Are Satellite Office Hubs the way forward?

The beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown saw global corporations including Google, Facebook and Twitter tell their workforce that they could work from home, and subsequently a homeworking approach has been adopted by many firms nationwide, drastically altering the market for office space in the UK.

However, for many firms the complexity and nature of full-time homeworking does not suit their business structure or their employees. As the UK is coming to terms with the new blended methods of working practice there is further increased demand for satellite hubs of flexible office space outside of central London, similar to the WeWork and Regus products that have been developing over the past decade.

Across Kent, BTF is advising clients on the delivery of quality spaces such as The Marlowe Business Centre and The Old Brewery Business Centres in Canterbury, and Clover House in Whitstable, which offer smart destinations for businesses either to call home, or to adopt as a ‘third space’ after homeworking. Demand has continued from small and medium sized companies, with occupancy and rental levels remaining stable throughout the subsequent lockdown uncertainty.

The advantages of such space are clear. Companies are able to downsize their requirements and take advantage of short lease obligations on serviced space with little fit out cost, reducing their cash exposure in an economic climate where bottom lines are tight. Rental values are also lower than similar space in Central London, with employees enjoying shorter commutes into areas such as Canterbury, Maidstone and Tonbridge.

BTF Partnership has a large availability of flexible and traditional office space in Canterbury and the surrounding area.

If you would like to talk about your office requirement or the wider commercial market, please call our Canterbury office on 01227 763 663.