Just got back from the buzz of the Coworking London Conference by eOffice, where I had the chance to chat with a whopping 70 coworking space operators! 60% of them operate more than five locations with hundreds of members and have been in the business for many years. That's a lot of coworking know-how in one place!
Based on all this amazing insight, I whipped up an infographic to show you what's really going down in the UK's coworking scene. It's a billion-pound playground, and this infographic is your map to the fun!
UK Coworking Market on the Rise
The UK office scene is undergoing a dramatic shift, and coworking spaces are leading the charge! Get this: the market is expected to balloon to USD 1.9 billion by 2029, growing at a steady clip of over 7% each year. What's driving this trend? Flexibility, pure and simple.
Businesses are ditching the rigid, long-term leases of the past and embracing the freedom of coworking spaces. This is not surprising as shared spaces are the ultimate "pay-as-you-go" office solution, perfect for startups, freelancers, or even established companies looking to downsize or add some extra wiggle room.
This newfound love for flexibility isn't just about coworking spaces, though. Even traditional office spaces are feeling the heat. Companies are opting for less desk space per person, focusing instead on creating collaborative areas like breakout zones and meeting rooms.
Landlords are taking notice, too, with many offering pre-fitted spaces and even "package deals" that include things like cleaning and maintenance.
London: The Crown Jewel of Coworking
Thinking of opening a coworking space? Look no further than the dazzling metropolis of London! A recent study, scouring 53 cities worldwide, crowned London the undisputed king of coworking. Here's why:
- Demand Through the Roof: London boasts a sky-high demand for flexible workspaces. Imagine a city overflowing with businesses and individuals hungry for the freedom and convenience coworking offers. The hunger for flexibility is real—in 2022, a whopping 42% of office leases under 10,000 square feet in London were for pre-fitted spaces, compared to just 21% the year before!
- A Plethora of Options: London isn't just a hungry market, it's a diverse one. Smaller tenants are flocking to pre-fitted office spaces, where everything from lighting to flooring is already in place. This saves them the hassle and expense of setting up from scratch. Landlords are even getting in on the action, offering "package deals" that bundle rent with handy extras like cleaning services.
It's a win-win for everyone: businesses get the flexibility and convenience they crave, and landlords attract a wider pool of tenants. This trend towards pre-configured spaces is only expected to grow, making London an even more attractive proposition for coworking space operators, with demand projected to keep rising.
UK Coworking Spaces: Bustling with Activity
The UK coworking scene is experiencing a surge in activity! Here's a breakdown of the key data for you:
- High Occupancy Rates: Occupancy rates across the UK are at an impressive 83%, the highest since pre-pandemic times. This strong demand is expected to continue, especially as companies seek flexible and cost-effective solutions during the economic downturn.
- London Leads the Way: London remains the undisputed king of coworking, boasting the most spaces globally—a whopping 1,400! This translates to a massive pool of potential customers seeking flexible work environments.
- Rising Demand for Premium Spaces: There's a growing market for high-end coworking experiences. Premium desks in London reach £1,170 per month, indicating a willingness among businesses to pay for top-notch facilities.
- Shifting Tenant Needs: The type of tenant-seeking coworking spaces is evolving. Over 60% of desk placements in 2023 catered to teams exceeding 26 people, suggesting a rise in demand from larger corporations.
This data paints a clear picture: UK coworking spaces are thriving. High occupancy rates, a growing market in London, and a shift towards larger tenants all point towards a promising future for the industry.
UK Coworking Challenges
Running a coworking space is exciting, but it also comes with hurdles. Our research pinpoints the two biggest challenges UK operators face:
Challenge #1: Building a Buzzing Community (60%)
A vibrant community is the heart of any successful coworking space. It goes beyond desks and Wi-Fi—it's about creating connections and a sense of belonging. Here's how you can tackle this:
- Become a Matchmaker: Organize networking events, workshops, or social gatherings to help members connect with others in their field or with complementary skills.
- Design for Interaction: Create common areas with comfortable seating and flexible layouts to encourage collaboration and spontaneous conversations.
- Be the Connector: Facilitate introductions between members who might benefit from knowing each other.
Complete Roadmap for Making Great Coworking Space Events + 20 Ideas
Challenge #2: Taming the Tech Beast (40%)
Technology is the backbone of a smooth member experience. Here's how to keep your tech stack running like a dream:
- Invest in User-Friendly Booking: Make it easy for members to reserve desks, meeting rooms, or other resources with a simple and intuitive booking system.
- Prioritize Reliable Internet: High-speed and consistent internet is crucial for today's work styles. Don't skimp on this one!
- Focus on Security: Implement robust security measures to protect member data and ensure peace of mind.
Generate recurring revenue and offer exceptional customer experience at your shared or coworking space
Tech-Savvy Coworking Spaces
The future of coworking spaces is tech-driven! Our research shows a whopping 80% of operators are using tools to manage their spaces. But what exactly are they using?
