5 Answers

1. Hi Hannah,

   
   

   It may be worth contacting your local enterprise agency (http://www.nfea.com/find-local-business-support.html?region=london). Some offer subsidised workspace and/or offices on 'easy in, easy out' terms, ie month by month basis, rather than a long-term lease. Some local authorities also offer premises at a reduced rate to small businesses and social enterprises. Contact the economic development department at your local council to find out what they have to offer.

   
   

   Good luck,

   
   

   Lee

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   Answered by Lee Longstaff, January 2010   -  Contact this person

2. Your local library. Mine is warm, well lit, has free workstaions, free wifi, newspapers, helpful staff, a coffee shop and meeting rooms and oh yeah books...think of it as your local council helping your start up.

   
   

   Neil

   
   

   
   

   PS You do have to go outside to make phone calls mind......

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   Answered by Neil Gregory, January 2010   -  Contact this person

3. Although not free, I use Regus business lounges (http://www.regus.co.uk/businesslounges/default.html). For about GBP15 / month you have access to offices all over London and over 1000 offices worldwide. Coffee and internet included and meeting rooms available to rent if you need more space. I've been happy with it, but only good Mon-Fri normal working hours, so if you work odd hours as I often do, that's one set-back. For the price though, can't beat the convenience.

   
   

   -Steve

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   Answered by Steve Woolsey, January 2010   -  Contact this person

4. Many universities offer Businsss Incubation facilities, Whilst not free they usually offer a lot more for for your money than entirely commercial services in a very supportive environment. Benefits usually include "easy in easy out " terms, inclusive rents including rates, reception services etc, and access to univsersity expertise and shemes designed to help small businesses. Other services such as hot desking and virual office serves are oftrn available.See www.essex.ac.uk/businesshub/bic.asp for information about the University of Essex facility at Southend on Sea

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   Answered by Julie Jones, February 2010   -  Contact this person
5. Have a look here: http://www.mini-offices.co.uk/ I must say I've just found it on Google so have no connection with them at all. It's just a brilliant alternative if you're a therapist like me. Or anyone that want "a little office that doesn't cost much" and has some garden room for one. Just an idea. John.
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   Answered by John Digby, February 2010   -  Contact this person