A guide to serviced offices and office space for rent in Porto Alegre as well as general information that may be useful if you are considering renting office space in the city.

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History & Geography

Porto Alegre is one of the largest cities in Brazil as well as being a cultural and economic hub. The capital of the state of Rio Grande, Porto Alegre has a population of 1.5 million people and is the southernmost regional capital in the country. The city is located north of the Lagoa dos Patos coastal lagoon to the southeast of the country. Porto Alegre sits on the east bank of the Rio Guaiba on the river’s mouth on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The city was founded in 1772 by immigrants from Portugal, mostly from the Azores. It quickly became the capital of the region as colonists started to develop the surrounding area. By 1822, the year that Brazil gained its independence from Portugal, the city had grown to over 12,000 inhabitants and was prospering. The slave trade was largely unknown in Porto Alegre, as was the gold rush, but the city still benefitted greatly form independence. Between 1845 and 1860 Porto Alegre embarked on an expansive and ambitious construction programme which produced it’s busy and lucrative port facilities. In 1864 a local French trader established Porto Alegre’s first tram, running between the Menino Deus district and the waterfront area of the city. Porto Alegre continued to expand and by the end of the 19^th century had a population of 73,000 people. In 1962 the city opened its famous Jardin Botanico (botanical gardens), rates as among the best on the continent. And in 1963 Porto Alegre announced itself on the world stage by hosting the World University Games. The event was a stunning success and left the city with a host of excellent sporting facilities. During the latter half of the 20^th century Porto Alegre’s population increased and many of the rural poor from surrounding areas gravitated towards the city. Today Porto Alegre has a population of 1.5 million and one of Brazil’s most well-known cities.

Economy

Porto Alegre has traditionally had a vibrant and expansive economy, and that remains true to this day. The city’s port is still a major part of its economy and is the largest port in the area. Because of its location at the junction of five rivers, Porto Alegre has always been a trading and logistics hub. The lands surrounding Porto Alegre are rich and fertile and produce large amounts of beef, rice, soybeans, and leather. All of which are exported through the city’s port to destinations around the world. Of late advanced electronics innovation has become a big business in Porto Alegre and the city recently constructed the Electronics Technology Centre to boost the production of electronic circuits and advanced semiconductors. In total the Brazilian government has invested over USD 200 million in the ETC. The lumber industry, fuelled by the surrounding forests, is also a steady contributor to the economy and employs thousands of residents of the city. Among the largest companies in the city are Petroleo Ipiranga, Zaffari, RBS, General Motors, and Dell Computers.

Culture & Tourism

Brazil has a large tourism industry and Porto Alegre benefits from this. Porto Alegre lacks the fame of Rio or Sau Paulo, but is still an attractive and fascinating city in its own right. Porto Alegre has a large amount of architectural site of interest, chief amongst these are Piratini Palace and the Public Market. Piratini Palace is the seat of the State Government and was built in 1896. The Public Market was built in 1869 and features a myriad of shops and restaurants. Many tourists also visit the Praca da Matriz, a square in the heart of downtown. Porto Alegre is also well-known for its botanical gardens. The garden has over 700 plant species and is also the location of the Natural Sciences Museum. Nature-lovers will also want to visit the Moinhos de Ventos Park, which features a large lake, jogging paths, and miles of grassy fields and trees. Porto Alegre also has an exciting and diverse nightlife scene. The ‘SoHo’, area of the city especially is known for its pubs, clubs, bars, and restaurants. Live music is popular in the city and many bars will have a live music contingent. Porto Alegre has two rival football teams, Gremio and Inter, each with their own stadium.

Transportation

Porto Alegre is served by the Salgado Filho International Airport which provides flights all over Brazil and to many other South American countries. The city itself is well served by public transportation. The main form of this is the metro, used by most of the city’s commuters. Many also use the city’s ubiquitous autobuses which run between the main suburbs and neighbourhoods of the city. Porto Alegre also has almost 4,000 licensed taxis and 317 taxi stops scattered throughout the city. Regular taxis are coloured orange whereas airport taxis are coloured white.

Office space for rent in Porto Alegre

The Brazilian economy has been adversely affected by the continuing economic downturn, especially the state of some of the European economies such as Spain. Overall unemployment in the country did drop during 2012 however, leading many forecasters to predict that the country’s economy is starting to slowly recover. There are few major projects in the pipeline however which may mean that the city’s vacancy rate will start to drop incrementally. Most Grade A office space in Porto Alegre is located in the city’s CBD, though there a number of industrial parks scattered around the city’s outer suburbs.

A guide to serviced offices and office space for rent in Kobe as well as general information that may be useful if you are considering renting office space in the city.

