UK Areas Lag Behind London For Coworking 

Versatile working has grow to be more and more the norm; nevertheless, a brand new report has revealed that distant employees exterior London could battle to discover a native coworking spot.

Whereas the UK’s 4,048 shared workspaces make up one of the in depth networks on the planet, practically a 3rd are coworking areas in London, finds CoworkingCafe’s Q3 2025 State of the Coworking Trade Report.

And whereas extra areas are popping up throughout different main cities like Manchester, Glasgow, there are vital regional gaps on the subject of entry to versatile working areas.

London’s coworking dominance

With 1,191 coworking areas in complete, London accounts for practically a 3rd of the UK’s shared workspaces. Compared, Manchester has 120 areas, adopted by Glasgow with 68.

Different main cities, reminiscent of Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and Edinburgh, have simply over 50 coworking hubs every. Whereas these cities are smaller, even accounting for inhabitants, the hole stays out of proportion.

Londoners take pleasure in entry to skilled, well-equipped workspaces in abundance. That is partly as a consequence of coworking chains reminiscent of Regus, Fora Regus, Fora, Bruntwood, Workspace Group, and Areas having a number of websites throughout the town.

Whereas this offers London-based freelancers and small companies the posh of alternative, from skilled serviced workplaces to community-driven, artistic areas, these in regional areas could battle to seek out related areas.

Why regional coworking is lagging

Outdoors of England, the expansion of coworking areas has been even slower. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Eire collectively account for lower than 10% of the UK’s complete coworking areas.

The report states that Cardiff, as an illustration, has solely 40 areas, whereas Belfast has round 35, each rising markets with rising potential however nonetheless underserved in comparison with England, particularly London.

London-centrism within the skilled world is nothing new, and now it extends to coworking. Decrease inhabitants density, fewer freelancers and digital professionals, and restricted native funding in versatile infrastructure all contribute to slower progress exterior the capital.

What this implies for sole merchants and freelancers

Sole merchants and freelancers exterior London could follow working from cafés, eating places, or residence. However whereas it’s nice to help your native, these areas usually lack necessities like dependable WiFi, privateness, networking alternatives, {and professional} assembly rooms.

Some hospitality operators have criticised employees who use worthwhile seating house and electrical energy to do a day’s work whereas spending little or no, in the end costing the enterprise cash. In January, Starbucks introduced its amenities are for paying prospects solely, after its open-door coverage invited in a string of distant employees who wouldn’t really order something.

Coworking areas assist to keep away from these awkward interactions and will also be surprisingly cost-effective. In line with CoworkingCafe’s report, the common membership for coworking prices £180 per 30 days. This works out at roughly £9 per day for a full working week, making it an inexpensive various to day by day foods and drinks bills.

Nonetheless, till the regional coworking hole closes, entrepreneurs should proceed to steadiness their laptops between the salt and pepper shakers. New areas exterior of London shall be a welcome addition by each supporting sole merchants and strengthening native networks.