Rent ad hoc pre-paid office space
09 Mar 2006
Virtual workspace company Habitaz Global WorkSpaces has scored a coup by launching the world's first ever pre-paid card for office space, meeting rooms and related services.
Called the GreenCard, Habitaz clients can now get access to fully serviced office facilities, meeting rooms, virtual office services as well as a range of business support services – all on a pre-paid basis.
"South Africa is seeing a rapid increase in mobile professionals and independent contractors who need professional office facilities and services on an ad-hoc basis. The traditional property market is just not able to offer these individuals the flexibility they demand," says Hein Koen, Director of Habitaz.
The GreenCard is also a great way for companies to plan their cash flows, particularly for young start-up companies and mobile workers who need the assurance of a professional front-office.
"We believe this is the first in-house debit card for office facilities in the world, and takes office innovation to new heights," says Koen.
The card provides access to the Habitaz network of fully serviced shared office facilities as well support services such as a driver delivery service, IT support, email hosting and online file servers. The office facilities typically include a reception area, business centre, vibey café, meeting rooms and work areas. Centres are fully wireless-enabled with broadband Internet and advanced VoIP phone systems.
"With the GreenCard, there is no need to sign leases or monthly contracts for office infrastructure and services. By simply loading credit into the account, you have access to virtually all Habitaz services," adds Koen.
Another benefit of the GreenCard is that companies get all their office expenses on a single account. A detailed report of all centre usage is available per employee on the Internet, allowing for real-time office management.
Top-up GreenCard vouchers are available in R1000 denominations and can be topped up at any stage.
Habitaz opened its first concept office in Bryanston just over a year ago and is enjoying huge success. The company has over 150 clients and the group is opening several new branches in major centres around South Africa.
Koen attributes Habitaz's popularity to the flexibility of its products and services as well as its innovation and creativity.
"We typically attract entrepreneurial clients or mobile professionals, who enjoy the freedom that our services provide and the major cost benefits compared to traditional offices," he said.
Koen and fellow director Andre Sharpe also encourage networking between their citizens. "It fosters a sense of identity and provides support services when required, which is very welcome, especially during the first lonely days of a business start-up," Sharpe says.
Details on the Habitaz Greencard are available on the website www.habitaz.com.