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History & Geography

The fifth-largest city in Japan is located on the southern end of Honshu Island, sitting between the coast and the mountains. Kobe is 19 miles west of Osaka, while to the east lies the city of Akashi. Kobe has long been an important port and during the Nara and Heian Periods lasting until the end of the 12^th century, was known as Owada Anchorage. During this time the city was an important port and the origin of many diplomatic missions to China. During the Kamakura Period, up to the mid-point of the 14^th century, the city’s port continued to grow in importance mostly off the back of trade with China. The acquired the name Hyogo Port during this time. However the city remained divided into different areas and suburbs during the Edo Period until the late 19^th century. The centre of what is now Kobe was controlled by the Tokugawa Shogunate, while the east was under the Amagasaki Domain and the west under the Akashi Domain. It wasn’t until 1871 that the city became one entity. The government of Bakufu opened up the port to foreign trade in 1868 just prior to the Meiji Restoration, the period of time which saw the Emperor of Japan restored to his former power and the Samurai abolished as a class. The city was named Kobe in 1889, a name derived from the name of those who worshipped at the famous Ikuta Shrine in the city. Kobe was heavily bombed during WWII, but the damage was completely repaired after the war. In 1995 however the city was devastated by an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale. Prior to the earthquake Kobe’s port was the busiest in Japan, but it fell to fourth busiest due to damage to port facilities during the quake. It is currently the 49^th busiest container port in the world.

Economy

Kobe is one of the most economically dynamic cities in Japan. From its beginnings Kobe has always thrived on the trade that has come to the city through its advantageously located port. Today the port is the busiest container port in the entire region, surpassing even local rival Osaka. Ships from all over the world offload and take on products in Kobe and the port is a major contributor to the city’s economy. Kobe has a GDP of approximately 6.3 trillion Yen which accounts for about eight percent of the total economy of the Kansai region. Per capita income in the city stands at approximately 2.7 million Yen. Kobe has a large service sector which employs over 70 percent of the city’s workforce. Kobe is also a large manufacturing centre and exports about 2.5 billion Yen worth of goods every year. Among the main goods produced in Kobe are small appliances, transportation equipment and food products. Several major Japanese companies are headquartered in Kobe, among these are ASICS, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Electric, Kobe Steel, and TOA Corporation. Many international corporations have their far east headquarters in the city, including Nestle, Procter & Gamble and Tempur-Pedic.

Tourism & Culture

Kobe does not have the tourism industry that some of Japan’s other cities like Tokyo and Sapporo have, but it has a strong cultural identity and no lack of visitors from both inside Japan and the wider world. Kobe is perhaps best known for Kobe beef, the prized cuts considered a delicacy around the world. The beef is renowned for its succulent flavor and fatty, marbled texture. Kobe is also well-known in Japan for being a centre of fashion and design. The Japanese even have a saying, “if you can’t go to Paris, go to Kobe”. The biannual Kobe Fashion Week always attracts visitors from around Asia and the rest of the world. The city is also known to be a centre of jazz, and the festival Kobe Jazz Street is held every year to celebrate the genre. Kobe also has a glut of museums for culture vultures. The two most popular are undoubtedly the Kobe City Museum and the Kobe City Museum of Literature. One of the largest tourist attractions in the city is the Kitano quarter of the city. In this area there are a large number of foreign houses from the late Meiji era.

Transportation

Osaka International Airport is the largest airport in the area. However Kobe Airport is closer and sees almost as much traffic. Kobe Airport is located on an artificial island just off the coast and is accessible by train, shuttle, and car. The largest train station in Kobe is Sannomiya Station. The station serves as a transfer hub for three major distinct lines. The city is also served by the Kobe Electric Railway, which provides connections to the city of Sanda and Arima Onsen. Kobe also has a comprehensive bus network as well as an efficient taxi service.

Office space for rent in Kobe

Kobe is currently leading the way in Japan as far as vacancy rates are concerned. Recently vacancy rates in the city dropped by 1.5 percent and forecasters say they could continue to drop steadily. This leaves the city with a vacancy rate of 4.1 percent, the lowest in Japan. The country recently elected a new government who have instituted pro-inflation measures in a country that has been suffering from both falling wages and falling prices for years. Japan’s new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is aiming to rehabilitate what is one of the world’s largest economies, but one that has been ailing in recent decades.

A guide to serviced offices and office space for rent in Guangzhou as well as general information that may be useful if you are considering renting office space in the city.

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History & Geography

Guangzhou is the largest city in southern China and one of the most economically dynamic cities in the world. Formerly known as Canton, the city is located in the south of Guangdong province on the Pearl River Delta next to Baiyun Mountain. To the front of the city lies the South China Sea and to the back mountainous terrain. Guangzhou, then referred to as Panyu, became a provincial capital in 111 BC when it was annexed by the Han Dynasty. By the year 226 AD Panyu was the seat of the Guangzhou Prefecture, and eventually the city was simply referred to by this name. The city became an important port during the 8^th century, engaging in trade with Arab merchants. Guangzhou also had a thriving ship-building industry during this time. The first Europeans to arrive in the city were Portuguese merchants in 1514. In the subsequent centuries more European traders arrived and soon started referring to the port as ‘Canton’, resulting from their confused pronunciation of Guangdong. Before long the port was the busiest trading port in China with ships from all over Europe plying their trade their. The British captured the port during the First Opium War in 1839. Soon after however they ceded it to China and colonized Hong Kong to use as their trading base. In 1938 Japanese troops occupied Guangzhou, not being expelled until the end of WWII in 1945. During the Chinese Civil War Guangzhou was occupied by Nationalist forces until 1949 when Communist forces relieved the city. In the 1970s Guangzhou was the focus of major infrastructure and housing development. Later many factories moved to the area as manufacturing grew more expensive in Hong Kong. Today the city is a manufacturing and commercial hub with a population of almost 13 million people.

