One of the challenges of starting up your business in the UK as a Nigerian entrepreneur is the cost of setting up your office space for a physical location. This is because an office needs to be set up and arranged in a way that visually and aesthetically pleases the eyes of your clients. And to set up your office, you need to consider the cost of rent, utility bills, internet and wifi connection, furnishing, legal requirements, among other necessary items. Considering how expensive these things are, there is a high chance of exhausting your startup capital on these, which could affect your business in the long run. It gets worse if your business is still trying to gain ground in the UK. This is mostly why some businesses have struggled to scale over the past five years. But this is where coworking spaces in the UK come in.
Think of a coworking space in the UK like this: a place that gives you access to a professional office environment without the stress of setting up or owning your own office. So instead of spending thousands or hundreds of pounds to rent a private space, you get to rent the necessary equipment for your business or a private office in a shared space. The amazing part? You don’t only have access to a good internet connection, wifi, and conference rooms, but you can also access business support and network with other startup founders like yourself. All these and more at a better cost compared to renting and furnishing a space yourself.
What is a Coworking Space?
A Coworking space is a work environment where entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers, and companies work independently but under one roof. So with a coworking space, you pay for only what you need: an office desk for a day, a conference room for your team or board meetings, a business address, or an entire office space for as long as you want. It provides you with the workspace, the professional infrastructure, and a community or network of other entrepreneurs.
Some also offer the convenience of using their address for bank account opening. As a Nigerian entrepreneur seeking to launch in the UK, a coworking space is the game-changer. Think of it as using the same facilities as other people, but doing your work. With a coworking space, you can be effective in running your business and company while being very efficient with financial resources. In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 coworking spaces in the UK, factors to consider before choosing a coworking space for your business, and the benefits of choosing a coworking space for your business in the UK.
10 Best Coworking Spaces In The UK For Businesses
There are hundreds of coworking spaces for businesses in the UK. But after considering reach, usability, and the ability to serve different business types and structures, we selected the following coworking spaces as our most recommended coworking spaces for businesses in the UK.
International Workplace Group (Regus, Spaces, HQ, and The ClubHouse)
Location: Nationwide, with 305 locations across the UK.
IWG is the largest workspace provider in the world and gives you full access to one of the largest and most flexible networks in the world. It is the parent company behind Regus, Spaces, HQ, and The Clubhouse. With IWG, you can access fully equipped and furnished offices, a virtual address for your company, and a strong network for your business. IWG is not just about fully furnished offices and access to a large network; it also has a setup that can match your company’s vibe, regardless of what it is.
Whether you are looking for a strictly corporate setting, a creative vibe, or a blend of both, you can have it and more. Beyond all that, because of their multiple locations, it is easy for your business to scale without the stress of setting up again in another location. And this feature is what sets IWG apart from other workspaces. In summary, with IWG, you are guaranteed global scalability with ease and a good coworking space that fits your vibe.
BizSpace
Location: 72 including Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, etc.
If you are big on simplicity while on a budget, then BizSpace is for you. It is best for startups and entrepreneurs who are in search of a simple, yet functional workspace outside the busy city centres. This means that you are guaranteed a peaceful working environment that still offers you all that you need for productivity. One of BizSpace’s outstanding features is that it offers a wide range of solutions to startup office needs. From a well-furnished office to extra spaces for storage, studio work, or industrial light use, you are guaranteed a functional working space. Beyond all that, BizSpace is well-known for supporting businesses regardless of their size.
So, whether you are just starting up or you’ve been in the business long enough, there is a space just good enough, practical, and affordable for you in very convenient locations. And this has made BizSpace a go-to solution for creatives, trade experts, and other entrepreneurs who want more than just an office space. In case you are wondering what’s more to BizSpace, you should hear the best part: with BizSpace, you can get flexible leases that are tailor-made for you. So whatever your business needs might be at the moment, whether it is a short-term contract or long-term, they have different options that can work for you. There is also an all-inclusive rent that covers the utilities, building insurance, service charge, and business rates, depending on your location and the size of your unit.
WeWork
Location: 55 including London, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.
Ideal for startups, growing businesses, and creatives, WeWork is one of the biggest coworking spaces in the UK and the world at large. It offers a wide range of private offices to meeting and conference rooms, private phone booths, lounges, and even standard event spaces at a go. Think of WeWork as that co-working space that gives you an office space with a modern touch and beautiful, vibrant designs. And if you’re just starting up your business in the UK, WeWork is the best option for you.
Aside from all of this, WeWork has a community on-site team that ensures smooth operations, handles tech issues, plans events, and books rooms for clients. This is one feature that distinguishes it from other coworking spaces in the UK. In summary, with WeWork, you get what you pay for. There are no hidden charges. The price you are given covers everything that you need to run your business in the workspace.
Workspace Group
Location: 47 primarily in London
Can you imagine a coworking space that looks exactly like your office? Exactly. Think of the liberty to make the space your own, just how you would like it. Unlike fully serviced and furnished offices, Workspace allows you to take control of your office aesthetics and setup. You are free to design, manage, and brand the office to suit your taste and the needs of your teams. So if you want a place that looks like yours while still gaining from professional support and the flexible contract that Workspace offers then this is definitely for you.
