UK Commercial Property News | Prime Office Space

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.

Tagged Quality of Life, Top Cities to Work in UK, uk cities

15 of the Best Business Parks in the UK

Posted on July 26, 2024

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.

Tagged Aztec West Business Park, Birchwood Business Park, Birmingham Business Park, Business Parks, Cambridge Business Park, Chester Business Park, Cobalt Business Park, Exeter Business Park, Exeter Science Park, Farnborough Business Park, Greendale Business Park, i54 Business Park, Maxim Business Park, Maxim Park, Oxford Business Park, Quorum Business Park, South Gyle Business Park, Trafford Park, uk

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

In early 2024, a survey found that 59% of Londoners worked remotely to some extent.

London has had the 9th highest increase in the number of remote / hybrid job postings since 2020, and the total share of remote job postings for the capital city is around 13% of all advertised positions.
Data from the Office for National Statistics confirm that London has the highest amount of remote workers in the UK, with 4 in 10 working from home as opposed to a national average of 2 in 10.
In 2023, the average worker in London went to the office 2 days per week as opposed to 4-5 days pre-pandemic.
Companies in the city’s professional services sector are the most likely to adopt fully remote or hybrid work practices.

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

Tagged London, Office Matters, office space trends, Remote Work, UK Commercial Property

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.

Tagged Business, Office Matters, Office Requirements, office space

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.

Tagged 2023, coworking, Flexible Workspace, hot desking

Rising Popularity of the Short Term Office Lease Across the UK

Posted on September 17, 2023

woman smiling at a work desk

The commercial real estate landscape in the UK has been experiencing an intriguing trend over the past few years: the gradual shortening of office leases. This shift is not an isolated occurrence; rather, it signifies a comprehensive transformation that is reshaping the way businesses, landlords, and real estate professionals approach property leasing. It also comes with a unique set of implications and opportunities that are affecting various stakeholders involved in the leasing process.

The phenomenon of shortening office leases cannot be viewed in isolation. It is the culmination of a series of interconnected factors and pressures that are converging to redefine the commercial real estate market in the UK. The trend transcends geographical boundaries, encompassing major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and extending into the suburban and rural areas. It reflects an evolution of attitudes and practices in commercial real estate that has been shaped by both macroeconomic forces and nuanced, industry-specific dynamics.

At its core, the shortening of office leases represents a departure from traditional long-term commitments that once characterised the commercial real estate market. These multi-year leases were often seen as stable and secure, forming the backbone of many property portfolios. However, the shifting economic climate, technological advancements, changes in work culture, and growing emphasis on flexibility have challenged this once-established norm.

Tagged 2023, flexible office space, office leases, office space, office space trends, short term office space

End of Commercial Lease: What Happens | UK Checklist

Posted on August 16, 2023

A person holds a contract and another person points out details on the contract as they discuss requirements for the end of their commercial lease.

If you’re a business owner renting office or retail space, it’s crucial to understand the end-of-lease process to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption. This will occur when your existing lease is set to expire, and you’re either looking to renew, or to relocate. In either scenario, the end of your commercial lease calls for several steps and considerations, both in legal and practical terms. And all of these are critical to understand, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to your business.

In the course of this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for UK businesses preparing for the expiration of their commercial lease. We’ve compiled a detailed checklist to help you navigate this process with ease.

Tagged 2023, commercial property, Commercial Property Rental, Office Matters, Office Moves, Office Planning, Office Requirements, UK Commercial Property

Decoding Common Area Maintenance Charges: What You Need to Know

Posted on July 17, 2023

As businesses evolve and freelancers diversify their working arrangements, the notion of office space has seen a significant shift. For many, office spaces have moved from being permanent, often costly, fixtures to flexible solutions that adapt to the changing needs of the business. Regardless of your professional path, understanding the ins and outs of your office lease agreement is paramount, particularly for businesses and freelancers in the UK who are contemplating a shift to a more flexible office solution.

A significant, yet often overlooked, component of office leasing is Common Area Maintenance (CAM) charges. CAM charges refer to the cost borne by tenants for the upkeep and maintenance of common areas in a commercial property, such as lobbies, hallways, restrooms, parking lots, and any shared amenities. The details of these charges can be complex and can impact your overall office costs substantially.

This blog post aims to demystify CAM charges, explaining what they are, how they are calculated, and their importance when selecting your next office space. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, a start-up on the verge of expansion, or a freelancer looking for a more formal office setup, this comprehensive guide to CAM charges will provide you with valuable insights to help make the right decision for your business.

Tagged 2023, CAM charges, common area maintenance, office cost, office space, shared office space

The Difference Between Office Grades (Grade A, B and C Explained)

Posted on June 20, 2023

Office buildings in the UK are graded into three different categories, otherwise known as classes or grades. Understanding the differences between office space grades is essential for companies who want to ensure they buy or lease an office that meets their specific requirements.

The Concept of Office Grading

The idea of office grades is an integral part of commercial property parlance, representing an industry-accepted method of categorising office spaces. These grades, from A to C, form a hierarchical representation of the quality, amenities, and even the prestige associated with a building. Why is this important, you may ask? The answer lies in the fact that these grades shape multiple business aspects, from projecting your company’s image to affecting the rental rates you’re likely to pay. They are like signposts that guide you in navigating the diverse landscape of commercial real estate.

Tagged 2023, grade a, grade b, grade c, office grades, office space

The Role of Natural Materials in Sustainable Office Design

Posted on May 31, 2023

Welcome to a world where the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors are seamlessly blurred, where the hum of air conditioning is replaced by the rustle of leaves, and where steel and plastic give way to wood and stone. Welcome to the world of natural materials in office spaces. A world where nature and work coexist harmoniously, offering a breath of fresh air – quite literally – to office workers.

The integration of natural materials into office design isn’t just an aesthetic choice. It’s an increasingly popular trend that aligns with our innate desire to connect with nature – a concept known as biophilia. With an accelerated shift to remote working and flexible office spaces catalysed by recent global events, the focus has shifted to creating work environments that are not just functional, but also comfortable, calming, and inspiring.

This transformation goes beyond merely placing a few potted plants around the office or installing a green wall in the reception area. It involves a thoughtful infusion of natural elements into the very core of sustainable office design – from the choice of construction materials to furniture, and from energy efficient lighting to layout. The outcome? Spaces that promote wellbeing, creativity, and productivity, all while treading lightly on the planet.

Tagged London, natural materials, Office Design, office space, sustainability, Trends, uk

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