Economy

Currently Guangzhou is the largest manufacturing hub in China with a GDP of USD 133.5 billion. The city is one of the most densely urbanized regions on earth and is a major driver of the country’s economy. In 1984 the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone was established. Consisting of 17 square kilometers, the zone contains six major industries, electric machinery, foodstuffs, metallurgy and metal fabricating, chemical materials and electronic equipment. In 1992 the Guangzhou Free Trade Zone was established and many major industries moved to the zone, including computer software, logistics and international trade. The latest zone to be established was the Guangzhou Nansha Export Processing Zone. Founded in 2005, the zone was designed to boost the industries of biotechnology, heavy industry and car manufacturing. Guangzhou also hosts the China Import and Export Fair every year. The fair is a major event which brings visitors from around the globe. It is hosted by the Ministry of Trading and takes place in the city’s cavernous Pazhou Complex. The city is also known as a retail hub and visitors come from all over China to explore its many shopping malls and complexes. Among the largest are the China Plaza and Liwan Plaza, which both have thousands of shops between them.

Culture & Tourism

Guangzhou does not have the thriving tourism industry that the cities of Beijing and Shanghai do. However as the largest city in southern China, Guangzhou does see thousands of visitors every year. For those that do come to the city there is no shortage of things to do and see. Among the attractions in Guangzhou is Shamian Island, site of the old British and French concessions. The island features a variety of old houses and public buildings, tree-lined avenues and idyllic cafes. Many visitors also go to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, an old Buddhist temple built in the sixth century. Another major architectural site is the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, honoring the old Nationalist leader. A statue of Sun Yat-Sen adorns the entrance to the hall. For those in search of more modern architecture, the Canton Tower, built in 2009, is the tallest building in China and the fourth-tallest in the world. Tourists can go to the observation deck, which is the highest in the world, for one of the best views of Guangzhou. Guangzhou is known for its pleasant climate which sees hot summers and cool winters where the temperature seldom drops below ten degrees Celsius.

Transportation

Guangzhou is served by the Baiyun International Airport. The airport is very new, only being finished in 2004, and is already the second-busiest in China. The city has four major train stations, Guangzhou Station, Guangzhou East, Guangzhou North, and Guangzhou South. It is very easy to get to Hong Kong from Guangzhou, either by train, ferry or bus. The city itself has a comprehensive bus system used by many residents, as well as a metro and taxi services. Motorcycles are banned in Guangzhou.

Office space for rent in Guangzhou

Guangzhou’s economy has been in the doldrums recently with industrial profits falling sharply and growth also tapering off. The rental of Grade A office space has dropped mainly due to foreign firms trying to tighten their belts. No new supply has entered the market recently and existing supply has very gradually been eaten up, resulting in a vacancy rate of approximately 12 percent. The average rental price for Grade A office space in the city is currently standing at about RMB 225 per square metre per month, a significant rise on the 2011 price of RMB 200 per square metre per month.

A guide to serviced offices and office space for rent in Bucharest as well as general information that may be useful if you are considering renting office space in the city.

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History & Geography

Romania’s capital, and the largest city in the country, is also a financial and cultural icon. Bucharest is located on the Dambovita River, which is a tributary of the mighty Danube. The city is located to the far south of the country on the Romanian Plain and is built on seven hills amid the fertile landscape. Bucharest is first mentioned in the history books in 1459 when it was the residence and main strategic base of the notorious Wallachian prince Vlad III the Impaler. For years Bucharest was at the centre of the Eastern European kingdoms’ conflict with the Ottoman Empire. During the 18^th century the city changed hands several times between the Ottomans, the Habsburg Monarchy and Imperial Russia. This revolving door of rulers continued into the 19^th century as both the Russians and Austrians ruled the city at various times. In 1869 the Principality of Romania was formed and Bucharest became its capital. During the late 19^th century the city prospered and its population grew rapidly. The infrastructure of the city also progressed by leaps and bounds. Bucharest was occupied by the German army during WWI, and as an Axis power was bombed heavily during WWII, before Romania changed sides and joined the Allies. After WWII Communism was established in Romania and the country fell under the sway of the dictator Nicholae Ceausescu. The Romanian Revolution of 1989 overthrew Ceausescu, who was eventually tried and executed, and established democratic rule. However many Romanians came out against the government that followed the establishment of democracy in the country. Years of unrest and protests followed before true political change occurred. Today Bucharest is in the midst of major modernization and urban renewal. Extensive residential and commercial developments are being constructed and the infrastructure of the city is being widely renovated. Today Bucharest is the tenth largest city in the EU and the most prosperous in Romania.

Economy

Bucharest is the most important city in Romania, economically speaking. The city is responsible for 22.7 percent of Romania’s GDP and almost a quarter of its industrial output. The city stagnated badly during the 1990s however recently has seen strong and steady economic growth. The unemployment rate in the city is 2.6 percent, significantly lower than the rate for the wider country which is 5.7 percent. Industry has always been the bulwark of the city’s economy, however like many European capitals the service industry is becoming increasingly important. The vast majority of Romanian companies have their headquarters in Bucharest, with almost 200,000 firms located in the city. Playing a major role in the city’s economy is the Bucharest Stock Exchange, which was recently combined with the Rasdaq, the city’s electronic-based exchange. Information technology, communications and software development are all burgeoning industries in the city, as is construction and property. Moreover the city is seeing a boom in the retail industry and a number of popular shopping centres and supermarkets have been constructed of late. Also Bucharest is starting to see its tourism industry grow as connections to other European cities grow more plentiful and budget airlines provide cheap transportation.

