As the recession in the UK trundles on, more businesses are thinking about downsizing their offices in order to stay afloat.
This can mean avoiding traditional, more expensive leases in favour of more flexible leases, which keep things malleable in times of uncertainty.
But for businesses that have always known traditional office leases as the norm, the flexible office market can be a bit of minefield. The concept of a ‘flexible office space’ may be alien. The fact they can be more cost-effective than longer-term leases may be confusing. And finding one for the team, at the right price, in the right location may feel daunting.
That’s why we at Hubble have taken the time to clearly and concisely explain what flexible office space is, how it’s more cost-effective, and where you can find some top-class options for you and the team in London.
So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
What is flexible office space?
Flexible office space refers to workspace that can be rented (or booked) on a short-term basis, be that by the hour, day, month or longer. This includes, but is not limited to, coworking spaces, meeting rooms, serviced offices and hot desks.
Demand for flexible office space really came into its own with COVID, with their shorter minimum terms and all-inclusive fees making them ideal for those that want financial stability and a full-time HQ.
What facilities are included with serviced offices?
Serviced offices are typically leased on the basis that they’re ready to go from the day you move in.
This means you’ll have internet, furniture, desks, and so on, all in place right off the bat.
Bills and utilities will also by handled hassle-free by your workspace provider (e.g. WeWork, Second Home, Mindspace), giving you one less thing to worry about on move-in day.
But beyond the basics you’d expect to see in your office, you’ll also benefit from a host of other delightful facilities, should you run with one of the top-flight serviced office providers listed on Hubble.
We’re talking, breakout spaces, gym facilities, rooftop terraces and shower facilities, all there for you to enjoy.
What are the cost benefits of serviced offices?
Whilst you pay a slight premium on rent in exchange for the increased flexibility, serviced offices do work out more cost-effective:
Serviced offices give you more control over cash flow
Serviced offices make budgeting super simple, as your rent, bills and any additional facilities costs are bundled together in one monthly fee.
Serviced offices increase your agility
Most serviced office leases start at three months, with some serviced offices available on a monthly basis! This means you can adjust your usage as and when you need with great ease. No more 5 or 10-year traditional leases…
You only pay for the space you need with serviced offices
Post-COVID, many businesses have realised that having one desk per employee is a needless expense. Well, with serviced offices, you simply pay for the desks you need, minimising wasted spend and combatting empty desk syndrome head on.
Where can I find a serviced office near me?
House of Creative
With four beautifully designed spaces dotted across Shoreditch and Angel, House of Creative offers you and your team the perfect environment to grow in.
And the long list of amenities shows this! With around the clock access, complimentary fruit and snacks, beautiful breakout spaces, roof terraces, bike storage, and so much more, their spaces are a great place to call home regardless of whether you are on a budget or not!
The Workers League
The Workers League has spaces spread across Liverpool Street, Old Street and Blackheath, and they’re excellent bets if you’re looking for a cool and quirky workspace.
With bright colour schemes the norm, plus the plethora of plants, exposed ceilings and Scandi furnishings, The Workers League offices are the perfect match for teams wanting to feel inspired.
Runway East – Aldgate
Much like the other spaces featured here, there’s nothing budget about Runway East in Aldgate.
The space has been beautifully crafted on every level — fully fledged murals, flora streaming from the ceilings, classy lighting and classier furniture. It’s a sight!
And, once more, it has all the must-have facilities you need for a productive and enjoyable day at work — phone booths, breakout space, pet-friendly spaces, bike storage, showers, and so the list goes on!
Mercury House
Mercury House, a bright and vibrant workspace in the heart of Waterloo, is ready and waiting to meet your every need.
Boasting an extensive list of impeccable amenities, with highlights including the blissful roof terrace and inviting breakout spaces, it’s a great place to head to when you’re looking to break away from the norm and knuckle down with the team.
Adam House
The impressively ornate Adam House is just minutes away from the central hub, Charing Cross, and a stone’s throw away from the glorious Embankment.
And with wide windows welcoming in plenty of natural light, plus an array of smart and professional furnishings, it’s a great place to get together with the team for a productive spot of work — with plenty of luxurious amenities for you to make the most of.
WeWork – 30 Churchill Place
This WeWork, five minutes from Canary Wharf and nestled within a swish all-glass block sets a genuinely inspiring tone from the minute you walk through the door.
The brilliant amount of natural light that pours in really freshens up the place. And, it’s kitted out with every kind of breakout space imaginable, along with pool tables, roof terraces, phone booths — all the cool stuff. And river views!
Temple Chambers
Temple Chambers, minutes away from Blackfriars and, you guessed it, Temple has a really homely feel.
With its nicely intimate office spaces and the beautiful garden with its very own living wall, this workspace has a lovely vibe to it — one that’s calm and collaborative, imploring teams to work together effectively.
Citibase – Holborn
This Citibase, just one minute away from Chancery Lane station, sits right at the centre of the action.
And it has this cool edge that’s apparent throughout. With artsy wall decor livening up the workspaces, plus a range of carefully reclaimed furniture popping up all over, it’s an awe-inspiring space that’ll really help you and team get the creative juices flowing.
HomeWork Workspace
Spread across Fulham, Putney and Southfields, HomeWork Workspace offers a select range of modern and on-trend workspaces for you and your team to enjoy.
Each of its spaces have their own unique tone, but all promise everything you need for an enjoyable trip into the office — soft lighting, ergonomic chairs, fortifying plants, along with a host of quirky breakout spaces, phone booths and a barista service upon entry that makes you feel just a little bit chic whilst you’re working.
What’s more, HomeWork Workspace’s meeting rooms are 25% for the whole of January when you book via the Hubble Pass — your all-access ticket to a global network of on-demand workspace.
How can Hubble help?
Rent by the month with Hubble HQ
With Hubble HQ, you can easily search for a full-time office on a flexible contract, for free! With leases starting at just one month in length, and over 5,000 offices for you to peruse in London alone, we’re bound to have something for you.
You’ll also:
- Secure the best rates 💸
Our unrivalled market data and relationships with the world’s greatest workspace providers mean we’ll be able to negotiate the best rates on your behalf.
- Get your own dedicated advisor 📞
Our team of property experts will work tirelessly to ensure your office search is stress-free and efficient from beginning to end. They’ll make sure your viewing calendar looks healthy, they’ll make sure the negotiations run smoothly, and they’ll always be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Rent by the day/hour with the Hubble Pass
Looking to enjoy the ultimate level of flexibility? Meet the Hubble Pass, your all-access ticket to a global network of on-demand workspace.
With the Hubble Pass, you and your team can easily access coworking spaces, private day offices, meeting rooms by the hour and event space in more than 1,000 locations worldwide, and counting! You can also:
- Manage your global workplace in one platform 🌎
Manage your distributed team by inviting colleagues, monitoring bookings, usage and spend, all in one place.
- Enjoy a super flexible workplace solution 🧘♂️
With the Hubble Pass, there are no commitments, no limitations and no waste. You only pay for what you use, and you unlock the flexibility to work from anywhere, anytime.
