Let’s be real – London is HUGE. There are over 1,400 coworking spaces, all offering different facilities, varying vibes and creative communities. So how are you meant to find the best one?
We’ve done all the research so that you don’t have to, hunting high and low in this bustling city for the most innovative spaces with the best entrepreneurial energy. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup, or established business, this guide will unlock the best spaces that London has to offer.
From trendy co-working hubs to high-end corporate offices, we’ll explore the leading providers, diving into the unique features and amenities they offer, and showcasing the vibrant communities that thrive within these spaces.
What are the benefits of working in a shared workspace?
Shared workspaces have revolutionised the way people work, offering numerous benefits that traditional office spaces may lack. And in the era of hybrid working that has coincided with the rise of freelancing, shared workspaces have provided a vital space for home-workers and the self-employed to boost their productivity and mental health with a dedicated community-building workspace. Here are some of the main advantages of working in a shared workspace.
Community & Collaboration
One of the big pros of working in a coworking space is the sense of community and networking opportunities it provides.
In a shared workspace, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded professionals from various industries, opening up possibilities for collaboration, partnerships, and those all-important work friendships. Data gathered by BetterUp shows that when people feel more connected to their colleagues, they report significantly less loneliness, anxiety, burnout and stress.
The diversity of skills and expertise fizzing through coworking spaces can be a hugely valuable resource for bouncing ideas, seeking advice, and expanding your professional network. And you’ll feel better for getting out of the house, too!
Flexibility & Adaptability
The boom of flexible working is one of the better business trends to have exploded from the COVID-19 pandemic. And particularly if you’re freelance or an entrepreneur, you’ll find that the amount of time you need to spend at your desk will vary depending on what you’re working on.
The great thing about shared workspaces, is that you have the freedom to choose your hours. Whether you need a desk for a day or a dedicated space for several months, these spaces offer a range of membership options to suit your needs. And if you want a low-cost option to give you the freedom of unlimited access to a vibrant coworking space, Impact Brixton charge just £150 for access to hotdesking in their space anytime 8am – 8pm, Monday – Friday. It’s the ideal way to give yourself flexibility without breaking the bank. They also provide affordable fully-serviced offices, so you can easily scale your business!
Amenities & Facilities
Lots of people enjoy working from home for those kitchen-table comforts. But you may find that you lack access to some crucial amenities. And it can be really expensive to build a fully-functioning home office!
Shared workspaces usually provide access to amenities such as conference rooms, printing facilities, and high-speed internet. They have everything you need to maximise your productivity and power through your to-do list – and they save you the trouble of having to invest in fancy office equipment that’ll only take up space in your house.
Cost-Effective & Affordable
Given the rise in flexible working, many employers are finding themselves paying huge amounts of rent and bills on an office that’s completely empty for half the week.
That’s where shared workspaces come in. Providing your employees with a hotdesking subscription and renting the occasional meeting room for that all-important face-to-face interaction with your team is often far more affordable than paying continuous rent on an office in a sought-after location. And if you choose a provider with a virtual office service, you’ll still be able to secure a professional postcode in an impressive business district for your company, without renting a physical office space.
This is also ideal if you’re a startup or a freelancer with a limited budget or an uncertain growth trajectory. It’s a low-cost, low-risk way to secure a workspace and give your business a credible reputation.
Types of shared workspaces in London: Coworking spaces, serviced offices, and incubators
So what is a shared workspace, exactly? London offers a diverse range of shared workspaces to cater to the needs of different professionals and businesses. Let’s explore three popular types: coworking spaces, serviced offices, and incubators.
Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are vibrant, shared work environments designed to foster collaboration and community. These spaces are typically open-plan, offering flexible seating arrangements – known as ‘hotdesking’ – and shared amenities.
Coworking spaces are ideal freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses, providing an affordable alternative to traditional office spaces. They offer the freedom to work independently while also encouraging networking and collaboration through events, workshops, and communal areas. Some of the leading coworking spaces in London include Impact Brixton, WeWork, and Huckletree.
Serviced Offices
These are fully-equipped workspaces that provide a professional environment with a range of services. They’re private, lockable spaces that are ready to use, with furniture, utilities, and IT infrastructure already in place. They often include access to meeting rooms, reception services, and other amenities to support your business needs.
While these are private spaces suitable for established businesses or teams that require privacy and dedicated space, you can choose to take out a serviced office within a coworking space, giving you the best of both worlds – a private office attached to a communal space where you can network and gain that all-important social interaction. Check out Impact Brixton and Regus.