Tourism & Culture

Romania’s tourism industry is growing rapidly, and much of it is based in Bucharest. Many tourists consist of visitors from other major European cities taking advantage of cheap flights offered by budget airlines to take a city break. Bucharest has a host of sites, including the Palace of the Parliament, built by Nicholae Ceausescu in the 1980s which is the largest building in Europe, and the second-largest in the world. The Romanian Athenaeum, National Museum of Art of Romania, National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Arcul de Triumf, are all among the architectural sites worth visiting. Bucharest also has a lively nightlife scene, with the action spread around several areas rather than centred on one main strip. The two main nightlife hubs are Lipscani and Regie. Club-goers will not want to miss world-famous spots Kristal Glam Club and Studio Martin. Bucharest also hosts a number of festivals, most of which take place in the summer months. These include George Enescu Festival and the Bucharest Biennale. Those seeking shopping will want to visit the Bucharest Mall, a new construction which features some of the best known brands in the world, usually at cheaper prices than many other European cities.

Transport

Bucharest has an efficient transport system which is one of the largest in Europe. The lynchpin of the system is the Bucharest Metro, which has 51 stations and almost 200 million riders per year. The surface transport system of the city consists of buses, trams, light rail and a private minibus system. The city’s public transport is generally inexpensive, efficient and well-used by its residents. Gara de Nord is the city’s railway station and is the hub of the national rail system. Bucharest is served by two international airports, Henri Coanda International and Aurel Vlaicu International. The former is the larger of the two, with the latter functioning purely as a business and VIP airport.

Office space for rent in Bucharest

Bucharest has a fairly vibrant office market which has recovered well since the economic downturn. Currently the vacancy rate stands at approximately 15 percent and the prime rental rate is EUR 18.50 per square metre per month. Rental rates have been predicted to rise slowly and the vacancy rate has been forecast to lower. This is mainly due to diminishing levels of supply, with few projects in the pipeline for the coming year.

A guide to serviced offices and office space for rent in Madrid as well as general information that may be useful if you are considering renting office space in the city.

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History & Geography

The capital of Spain and the country’s largest city is one of the best known metropolises in the world. Madrid is located almost in the direct centre of the country on the Manzanares River and near the massive Lozoya River. The city spans approximately 230 square miles and is the third largest in the EU after London and Paris. Madrid grew from a Roman settlement in the 2^nd century BCE and was originally named ‘Matrice’ in reference to the Manzanares River. After the demise of the Roman Empire the settlement was occupied by the tribes of the Sueves, Vandals and Alans in turn. In the 7^th century Spain was conquered by Arabs from North Africa and was renamed ‘Mayrit’, an Arabic term for ‘trees’. The modern name Madrid is derived from this. In the 9^th century Emir Muhammad I of Cordoba built a giant fortress in Madrid and the settlement grew into a thriving town. In 1085 Madrid was conquered by Christian forces and became part of the Kingdom of Castile. Madrid continued to grow rapidly and in 1188 formally became a city. By late 16^th century the city had over 30,000 inhabitants and Phillip II of Spain decided to base his court permanently in Madrid. During the War of Spanish succession Madrid supported Philip of Anjou who was crowned Philip V of Spain in 1700. Madrid was the site of widespread bloodshed during the Napoleonic Wars when the residents of the city revolted against the French troops stationed there. The massacre which followed is represented in the artist Goya’s paintings. During the Spanish Civil war in the 1930s Madrid was occupied by Republican forces and was heavily bombed. In the latter half of the 20^th century Madrid grew rapidly and its economy boomed, especially in the 1960s and 70s. Today the city is one of the premier capitals of Europe and a hub of industry, technology and culture.

Economy

Traditionally Madrid’s economy was based around the administration located in the city, as well as the craftsmen and manufacturing. However today the economy of the city has changed and there are a number of different industries driving Madrid’s prosperity. Like many of its fellow European capitals Madrid has experienced very strong growth in the service industry. These industries include transport and communication, financial services, and real estate. It is estimated that the services sector makes up a little more than half of the city’s economy. Madrid’s GDP is annually over two billion US dollars, behind only Paris and London in Europe and ahead of other behemoths like Moscow and Barcelona. Madrid’s high standard of living and efficient and well organized infrastructure means that it is rising steadily in the ranks of the world cities. The recently constructed ring roads, new housing and the Barajas Airport are all central to the success of Madrid’s economy and its ranking as one of the most important financial and commercial centres in Europe and the world.

Tourism & Culture

Madrid does not have quite the tourism industry that its counterpart Barcelona has, but nevertheless is a popular destination for tourist in Europe and the world, seeing over 7 million tourists on average every year. The city is renowned for its arts scene and has some of the best art museums in the country. Primary among these is what is known as the Golden Triangle of Art, consisting of three museums on the Paseo del Prado – Prado Museum, Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum. Madrid is also known for its excellent nightlife. The city has a wealth of tapas bars, cocktail lounges, jazz bars, restaurants and clubs. Among the most popular neighbourhoods for going out in the city are Bilbao, Tribunal, Atocha, Alonso Martinez, and Malasana. Malasana is known for its bohemian culture and cafes and galleries. Many tourists come to Madrid determined to take in a bullfight, which take place in the Plaza del Toros in Las Ventas. The stadium has a seating capacity of 25,000. The bullfighting season begins in March and ends in October. Of course the city is also known for its football, with the premier team being Real Madrid, which plays in the legendary stadium Santiago Bernabeu.

