Getting the Best out of Coworking Spaces for Startups

The UK tech space is an exciting place to be right now. Government stats show Britain has the world's third-biggest tech sector, including over 85,000 startups. If you’ve got a great idea that you’re ready to transform into a vibrant business, there are few more exciting places on earth to do it.

The only snag is that starting a business can quickly get very expensive. Office space overheads are a major consideration. That’s why coworking spaces for startups are such a great innovation. They allow new businesses to start, scale up when things are booming, and cut down if things get tight.

However, this is just the start. Let’s explore how your startup can maximise all the opportunities coworking offices offer.

Why Coworking Spaces for Startups Work

Coworking offices allow you most of the advantages of having your own office. At the same time, you have none of the commitment and hassle involved in leasing and running your own premises. However, the benefits of coworking spaces go far beyond financial considerations.

Convenient premium locations

All major UK cities now boast coworking offices; some have seriously swanky addresses. Mayfair or Canary Wharf, anybody?

Realistically, most startups could only dream of basing themselves in locations in major city centres - until now. They allow your employees to work in exciting places and connect easily with clients. Rather than working from an office in the middle of nowhere, you’ll have a prestigious address to impress your clients.

High-end amenities

Another benefit of a coworking space is that they often provide all the amenities you’d normally expect in a well-established business. This may include:

• Conference rooms
• Breakout spaces for informal meetings
• Office supplies
• Relaxation areas
• Kitchen facilities
• Free coffee

The best-equipped coworking spaces may even provide soundproof booths. These range from phone booth-sized pods for solo working to office meeting pods that can accommodate small teams. These little oases of calm are perfect for concentrated work, crucial conversations, and confidential interactions.

Hassle-free membership charges

Coworking spaces also conveniently bundle all your expenses into a single monthly charge. No need to worry about business rates, internet bills, and paying the cleaners. They will handle all of that for you.

This may sound like a so-what statement, but think about it. You established your startup because you were passionate about your business. We’re pretty sure you didn’t get into it to fulfil a lifelong dream of becoming an office manager or overseeing a cleaning crew. Yet if your startup takes on its own office, that’s exactly what you’ll become.

Coworking offices allow you to focus on what you do best - your chosen field. Let someone else handle all that noise while you build up your business.

Flexibility for workers

A 2022 study found that more than 76% of UK workers surveyed wanted flexible working. This can mean various things, including hybrid working models and fully remote. It can also mean the ability to come into the office outside of the normal 9-5.

For a traditional office, that can be fraught with difficulties. From practical but very important considerations, like security, to the extra cost of utilities, there are many reasons why many businesses would struggle to make this work. This is yet another reason why coworking space is a great solution for startups.

Many coworking spaces operate much longer opening hours than normal offices. Workers can come in early, work late, and work on the weekends. You can play this to your advantage by making flexible working a selling point. This could allow you to recruit the best talent out there. Plus, flexible working means happier, more productive employees.

Maximise the Benefits of Coworking for Startups

The benefits of coworking spaces are many and varied, but we’ve saved the most important for last - networking.

By its very nature, your startup is new. It’s finding its feet. You need all the help, connections, and creativity you can lay your hands on. Coworking offices are the perfect place to build connections that can strengthen your business for years to come. However, you need to learn how to play the game.

Get friendly

It starts the way any relationship does - with some friendly chit-chat. Nothing too heavy. Just focus on breaking the ice and getting acquainted. There’s no need to get down to business right away. You know where they work, and you’re going to see them again. It’s all about making connections.

Give and take

Networking is a two-way street; you’ll get out of it what you put in. Be willing to share information, help them out, and be open to collaboration. This helps both parties feel they’re getting a good deal.

Participate

The people who run coworking spaces understand the value of networking, so don’t be surprised if they give it a helping hand. Participate in networking events that allow you to mingle and exchange ideas with other professionals. You never know when these connections will bear fruit.

Coworking spaces give you a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded people who are on the same track. Encourage your workers to engage with others and look out for potential collaborations that can be mutually beneficial.

Use Coworking Spaces to Your Advantage

Coworking spaces for startups are about way more than simply finding affordable office space. They can open up opportunities to work in places you’d never dreamt of. Plus, you’ll get to network with other creative, dynamic people who could be what your business needs now or in the future.

However, the coworking environment can get busy, hectic, and loud. That’s when you need a quiet space to retreat to. A place of calm and seclusion to gather your thoughts and produce your best work. You need soundproof booths.

At Soundbox Store, we offer six different options, from individual phone box-sized booths to 6 person office meeting pods. Our designs are customisable and offer plug-and-play versatility. For more information about how they can transform your coworking space, call us on 020 4586 3800 or contact us online today!