It doesn’t end there; it gets better. With Workspace, you have the option to stay, scale, or move on, depending on the plans you have for your business, and this is because of the rolling six-month break clauses. In summary, with Workspace, you have access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs like you, a shared lounge, and a breakout area. This implies that you can have the balance of being in your space when you want it, and collaborating with others at will, too.
The Office Groups (TOG)
Location: 72 including London, Leeds, Bristol, etc.
If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing and thoughtfully designed working space, then you should consider TOG as your top choice. Way beyond offering a coworking space for businesses and startups, each of their spaces is created in partnership with top architects to give you a blend of intricate designs, quality interior, and a well-functioning workspace. If you prioritize well-being as much as you prioritize effectiveness in work, TOG is ideal for you. This is because they have meditation rooms, furnished lounges, quiet areas, gyms, Peloton bikes, and a lot more on-site to ensure a healthy work-life balance for users. And the rent covers all the utilities available. This means that, once you’ve paid your rent, you can access all the utilities available. In summary, TOG is ideal for businesses in tech, finance, media, content creation, etc.
Fora Space
Location: 17, Primarily in London and Reading
Fora Space belongs to the same group as TOG, so you should expect a certain level of similarity between them. But Fora doesn’t just bring the aesthetics, the intricate designs and interior, but also combines thoughtful designs with service tailor-made for you to create a work environment where you can thrive as an entrepreneur. It is the best workspace option for you if your business is inclined to designing and wellbeing.
Also, Fora offers two core options that foster business growth and productivity. The first option is access to fully customisable offices where you can decide how you want to set up your office, from interior to decorations. In simple terms, they offer an option for tailor-made workspaces. The second option is access to private buildings for you and your team to take operational control over. In simple terms, this option allows you to own a workspace. And whichever one you choose, you are guaranteed productivity and a space that grows with you. In summary, Fora is the smartest choice for you if you want to foster creativity with your brand and if you want a blend of comfort and style.
Landmark Space
Location: 36, primarily in London and Manchester
Think of Landmark space as a workspace that gives you that professional, less fussy, and corporate setting without the pressure or rigidity of a long-term lease, and much more. With fully furnished offices, high-speed wifi connectivity, meeting rooms, proper business infrastructure, and on-site support, Landmark space offers a solid space that can support the growth of your business. The beautiful part is that you can access all of these while keeping things smart and stress-free.
It is ideal for you if you want to maintain a strong professional image for your business. The most outstanding feature of Landmark Space is its flexibility and low-risk model. It is easy to use, with no upfront charges and no lengthy commitments. You can decide to scale up or down depending on the needs of your business at the time. And if your business is running via a hybrid setting, or if you would be moving across different cities, you’d have unlimited access to the Landmark’s Club Space Network, which gives you entry to over 25 locations.
Huckletree
Location: 10, including London and Oxford
If you are looking for a workspace that provides more than just a workspace for you, but also gives you access to a network of people who can help you and your business thrive, then Huckletree is the best option. Huckletree doesn’t only focus on good designs and furnished workspaces, but they are even more focused on community building and creating impact. What makes Huckletree stand out is its different yet unique approach to co-working.
It offers a kind of work environment that aligns with your business mission, type, structure, and purpose. It does this by creating campuses themed by different industries. This way, you get to work with and be around like-minded people in the same industry as you are in. According to Huckletree, it is so much more than a workspace; it is an ecosystem. It is ideal for founders who are not only there for the aesthetics, but also growth inclined.
Hubble Spaces
Location: 448, including London.
First thing to note about Hubble Space is that it is not like traditional coworking spaces because it doesn’t just grant you one space. Instead, you get access to over 700+ flexible workspaces across 122+ towns in the UK. Think of Hubble Space as a marketplace, and the best coworking space if your business is mobile. Hubble Space offers flexible payment plans, which allow you to either pay-as-you-go or save with the monthly credit plan—you get to pay only for what you use. It is most suitable for hybrid teams, remote-first teams, and entrepreneurs whose businesses are mobile.
Bruntwood Works
Location: 70, including Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, etc
If your business is in the tech or science sector, then Bruntwood is the best option for you. Bruntwood is popular for its strong presence in science and innovation, which has made it a natural option for companies, teams, and startups in STEM. Beyond a flexible coworking space and payment plan, they also offer an environment that is governed by a sense of community and support, designed to help businesses grow. Bruntwood also offers a people-centered environment, with networking opportunities and access to the most exciting business ecosystems in the UK.
Choosing The Right Coworking Space In The UK For Your Business
Before you choose a coworking space in the UK for your business, you should consider the following:
- Location: You should consider the proximity to your team members and your clients. In simple terms, go for a space that can be easily accessed by you, the people you work with, your clients, and your target audience. Proximity to your workspace can aid your productivity and that of your team members.
- Community: The right workspace connects you to the right community for your business. For instance, Bruntwood is ideal for businesses that are in science or tech-driven industries. So if your business is in the tech sector, it would make more sense to choose a coworking space that gives you access to a community of like people.
- Budget: If you are on a tight budget, you should consider workspaces whose payment plans align with what you can afford. Remember that affordability is key.
- Scalability: You don’t want to outgrow your workspace, do you? So you should consider if the workspace gives room for you to scale and expand.
- Design: As much as you want ease and comfort, you should also consider your brand’s style and culture. This is because you are likely to spend a lot of time in a coworking space, so you don’t want a place that is just functional. You should ensure that their style aligns with your style and culture.
