Find The Best Office Space in London for Finance Companies

As the world’s leading financial centre, London is one of the best cities in the world for finance companies to have an office space.

With a GDP of £496.4 billion as of 2021,  steady population growth and home to over 90,000 diverse financial and professional service businesses, London remains the city of opportunity for financial services.

Not even Brexit could stop London’s global reach, as multinationals continue to choose the city as the top market to expand their business.

If you’re looking to set up your London offices but unsure where to start, Servcorp has you covered with our comprehensive guide, which includes everything you need to know.

Prime Locations for Financial Success

Location is key.

Every business should aim to situate itself in a location that imbues credibility and aligns with its industry.

The City of London

The City of London is one of the world’s most famous financial hubs, producing 12% of the UK’s economic output in 2022.

With over 1 million financial service jobs available in this pocket, securing office space in this prime location is imperative for businesses looking to establish their reputation and professional brand.

As London’s financial district, businesses enjoy easy access to the Royal Stock Exchange, Liverpool Street, Leadenhall and all of Central London’s vibrant shopping and dining quarters.

Find office spaces in the City of London

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is greater London’s newest economic hub, boasting impressive modern infrastructure, a vibrant shopping and dining culture and its scenic views of the Thames.

Once home to the city’s docklands, this bustling precinct is fast becoming one of the most sought-after locales for financial businesses to set up their private offices.

Spend a day here and it’s little wonder why major multinationals such as JP Morgan, ANZ Bank and Thomson Reuters have established their European headquarters here.

Find office spaces at Canary Wharf

More Top Office Space in London for Finance Companies

Beyond central London, office spaces in affluent areas such as Mayfair and its surrounding Westminster suburbs are revered.

Mayfair’s historical prestige and cultural significance has long been a drawcard for upscale financial companies, law firms and investment banking businesses, giving them a professional edge over competitors.

Surrounded by iconic sites such as Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, and filled with gourmet restaurants and bespoke retailers, it’s easy to see why rent for commercial office spaces average between £115-140 per square foot. Buying a private office space is even more costly with starting prices of £4.45 million. 

While traditional office space in Mayfair is costly, we’ll explore some cost-efficient alternatives later in the piece.

Find office spaces at Mayfair

Essential Features for Finance Offices

Security & Compliance

Finance companies require secure office spaces to safeguard sensitive client data and ensure compliance with industry regulations. To ensure their information and data is protected, businesses need their private offices to include secure locks, cupboards, and other storage units.

Technology & Infrastructure

Technology and the appropriate infrastructure should be the primary consideration for businesses searching for their next office space. High-speed internet, VPN connections, smart technologies and phone booths are all must-haves to increase productivity and company outcomes.

Meeting Rooms & Collaboration Space

Private meeting rooms, breakout spaces, dedicated quiet zones, and spaces like a private roof terrace have become fundamental features of the modern office. These flexible spaces foster a dynamic team culture, get the creative juices flowing, and promote collaboration between coworkers. And let’s be real: What kind of finance business doesn’t have at least one meeting room?

The Flexibility Factor

Scalability for Growth

A flexible office space is crucial for businesses aiming for scalability because it allows them to easily adapt their workspace to accommodate growth or other changes in team size.

This is where flexible office space solutions such as serviced offices and coworking spaces have become popular alternatives to traditional private offices. The adaptability of these offices save businesses money on costly renovations or relocations as their needs evolve. It also fosters a more dynamic work environment that can keep pace with changing business strategies.

Read our comparison of serviced offices and coworking spaces for the complete picture.

Hybrid Work Solutions

Hybrid working is here to stay, so financial services businesses need to adapt their office spaces to accommodate this shift in workplace trends. As employees continue to work from both their business offices and home offices, businesses need to create office spaces that appeal to workers needs and wants.

Workspaces with filled with natural light, bespoke interior design and art finishings are much better at promoting their worker’s productivity and overall well-being, making them a worthy investment for teams in the fast-paced world of finance.

Beyond the Office: Perks for Your Team

Easy Connectivity

Easy access to transport links are a lifeline for businesses. They attract a wider talent pool by making commutes easier, boost employee morale by reducing travel stress, and can even improve a company's sustainability.

Ideally, offices should be within walking distance or close proximity to important hubs such as Liverpool Street Stations, Bond Street Station and Kings Cross Station to ensure the most coverage of transport lines.

Vibrant Surroundings

Setting up shop in a dynamic location can breathe life into your business. It offers employees a wealth of options for grabbing lunch at trendy restaurants and cafes, after-work drinks with colleagues at lively bars, or even midday shopping trips.

Being located in a lively pocket of London also provides businesses a wealth of potential networking and marketing opportunities, as they are exposed to your industry’s wider community and ecosystem. Close proximity to potential clients, partners, and industry influencers strengthens your brand recognition within your field.

Find your new office space

London offices offer your finance company a plethora of opportunities for your business to thrive. To make the most of what the city has to offer, financial services companies need to ensure their offices are located in prime positions, have the essentials and can adapt to changes in workforce trends.

Looking for your own space but unsure where to look? Servcorp’s team of experts are here to help find the right office for you. Reach out to our in-house team via phone call or our online form.

Read our guide on how to choose an office space.