Transportation

As one would expect of a city of its stature, Madrid has a highly advanced transportation system. The city is served by the Barajas Airport which sees almost 50 million passengers per year. The airport is located approximately five miles from Madrid’s city centre and is reachable by the metro. The metro itself is one of the largest such systems in the world and has 176 miles of lines. It is second in Europe only to the London Underground. Madrid is also well served by a network of buses as well as taxis. Spain’s high-speed rail network RENFE also serves Madrid.

Office space for rent in Madrid

Currently Madrid’s vacancy rate is hovering at 12 percent, a marked increase from one year ago. This change has been caused primarily by companies downsizing. There is not a great deal of speculative supply coming onto the market currently and there is not likely to be any in the years ahead. The prime rent is currently EUR 24.25 per square metre per month. Of late the Spanish financial system has undergone a series of reforms and new regulations have been put in place. This is expected to restore confidence to the Spanish market and boost the rental and property markets overall.

A guide to serviced offices and office space to rent in Staines as well as general information that may be useful if you are thinking of renting offices in the town.

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History & Geography

Located on the River Thames in Surrey, a mere 17 miles from London, Staines is one of the most popular towns to live in London’s commuter belt. Like many towns in the area Staines started life as a Roman encampment, first being established in 43 CE. The settlement sat on an important crossing of the Thames on the road to London. This strategically important location has meant that Staines has played a role in many of Britain’s most important historical events. For example the town was where the barons met before facing King John at Runnymede. It was also the site of many skirmishes during the English Civil War and the town where Sir Thomas More was tried. In modern times the town was known for its production of linoleum.

Economy

Because Staines is so close to both London and Heathrow, many companies have major offices there, including BUPA, Waterstones, Marks & Spencer, TK Maxx, Argos, Waitrose, Tesco, PC World, JD Sports and Debenhams. The town’s High Street is completely pedestrianised and one of the largest markets in Surrey is held there every Wednesday and Saturday. In 2002 a sizable retail park was built dubbed Two Rivers, as it is bisected by the Colne and Wraysbury rivers. Staines has excellent transport links to London and is therefore a popular commuter town.

Culture

Staines has a beautiful town hall which is a blend of Flemish and Italian architecture set in a small square in the town. The town has a number of green spaces and is quite popular with day trippers from London. There are many Georgian houses lining the streets of the town, giving it a sedate, old world feel. The popular band Hard Fi hail from Staines, as did the famous poet and literary critic Mathew Arnold. Sascha Baren Cohen’s fictional character Ali G is also from Staines.

Transportation

Staines is served by the Staines railway station which has services to London Waterloo, Weybridge, Windsor, Reading and Eton Riverside. A taxi service is available at the station and the town’s bus station is five minutes walk away. A bus services connects the town to the nearby Thorpe Park. Currently there are discussions underway to build a new line from Heathrow to Staines to be dubbed the Heathrow Airtrack. This will entail an additional platform being built for Staines railway station. Originally a whole new station, Staines high street station, was to be built, but it was decided this was unfeasible.

Office space to rent in Staines

Recent research has found that the Staines office market actually performed better than the national average during the recession. Staines has a fairly small amount of office space currently and there is nothing in the pipeline. Therefore it has been predicted that some growth of rents will occur in the town over the next few years. The current prime rent in the town is approximately GBP 30 per square foot per month. However this is expected to increase should fresh investment not become available.

A guide to executive suites and office space to rent in Baltimore as well as general information that may be useful if you are thinking of renting offices in the city.

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History & Geography

One of America’s oldest cities, Baltimore has an aura and a reputation which few other city’s on the nation’s east coast can rival. Located on the Patapsco River, a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, the city is the largest in the state of Maryland. Baltimore was founded in 1729 and was named after Lord Baltimore, the first Governor of Maryland. After it was founded the city grew quickly and became a granary for the sugar-producing colonies of the Caribbean. When the American Revolution broke out the city played a key role, hosting the Second Continental Congress. During the war of 1812 Baltimore was attacked by the British, but they were repulsed by US forces from the nearby Fort McHenry. It was during this battle that the American national anthem was composed by onlooker Francis Scott Key. After the war Baltimore continued to grow rapidly, becoming an important ship-building center as well as a manufacturing hub. During the American Civil War the city was occupied by Union troops to prevent Maryland from seceding, but the city played no other active part in the war. In 1904 much of the city was destroyed in a fire which ended up costing USD 150 million. However Baltimore was quickly rebuilt and new fire safety measures introduced. During the latter half of the 20^th century the city’s African American population doubled mostly due to migration from the South. Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr in 1968 extensive rioting broke out in the city and Federal troops had to be called in. During the 1980s and 90s the city was extensively redeveloped, with new museums, convention centers and stadiums being constructed. The Inner Harbor area especially benefited from the reconstruction efforts. Today Baltimore is the largest seaport in the Mid-Atlantic United States and is the 20^th largest city in the country.

