Coworking Spaces in London FAQs: Your Questions Answered
By Paige Tonna
Coworking spaces are exploding in popularity globally, offering a dynamic work environment that’s a great alternative to traditional offices.
Forget the strict long-term renting leases and hefty overhead costs. In a coworking space, you'll find flexible workspaces designed to spark creativity and collaboration, all at a fraction of the price.
As the demand for a London coworking space rises, thousands of businesses are weighing up the pros and cons of transitioning their operations into these workspaces.
In this article, we will explore all you need to know about coworking spaces and why they aren’t just workers hot desking in a shared office.
What are the costs of a coworking space in London?
As of 2024, the median price of a coworking hot desk is £250 per month, with prices ranging between (pounds) 100-1000 depending on the provider. When compared to the average cost of a traditional office space, which is £700 per month, it’s clear that they are more cost-efficient.
Several factors have influenced the overall costs of a coworking space, including the location of the workspace, what amenities and services are included, and the length of the membership.
For example, a coworking space in an affluent West London pocket like Mayfair typically comes at a higher price due to its highly sought-after prestigious address.
Coworking spaces are also tax deductible, which can be a great financial saving for businesses and sole contractors alike.
Is a Coworking Space Worth It? Exploring The Pros & Cons in 2024
How flexible are coworking memberships?
Coworking spaces are prized for their flexibility and ability to be tailored to the needs of a business. Depending on the service provider, companies can create an idyllic workspace that can be easily scalable to suit a team with changing office space requirements.
A great coworking space provider usually offers more than one monthly membership package tier. In Servcorp’s case, we offer 4 levels of coworking membership:
- The Virtual Office: Great for mostly remote teams wanting access to high-class amenities.
- The Address Package: Suitable to remote teams or businesses wanting to establish a presence in a prime business centre.
- The Hot Desk: Perfect for sole contractors, freelancers, and small teams wanting to work in a dynamic environment with like-minded professionals.
- The Dedicated Desk: Ideal for those wanting their own desk with private office assess.
Learn more about Servcorp’s Coworking Memberships
What amenities are common in London coworking spaces
Coworking spaces enjoy access to a wide range of amenities and services that make the working day more productive.
The Essentials
- Ergonomic workspaces
- Hot desks
- Secure Wi-Fi
- Meeting rooms and private offices
- Printing and scanning facilities
Common Features
- A stroked kitchen and refreshment areas
- Secure 24/7 building access
- Collaboration zones and team
- Biophilic design elements
Premium Perks
- Private phone booths
- Event spaces and in-house networking events and opportunities
- Gym facilities with fitness classes such as yoga and HIIT sessions
- Business supports such as a dedicated receptionist and IT team
- Focus areas, quiet workspaces, and relaxation zones.
- Tech-infused facilities and solutions such as automatic temperature and air quality controls
- Access to the provider's other office locations when required
Read more for the full breakdown: Coworking Space Amenities: A Guide to Productivity and Comfort
How do I find the best coworking space for me?
Finding the perfect coworking space hinges on understanding your needs and priorities.
Assess your business needs and goals
Before beginning your search, it’s imperative to identify your needs, wants, and don’t wants in your next offices.
Does your small team need dedicated spaces or are shared offices sufficient? What amenities and services will boost productivity? Will your team use the space full-time or just a few days a month?
Asking these questions can help you narrow your options for an ideal workspace.
As discussed, coworking spaces offer various membership tiers with different costs so consider your budget and what benefits are most valuable to you.
Research your options
You’ll find there’s no shortage of co working spaces in London so you’ll need to take the time to go beyond the first few results of “rent coworking space” in your browser.
Compare what spaces are available in your preferred geographic location with the amenities you need.
Pro-tip: Select a popular train or tube station (such as Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, or Paddington station) and see what’s within walking distance. Your coworkers and employees will thank you later on when their commute is easier.
Make sure you also read any reviews and testimonials of any coworking space providers you’ve shortlisted.
Take advantage of coworking space tours and free trials
Many coworking space providers will offer prospective members a tour or free trial of the office space and its facilities.
Before locking in a monthly membership, get a feel for the space's layout, noise level, and overall atmosphere to determine if it's right for you. Experiencing the workspace first-hand will also give you a clearer idea of your needs and or if other workspaces might be the better fit.
What are the social aspects of coworking in London?
As a global financial centre, London is revered for its networking opportunities and business events.
With a bustling work culture and vibrant cultural capital, you’ll never be bored in your lunch hour, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. Whether this is trying all the independent cafes within 1km of your office or visiting parks and art centres like Hyde Park with friends new or old.
Within your London coworking space, you can expect to be invited to social events like workplace lunches, Friday night drinks, and networking workshops.
The shared environment of a coworking space can also spark collaboration with others beyond your company. Striking up conversations with people from different professional backgrounds can lead to unexpected partnerships, new clients, or valuable project insights.
Some of the best coworking spaces may even have a mentoring program or colleague meet-and-greet initiative for people from all walks of life to come together.
London's coworking spaces offer a unique opportunity to combine a productive work environment with a chance to build valuable social connections and professional networks.
How To Stay Focused in a Coworking Space
Are there industry-specific coworking spaces in London?
Several coworking spaces in London specifically target businesses within a particular industry. These spaces attract professionals with similar interests and goals, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.
One of the most well-known examples of this is Makerversity at Somerset House. This coworking office is focused on designers, makers, and startups, and offers access to tools and equipment like 3D printers and CNC cutters. Instead of normal meeting rooms, it has workshops for woodworkers, fashion designers, and engineers.
Although most aren’t designed with a specific sector in mind, some coworking offices attract workers from an industry due to their location.
For instance, Servcorp’s Leadenhall Building office is known to house large and small businesses in financial services due to the City of London’s reputation as a top finance hub.
Finding your fit
Finding the ideal coworking space is all about understanding what makes you and your business tick.
Unleash your productivity by securing the coworking space that perfectly complements your work style and business goals.
Servcorp’s London coworking spaces are tailored to fit your business requirements, whether you’re using the spaces one day a week or full-time. Consult with our flexible workspace solutions experts by phone call or our online form.
Contact Us
If you’ve got any questions call us +44 203 753 5500 or fill in your information below and we’ll get back to you shortly.