You probably know what it takes for a startup to succeed. The right idea, the right people, passion, creativity, ambition, execution – perhaps even the courage to do things differently. But what about where it all happens? How important is your startup office or workspace?
We’d say it’s a bigger factor than you might think. The right startup office space lays the foundation for your venture. It influences the talent you attract, how your team works together, your company culture and how easily your business can grow and develop, among other things.
So, what makes the best office space for startups in London and elsewhere in the UK? Read our guide to find out what tick boxes you should prioritise.
Startups are constantly evolving, and your workplace needs to keep up. A rigid, long-term lease agreement probably won’t give you the wiggle room you need to deal with this level of change. What you need is a workspace that offers flexibility in terms of commitment and scalability for all that growth you’re planning.
Whether it’s through coworking spaces or rented office space, your startup‘s ability to scale up – or even scale down – is key to achieving your vision. As you bring more people on board, you’ll need more space. The right office will support this process, not hold it back. Being able to add desks, or even move offices mid-contract, without the hassle of lengthy contract negotiations means you can focus on more important things.
An office is a place to work, yes. But it’s also much more than that. It’s a place of collaboration, creativity, culture and community – the things that make your startup tick. When your team thrives in the right environment, productivity and success are more likely to follow.
The right startup office space will set the tone for what you do and how you work. Open-plan layouts encourage collaboration, with room for ideas to flow without dividers. But separate rooms also have their place. Think community areas, lounge spaces and meeting rooms where meetups and brainstorms can happen. Some of the most important conversations happen behind closed doors.
There’s no getting past the importance of location – especially when it comes to startup offices in ultra-competitive London. First of all, where you’re based says a lot about your ambition and prospects. The capital is the place to be for tech and financial startups, attracting investors from all over the world. But even a city centre location in other major UK cities, like Manchester, can enhance your image as a startup.
There’s also the practical side of things. The location of your startup workplace determines how close you are to clients or customers, and how accessible the office is for your team. A central location with strong transport links makes things easier for all stakeholders.
Every workplace needs a few fundamentals. High-speed internet that doesn’t let you down is a big one. Meeting rooms with tech that actually works – nothing should get in the way of that big pitch you’ve been preparing for or a video call with a key partner. Imagine a space where everything does what it needs to, when it needs to.
Don’t forget about the little things. The extra touches that make an office space feel more like home. Somewhere comfortable to sit and eat lunch or take a five-minute breather when you need one, for example. And who doesn’t love access to an on-site café or somewhere to make a quick cuppa before the next meeting? It’s little perks like these that can help your team feel happier at work.
You’re probably keeping a close eye on costs as a founder. Although cost alone isn’t the factor to consider – it’s value for money. A bare-bones startup office space might look good on the books, but spending a little more could give you somewhere that adds real value to your venture. Think about all the factors we’ve mentioned above.
Sure, you’ve likely got a budget in mind. So, look for spaces that align with this as well as your ambitions. Some key features (plus a few extras) could help your business grow and continue growing sustainably into the future.
Thanks for taking the time to read our guide. If you didn’t already know, we’re Work.Life. Our private offices and shared coworking spaces across London, Manchester and Reading are designed for startups and SMEs needing flexibility from an office space.
We offer a variety of startup offices in prime locations, with flexible spaces and contract terms, customisable furnishings and branding, access to shared facilities, 24/7 access and more. Above all else, we create workspaces that make people happy.
Book a tour to find your new startup office today.
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