With more and more organisations opting for the dynamic and adaptable environment of a coworking space over the traditional office setup, the options have grown exponentially in recent years, leaving you spoilt for choice. So, how do you choose the one that best suits your needs? Read on for a useful checklist to help you consider the essential factors when selecting your ideal co-working space from location and flexibility to design and networking opportunities.

Location

Picking the right location for your coworking space is essential, as it can have a big impact on the growth and productivity of your business. Key factors to consider include proximity to public transport connections and major roads, parking options, and local amenities like dining and shopping. Choosing a space in an interesting neighbourhood with great road and rail links will provide convenience and help with work-life balance, offering a lifestyle your team will be motivated by. The right address can also help to boost your business, whether that be a prestigious city centre or an upcoming, creative neighbourhood.

Amenities

A good coworking space will provide everything you and your team need to work effectively, so consider what you require. Must-haves should include secure, high-speed WiFi and a choice of different workspaces to suit your style of work. Bookable private meeting rooms with video conferencing capability are useful for almost all types of business. Having food and drink options on-site, secure storage and shower facilities for people who like to bike to work or take a lunchtime run are also key amenities that can improve working days.

Flexibility

One of the best aspects of a good coworking space is its ability to adapt as a workspace as your business evolves. Look for spaces that can scale up and down with your organisation’s needs and offer a range of membership options with rolling contracts. Consider the access hours to suit different working patterns. Clockwise locations have 24/7 access so that the night owls on your team can be just as happy as the early birds. Each location offers a variety of membership plans to suit all businesses from solo entrepreneurs to large teams. Our monthly rolling contracts can easily be scaled and adapted to support the changing needs of an organisation.

Community and networking

A great coworking space will offer opportunities to network with other members and be part of an inspiring, vibrant business community. When choosing a space, find out what they offer to support this. All Clockwise members have access to our member portal for networking and each location provides a programme of events designed to boost personal and professional growth.

Design

Great design isn’t just an aesthetic consideration—the right features in your chosen space can boost productivity, creativity, and even wellbeing. Choosing a coworking space that is well lit, makes use of natural materials and plants, and incorporates thoughtful design touches can elevate morale and provide a work environment that people look forward to visiting.

Budget

Coworking spaces can be a great way to save money on office space when compared to more traditional office leases. With more flexible contracts and no need to invest in large capital outlay to get started, they are an increasingly attractive option whether you’re a one-person operation or a growing team of 20, 30, or more. When considering which space to go for, check exactly what is included in the price and ask about any additional costs. Clockwise prices start from £115 per person per month for Club Lounge Membership. All memberships come wrapped up in one all-inclusive monthly fee with no hidden costs, allowing our members to concentrate on their work safe in the knowledge that everything in their chosen space is taken care of.

Comparing spaces

With a lot of options to choose from when looking for the perfect coworking space, it can be overwhelming trying to pick the best option. With this in mind, we’ve created a handy checklist to help you prioritise the important factors and compare different spaces. You can find it here, with a range of different factors included to help you make the right decision.