Incubators
Incubators are specialised workspaces dedicated to nurturing startups and early-stage businesses. These spaces offer much more than just a physical workspace – they provide support, mentorship, and resources to help entrepreneurs grow their ventures.
Incubators often have a selective application process, and once accepted, startups can benefit from a collaborative environment, access to industry experts, and networking opportunities. Incubators are an excellent choice for startups looking to accelerate their growth and tap into a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs. Check out Impact Brixton, Startup Discovery School, Level39 and Plexal.
Factors to consider when choosing a workspace in London
Given the huge number of shared workspaces in London, it’s helpful to know exactly what you’re looking for to help you narrow down the numbers. Here are some key factors to consider when finding the perfect workspace in London:
Location
The location of your workspace is crucial. Your address is often the first thing potential customers see when they look up your business. So it’s a good idea to go for somewhere in a reputable location! Consider proximity to transportation links, amenities, and potential clients or partners. But if you can’t afford an office in a prime location, don’t stress. Just use a virtual office instead. It’s the perfect way to boost your brand with a professional postcode without spending a huge chunk of your cash flow on a physical office space.
Price
Rents can be eye-watering in London, so you may have to get creative when considering your options. Assess your needs and your budget, and decide whether it makes sense to rent a private office when you could be saving tons of money working out of a coworking space instead. You may find it’s a better fit for your needs as a freelancer or small business owner!
Amenities
What are the things that you really can’t work without? Do you need access to meeting rooms? Event spaces? A really good coffee machine? Make a list of must-haves and check that the workspaces you’re checking out can tick the boxes.
Community
One of the great things about working in a shared workspace, especially in a business hub like London, is that it provides endless opportunities to grow your network. Check the community credentials of the workspace you’re considering, and see if it’s a good fit for your business. Anywhere that’s holding regular events, workshops or networking opportunities to facilitate connections is definitely a good shout!
Culture and Environment
Chances are you’re going to be spending a lot of time at your workspace, so it’s important that you enjoy going there! Before committing to any contracts or memberships, make sure you visit the workspace or at least check out some virtual tours to get a feel for the atmosphere and design and decide whether the overall vibe and aesthetic is for you. Being content in your workspace can make a big difference to your overall mood and productivity!
The top 3 coworking spaces in London
London is brimming with incredible coworking spaces, catering to various industries and work styles. Here are the top three options to consider:
Impact Brixton
Impact Brixton is a creative workspace in the heart of Brixton Village that houses a community of hundreds of creators, entrepreneurs and social changemakers. They provide affordable virtual office services, fully serviced private offices, creative coworking space and educational workshops and social events to support and empower entrepreneurs to network and thrive.
You can get a virtual office at Impact Brixton from just 0.41p per day, and unlimited coworking for just £150 per month. It’s among the most affordable options for coworking in London. And you get to join a thriving community of entrepreneurs!
Second Home
The clue is in the name with Second Home. They aim to create a relaxed environment where you can work at your best. Placing a huge focus on architecture to create the perfect space, Second Home offer private offices and coworking options to support your business as it grows. And they do a lot of great work with local charities and initiatives, making them an ethical choice for your shared workspace needs. They also have a hub in Lisbon, so they’re the perfect option if you love to travel!
Huckletree
Huckletree is another renowned coworking space in London, with locations in trendy areas including Shoreditch and West London. Lots of entrepreneurs and small businesses use their hotdesking areas, and they also provide private offices for slightly larger companies looking for a private dedicated space.
These are just a few examples of the many coworking spaces available in London. Each space has its own unique features and community, so it’s worth exploring multiple options to find one that aligns with your preferences and professional goals!
Looking for more recommendations for coworking spaces in London? Check out this super useful list!
Conclusion: Finding the perfect workspace in London for your needs
Finding the perfect workspace in London can be a gamechanger for your productivity and collaboration. Whether you choose a co-working space, a serviced office, or an incubator, the main thing you need to do is to pick a spot that ticks all your boxes, finding the perfect fit for you and your business.
You’ll benefit from all the advantages of working in a shared workspace, including the sense of community, flexibility in working hours, and cost-saving measures. It’s a happy, healthy choice for any entrepreneur.
The perfect workspace is not just a physical location – it’s a catalyst for your success and the key to unlocking a community that will be there to support you as you grow. So, embrace what London workspaces have to offer, unlock your potential, and take your productivity and collaboration to the next level!
