How Office Space in Birmingham Benefits Small Businesses

Posted on: 11th September 2023

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Many businesses look for office space in Birmingham due to its culture and networking opportunities.

Sometimes referred to as the UK’s ‘second city’, Birmingham is the largest city in the UK after London.

It played an important role in manufacturing during the 18th and 19th centuries. The city even became known as the ‘Workshop of the World’ because of its role in global trade.

Today, Birmingham is a thriving business hub, making it an ideal location for many growing companies. It’s home to a boom in the digital and tech industries as well as a well-established location for businesses in finance, engineering, and professional services.

Many small businesses look for Birmingham office space due to the city’s central location. Birmingham New Street Station is a vital part of the railway system, connecting to the rest of the UK with regular trains to London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Leeds.

Birmingham also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with plenty of networking opportunities.

Over 37,000 businesses are based in Birmingham. To accommodate businesses like these, Regus offers a wide range of office space in Birmingham. These include serviced and private offices, as well as coworking options.

Why your small business should choose Birmingham as a business hub

Any small business choosing Birmingham as a hub will be in good company.

Many successful companies have an office address here. For example, there’s Amazon, Deloitte, and KPMG. Many global brands started in the city, such as Gymshark, Lloyds Bank, Typhoo Tea, Bird’s Custard, and Cadbury’s.

The city also has a high population of graduates. Establishments such as the  University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, and specialist colleges reside here. This means any small business has a wide talent pool to choose from when hiring.

Collaboration

A small business needs networking opportunities to grow. A benefit of having a business address in Birmingham is the opportunity to collaborate with similar companies.

Joining an office space in this thriving city also gives access to networking opportunities.

Many office spaces host social events so businesses can get to know each other. You might find your next client is already in the same room as you.

There are also many business opportunities specific to the city, including the GBSLEP Growth Hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Birmingham Chambers of Commerce also offers business advice, funding, and support.

Prestige of upgrading to a business address

Finding office space to rent in Birmingham gives you more than a workspace. Having a base in a major hub like Birmingham shows you’re serious.

A business address in Birmingham also puts you at the heart of the West Midlands. In a 2021 government report, the county was found to be the country’s fastest-growing tech sector.

Having an office in Birmingham allows your company to be at the centre of this digital tech boom.

Cultural hub

Birmingham is at the heart of arts and culture, as well as offering ample world-class restaurants to enjoy. Having an office space in Birmingham allows your business to have these perks on its doorstep.

Not only that, it allows you and your staff to unwind and experience the city’s attractions after work.

The city’s cultural attractions make it an ideal location for team lunches or after-work gatherings. Birmingham is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous theatres and galleries to drink in.

Beyond art and museums, Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage means it has a huge variety of culinary delights. Cultures from all over the world are represented in the city in its restaurants, cafés, and markets.

Birmingham is thought to be the invention place of the Birmingham Balti curry, created by Pakistani settlers in the 1970s. Today, food lovers can go for an authentic curry in the city’s famous ‘Balti Triangle.’

Birmingham is also home to the Chinese Quarter, with a wide range of Chinese restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries. The city’s cuisines also include American, Japanese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, Greek, and Ethiopian selections.

All the city’s culinary delights can be sampled in markets such as the Digbeth Dining Club. Since 2012, the open-air market has showcased the best street food traders from Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

Transport options

Birmingham’s transport system is very well established. It offers easy access to the UK and the rest of the world. Internal transportation provides quick access to other parts of the city.

Thanks to its central location, Birmingham is well connected to the rest of the country. Its road network includes motorways like the M6, M5, M40, and M42.

The city’s main train station, Birmingham New Street, is also one of the biggest in the UK. This makes access from other major cities such as London, Manchester, and Bristol simple.

Ongoing projects like the HS2 (High-Speed 2) train line will also improve travel connections further. As a result, a Birmingham office offers a convenient location for your clients and suppliers.

Having your office space in Birmingham also offers good transport options within the city. The city’s public transport system includes regular buses, trams, and trains, operated by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).

Its main airport, Birmingham International, provides direct flights to many destinations worldwide. For small businesses that want to go global, this makes the city an ideal location.

