The Best Commuter Cities in the UK

Posted on April 10, 2025

A view of the Manchester city skyline at sunrise, one of the best cities in the UK for commuters. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

Many UK professionals are now seeking the perfect balance between the vibrant city life that supports career growth and the tranquility of living in a quieter environment, often found in the best commuter towns. Although central London and its nearby commuter towns have long been the choice of many workers due to their excellent transport links and all the perks of big city life, other major UK cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol are emerging as key business hubs. These cities attract a large number of young professionals relocating away from London, drawn by more affordable house prices and lower average property prices.

If this resonates with you, you’ll want to explore why the following cities and their surrounding towns offer some of the UK’s most appealing options for commuters.

Key Criteria for Choosing a Commuter City

  1. Affordability: Evaluating the cost of living, including the average house price and property prices in general, is a key factor influencing the decision to relocate. In many of the best commuter towns, house prices are significantly lower than in central urban areas, making them ideal for those balancing budgets and lifestyle.
  2. Travel Times & Transport Links: Frequent and reliable services from local train stations, including direct trains to major business districts inside and outside the city, help minimise commuting stress and enhance work-life balance.
  3. Lifestyle: Access to green spaces, cultural events, and amenities like independent shops and shopping centres can make life outside work more enjoyable. A bustling town centre with diverse offerings, alongside excellent local schools, is a priority for families considering moving to these areas.
  4. Flexible Office Space: The presence of serviced offices, coworking hubs, and business centres offers flexibility, allowing professionals to tailor their work style while enjoying proximity to urban amenities and the green spaces lacking in larger urban centres.

With these criteria in mind, let’s dive into the list of the UK’s best commuter cities and their nearby towns for the daily commuter.

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Romance at the Office: The Top 7 Major Cities in the UK to Find Love at Work!

Posted on February 10, 2025

A businessperson with short black hair and wearing a short-sleeved white collared shirt is standing behind their female colleague and putting their arms around her as she sits at her desk with her laptop and mug of coffee on the desk in front of her. She is cradling her colleague’s head in her hand as they lean over her, and she is smiling affectionately. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

You never know when Cupid is going to strike, but according to researchers, if you live in the primary urban areas of the UK’s north, chances are you may get lovestruck at work. Whilst office romances are typically frowned upon, research shows that Britons in certain cities are more open to the idea of coworkers coupling up. Let’s take a look at the top 7 cities in the UK where workplace romance is most common.

Office romance in the UK: What do surveys say?

Britons are generally open to the idea of office romance, with 44.6% saying it’s something acceptable. Yet, nearly 80% admitted colleagues dating can cause some problems.

Data from other surveys gives more details into this hot topic:

– 66% of UK workers have had a relationship with a colleague.

– 22% had a romantic relationship with their boss.

– By age group, employees aged 18-24 were the most likely to fancy other colleagues.

– By industry, employees in recruitment, transport, and logistics were the most likely to have an office romance.

– Maybe office romance is not meant to last, since only 28% of employees said they were still in a relationship with a co-worker.

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The Top 10 Best Startup Cities in the UK

Posted on January 13, 2025

A woman in a bright green knitwear top is sitting at a desk with her laptop in front of her. Her startup colleagues, a man and a woman wearing black tops, sit on either side of her smiling, and another of their male colleagues stands behind them, resting his hands on the backs of their chairs. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

Regardless of how good a business idea might be, starting a new business is always a challenge. Of all the different factors that contribute to the success of a new venture, choosing the right location can make all the difference, so it pays off to research what each place offers. Let’s do that by taking a look at the UK’s top ten cities for business start-ups.

1. London

There are many good reasons to start a business in the UK’s capital city, such as access to a large and diverse talent pool and a catchment population of more than 9 million people.

The city’s highly entrepreneurial spirit and resilient economy are reflected in the fact that London is home to more than 1 million private businesses, the highest number of startups founded in all UK regions. Moreover, 75% of London residents say they would like to start their own business.

