Finding the Right Office Space in London

How do I find the right office space in London?

Your company is planning to move office, and you’ve been tasked with finding the right space. Where do you start? A structured checklist can help you evaluate each space based on key criteria such as location, size of the space, local amenities, proximity to public transport, and the condition of the building. Ranking each space will allow you to compare them effectively and weigh the pros and cons.

Once you’ve shortlisted potential spaces, you want to schedule viewings to assess the layout and overall ambiance the spaces in your shortlist. A design and build team can accompany you on site visits to ensure that spaces you select are best suited to your requirements. This will help determine how well each space suits your company’s needs and its potential impact on team productivity and morale. Site visits also give you the chance to spot any potential issues with the space such as dated air conditioning, or inadequate natural light, while allowing the design team to offer tailored recommendations to enhance the space’s functionality and your company’s overall experience.

In the sections that follow we discuss some of the most critical aspects of choosing an office space with key questions to help guide your decision, ensuring that your chosen office space is not only practical and aesthetically pleasing, but also strategically positioned for success.

Location

Deciding where your new office will be located is probably the single biggest decision to make, and one of the first to consider as it has a major impact on several factors.

Tip: Ensuring that you pick the right location for your new office is critical as it can have an impact on attracting and retaining the very best talent. Selecting a location where people want to work is something worth considering.

Are there Local Transport Links?

Across Britain 68% travel to work by car, but less than half of that (around 27%) use cars to commute if they live in London. This makes being near strong local transport links a crucial consideration when selecting an office space in London.

Offices located near major stations such as King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, or Canary Wharf are in higher demand because they offer easy access for both employees and clients. While these offices might come with higher rental costs, the convenience they provide oftentimes justifies the expense.

Not only does having an office near good transport links can dramatically improve your team’s commuting experience, reduce travel time, it also allowing employees to spend more time at home and less time on the road, which in turn improves their work-life balance. This ease of access can lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity, as less time spent commuting means less stress and fatigue. Additionally, businesses with easy access to public transport tend to attract a larger pool of job applicants, as candidates are more willing to consider roles that involve straightforward and efficient commuting routes.

Where is Talent Congregated in London?

London’s diverse economy attracts talent across a variety of industries, with different areas of the city serving as hubs for specific sectors. The City of London, for example, is renowned for its concentration of finance, legal services, and insurance, making it a magnet for professionals in banking and law. Canary Wharf, once primarily a financial district, has expanded into a tech hub, attracting a mix of financial and technology firms. Similarly, Shoreditch has become the epicentre for FinTech and start-ups, drawing a younger, entrepreneurial crowd skilled in digital and financial technology.

Other areas of London cater to creative and media professionals. Whitechapel has emerged as a hub for gaming and media talent, attracting graphic designers, software developers, and media professionals. Soho, known for its long-standing association with the arts and entertainment industries, continues to draw talent from film, television, and advertising, while Farringdon and Clerkenwell are vibrant centres for design agencies and tech developers, providing a collaborative environment for creative professionals.

King’s Cross and Euston, in contrast, are currently a magnet for tech, health, and science industries. The presence of the Francis Crick Institute and Google’s headquarters has made King’s Cross a destination for scientific researchers and tech professionals, positions the area as a key hub for healthcare and technology firms looking to attract top-tier talent in these fields. The proximity to Kings Cross an St Pancreas Stations also makes the area a gateway to Europe and national destinations, allowing a wide pool of talent.

Is it the Right Building?

It’s crucial to ensure that the building itself is in good condition and fits your company’s needs, both now and in the future. Beyond primary considerations like structural integrity, you should also investigate whether any planned major renovations or works could disrupt operations. This will help you avoid any unforeseen challenges that could arise after moving in.

The building should not only meet practical requirements, such as compliance with current building regulations and energy efficiency standards, but also offer a comfortable environment for your team. Features like disabled access, bike storage, and a clean, well-maintained exterior are all factors that contribute to the day-to-day satisfaction of your staff and can influence overall productivity.

We’ve listed some questions below to help you evaluate each potential space and ensure that it meets all the necessary criteria, from its condition and compliance to the landlord relationship.

Tip: Remember that your workplace should reflect your brand so ensure that your chosen building is somewhere you are proud and happy to bring clients to. An ugly building or a building in a rundown area can leave lasting impressions.

How Much Office Space Do We Need?

Once you have determined the location and you’re happy with the building, it is time to review the space that may become your new office.

Your new office space should comfortably fit all of your staff, accommodate anticipated growth and provide your staff with a work environment that allows them to reach their full potential.

Tip: An office design and build partner can work with you and the landlord to assess the office space and also the condition of its mechanical, electrical and IT systems. They can also provide a test fit to ensure all of your staff (including future team members) can fit comfortably into the space.

Does the Office Space Match the Budget?

Agreeing on a budget for your office move (and sticking to it), is crucial to ensure you get the office space that you and your staff deserve.

To consider

• Negotiate a rent free period and/or a service charge holiday with your new landlord
• Meet with office design and build companies so they can provide cost proposals
• Ensure you can easily get a Licence to Alter the space from your Landlord (Your design and build company can help with this)

Once you have found the right office space, it is crucial that you select an office design and build company that you trust, who can work to your budget and who share your vision for the new workplace.

They should also be able to help and assist you every step of the way, providing test fits, dealing with the local authorities and landlords to get the necessary permissions, helping you to select the right office furniture and ensuring your move is as stress free as possible.

Selecting an Office Design and Build Partner

Now that you have selected a location and are busy finalising terms for your new space, it is time to select an office design and build partner who can help you create an amazing new workplace.

There are a lot of companies who can help and while you may receive numerous calls and emails from contractors, we would recommend conducting your own research online and getting recommendations before making a shortlist. We’ve also created a short list of questions to ask your shortlisted firms.