How many coworking spaces are in the UK and how do they help global businesses reach their full potential?
There are over 42,000 coworking spaces worldwide, and that figure is continuing to increase. In fact, the US comprises over 8,000 coworking spaces, making it one of the largest markets.
However, more startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses are looking to optimise their budgets by exploring markets that offer global reach, strong infrastructure, and lower operating costs than major US cities.
As a result, coworking spaces in the UK are becoming more popular for businesses to launch, scale, and connect with like-minded people.
In this blog, we’ll explore the rise of coworking spaces in the UK and how these regional communities can help businesses reach new heights.
How Many Coworking Spaces Are There in the UK?
So, exactly how many coworking spaces are there in the UK for businesses to access? The UK accounts for over 4,000 coworking spaces, making it one of the strongest startup ecosystems outside of the US.
Unsurprisingly, over 1,000 of the UK's coworking spaces are based in the Greater London area, with Manchester following behind. But other major cities such as Glasgow, Birmingham, and Cardiff also offer a range of spaces with equal connections at a discounted price.
South Wales actually presents several coworking opportunities, such as Tramshed Tech’s spaces in Cardiff, Barry, Newport, and Swansea.
Why Coworking in the UK Is Growing So Fast
1. Flexible Work Is Now Permanent
In the UK, flexible working has shifted from a ‘nice to have’ to a core benefit, with the Employment Rights Act 2025 now stating that employers must accept reasonable requests for flexible working.
As a result, coworking spaces have seen a surge in popularity, with lots of businesses opting out of traditional office spaces and choosing flexible spaces that accommodate work-life balance.
2. The UK’s Strong Startup Ecosystem
One of the biggest drivers behind the rise of coworking spaces in the UK is that the UK has one of the most dynamic startup ecosystems and attracts significant year-on-year investment. Therefore, coworking spaces have developed way beyond simply sharing a desk; they are not embedded in the country’s innovation ecosystem.
3. International Business Expansion into the UK
For companies across the world, the UK offers a strategic gateway into new markets. By providing a low-risk entry point, international businesses can access immediate workspaces, local networks, and talent pools without the long-term commitment and cost of a traditional office.
The Growth of Regional Coworking Spaces in the UK
Across up-and-coming cities like Cardiff, regional coworking communities are helping founders connect, collaborate, and scale internationally. But why choose a regional coworking space instead of London?
Cost: Compared to larger UK cities, Cardiff, Barry, Newport, and Swansea can offer businesses lower operating costs, so you can invest your profits into equipment, software, and training that will benefit your organisation, instead of using it for bills.
Talent: London isn’t the only place that has a skilled talent pool! Therefore, by setting up base in alternative locations, you’re accessing a wider range of talent and supporting work-life balance by avoiding unnecessary commutes to London.
Government Funding: The UK and Welsh Governments offer a range of innovation and business funding support programmes, particularly for early-stage businesses.
How UK Coworking Spaces Help Businesses Launch
It’s a common misconception that coworking spaces are quiet, dull places. In reality, UK coworking spaces are an international entry point for businesses to launch or scale with ease.
In short, they are hubs for innovation and collaboration. Here’s how UK coworking spaces can support startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses:
1. Lower Overheads for Early-Stage Startups
When it comes to renting traditional office spaces, startups and small businesses are often caught off guard by hidden additional fees and bills, which can be a big hit for an early-stage business. Coworking spaces allow you to tailor your experience with different memberships, so you always know where your money is being spent.
2. Built-In Community & Networking
Especially if you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur, it’s easy to think that coworking in shared spaces means putting on your headphones and keeping to yourself, but that’s not the case!
Coworking spaces often host events for networking with other members or local businesses to ensure you’re supported as you scale and grow your business in the UK.
3. Access to Mentorship & Training
Similarly, coworking spaces will offer mentorship or skills programmes, providing you with the opportunity to learn from a larger or similar business, depending on your needs. Whether you need to get investor-ready, combat the challenges of AI, or need a space for creativity, there’s a lot to access.
4. Flexible Scaling for Growing Teams
Unlike a traditional office, coworking spaces typically allow businesses to have more flexibility. With the option to hot desk or rent a private office space, organisations can scale at a rate that fits their current or projected growth. As a result, you can focus your attention and budget on what matters most.
Why Global Businesses Are Choosing UK Coworking Spaces
To summarise, global businesses are choosing UK coworking spaces as it’s a great country to grow and expand a business, thanks to lower operating costs, government funding, and the talent pool.
This is especially true for South Wales coworking spaces, which can help global businesses with accessing the European market by bridging the gap between time zones, while offering mature and strong ecosystems in areas such as tech, legal, and finance.
Tramshed Tech: Building More Than Office Space
Tramshed Tech is more than just an office; it’s a community-driven hub for innovation, and we’ve been supporting startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses scale and tap into local and global opportunities for ten years.
If you’re a founder looking to enter the UK, we could be the right UK coworking space for your business. To find out more, get in touch with our friendly team on 02920103090, or come explore our spaces and book a tour.