Access to capital and potential investors is a key reason why London is considered a global startup hub. The city gets more than 70% of all the country’s VC investment, and there are many incubators and accelerators that suit the needs of a growth-oriented startup community. As a result, in a 2024 report, London ranked 5th in the year’s ranking of the best cities for startups.

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The Most Trustworthy Accent According to Customer Service Reviews: UK

Posted on December 16, 2024

Two customers, a young woman and a young man, are smiling broadly in conversation with a shop worker who is processing their transaction at the checkout. The woman is wearing a grey hijab and grey denim jacket, and the man is wearing a bright blue beanie and light denim jacket over a white hoodie. A few of their items are still on the checkout conveyor, yet to be scanned, like a pineapple and bottle of cooking oil, and full shelves of dry goods are visible in the background. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

Personalised customer service experience is the most important thing for British consumers. The question is, does personalisation include catering to a customer’s preferred accent?

When it comes to customer service, certain UK accents are often seen as more trustworthy than others, which will invariably extend to trust placed in the business. Positive experiences lead to happy customers; negative ones lead to lost sales.

This phenomenon of accent preference isn’t just based on stereotypes but is backed by surveys that highlight the power of dialects in shaping interactions. Let’s have a look at the most trustworthy UK accents, diving into what makes each of them so endearing in customer service.

Why accents matter in customer service

There’s plenty of research showing that foreign accents impact people’s perception in customer service interactions, as people associate the speaker’s accent with the brand’s voice.

The same can be said about UK accents. Trustworthy accents not only make communication more effective, they can also build better rapport with customers and encourage brand loyalty. In other words, having the right mix of accents in customer service teams can improve customer satisfaction and enhance company reputation.

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Office Secret Santa Etiquette – The dos and don’ts for a harmonious workplace gift exchange

Posted on December 2, 2024

Two women colleagues wearing Christmas jumpers and red and white Santa hats are sitting on a fluffy white rug next to a white-dusted Christmas tree with silver baubles, exchanging gifts and smiling. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

Ah, the office Secret Santa—a time-honoured workplace tradition where mystery meets merriment and (hopefully) good taste. Done right, gift exchange games like these can definitely brighten the office vibe. But done poorly, it can create more awkwardness at the work Christmas party than an over-shared email chain. 

For this blog post, we polled 50+ office workers, managers, and HR staff about their particular company’s Secret Santa ideas as well as their dos and don’ts. To ensure your office holiday gift exchange stays on the cheerful side, here are the golden rules of this tradition. 

Secret Santa etiquette dos: What do UK office managers and staff say?

Do: Give enough time 

Nobody enjoys the idea of running up and down a crowded high street in the middle of a Secret Santa rush. Especially at the time of year when the shops are already packed and the weather is less than accommodating. Most of the workplaces who responded to our survey said they give staff 2+ weeks to prepare. Considering that everyone is busy during the festive season, a week’s notice should be the absolute bare minimum.

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The Friendliest Cities in the UK

Posted on October 11, 2024

Three laughing women share a long blanket around their shoulders while standing on the street. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

Although the UK might not be known for its outstanding weather, the friendliness of some British cities can certainly make up for the lack of sunshine. Friendly cities have a welcoming atmosphere and people who live and work in them generally enjoy a better quality of life. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 friendliest cities in the UK, explaining why these locations could be ideal for your next office space. 

The UK’s top 10 friendliest cities

1. Blackpool

According to a survey by London North Eastern Railway, Blackpool tops the 2024 list to come out as the UK’s friendliest city with a score of nearly 80 over 100.

This Lancashire city is a renowned tourist destination, so local businesses have a long tradition of offering hospitality to visitors and newcomers. When discussing other things that make it a friendly city, residents report high levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

Blackpool’s friendly spirit extends to the city’s business scene, which offers support for those with a business idea to make it work.

