London has more startup businesses than any other location in the country. In 2021, the startup rate in the capital was 92.8 per 10,000 people, and with a population of nearly 9 million, that’s a lot of new businesses.
London is a diverse and dynamic city with a plethora of office spaces available for fledgling companies, each offering different advantages and facilities, so how do you know which one to choose for your startup?
Here at Argyll, we have over 25 years of experience operating exceptional startup office spaces in London’s most desirable locations, from Mayfair to Kensington. Here’s our comprehensive guide to help you choose the right startup office in London for your business.
What is a startup office and does your business need one?
A startup office is a flexible workspace designed with new business ventures specifically in mind. Typically, they offer short-term leases, ideal for companies who aim to grow quickly. Startup offices can range from simple desk spaces in coworking environments to fully serviced office solutions.
Deciding whether your business needs a startup office, and what type of space is right for you, depends on the size of your company, how many are in your team, and your budget. Perhaps you’ve been working from home in the early stages of set-up, but as you progress and expand your team, a startup office could give you the space and support your business needs to flourish.
Benefits of a startup office in London
It’s no wonder so many new businesses choose the capital – having a startup office in London has clear benefits. With such a large population, there’s a diverse workforce at your disposal with wide-ranging skills. What’s more, the infrastructure in London is ideal for new businesses. Travel is convenient, clients and suppliers are nearby, and accessing overseas markets is easier. There’s also a range of office spaces available to suit fledgling businesses of any size or industry. By choosing London as the location for your startup office, you’ll work alongside some of the country’s top businesses. It’s the ideal place to find inspiration and collaboration, and to galvanise your brand strategy.
Different types of startup offices in London
Coworking offices
In a coworking office, you share a workspace with kindred professionals and startups from varied backgrounds and industries. Coworking offices are available in diverse forms, from single hot desks to whole offices with meeting rooms and video conferencing areas, and they’re ideal for startups as they provide flexibility. You only rent the space you need at any given time, and you’re not tied to a costly long-term lease. When you need to grow, you simply rent more space, and if you need to cut back to save costs, you can do so too. In coworking spaces, all office costs are included in one set fee, such as utilities and office consumables, which can reduce financial burdens and make outgoings easier to manage. At Argyll, our coworking offices are sophisticated and highly functional. We have shared workspaces, hot desks and exceptional lounges available across a choice of London locations, as often as you need, for a single monthly fee.
Private office spaces
If you’re looking for a more exclusive space for your startup, a private office may be your optimum choice. Private offices provide an unbranded space you can treat as your own, without the commitment and stress. Whether you’re a small or large team, there are private office spaces available with a variety of facilities to suit. At Argyll, for example, our stylish private offices have seamless business support with separate meeting rooms, video conferencing and event spaces.
Virtual offices
A virtual office offers startup businesses a mailing address and support services like telephone answering without needing to rent a physical office. Virtual offices are a great option if you’re in the very early stage of set-up, focusing on building your brand and establishing a market presence while keeping costs as low as possible. They function particularly well if you’re working abroad or from home. When choosing a virtual office in London, the address is crucial – select a location that supports the image you want to convey for your brand. At Argyll, we have properties at some of London’s most prestigious addresses, which create a powerful and lasting first impression.
Serviced offices
A serviced office is a workspace where all the facilities and services are managed by a specialist provider, such as us, here at Argyll. Serviced offices are more than just a space to work – they include reception areas, IT support, call handling, cleaning, utilities, and even fully stocked kitchens. As a startup, a serviced office is hassle-free with transparent costs and flexibility when you need it. At Argyll, our serviced offices are complete solutions for startups. We have high-quality spaces with professional reception services and leading technology with IT support, all included in one monthly fee.
How to choose the right startup office in London
With around 284 million square feet of office space available across the capital, how do you choose the right one for your startup business?
Budget
Budget is one of the most significant considerations when choosing a startup office. The cost of space varies massively across London, depending on the size, location and facilities available. Decide what your business can afford to spend and direct your search accordingly. Bear in mind that the cheapest option may not always support your business as needed or project the image you desire.
Space requirements
You also need to think about how much space you need and how you will use it. As well as desk space for your core team, consider if clients, suppliers or freelancers might visit and how quickly you plan to grow. Do you need meeting rooms, a lounge or space for events? Every startup is different. In some cases, a coworking space may suffice, for others, a fully serviced office may meet your needs better.
Location
When choosing a startup office in London, the location is fundamental. On a practical level, you need an office space which is easily accessible, for both employees and clients. The office needs to be close to public transport links such as the Tube, and if you’re working with clients or suppliers from abroad, evaluate how convenient the location is for accessing London’s airports. For startups, you also need to decide if and how the location supports your brand image and if the style of the property is complementary to yours. Here at Argyll, we have startup offices in distinctive properties across some of London’s finest neighbourhoods, from an art-deco statement building in Chelsea to iconic modern offices in Bishopsgate.
Flexibility
For startups, finding a flexible office space is important to give your business the agility to grow. Does your startup office tie you into a long-term lease, or does it give you space to expand? Flexible startup offices like we offer at Argyl allow you to upscale when needed, and dial back when you don’t, supporting your business through key development stages. Also, ascertain whether a startup office has different types of spaces within a single property, so your workspace can evolve with your business, growing from a simple desk space to a full exclusive office as needed. Versatility is important too, could you use the space for desk work, meetings, project reviews, and even events when required?
Amenities
Think about the technology needs of your startup business, does the office space provide dedicated bandwidth and high-speed Wi-Fi as we do here at Argyll? Would IT support be useful for you? Consider whether you need meeting rooms, video call facilities, and additional day-to-day essentials like a well-appointed, fully stocked kitchen. Reflect on the quality of the amenities and decide whether this is a good fit for your brand and business. Also, don’t forget to weigh up what makes a difference to you and your team on a personal level. At Argyll, our startup office spaces add value with bike parking, relaxed outdoor spaces and dog-friendly offices.
Network opportunities
Connections are key for startup businesses, particularly in a bustling commercial hub like London. What opportunities does the office space present in terms of networking? Evaluate the brands you would work alongside in the startup office, and decide whether this presents favourable circumstances for collaboration, learning and inspiration. Some startup offices such as Argyll foster a sense of community among the businesses they host and organise specialist networking events to promote meaningful connections.
Find the best London startup office with Argyll
There are various considerations to make when choosing a startup office in London, and with 25 distinctive properties across the capital, whether you need a hot desk or a fully serviced office suite, there’s an option for every business with Argyll.
Where are Argyll’s startup offices in London?
We have a wide range of startup offices across London, all are exquisitely designed, highly functional and well-connected within London and beyond. Choose from a range of iconic properties with prestigious locations, from the sophistication of Mayfair and Marylebone to the charm of Cornhill in the City of London and the elegance of Chelsea.
What makes Argyll’s offices ideal for startups?
Our office spaces are perfect for startup businesses in London. With flexible options, versatile spaces and multiple locations, we have office spaces to meet your every need, today and as you grow. What’s more, it’s all covered in one transparent monthly fee, making it easier to manage your business finances.