Economy

In the past Baltimore was a manufacturing center. The city’s prosperity was based on auto manufacturing, steel processing, shipping and transportation. However many of these industries have ceased to exist in the city, at the time leaving tens of thousands of people jobless. The city is still one of the largest industrial centers in the United States though now also has a large service industry. The financial service industry, healthcare and business are now major bulwarks of the local economy. Among the companies headquartered in the city are Constellation Energy, Grace Chemicals, Legg Mason, McCormick & Company and T. Rowe Price. Additionally Adams Express Company, Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown, FCI Consulting, Firaxis Games, Prometric, Petroleum & Resources Corporation, Old Mutual Financial Network, DeBaufre Bakeries and Under Armour all have significant operations in the city. Baltimore is also the location of Johns Hopkins Hospital, generally regarded as the best hospital in the country and one of the best hospitals in the world. The Port of Baltimore is still one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast of the United States. It has bulk facilities and is a major center of steel handling. Recently the US Census found that the median income in Baltimore for a family in Baltimore was USD 30,078. Per capita income was found to be at USD 22,885. Almost 20 percent of the population in Baltimore live beneath the poverty line.

Tourism & Culture

Baltimore doesn’t have a major tourism industry to compare to many of the other large cities on the East Coast such as New York, Boston or New Orleans. However due to its long history it does have several popular sites and attractions which are visited fairly often. The Phoenix Shot Tower, which was the tallest building in the US at the time of the Civil War is a popular visitor attraction, as is the Brown Memorial Presbytarian Church, which was built in 1870. The Johns Hopkins Hospital, built in 1876 is another famous site. Baltimore’s most visited site however is not a historical building but the newly built National Aquarium Baltimore. Annually 1.5 million people visit the aquarium, which has a collection of 16,500 specimens which represent 660 species. In 1990 the aquarium opened a marine mammal pavilion which currently houses nine Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Baltimore’s most famous building is another fairly modern construct, the Transamerica tower, which is the tallest in the city.

Transportation

The city is served by the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, known as BWI. The airport is ten miles to the south of the city in Anne Arundel County and is the 24^th busiest airport in the country. The city itself has an extensive bus system as well as a light rail network. A free bus service called the Charm City Circulator is runs seven days a week, every 15 minutes to designated stops. Baltimore is ranked as the 14^th most walkable city in the US.

Office space to rent in Baltimore

The current vacancy rate in Baltimore’s CBD stands at approximately 18.5 percent. However overall in the city the vacancy rate for Grade A office space is at 20 percent. The city was impacted badly by the financial crisis and the ensuing recession and currently has a rate of employment at almost ten percent. The current rental rate for Grade A office space is USD 27 per square foot. The office market in Baltimore is predicted to recover well however in 2012 and the vacancy rate in the city has already begun to drop. Leasing activity is also expected to increase substantially.

A guide to serviced offices and office space for rent in Warsaw as well as general information that may be useful if you are thinking of renting office space in the city.

For further offices information or to search office space for rent in Warsaw  just click. Or contact us for any other office space query.

History & Geography

Located on the Vistula River, between the Baltic Sea and the Carpathian Mountains, Warsaw is one of the most politically important and historically significant cities in Europe. The Polish capital lies to the central east of the country on the Masovian Plain, which encompasses the valleys of the Vistula, Bug and Narew Rivers. Many of the most important events in Poland’s history took place in Warsaw, which was founded in the ninth century as a fortified settlement. Despite frequent raids by Lithuanian neighbours Warsaw continued to grow and by the 14^th century had a cathedral and a prosperous merchant class. In 1596 King Sigismund III Vasa moved the court from Krakow to Warsaw and the city became in effect the capital of Poland. During the 16^th and 17^th centuries Warsaw was besieged and sacked a number of times by the Swedish, Transylvanian and Brandenburgian armies. And when the Great Northern War broke out in 1700 the city was once again besieged. During the mid 18^th century however the city’s fortunes changed and it was turned into a centre of culture, learning and the arts, mostly due to the efforts of King Stanislaw August Poniatowski. Throughout most of the 19^th century Poland was under the sway of Russia, despite frequent rebellions. During this time Warsaw was modernized, receiving water and sewage works, trams, street lighting and gas works. In 1918 Poland became independent and Warsaw was once again confirmed as the capital of the new country. During WWII Warsaw was occupied by the German army, who, as a response to an uprising by the Polish, destroyed over 85 percent of the city. After the war Poland, again under the sway of Russia, rebuilt most of the city and erected thousands of prefabricated housing projects. Due to this extensive rebuilding the city is sometimes referred to as the Phoenix City. With the break up of the Soviet Union Poland became fully democratic and is currently experiencing an economic boom that has scarce been seen in its history.

Economy

Recently Warsaw was ranked as the 35^th most expensive city to live in and 8out of 35 in Mastercard’s Emerging Markets Index. As the capital of Poland Warsaw is of course home to many government agencies and both Polish and international companies. The city produces 12 percent of the country’s national income and leads central Europe in terms of foreign investment. Additionally, Warsaw’s unemployment rate is the lowest in Poland and according to government numbers rarely rises above three percent. The city is home to the Warsaw Stock Exchange, established in 1991 following the reintroduction of a free-market economy in the city. Under the Soviet Union the city was a major manufacturing centre, however most of the massive factories located in and around Warsaw went bankrupt in 1989, and currently only the Warszawa Steel Mill remains. Today Warsaw is considered to be one of the most attractive locations for business in central Europe and is classified as an Alpha world city.

