What Office Space Would Best Suit a Freelancer?

There are approximately 4.3 million self-employed people in the UK, 2.2 million of whom classify themselves as freelancers. More than 1.9 million freelancers do so full-time, with the rest doing it in addition to another form of entertainment. Freelancers contribute massively to the economy, bringing in more than £162 billion every year. 

Most freelancers work in the creative sector and include writers, marketers, artists, designers and financial advisors. These are all occupations that can largely be done from an office, but freelancers are self-employed and don’t employ anyone else to work for or alongside them, meaning they don’t need to lease an office. 

Not everyone enjoys working from home, and lots of freelancers don’t have space in their home to create a dedicated working space, so, what are the options available? 

Coworking Office Space

If you’re a freelancer and are looking for a professional place to work that offers the routine of traditional employment, a coworking office is perfect. When you rent a coworking office, you only pay for the desk you’re using, making it one of the cheapest options. 

You will be in an office that is populated by other freelancers or small start-ups also looking for a place to work. You will have two options: permanent desking and hot desking. Permanent desking involves renting out a dedicated desk every time you use the space, whereas hot desking means you might be based at a different desk for every session. 

Coworking offices are open plan, giving you the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, share ideas and make valuable connections. The offices are fully furnished, all you need to do is bring yourself and your laptop/notebook. There are integrated phone lines for you to make calls, and there is the option to use meeting rooms, although this may incur an additional cost. 

The reason many freelancers opt for a coworking office space is that you only pay for what you use, and there is a lot of flexibility in terms of contracts. When you choose a coworking office space through Future Squared, you can even move in and start using the space on the day you sign the contract! 

Overall, coworking offices are a good option for most freelancers because they offer a traditional office environment, but with unlimited options to network and connect with other people in a professional capacity. They’re a cost-effective option, but do be aware that you might only be able to access the office between certain hours, e.g. 9am to 5pm. 

Serviced Offices 

If you have a slightly larger budget and want to rent a creative office space with more amenities, a serviced office is a good option. Commonly used by SME’s and small companies, serviced offices can accommodate anywhere from one to 250 people, qualifying them as a freelance office space. 

For those who freelance full-time and who have regular clients who routinely come back month on month, a serviced office could be a great option because they provide a completely professional space inclusive of all amenities. Rent, business rates, utility bills, insurance, security, and front of house service (a receptionist to direct clients, take calls and accept mail) are all included in one monthly price. You can choose to add on other services, such as the use of the printer and direct phone lines. 

Like a coworking space, you only pay for what you use, but you will have a dedicated office space just for you, so there’s no hot desking. This means whilst other freelancers will be using the same communal areas as you, serviced offices are not strictly shared. 

Contracts can easily be extended or reduced, even at short notice, and this suits freelancers because oftentimes the landscape can be unpredictable. Overall, they’re a great option for more established freelancers who do it full-time rather than those who do it alongside other types of employment. 

Semi-Serviced Office Space

Semi-serviced office space for freelancers in London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham or any other major UK city encompasses most of the benefits of serviced offices, but without all the bells and whistles. You may not have access to the same secretarial/front of house services that you do with serviced offices, meaning you walk straight into the office. 

This suits freelancers who don’t need mail management or secretarial support, and it also brings the cost down slightly, so it’s great for those on a budget, too. 

Contracts can be amended at short notice, and the space will be fully furnished to a high standard, ready for you to move into and get started with minimal upfront outlay. Semi-serviced offices are a flexible office solution, making them popular with freelancers and those who are self-employed. 

Shared Office Space for Freelancers Near Me 

At Future Squared, we specialise in helping anyone looking for a commercial space to find one, no matter where in the country that might be. If you’re a freelancer and are looking for a space to work outside your home, we can help. Simply contact us to find out more.