Building Your Business: Five Reasons Why Coworking Spaces Are the Key to Your Success

3 December 2024

With the increasing popularity of hybrid and remote work models, coworking spaces offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for new businesses. Read our blog to learn why coworking spaces are the key to success for startups and scale-ups.

Building Your Business: Five Reasons Why Coworking Spaces Are the Key to Your Success

Are you building a new business or looking for ways to scale your existing company? In today’s ever-evolving work environment, coworking spaces offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for both startups and established businesses.

While the trend in working only from home has fallen over the past few years, a hybrid-working model has become the ‘new normal’ for around a quarter (28%) of workers, according to a survey by The Office for National Statistics.

At the same time, the UK has quickly embraced flexible workspaces, with nearly 3,000 coworking spaces nationwide, according to a report by CoworkingCafe. Manchester is one of the cities leading innovation and competitiveness in the sector, housing the most flexible workspaces outside of London.

As an independent provider of flexible workspaces, we've seen firsthand how coworking spaces help businesses grow. If the kitchen isn’t cutting it anymore, maybe it’s time to start thinking about a coworking membership…

Here are five reasons why coworking spaces can set your business on the path to success.

1. A Professional Environment with Multi-site Access

With Colony, you’re not just renting a single workspace; you’re gaining access to five distinct locations across Manchester, each with its own unique look and feel. From our newly fitted-out Fabrica workspace near the New Islington Metrolink stop, ideal for startups, to the stylish Piccadilly workspace just steps from the station, perfect for scale-ups, you’ll find the right spot for your business.

Colony’s coworking network provides the flexibility to work whenever and wherever suits you best. As a member, you will have 24/7 access to your own workspace (great for those working in global markets!) and daytime access to any of our other available locations.

Our spaces are designed to inspire creativity and productivity while maintaining a high level of professionalism - perfect for when you need a quiet place to focus, a professional environment for client meetings, or a collaborative space for your team. Plus, our dedicated on-site team is always ready to support your business and welcome feedback to help improve our community.

Breakout Area and Social Kitchen - Colony Piccadilly

2. Flexible Options for Growth

As your business evolves, so should your workspace. One of the greatest advantages of coworking spaces is their ability to grow with your business. At Colony, we offer a variety of workspaces that give you the flexibility to scale when the time comes.

Start with a dedicated desk, ideal for individuals or small teams, and enjoy a premium, all-inclusive membership. As your team expands, transition to a private workspace designed to meet the requirements of growing startups and scale-ups. And with our flexible contracts, you won’t have to worry about being locked into long-term leases.

Whether you're looking for a quiet spot for yourself or a fully furnished workspace for your growing team, Colony offers affordable, flexible solutions to fit your needs at every stage of your business journey.

Floating Desk Area - Colony Flint Glass Works

3. A Meeting Place to Impress Clients

At Colony, we understand that first impressions matter. That’s why our workspaces are designed with meeting rooms, conference spaces, and event areas that provide the ideal setting for important conversations.

With more than 25 meeting rooms available, Colony offers flexible spaces that can be booked by the hour or day, starting from just £30 + VAT. Whether you're hosting a business pitch, a quarterly review, or a team brainstorming session, we have a room to suit every occasion.

If you have an event you want to bring to life, choosing Colony is a no-brainer. We have a choice of indoor and outdoor event spaces in Manchester, from Fabrica’s state-of-the-art presentation space to our rooftop terraces at Silk Street and Jactin House, providing ample outdoor room for an informal event of up to 120 people.

And with several locations in Manchester’s cultural hubs, there is plenty to wow your clients right on the doorstep. There’s loads to love about Ancoats, with its redbrick architecture offering a glimpse into its rich textile history and wide range of eateries to bring your clients for a long lunch. While there are plenty of options for dinner or an after work drink with Piccadilly’s fantastic transport links.

Conference Room - Colony Jactin House

4. Join a Thriving Community of Professionals

When you become a Colony member, you’re becoming part of a vibrant community of like-minded professionals.

Manchester boasts an eclectic mix of industries, from tech and design to finance and marketing. Whether you’re looking for potential clients or businesses to partner with, being part of our community gives you access to a built-in network that can help take your business to the next level.

A coworking space is also a great way to meet new people and build meaningful workplace friendships. In a survey of 2,000 UK office workers, Colony found that the North West faced the most social challenges compared to other regions, with over a third (35.8%) of respondents saying they find making friends in the workplace difficult. A separate survey revealed the biggest roadblock young workers have in building friendships is a lack of in-person time with their colleagues (33%). While friendships aren’t required for a job well done, they make a big difference in how happy and engaged people feel at work.

Colony’s community fosters a social side of work that many find lacking in remote or hybrid environments. With regular events and a culture that encourages collaboration, you’ll not only succeed professionally but enjoy a more fulfilling work life.

Ancoats Rooftop Terrace - Colony One Silk Street

5. Enjoy Exclusive Member Perks

With our exclusive Colony Card, you’ll receive discounts at some of Manchester’s best establishments - from local cafes and restaurants to hotels and gyms. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee before work or entertaining a client, these perks make your day-to-day even better.

We also host monthly events to help our members connect, collaborate, and grow. From fitness and creative workshops to regular brunches with free food, and insightful panel discussions, there's always an opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired.

Want to get involved? These events could be a great opportunity to build your presence in the community and promote your business.

Discounts Available at a Variety of Restaurants in Manchester With a Colony Card

Let’s Grow Together

Ready to unlock the benefits of coworking? We warmly invite you to join our growing community.

Whether you are seeking a private office, a dedicated desk, or a flexible coworking area, we have the perfect space to suit your business’s needs. If you want to come and check out any of our coworking spaces, either for a tour or as a free trial day, please email info@colonyco.work.