How to Find the Right Office Space as a Start-Up Business

So, you’ve successfully launched your start-up business. You’ve hired a few employees, and it’s time to consider moving into a full-time office space. This can be a daunting prospect, but it’s also an exciting one ripe with potential.

Choosing a suitable office space for your start-up business cannot be overstated. There’s a long list of things to consider when on the hunt for the ideal office, particularly when you need the flexibility that life as a start-up requires.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the practical things to weigh up when searching for office space for your startup, such as location, facilities, size and budget, so you can make the right decision for you and your team. 

Why the Right Office Space Matters

Aside from the practical benefits of working in a space that has the necessary amenities, there are also benefits to productivity for you and your team to consider. Company culture is important, and the right location can play a substantial role in establishing how your team works together.

Your start-up’s first office space is important for a few reasons:

• It sets the tone for your employees. An attractive, well-equipped office is a no-brainer from day one.
• A healthy work environment has a measurable, positive impact on employee productivity
• An office in a strong location sends the right message to stakeholders, clients, and potential hires
• The right office acts as a springboard as your business continues to grow

A reliable office provides some semblance of stability to your daily workflow. Even when your work inevitably throws up hurdles to overcome, your office mustn’t be one of them.

Location: The First Decision to Nail

Establishing your team in an appropriate location is one of your chief priorities when office hunting. Making your base in the right location will set the tone for your team, your partners and your clients.

Choose an office in an area that will serve you well with the people close to your business, with good access and close proximity to fundamental services like restaurants and transport hubs. Also consider things like the availability of natural light in the office, as natural light can improve workplace productivity as well.

What Facilities Does Your Office Space for Startups Need? 

Getting together a list of desired amenities for your start-up’s office space is another crucial consideration to make before you begin your search. This will vary from universal considerations – like meeting rooms and recreational space – to facilities that are more ‘nice-to-haves’ or specific to your field, like breakout spaces, standing desks and office equipment exclusive to your industry.

Some common ones to think about are:

• Meeting rooms
• Breakout rooms for employees
• Office layout and flow
• Kitchen equipment and space
• Leisure space
• General office equipment for your team
• Parking

It’s important to balance the essential facilities you offer with additional bonuses that contribute to your workplace culture and employee wellbeing. Flexible working is becoming increasingly expected by employees in the UK, so providing a means of facilitating this will go a long way.

How Much Office Space Does a Start-up Need?

Space is another key consideration. Of course, the size of your desired office will depend on your current headcount and whether you’re planning to continue growing in the near future. As a general rule of thumb, aim for a minimum of 40 sq. ft. per employee so your whole team stays comfortable.

You’ll also want to consider things like meeting room space, which won’t require as much permanent space per employee, but still enough to accommodate your whole team comfortably. 

Private office floors to rent may be an appealing option, but a co-working office space is viable as well, especially for smaller start-ups that need an adaptable arrangement that can change on a monthly basis.

Understand Your Budget and Costs

Defining your office budget is critical for startups, particularly seeing as your income may vary from month to month.

As such, a serviced office space can be a real winner, offering a single-package deal that covers every cost of using the space. Serviced office spaces typically offer this arrangement, which is part of what makes them so popular with start-ups (alongside the opportunity for networking with other businesses in the building).

At Us & Co, we offer rolling monthly flexible office memberships on co-working spaces – the perfect solution for start-ups who require a greater sense of flexibility. With this membership, space can be increased or decreased as needed, giving you an office that moulds to your needs even as your business evolves.

Consider Utilising a Co-Working Space for Unrivalled Convenience

The benefits of a co-working space, alongside the convenient membership package you’ll find with such an arrangement, make it well-worth investigating for start-ups who need office space that grows alongside your business and team.

Start-up life is constantly in flux, so you may find yourself in need of an adaptable work environment that gives you room to grow and takes the hassle out of running an office. If you’re based in London, our serviced spaces could be the perfect solution for you.

A co-working space also typically comes fully furnished. All you’ll need is the personal essentials your workforce uses day-to-day – just turn up, plugin and you’re ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much office space does a startup need per employee? 

As a general rule, allow a minimum of 40 sq. ft. per employee so your team has room to work comfortably. You’ll also want to factor in shared meeting room space, which doesn’t need to scale directly with headcount.

Is coworking or a private office better for a startup?

It depends on your stage of development and need for flexibility. Co-working suits early-stage teams that want to scale space up or down monthly with minimal commitment. A private office floor suits teams that want a permanent, dedicated space and don’t mind a longer commitment.

What’s included in a serviced office space? 

At Us&Co, our serviced offices bundle rent, utilities, internet, cleaning, and reception/facilities management into a single monthly cost, removing the need to manage multiple suppliers or unexpected bills.

How do I choose the right location for a startup office? 

Prioritise proximity to transport links, amenities like restaurants and cafes, and natural light. The right location should work for your team, your clients, and any partners who’ll need to visit regularly.

Find the Perfect Office Space for Your Startup at Us&Co

If a co-working or private office floor arrangement in Stratford, Monument or Borough sounds like your ideal start-up office space, get in touch with us today to book a tour of our office spaces.

With facilities across London, we’re fully equipped to facilitate start-up businesses from a range of industries in the UK.

Whether you’re a team of 4 or 100+, our range of options has something for you. Browse a virtual tour of each of our locations below and give us a call if you’d like to find out more.

London, Stratford – Us & Co Virtual Tour
London, Monument – Us & Co Virtual Tour
*Borough Coming Soon