Tourism

It is only fairly recently that Warsaw has become a popular tourist destination. Most of the city’s visitors come from around Europe, with many taking advantage cheap deals from budget airlines to have a city break. Today’s Warsaw is a relatively young city, however there are still tourist attractions to be seen. Warsaw Old Town, skirting the Vistula, and carefully reconstructed after WWII, is full of restaurants, cafes and shops, and is a popular destination for visitors. The city walls, the Barbican and St John’s Cathedral are all contained within the Old Town and should not be missed. Full of wandering streets, beautiful squares and magnificent buildings, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was described by the organization as “an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century”. The city also has a thriving nightlife, much of it based on and around the Mazowiecka, Foksal and Zota streets. While Warsaw has become much more expensive as the city has prospered, it is still far cheaper than many of Europe’s capitals such as London, Moscow and Paris. Warsaw has a large amount of restaurants which serve local cuisine, and while the Poles may not be renowned for their food, of late there has been a rejuvenation and a fresh take on local favorites such as Flaki, a piquant beef stew made with marjoram. Of course Poland is also known for its vodkas, which are drunk in great quantities in Warsaw bars and restaurants, and are considered among the best in the world.

Transport

With the large amount of foreign investment which has been plowed into the country during the last couple decades Warsaw’s transportation infrastructure has improved greatly of late. For public transport the city has trams, a metro and a light rail system. The Warsaw Metro opened in 1995 with 11 stations, but has since grown to 21 stations and is being constantly expanded. The bus system is one of the most popular ways to get around and covers the entire city. The main railway station, Warszawa Centralna serves trains around the country and the rest of Europe. Warsaw is served by Chopin Airport located approximately six miles south west of the city and easily accessible by car, taxi or bus.

Office space to rent in Warsaw

Currently demand for office space in Warsaw is growing and the vacancy rate in the city is dropping. These factors are expected to result in rents increasing and incentives for renters going down. The city has an office stock of approximately 3.5 million square metres and a vacancy rate of just under four percent.

A guide to executive suites and office space to rent in Ft Lauderdale as well as general information that may be useful if you are considering renting office space in Ft Lauderdale.

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History & Geography

Sat on the Atlantic coast of southern Florida, Ft Lauderdale is one of the region’s most well-known and dynamic cities. Ft Lauderdale is located adjacent to the ocean with seven miles of beaches and has a large network of canals running throughout the city. It has a tropical climate with little temperature variation throughout the year. Ft Lauderdale has a history as storied and exciting as any American city. The area was originally inhabited by Tequesta Indians, who upon the arrival of Europeans in the 16^th century were decimated by disease. The region changed hands many times in the ensuing years, from the Spanish to the British and finally the US. By the early 19^th century there was a small community of farmers living in the area who traded with the local Seminole Indians. In 1836 the Seminole rose up and killed many of the settlers, sparking off the Seminole War. As a result Ft Lauderdale was built in 1838 and experienced much of the conflict associated with the war. After the end of the war the for was abandoned and the area remained sparsely populated until 1896 when the Florida East Coast Railroad was built through the area. Ft Lauderdale was incorporated as a city in 1911 and in 1915 was named as the seat of Broward County. The city, and Florida as whole underwent major development in the 1920s which was known as the Florida Land Boom. Ft Lauderdale expanded even further during WWII when it was the site of a major training base. After the war many members of the armed forces settled in the city and the population grew even more. By 1970 the population was 139,590. Today the city is part of a metropolitan area which has 1.8 million people and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida.

Economy

The main bulwark of the Ft Lauderdale economy is tourism. Because of the city’s miles of long sandy beaches and almost uninterrupted year long sunshine millions of tourists flock to the city every year. Originally Ft Lauderdale catered to the college student crowd on spring break and until the mid 1980s was the top spring break destination in the US. This has changed however and currently Ft Lauderdale caters to a wealthier brand of tourist. Ft Lauderdale has also established a reputation recently as a centre for trade fairs and conferences. The city’s convention center features 600,000 square feet and hosts over ten million visitors to conventions every year. Moreover, Ft Lauderdale is a popular yachting destination and there are usually hundreds of luxury yachts to be found in its harbor or the many marinas and boatyards scattered around the city. Associated with this, the boating industry is the city’s second largest contributor to the economy, with over 100,000 people being employed. The city is a large maintenance and building center for yachts and the Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show is the third largest boat show in the world. Some other companies based in Ft Lauderdale are DHL Express, Spirit Airlines, National Beverage Corporation, American Express, Motorola and Tenet Healthcare.

Tourism & Culture

Ft Lauderdale is a city whose population fluctuates throughout the year depending on the season and the amount of tourists. During the winter and early spring Ft Lauderdale is filled with so-called snowbirds from the north, many of whom have vacation homes in the city. Ft Lauderdale used to be known as ‘Ft Liquordale’ because of the large amounts of bars and clubs catering to students on spring break. The image of the city has changed since those days and in 2006 only about 10,000 spring breakers visited Ft Lauderdale. The city is also known for its large gay community and is popular with gay and lesbian visitors. In particular the neighbourhoods of Victoria Park and Middle River Terrace are popular gay neighborhoods and Wilton Manors is known as the city’s Gay Village. The entertainment center of Ft Lauderdale is the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, based on Las Olas Boulevard. While the city’s reputation as a spring break center may have lessened, Fort Lauderdale is still home to 4,100 restaurants and more than 120 nightclubs.

