29th October 2020

Office location: Is it time to relocate your business out of the city centre?

2020 has been an exceptional year, and the impact of Covid-19 is likely to be felt for many more years to come. Office locations and the workplace has been one of the most affected with millions now working from home for the foreseeable future, leading to many businesses reviewing their office needs and how to adapt to a largely remote workforce.

Much-talked about options include reducing square footage, opting for more flexible coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and cost-effective solutions that allow a business to scale when needed. However, the larger question is about relocation and where to is still up for debate. Do you locate near to client and business prospects – will they even be where they are conventionally found after this? – or do you adapt to the workforce?

Recent research from recruiter Totaljobs found that 1.6m (26%) Londoners have been working outside of the city during this pandemic and want to continue to do so. Whilst figures from Indeed have shown that the number searching for jobs outside of London has risen 27% year on year, and up 30% from the start of the year pre-lockdown. Couple this with the widely reported housing market trend of buyers swapping city centre homes for more rural locations in search of a better work/life balance, especially as many have proven that they can do their job remotely, and businesses can start to understand where they might need to go to attract talent.

Like the decisions encouraging the workforce to flee the city, and recruitment aside, there are plenty of benefits to relocating outside city-centres.

Lower overheads with more cost effective office solutions and lower price per square foot. As well as a lower cost of living and salaries reflective of that, so further savings might come from both your team and external suppliers.

Greater accessibility and convenience with the addition of more suitable roadways and increased car parking space, alongside public transport links.

Benefits to health and wellbeing with less stress from city centre commutes, more green space, a slower-paced feel to the overall environment, and potential improvements to quality of life.

All elements that we at Adapt by Arlington understand. Affordable and flexible membership and office rental options, large car park and public transport including London Tube links within close walking distance, and 50 acres of parkland as well as the amenities of Uxbridge town centre on our doorstep.

Come take a look around if you are considering relocating outside of London. Book in a viewing on 01895 528 500 or take the 3D tour here.