Flexible Workspace, Serviced Offices & Co-Working Spaces are changing the way we lease a workplace

Opening a new office in another country is hard enough. Your lease shouldn’t make it harder.

Flexible workspace lets you move into a fully set-up office in days, on terms measured in months instead of years. For international companies entering the UK, it’s often the quickest and lowest-risk way to get a local presence.

First Office Hub works with workspace operators in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Paris, Berlin and more. We compare the options for you and arrange viewings, at no cost to you.

Schedule an informal conversation with our team here

 

Why international companies choose flexible workspace

• Move in fast. Desks, furniture, internet and meeting rooms are ready on day one. There’s no fit-out project to manage from overseas.
• One monthly fee. Rent, service charges, utilities, cleaning and usually business rates are bundled into a single invoice.
• Short commitments. Agreements typically start from one month and can run to 36 months or more. That suits a market-entry phase when headcount is uncertain.
• Room to grow. Add desks, move to a bigger office or open in another city, often with the same operator.
• A credible local address. Give clients, partners and authorities a professional address in a recognised business district.

 

Serviced office, co-working, managed space: what’s the difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same product.

 

Types of workspace you can rent

Virtual office
A business address for mail and correspondence, without a physical desk. Many virtual office plans can also be used as a UK registered office address for a company registered with Companies House. Check with the operator what each plan includes.

Hot desk
Flexible access to any free desk in a shared co-working area. You can buy it part-time or full-time, at one location or several.

Dedicated desk
Your own permanent desk in a shared area, usually with lockable storage.

Private office
A fully furnished, enclosed and lockable office for your team. IT, furniture and access to shared facilities are included.

Managed space
A self-contained office, often a whole floor, designed to your brand. It typically has its own kitchen, meeting rooms and sometimes a private entrance, while the operator handles the running of the building.

 

What’s usually included

Every building is different, but a fully serviced office typically includes:

• Rent, service charge, utilities and, in most cases, business rates
• Furniture and fit-out
• High-speed internet and Wi-Fi
• Staffed reception, mail handling and visitor management
• Cleaning, maintenance and security
• Shared kitchens, breakout areas, phone booths and showers
• Meeting room access, often with included credits

Many operators also offer extras on a pay-as-you-go basis, such as additional meeting room hours, printing, dedicated phone lines, IT support, event space and community or networking programmes.

 

New to renting in the UK? Terms worth knowing

• Business rates: a local property tax paid by businesses. With serviced offices it’s usually included. Always confirm.
• Service charge: the cost of maintaining shared areas of a building. It’s included in serviced offices, but paid separately on a conventional lease.
• Dilapidations: the cost of returning a leased space to its original condition when you leave. It can be significant on a traditional lease, but is usually minimal or none with a serviced office.
• Licence agreement: most serviced offices use a licence rather than a lease. It’s simpler, quicker to sign and easier to exit.
• Notice period: how far ahead you must tell the operator you’re leaving. It’s commonly one to three months.

 

How First Office Hub helps

1. Tell us what you need: city, team size, budget and move-in date.
2. We shortlist the options. We compare buildings and operators and send you a tailored shortlist.
3. Viewings, in person or virtual. If your team is still overseas, we can arrange video tours so you can decide before you travel.
4. We help you agree terms. We help you understand the agreement and negotiate on price and flexibility.

Our service is free for tenants. We’re paid by the workspace operator.

Start your office search now:

London | Mayfair, Soho, Fitzrovia, Kings Cross, Euston, Waterloo, Victoria, Holborn, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Shoreditch, Battersea

 

Browse all other locations by country and then cities and locations within.

 

Frequently asked questions

Can an overseas company rent a serviced office in the UK?
Yes. Operators regularly work with international companies. You’ll usually need company details, identification for the signatory and a deposit. Requirements vary by operator.

How quickly can we move in?
Serviced offices and co-working spaces can often be ready within a few days of signing.

How much does a serviced office cost?
Prices are usually quoted per desk per month and depend on city, location and building quality. [Add indicative ranges for London and regional cities.] Tell us your requirements for current prices.

Can we use the address to register our company?
Many virtual office and serviced office plans include registered office use. Confirm this with the operator before signing.

Can we start small and grow?
Yes. Many companies start with a few desks or a small office and move to larger space in the same building or network as they hire.

 

For more detail, see our Frequently Asked Questions.