Flexible workplaces and serviced offices in London are in extremely high demand, leading to a shortage of suitable spaces in areas like Brixton.
The Lambeth Local Plan 2020-2035, which was adopted in September 2021, notes the lack of suitable provision in the area, compared with other parts of the city.
It says: “The Brixton Economic Action Plan 2017 identifies an under-supply of workspace compared to similar town centres in London and that this is affecting Brixton’s ability to facilitate growth, diversify its economy and realise its full potential as a hub for innovation and experimentation.”
This leaves small and growing businesses in Brixton facing a lack of suitable space for expansion – so what is the solution?
The future of serviced offices in London
Serviced offices in London meet the needs of SMEs including new start-ups and rapid-growth businesses, but as the Lambeth Local Plan notes, some areas are currently not well served.
The document adds that the 2017 Creative and Digital Industries Study “recommends the development of medium-sized managed and serviced offices, flexible incubator, accelerator and co-working spaces, creative studios, workshops and maker spaces, suitable for small and medium businesses”.
Policy ED1 in the Lambeth Local Plan sets out expectations for new office developments in the area. It calls for flexible workspace to be a consideration in all new office developments over 2,000 square metres, to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
“This can include a variety of types of space including serviced offices and co-working space,” it adds.
The present state of serviced offices in London
As we have reported in recent months, serviced offices in London represent a rapidly growing proportion of the capital’s total office space, as more and more SMEs embrace the flexible terms and convenience of moving into serviced office space.
The Serviced Office Company is proud to provide high-standard offices for immediate occupation, with our London serviced offices located at Davenport House near Canary Wharf, and our recently opened Millharbour Court Business Centre in the Millennium Quarter.
We have meeting rooms for hire on-site, giving more occupants access to the office space they need, with the flexibility to book a meeting room only when you need one – a cost-efficient and space-efficient way to make the best use of our premises.
Alternatives to London serviced offices
We want to serve new and growing businesses no matter where they may be based, which is why we also offer virtual offices in London – contact details at our serviced office premises, without the need to occupy physical space on-site.
This gives you professional contact details, but allows you to base your business remotely or at home, either until you are established enough to need physical premises, or indefinitely if you prefer to work virtually over the long term.
We also provide serviced offices in Manchester, at Imperial Court on Exchange Quay (M5 postcode), and Clippers House on Clippers Quay which has the M50 MediaCity postcode.
And finally, our newly refurbished Serviced Office Company Telford development provides 52,000 square feet of contemporary serviced offices in Telford, giving businesses a new base for a presence in the West Midlands.