increasing in number as more businesses enjoy the flexibility and cost-saving they represent.

2. What do you think about green developments compared to the standard building developments? Is your business green oriented?

For our business concept the green development is important because we protect our clients’ health and improve their productivity, we use the energy, water and other resources efficiently, reducing waste, pollution and environment degradation. We also have a terrace and a special place in the open space for our clients.

Research shows green buildings attract a greater number of tenants, with 65 percent of those surveyed saying that clients demand is an important factor in choosing the space. As local and global data shows, ‘going green’ is a proven way to differentiate your office space from the pack, leading to increased capital value as well as higher rental returns.

3. What makes you different from your competitors? What are your strongest values and services?

The difference between us and other competitors from the market is that our concept is very friendly, colourful and relaxed. They choose us because we are different and it’s a pleasure to work in the office, in the cafeteria or on the terrace.

We invest in different office layouts and features, and we hope for a return on investment in customer satisfaction and productivity.

4. How would you describe your company in relevant figures?

Our occupancy is 85% percent from the opening.

5. Could you make a profile of your clients?

Our clients are business people who understand business operations and environment, who have initiative and capacity to take prompt decision, determination, perseverance, who also have certain traits or characteristics that most business people possess.

6. What is trending in the office market at the moment in your opinion, both locally and internationally?

An industry built on challenging the traditional office model, continues to redefine the boundaries of the modern workplace. From environments focussed on encouraging collaboration through to centres featuring the latest technology – the instant office market is complex and full of variety. The office local market is growing year by year, people understanding that it’s very important their location for increasing their business.

For example, serviced offices across the UK show that the cost of desk space in serviced offices has grown by double figures in the past years.

7. What are the most appealing features of an office project for a tenant? What are the main decisions factors when selecting an office?

Some companies see their office as a crucial part of their overall marketing strategy and will pay a premium for space in a landmark building. Buildings like these are likely to impress clients, add to staff satisfaction and morale, creating a buzz around the workplace.

Another trend is the demand for flexible or more elastic work spaces. Start-ups, especially in the tech or finance sphere, need spaces that can expand or shrink with their business needs.

Top of the list of considerations for companies choosing office space are usually the practical ones: presentation; amenities; proximity to clients; good transport links; ease of access and pricing.

The most important things when selecting an office are: fully serviced offices, office available for 1 month term, move in immediately, fun and friendly atmosphere, meeting room facilities, parking area, near the metro station and free photo copying and faxing.

8. How do you find the relationship between landlord and tenants in Romania?

I think the relationship between landlord and tenants in Romania is based on trust, good organization and good values. As everyone knows, communication is key to any successful relationship, including the landlord/tenant relationship.

9. How would you evaluate 2014 in terms of your business?

Our first year in office area was very important for us because we studied the market as well as the customers’ vision. Our business is growing in Romania and we hope that we will develop it in other countries, too.

10. What is your next project on the office market?

Our next project is extending our concept in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and other important cities.

We want to multiply our business concept in other cities and countries and develop Coffice as much as possible.

11. What are your predictions for the office market in Romania on medium and long term, in particular how do you think the instant office business will evolve?

I think the future of the instant offices is developing year to year and the number of small companies and freelancers is increasing.

In short, the market in Romania is becoming more sophisticated and mature, and clients appear to be embracing this evolution.