Already long established as Asia’s capital of legal, accounting and corporate administration, Hong Kong continues to attract businesses across the board, from start-ups to global multinationals. The city has become a leading international domicile for trading and investment companies and serves as the principle trade and investment gateway to the Mainland Chinese market.

With access to an exceptionally diverse market and unrivalled local manufacturing capabilities, it’s little surprise that so many of our clients are looking for serviced offices in Hong Kong. Having a presence in this central hub is essential for businesses trading both within Asia and exporting to countries outside it.

Hong Kong is also unique in Asia, in terms of the way that it is governed. This makes it even more appealing for businesses new to the Asian market. Despite being the largest jewel in China’s economic crown, Hong Kong enjoys a degree of autonomy from China’s laws and legislation, under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy. This is relevant to businesses as the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance is based on UK Company Law.

Hong Kong is undoubtedly the world’s most recognised location for banking operations, with over 70 of the world’s largest banks in the world having local operations. For financial and investment institutions this bustling city represents a unique opportunity for growth and diversification.

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Hong Kong has become increasingly divided into several, distinct districts, broadly defined as Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The City’s most prominent headquarters and institutions can be found in Hong Kong Island, and increasingly, in Kowloon. The New Territories are home to more industrial operations, making room for and trying to keep up with China’s booming manufacturing sector.

The primary business districts in Hong Kong Island are:

Sheung Wan
Making up the north-west section of Hong Kong Island, Sheung Wan is a well-established area, dominated by local businesses. Within its borders lie vibrant locations such as the historic Western Market and superb access to transport via hubs like the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry terminal.

Central
Home to buildings that climb to dizzying heights, Hong Kong Central’s skyline is a glittering display of skyscrapers, all seemingly in competition to reach the highest. With direct access to Victoria Harbour, ultra-upmarket SoHo and a world class public transport system, Central’s status as a melting pot of top global businesses is well warranted.

Admiralty
As Central Hong Kong grew beyond its borders, Admiralty became its eastern extension. Dominated by office and government buildings, giant shopping malls and luxurious hotels, Admiralty is home to some of Hong Kong’s most impressive architecture, including the Bank of America tower, and Admiralty Centre.

Wan Chai
Often touted as Hong Kong’s party district, Wan Chai lies along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. It is a densely populated area, recently overhauled by the city’s urban renewal projects. Wan Chai is occupied primarily by small to medium businesses and is home to a fast-moving tech start-up culture.

Causeway Bay
After stealing the title from New York’s Fifth Avenue in 2012, Causeway Bay is home to the world’s most expensive commercial properties. The shopping areas of Causeway Bay leave nothing to be desired, whether shoppers are seeking the most exclusive fashion items in the world, or local products of the highest quality.

The primary business districts in Kowloon are:

Tsim Sha Tsui
Occupying the southern section of Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is a major tourist hub, home to many restaurants and shops that cater directly to the tourist market. As a somewhat more affordable alternative to Central, Kowloon has also attracted big business, particularly after building height restrictions were dropped.

Mong Kok
Forming the western section of TST, Mong Kok is populated by both old and new buildings. The area serves as a restaurant, retail and entertainment hub for local residents and offers competitive property prices in relation to the area.

Kwun Tong
Kwun Tong is the eastern part of TST. It has developed into a major industrial area, after becoming one of the first “new towns” in Hong Kong. It continues to grow rapidly and the influx of workers has stimulated the development of schools, clinics and community centres.

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Dominic needed to source a suitable office for his start-up in Marylebone (London, UK) that could accommodate his 4 employees as well as cater for any growth in the future.

Lucy helped him secure an ideal space within two weeks, on a 12-month flexible term, in a location perfect for his business.

Lucy Ruff has been a lifesaver over the last month or so. We needed to find some office space in Marylebone (London, UK) and I was worried it was going to take up so much of our precious early start-up hours – but no! Lucy called me within minutes of pressing ‘go’ on Instant Offices, talked through our needs and had sent over potentials for us to view within the same day. One of the two options we ended up choosing and I can only put that down to her understanding of our needs and her understanding of the market. Painless process successfully navigated with only a few minutes of my time. Absolute star!

Dominic Bristow

Director