Office spaces in Birmingham for small businesses

A small business will need an office that grows with them. Businesses can choose a private office, which provides ready-to-go spaces in a variety of sizes.

Alternatively, an open-plan coworking space is an ideal Birmingham office space for your growing company.

Edmund House

The Edmund House office space is located in the Colmore Business District, making it perfect for networking. Its central location puts it a short walk from transport links, with Birmingham New Street just a five-minute walk away. 

For an important client lunch, there are two Michelin-starred restaurants nearby, Purnell’s and Adam’s. Edmund House is also surrounded by a range of upmarket and casual eateries. 

Highlights include:

● On-site café and dining
● Cycle and shower facilities
● On-site underground parking

Information about Edmund House

Location: 12-22 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3AS
Starting cost: Private offices from £145 per person per month
Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
Nearby stations: Birmingham New Street (a five-minute walk away) 

1 Victoria Square

With a B1 postcode, it doesn’t get more central than this. 1 Victoria Square offers the highest in convenience and prestige, with views over Town Hall. This sleek office space is moments away from Grand Central Station, with unmatched transport links. 

It’s also right next to some of Birmingham’s biggest businesses, such as HSBC, making it a key location for the finance industry. 

1 Victoria Square contains 139 private office spaces and a range of meeting and coworking spaces. As well as high-speed WiFi, there’s a dedicated team of on-site support staff to help with any of your business needs. 

Highlights include:

● Central location
● Business lounge
● Secure underground parking

Information about 1 Victoria Square

Location: 1 Victoria Square, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 1BD
Starting cost: Private offices from £219 per person per month 
Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm weekday access for other members
Nearby stations: Birmingham New Street (a five-minute walk away) 

The Mailbox

The Mailbox is one of Birmingham’s landmark buildings, housing businesses, shopping, and nightlife alike. It’s the home of Harvey Nichols, BBC Birmingham, and a huge range of food and drink establishments. 

Clients and colleagues can meet easily here. The office is just a five-minute walk to Birmingham New Street for easy connections to Birmingham International Airport and London Euston.

A Birmingham office based at The Mailbox offers bright, comfortable seating, and roomy desk space. During break times, colleagues can enjoy a walk along Birmingham’s iconic canals or grab a drink in the on-site coffee shop.

Highlights include:

● Landmark building
● Easy city connections
● On-site shopping and dining

Information about The Mailbox

Location: 3 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RD
Starting cost: Private offices from £259 per person per month 
Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
Nearby stations: Birmingham New Street (a five-minute walk away) 

Apex House

Apex House offers a quiet work haven with easy access to the city centre. Located in the suburb of Edgbaston, it’s a 20-minute walk to Birmingham city centre or a five-minute train ride from Five Ways station.

Surrounded by restaurants, bars, hotels, and banks, it offers convenience outside the bustle of the city centre. With private offices, meeting rooms, and a business lounge, Apex House has everything a growing business needs. 

Highlights include: 

● Suburban location
● Easy connections to city centre
● Helpful on-site staff

Information about Apex House

Location: Calthorpe Road, Birmingham, B15 1TR
Starting cost: Private offices from £185 per person per month 
Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
Nearby stations: Five Ways (a five-minute walk away), Birmingham New Street (a 25-minute walk away) 

Lewis Building 

The Lewis Building was previously a much-loved department store and still boasts original Victorian architecture. Now transformed into modern offices, the Lewis Building offers a central location with strong public transport links. 

With both private and shared office spaces, spacious meeting rooms, and regular networking events, the Lewis Building is a prime location for any growing business. 

Highlights include:

● Victorian architecture
● Networking events
● Close to transport and amenities

Information about Lewis Building

Location: 35 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6AF
Starting cost: Private offices from £229 per person per month 
Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
Nearby stations: Birmingham New Street (a seven-minute walk away) 

Find your ideal office space in Birmingham with Regus

From serviced private offices to flexible coworking spaces, Regus has the ideal office space in Birmingham for your growing business.

You can try one of the above offices to rent in Birmingham or talk to a Regus expert to find the perfect office for your needs.

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