If you’ve been on the fence about using a coworking space, in this article we’ll highlight all the benefits, provide tips on finding the right coworking space for your business and even give you a list of our top choices.
The first coworking space popped up in 1995 in Berlin. Since then, the coworking industry has made leaps and bounds and is used by millions of people around the world. According to NorthOne, by the end of 2022 coworking spaces were used by 3.1 million people worldwide.
According to Statista, there are over 35,000 coworking spaces around the world and in London alone there are over 1,400 coworking spaces available. By the end of 2024, coworking spaces around the world are expected to rise to 42,000.
What are coworking spaces?
A coworking space is an environment designed to accommodate people to come and use a shared space for work. The space is usually designed to suit all the different ways of working but predominantly focuses on promoting communal working, sharing ideas and networking.
What are the benefits of working in a coworking space?
The buzz and atmosphere of a coworking space is unmatched for sparking creativity and collaboration. In fact, the likes of Instagram, Uber and Spotify were founded in coworking spaces. Here are just a few of the benefits you can see for yourself when you work at a coworking space:
Flexibility and cost savings
In most coworking spaces, you won’t need to sign a lengthy contract to use the spaces. Instead, you can benefit from short-term contracts and pay-as-you-go terms, so if you’re just starting out, it’ll help you keep costs to a minimum.
Sense of community
In a coworking space, it’s not uncommon to meet people from different industries and walks of life, from bigger corporate companies to freelancers and founders. Coworking spaces encourage a sense of community and encourage collaboration – ideal if you’re spending a lot of time working alone.
Networking opportunities
Sharing a space with fellow founders, people from your industry and beyond can help you gain a new outlook on ideas and projects – plus, you’ll make connections that could come in handy later.
Increased productivity and creativity
Sharing a space with other focused and creative people will drive your motivation to new levels. There’s nothing like being inspired by a community. Plus you’ll get a chance to chat to other talented people who you can bounce off ideas, getting your creative juices flowing.
How do you go about joining a coworking space?
Different coworking spaces will have different processes for joining – it’s usually as simple as filling in an application form online but some spaces may require you to take some other steps after submitting your application.
How to choose a coworking space
Before you dive right in and choose the first coworking space that pops up, you should consider a few things first so that you don’t end up in a space that doesn’t meet your needs:
- Consider your goals to choose a space that will help you achieve these
- Determine the non-negotiables
- Consider the commute to and from – is it achievable?
- Make sure the amenities suit your needs
- Tour the facilities before you commit
- Look at reviews and the satisfaction of past space users
Here’s a list of 17 top coworking spaces across the UK
Here’s our list of coworking spaces that we think are worth checking out – and we’ve attached their rates too, so you know exactly where you stand.
1.Huckletree, London, Manchester and Dublin
With locations across London, a location in Manchester and Dublin, Huckletree offers a range of office spaces, coworking spaces and event event spaces. Not sure if the space is right for you? Don’t worry, you can try it out for a day before you commit.
2.Clockwise, England, Scotland, Europe and Northern Ireland
With numerous locations across England, Scotland, Europe and Northern Ireland, Clockwise spaces offer a range of amenities including: breakout areas, kitchenettes, club lounges, event spaces and roof terraces, a dedicated office support team and much more.
3.We Work, locations across the world
With locations all over the world, We Work is a popular choice amongst professionals looking to find coworking spaces on the go. Locations in the UK include: London, Birmingham, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Manchester.
4.Gather Round, Bristol
Gather Round is a coworking space in Bristol, and is the perfect coworking space for a creative looking to be surrounded and inspired by their space and other creatives.
5.Pentire House, Newquay
Situated in the heart of Newquay, Pentire House is a great option if you find yourself needing your own space in Cornwall. At Pentire, you can benefit from networking spaces, meeting rooms, roof terrace and you can rent a permanent desk.
6.Fastnet House, Falmouth
Based in Falmouth, Cornwall, Fastnet House is another great coworking space if you’re based in Cornwall or find yourself in the area. Fastnet House offers a day pass, private studio rental and monthly memberships.
7.THIS Workspace, Bournemouth
THIS Workspace is situated in Bournemouth. Options include: private office rental, dedicated desk, workbench and daily desk.
8.Platf9rm, Brighton
Platf9rm is a coworking space based in Brighton. At Platf9rm you can benefit from coworking spaces, private offices, meeting rooms, event spaces and exclusive events.
9.FORA, Reading
If you’re looking for a coworking space in Reading, Fora is a great option that offers a range of amenities including meeting rooms and quiet rooms, fully stocked showers and sacks for a midday pick-me-up.
10.Fruitworks, Canterbury
When looking for a coworking space, many will want you to sign a lengthy contract. If that’s not something you can commit to, Fruitworks offers a no contract alternative. There’s a few different packages to choose from too, you can sign up for one-, three- or five- day passes on a monthly rolling contract or reserve a desk on a monthly basis.
11.The Space Coworking, Surrey
The Space is a coworking space based in Surrey.The Space offers meeting rooms, networking opportunities, local business discounts and the usual coworking space amenities. Day passes are available, and you can also rent a desk part-time or full-time.
12.Melting Pot, Birmingham
Melting Pot offers hot desks, artist studios, workshops and a multi-purpose exhibition hall. Single desks and hot desking is available as well as renting meeting rooms and workshops and studios.
13.Patch, London
Patch has locations in High Wycombe, Chelmsford and Twickenham. With meeting rooms and event hire on offer, Patch has a wide range of amenities and membership offers in place so if there’s something a little more specific that you’re interested in, get in touch with their team.
14.Jordan Street, Liverpool
Jordan Street Studio offers flexible monthly contracts, all inclusive prices, super fast internet, free meeting room, free web meeting pod, and tea and coffee included.
15.Beehive Lofts, Manchester
There’s a lot on offer at Beehive Lofts’ two Manchester locations, including free office supplies, high speed internet, free meeting rooms, full-service kitchens, bike storage and shower facilities.
16.Work.Life, London, Reading and Manchester
If you’re on the go, Work.Life offers coworking locations across London and various locations across the UK including Manchester and Reading. Work.Life offers flex and unlimited memberships.
17.Glandore, Dublin, Belfast, Cork
There’s a range of amazing amenities on offer at Glandore including high speed internet, bike storage, lockers, reception service, private phone booths, showers, 24/7 security and much more. There’s two different membership types – private offices and coworking desks.
We’ll be announcing our The Pitch 2024 programme locations across the next couple of months and highlighting some incredible coworking and event spaces on our newsletter. Join our community to be one of the first to discover where you’ll be able to find us this year.