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15 of the Best Business Parks in the UK

Posted on July 26, 2024

An overhead drone view across the length of the Bristol and Bath Science Park business and technology park at dawn. The sun is peeking up over the low hills on the horizon in the distance. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

The Full List: 15 of the Best Business Parks UK-Wide

1. Birmingham Business Park

Birmingham Business Park Address
Solihull Parkway, Birmingham
B37 7YN, United Kingdom

Conveniently situated just over 2 miles from Junction 6 of the M42, Birmingham Business Park is the most desirable office park location in the Midlands. 

There are over 2.4 million square feet of office space available at the park, which is situated in 148 acres of established parkland. More than 150 businesses now call this thriving business park home and employ around 10,000 employees.

Office units feature open-plan floor plates and are refurbished to a high standard, with new LED lighting, suspended ceilings, VRF comfort cooling, raised access floors, and dedicated car parking.

Where is Birmingham Business Park?

Birmingham Business Park is located 2.3 miles from Junction 6 of the M42 and Junction 4 of the M6. Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International train station can be reached in approximately 7 minutes, making it one of the most accessible business parks in the entire United Kingdom.

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The Impact of Remote Work on London Office Rental

Posted on June 6, 2024

A woman wearing jeans, trainers, and a green t-shirt sitting on a picnic blanket, working on her laptop in a park. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

The generalised adoption of remote work has significantly reshaped the landscape of the office real estate market worldwide. London, as a global business hub, has also experienced significant shifts in office space demand and in its rental dynamics due to the rise of remote and hybrid work. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of remote work on London office rentals, analysing key trends, challenges, and opportunities for office-based companies.

Remote Work in London: Key Facts and Figures

Next, let’s look at how the figures above translate into office real estate trends within the city.

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Navigating the Office Rental Maze: Exactly How Much to Rent Office Space in the UK?

Posted on May 21, 2024

A man in a striped cardigan gazes contemplatively at a wall covered in plans. Image at PrimeOfficeSpace.co.uk.

In today’s dynamic business environment, having a dedicated office space can be a crucial factor that dictates the operational success and image of a company. With an increase in demand for office spaces across the UK, particularly in major hubs like London, understanding the true costs associated with renting is essential for any business, big or small.

When considering the expansion or relocation of a business, or even starting a new one, office space renting inevitably comes into play. While it might seem straightforward, with a monthly rent figure typically at the forefront most people’s considerations, there are numerous unexpected, even hidden costs, that need to be taken into account. These range from direct expenses, such as utility bills and service charges, to other more subtle costs like furniture, technology setup, and even potential renovation expenses.

It’s important for businesses to comprehend the full spectrum of expenses that come with renting UK office space. An informed decision, based on a clear understanding of these costs, can not only save significant amounts of money in the long run but also ensure that the chosen space aligns perfectly with the company’s needs and budget.

In this article, we will look into the various factors that contribute to the overall cost of renting UK office space. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make strategic decisions about your next office move or startup location.

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What is Hot-Desking? Discovering the Future of Workspace Flexibility in the UK

Posted on September 26, 2023

hot desking in the UK

In the modern age of flexible working conditions and digital nomadism, the way we view traditional office spaces is changing. Amongst the numerous innovations arising from this shift, one concept stands out in particular: hot-desking. Increasingly embraced by organisations throughout the United Kingdom, hot-desking represents a dynamic and efficient approach to office management and organisation that not only redefines our understanding of the workspace but also presents a compelling range of benefits for both employees and employers alike.

Hot-desking involves employees sharing communal desks and workspaces instead of having assigned personal desks. This practice capitalises on the realities of contemporary work schedules, where not all employees are present in the office simultaneously. Thus, hot-desking ensures that office space is used more effectively, reducing unnecessary overheads while encouraging a fluid, flexible, and collaborative workspace.

As hot-desking continues to gain momentum in the UK, businesses are seeking reliable avenues to find appropriate spaces to implement this strategy. This is where Prime Office Space steps into the picture. As a leading office brokerage service in the UK, Prime Office Space provides an unparalleled database of available office spaces – one that includes numerous options perfectly suited for hot-desking. With expert consultants at your service, we can assist you in finding the ideal space that meets your organisation’s specific hot-desking requirements.

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