Transportation

Fort Lauderdale’s main airport is the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport based in nearby Dania Beach. It is the fastest growing airport in the country and is served by many low-cost airlines like Southwest and JetBlue. Miami International and Palm Beach International Airport are also close enough to be used by visitors to the city. The city itself has a large public transportation system consisting mainly of a bus network, though a streetcar system is currently being planned. Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world and is the state’s deepest port.

Office space for rent in Fort Lauderdale FL

Currently the rental rate for Class A office property in the Fort Lauderdale CBD is approximately USD 32 per square foot per year. In the suburbs and outlying towns Class A space currently rents for USD 29 per square foot. There are currently few projects in the pipeline for Ft Lauderdale which will eventually mean a drop in the vacancy rate. Currently the vacancy rate is hovering at about 20 percent, which translates to 1.1 million square feet of office space standing empty. Like many cities in the region Ft Lauderdale was hit hard by the recession and its recovery has been slower than expected.

For further offices information or to search offices for rent in Norwich just click. Or contact us for any other query.

A guide to serviced offices and office space to rent in Norwich as well as general information that may be useful if you are thinking of renting office space in Norwich.

History & Geography

Norwich is located in the far east of England in the country of Norfolk in the area known as East Anglia. The city is bisected by the River Wensum which then meets the River Yare flowing up from the south of the city. Norwich started life as a small Anglo-Saxon settlement in the fifth century which gradually grew to become the foremost trading centre in the area. By the 11the century Norwich had expanded significantly and was a busy hub of commerce, mainly due to its advantageous position on the River Yare which is navigable to the North Sea. However in 1004 it was raided by the Viking commander Sven Forkbeard and burnt to the ground. Nevertheless the city was rebuilt and continued to prosper. By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066 Norwich was one of the largest and richest cities in the country. The Normans added to the city’s strategic importance by constructing a castle in the city, the only one of its kind in East Anglia. The city continued to prosper during the Middle Ages, especially from the wool trade. This trade funded the construction of dozens of churches and currently Norwich has more medieval churches than any other city in Western Europe. During the 16^th century the population of the city was bolstered by the arrival of many Dutch and Flemish immigrants fleeing Catholic persecution. Eventually these refugees made up one third of the population of Norwich. The city integrated the immigrants and their trading connections with Europe added to the city’s prosperity. The Flemish refugees also brought with them to the city their pet canaries which they bred locally and which eventually became, and remain, the city’s mascot. The city continued to prosper throughout the 17^th and 18^th centuries off the back of its wool and textile trade, and developed a thriving cultural scene. Norwich declined somewhat during the industrial revolution of the 19^th century, losing out to England’s northern industrial hubs. However it retained its reputation for textile manufacturing as well as its shoe-making industry. In the 20^th century the city also acquired a reputation for chocolate manufacturing as well aircraft design. Norwich sustained severe bomb damage during WWII but was extensively rebuilt in the following years. Today it is one of the most important cities in eastern England and a hub of education, trade and service-based industries.

Economy

Like many cities in England Norwich’s economy has undergone a significant change in character, from manufacturing to mainly service-based industries. The insurance and financial services company Aviva, formerly known as Norwich Union, is the best example of the kind of company which is dominant in the Norwich economy. One production company that still survives in the area is Colman’s, the maker of mustard and other condiments, which still operates out of its factory at Carrow. Publishing is also a major industry in the city, with the company Archant being the largest in the field. Archant publishes four daily newspapers and 75 weekly ones as well as a host of magazines. Norwich also has a thriving retail industry and is among the top ten most prosperous shopping destinations in the UK. Norwich is also a popular destination for students with the University of East Anglia, based on the city’s outskirts, one of the most foremost universities in the country.

Culture & Tourism

While Norwich is obviously not one of the UK’s foremost tourist destinations, it has become a popular place to take a city break. Among its attractions are Norwich Cathedral which dates from the 12^th century and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the country. Norwich is also known for the cobbled streets and museums of its old quarter as well as Norwich Castle which has been transformed into a museum and art gallery. Norwich is also well known for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, an arts festival held every May which is among the largest and most well respective in the UK. Additionally Norwich has a thriving theatre culture with many venues including the Theatre Royal, Norwich Playhouse, Maddermarket Theatre and Norwich Puppet Theatre. The city is also well known for its thriving night life, mainly located around Tombland, Prince of Wales Road and the Riverside area close to Norwich station. The abundance of students in the city make the nightlife and music scene more vibrant than most.

Transportation

Norwich railway station, located in the east of the city, has service to London Liverpool Street every half hour as well as Liverpool, Nottingham, Manchester and Cambridge. The city itself is served by an extensive bus system popular among residents. The city’s airport, Norwich International Airport, is a feeder to KLM’s Schipol and is served by FlyBe, Eastern Airways and Bristow Helicopters.

Office space to rent in Norwich

The Norwich office market has a supply of almost eight million square feet with a vacancy rate of approximately ten percent. However recent forecasts have predicted the vacancy rate will drop in the coming year. Rents are stable at an approximate average of GBP 16.50 per square foot per month. The main out of town location is the Broadland Business Park, an ever-expanding high-tech office and industrial accommodation. Like virtually all sizable cities in the UK Norwich suffered considerable in the aftermath of the financial crisis, however there have been signs recently that the local economy is starting a slow recovery along with the rest of the country.