Coworking Software Takes the Lead (60%)
The majority of operators (60%) rely on coworking software, which is like a magic all-in-one tool for your space. These platforms can help you with everything from member management and desk bookings to billing and access control. Think of it as the central nervous system of your coworking operation!
Beyond the Basics (40%)
While coworking software is a must-have, 40% of operators are exploring additional tools. These could include anything from communication platforms to foster community to access control systems for added security.
The key takeaway? Embrace technology! Investing in the right tools can streamline your operations, enhance the member experience, and ultimately contribute to the success of your coworking space.
Best Apps for Coworking Space Managers: Our Top 2024 Picks
Perks that Make Coworking Spaces Pop
Perks are a fantastic way to attract and retain members in the competitive world of coworking spaces. Here's what our research revealed about the most popular perks:
The Social Hub (60%)
The clear winner is weekly social events! With 60% of operators valuing this perk, it highlights the importance of fostering a sense of community. Think happy hours, networking events, or even game nights—anything that brings your members together and creates a fun and collaborative atmosphere.
Keeping the Energy Up (20% each)
While social events are king, there's a tie for second place! Both coffee & snacks (20%) and fitness classes (20%) emerged as popular perks. Offering free coffee and healthy snacks keeps members fueled throughout the day, while fitness classes can be a great way to promote well-being and encourage interaction.
Remember, these are just a few ideas! The best perks for your space will depend on your target audience and their needs. Consider conducting surveys or hosting focus groups to understand what would truly make your space stand out.
Coworking Space Benefits Management: Add More Value to Workspace Membership
UK Coworking Operators: Keeping Calm and Carrying On
One interesting takeaway from the research is the stress levels of UK coworking space operators. While every job has its pressures, the data suggests a generally positive outlook:
- Mostly Low Stress: A healthy 60% of respondents reported experiencing low stress (level 1). This indicates that many operators find their work manageable and fulfilling.
- Balanced Perspective: Another 20% reported moderate stress (level 2). This suggests there are challenges to navigate, but they're likely within a manageable range.
- Focus on Solutions: The remaining 20% experienced higher stress (level 3). This highlights the importance of support systems and strategies for managing pressure. The good news? Nobody reported feeling extremely stressed (levels 4 or 5).
Overall, the data suggests that UK coworking space operators are resilient! The majority experience low stress, and even those facing higher levels are coping effectively. This is a positive sign for the industry, indicating engaged and motivated entrepreneurs.
A Day in the Life of a Coworking Space Operator: You Wear Many Hats!
Running a coworking space is a dynamic and demanding role, and there's no single way to describe it. To capture the essence of this exciting career, we reached out to experienced operators and asked them a simple question: "Running a coworking space sometimes feels like..."
The answers we received were as diverse and engaging as the coworking spaces themselves! Here are some of the creative responses that perfectly illustrate the multifaceted nature of this job:
- Running your own home (but cooler!): Keeping the space clean, ensuring everyone has what they need, and witnessing the creative energy buzzing around you—it's like managing a thriving household, but with a whole lot more inspiration!
- Luckiest fellow on earth: Being surrounded by passionate entrepreneurs and witnessing their dreams take flight is truly inspiring. You get a front-row seat to innovation and success stories!
- Headmaster running a school: Maintaining order, resolving minor disputes (hopefully without detention!), and fostering a sense of community—yep, there's a leadership element to this gig, but with a focus on collaboration and connection.
- Part-time barista, part-time event planner, and full-time cheerleader: Multitasking is key! One moment you're crafting a perfect latte, the next, you're planning a networking event, and then you're cheering on a member who just landed a major deal. It's all part of creating a stimulating and supportive environment.
- Herding independent cats: Independent entrepreneurs can be like independent cats—fiercely independent but with a desire for occasional connection. The key is to gently guide them toward collaboration and connection while respecting their freedom.
- Concierge for creativity: Your space is a hub for creative ideas, and you're the facilitator! Connecting members, providing inspiration, and simply supporting their creative endeavors is an incredibly rewarding part of the job.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it! Our exploration of the UK coworking scene reveals a dynamic and exciting market. Here's a quick recap:
- High Occupancy Rates: The good news is, desks are filling up fast! This strong demand points towards a promising future for the industry.
- London Leads the Way: The coworking capital of the world boasts the most spaces, offering a vast pool of potential members.
- Community & Tech Focus: Building a vibrant community and investing in reliable technology are key ingredients for success.
- Challenges & Rewards: Running a coworking space comes with both hurdles and immense satisfaction.
Want to delve deeper? Our infographics provide a treasure trove of data on the coworking scene all over the globe:
- Coworking in Germany: Unveiled! A Look at the Industry Through Data & Infographics
- Coworking Spain: Operator Insights in One Infographic
- US Coworking Industry: Key Facts You Need to Know (Infographic)
Ready to take your coworking space to the next level? Book a free demo call with a Spacebring product expert and discover how our innovative tool can streamline your operations and help you build a thriving community. Let's work together to make your coworking space a magnet for success!
