Startup office space: what you need to know

For founders looking to grow their headcount and find a place to call home, startup office space provides the flexibility to increase staff and build culture without being locked into expensive, rigid contracts that don’t reflect the way modern SMEs operate.

Office decisions matter a lot earlier than most people think. And, finding that space to work in, collaborate, and impress potential clients is increasingly important. 

A poor choice, however, can leave a business with cash tied up in deposits or see them spending thousands on an office fit-out that, if hybrid working is part of the culture, may well be empty for most of the week.

Here, we’ll break down the essential things you need to consider when looking for spaces for your startup. We’ll help you find the environment that signals your business means, well, business!

What is startup office space?

Start-up office space is typically a flexible workspace that is ready to use from the moment an agreement is made. It is designed for businesses in the early stages of their development who may not have the money to spend on permanent office space. They are often furnished, include some handy additional services such as a concierge, and are available on shorter terms so fast-growing startups can move in and scale as they need to.

This new, more modern start-up-friendly model rolls all these benefits into a single monthly fee, which is not only more affordable but removes the headaches associated with a permanent office move (something that most founders would agree is worth its weight in gold!).

The right office space model allows your exciting new business to focus on its clients and staff while feeling reassured that you can add or release desks as needed and avoid sinking capital into furniture, bricks, and mortar.

Types of startup office space, explained

What makes a good office space for startups?

Many features make a startup office space ‘right’ for a new company. And many of them will be specific to the business and how it operates. There are, however, some universal things that make an office space perfect for a start-up, such as:

Flexibility

A good office space will have options to add desks quickly or upgrade to larger suites within the building without too much fuss. As well as being able to scale up, they should allow businesses to reduce usage during quieter periods without penalties.

Professional image

A reception, near tidy communal areas and meeting rooms with the latest audio/visual equipment, projects a level of maturity and professionalism to clients and investors, all for an affordable monthly fee that is predictable. 

Balance between collaboration and focus

There should be spaces in the building that allow for collaboration as well as areas where focused work can be done. Quiet rooms to hold calls or phone booths allow team members to work at their best, no matter what their role is.

Support services

It sounds obvious, but reliable connectivity, printing access, and secure entries and exits are all essentials for a startup office space.

How much does startup office space cost?

There are several factors that influence the cost of an office space for new businesses. The location of the building is a big one. Office spaces in Manchester may be too expensive, whereas a space in in Warrington, for example, may be more affordable. 

The size of the space accounts for cost, too, with multiple desks or greater square footage increasing the monthly fee. The level of privacy these areas offer also factors in.

Additional amenities such as meeting room credits and dedicated parking spaces will also add to the monthly cost. For startup office space in a community building such as The Causeway, hidden costs associated with business rates, cleaning, or furniture purchases are done away with.

The nature of flexible office costs, in other words, the all-inclusive pricing and short terms, protects cash flow for startups, which can be the difference between growing a business and its folding. The lack of expensive deposits also keeps more money in your business without stopping you from scaling up or down when needed.

Startup office space at different growth stages

Solo founders

For those operating alone, virtual offices combined with meeting room credits give founders that professional image while keeping costs low. When needed, hot desk passes are available, which can be used to work, try the commute, and build networks.

Small teams (2-10)

A small private startup office space with a serviced coworking hub balances privacy with collaboration at a rate that is affordable for businesses now paying wages.

Scaling startups

Larger, serviced suites or office space options which allow for light customisation (putting their logo on the door, for instance) should be considered for businesses looking to scale. These bigger spaces will often come with options to expand even further to something more permanent should the growth continue.

Why flexible office space works for startups

Speed is one of the main reasons flexible office spaces work for new businesses. They can move into ready-made spaces in days without needing to fit out a space or wait for contractors. 

Saving money, or rather keeping money in the business, is another key benefit. Minimal deposits combined with one monthly invoice (and no surprise maintenance bills!) turn office costs into predictable, affordable outgoings that reflect the stage the business is at.

Startups can scale fast, too, by adding desks or switching to bigger suites as hiring continues. As teams grow, these spaces can be used as part of a hybrid working environment, ensuring businesses only pay for what they use, all while retaining privacy.

Finding the right startup office space in Warrington

For new SMEs looking to keep costs low and focus on growth, regional hubs are often the more attractive prospect over traditional city centre spots. Warrington, for example, has strong transport links to Manchester and Liverpool and has office space which is, in some cases, comparatively cheaper.

Being in the middle of two major cities also allows them to attract talent from a wider pool. The fact that the commute to Warrington from Liverpool and Manchester is often under an hour is also a nice bonus, too.

Greater parking options are available in Warrington, and per-desk rates tend to be more favourable to businesses that don’t have large cash reserves. Flexible terms in a local environment allow SMEs to scale locally while also serving clients across the country.

At The Causeway, you’ll find move-in-ready private offices, as well as coworking and meeting spaces whose usage can be scaled with ease. We offer super-fast internet, a professional reception, and a friendly ops team who are on hand to handle any queries.