London leads the global coworking revolution
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London is in the midst of a coworking boom with new data revealing that the UK capital has seen more new coworking space openings than any other city in the world this year.
According to latest data from CoworkingResources, 48 new workspaces have opened in London since the beginning of 2019, more than New York (32) and Berlin (17).
The rise of coworking spaces is a global phenomenon, with 1,688 spaces estimated to open worldwide in 2019 alone.
New York and London continue to dominate the worldwide market, accounting for 22% of global coworking stock between them and taking the top spots for the most coworking spaces in the world.
Some of the biggest and most innovative coworking brands have chosen London with an average of five spaces opening every month.
London is also at the forefront of some of the global coworking markets biggest trends, with a number of unique spaces choosing the UK capital as a place to try out new ideas and concepts.
The wellbeing of members is high on the list of priorities for coworking space providers, with a number of companies making it their USP.
There has been a recent shift amongst larger more established corporates such as HSBC and Grant Thornton who have taken out office space in flexible workspaces, in addition to their traditional offices. Tech giants have also looked to establish their own incubator spaces offering in-house office space and mentoring. These include Facebook’s first ever accelerator, LDN_LAB, and Google Campus, which offers a range of workspaces for its 22,000 members.
This significant growth in London’s coworking stock also contributes to forecast predictions that flexible workspace will account for at least 5.5% of total office stock in Central London by the end of 2019, three years ahead of previous forecasts.
Laura Citron, CEO at London & Partners said: “We are seeing a global trend towards coworking spaces because they provide the flexibility, networking opportunities and sense of community that entrepreneurs crave. London is at the forefront of the coworking revolution because we are home to world class talent, a thriving start-up community and a strong culture of collaboration and innovation.
“London’s vast range of coworking spaces are home to companies from all over the world and are an important part of the city’s fast-growing, diverse business ecosystem.”
Sharon Fulton, Director at Clean Prose added: “With its booming co-working culture, London is the perfect city to host a unique environment for writers.
“It has a vibrant community of writers from the literary, publishing, television, film, theatre, digital, and journalism industries, which makes London a natural fit for a co-working space focused on the needs of professional writers seeking a support network and a friendly environment.”
Some of London’s recent openings and quirkiest coworking spaces include:
The Wing, Fitzrovia
The Wing opened their highly anticipated London community space last week, marking their first expansion outside of the US. Quickly becoming one of the world’s most influential female networks, their newest location features unique London amenities such as a full-service tea parlour, fitness rooms with Peloton bikes, a rooftop terrace and a portrait gallery featuring commissioned works of acclaimed British women.
The AllBright, Rathbone and Mayfair
London’s first women-only member’s club The AllBright opened its second London location this year, followed by its first club Stateside. Members benefit from access to networking events, in-house career coaching and acceptance on the AllBright Academy programme which aims to equip women with the skills and tools to achieve their career ambitions.
Fora, Soho
Fora added to their seven existing spaces with the opening of their latest workspace in London’s Soho this year. Their spaces aim to disrupt coworking by emphasising flexibility and productivity. Members are on a rolling 30-day contract, can use the Fora app to book meeting rooms and discover events, and even have access to the Fora podcast recording studio.
Clean Prose, Old Street
London’s first coworking space exclusively for writers has recently emerged onto the scene, aiming to provide a peaceful environment to work as well as a network for professional wordsmiths. The three-floor space in Old Street features one floor specifically for workshops and writing-focused events, another for eating and networking and a further soundproofed space to write and concentrate. Even the coffee grinder is soundproofed so as not to disrupt the writers’ flow!
The Ministry, Southwark
Southwark-based coworking space, The Ministry, attracts London’s brightest music professionals with its four floors of office space, soundproofed recording studio, 70-foot bar and yoga classes. There is even a tequila bar in the ladies bathrooms. Launched by celebrated brand Ministry of Sound, the workplace emphasises the importance of excellence in sound, with DJ Tom Middleton crafting psychoacoustics designed for productivity, relaxation and wellness.
Google Campus, Old Street
In the heart of London’s thriving East London tech community, Google Campus opened in 2012 during London’s Tech City boom. Its 22,000 members (from more than 60 countries) can benefit from a range of networking events, expert speakers and mentoring from Google staff. Its Old Street location also houses four shared workspaces, including TechHub, Central Working, Seedcamp and Tech Stars London.
Uncommon, Borough Market
Next-door to London’s famous Borough food market, the Uncommon workspace places a big emphasis on health and wellbeing. Members can take advantage of its drop-in meditation studio with meditation pods designed by Inhere, yoga classes and an in-house nutritionist. The workspace also hosts special cocktails nights on its rooftop space with amazing views over the city.
Makerversity, Somerset House
With an emphasis on practical and creative work, Makerversity offers studio space to the likes of designers, inventors, craftsmen and engineers. Based in London’s iconic Somerset House, the workspace provides members with access to a range of innovative tools including a laser cutter, 3D printers, and an industrial sewing machine to bring their ideas to life.
Huckletree, Various London locations
With 5 locations across London, including a space in MI6’s former London headquarters, Huckletree prides itself on bold and bright aesthetics for its workspaces. Members can benefit from some quirky perks including hip hop yoga classes, babysitter bookings and play rooms.
The Food Exchange, Battersea
With 40,000 square foot of workspace, The Food Exchange at the New Covent Garden Market is a first-of-its-kind co-working space for food entrepreneurs.
Based at the new Nine Elms development, it has three floors, housing the UK’s largest shared kitchen, alongside private studios and a rooftop terrace with space for more than 130 food businesses to work and innovate.