Exploring Birmingham's Office Space Landscape
Birmingham offers an array of office spaces that cater to different business needs. From buzzing city centre hotspots to growing business districts and creative innovation hubs, the city has something for everyone. By the end of 2023, Birmingham boasted 2 million square feet of available office space, with 65% of it being Grade A and Prime spaces. This reflects the city’s commitment to providing high-quality office accommodations.
Office Space in Birmingham City Centre
Birmingham’s city centre is known for its entrepreneurial flair, marked by a unique mix of renovated factories and buzzing creative centres. It presents an array of premium serviced offices, with sought-after addresses that include Colmore Row and Brindleyplace, and areas adjacent to New Street station.
Not to forget, the Jewellery Quarter stands as a dynamic business hub within the city, offering robust transport connections and a vibrant atmosphere for enterprises.
Birmingham’s Growing Business Districts
Birmingham’s business districts are expanding at an impressive pace, with Lloyds Bank’s acquisition of 60,000 square feet of Grade A space at 6 Brindley Place serving as a testament to this growth. The appeal of these districts is further enhanced by the Colmore Business District, known for its excellent shopping and dining options that cater to business professionals, as well as the historical charm of the Louisa Ryland House.
These districts offer more than just office spaces; they provide an environment conducive to business growth.
Office Space in Birmingham’s Creative and Innovation Hubs
Innovation Birmingham in the Knowledge Quarter serves as a central hub for tech companies, offering premium office spaces and a vibrant tech community. Brentwood SciTech, located within Innovation Birmingham, offers coworking spaces tailored to tech businesses, fostering a collaborative environment.
Moreover, the Eastside area, known for its vibrant bars and cultural attractions, enriches the lifestyle of those working within the hub.
Top Serviced Office Spaces in Birmingham
Birmingham’s serviced office spaces cater to a diverse range of business needs, from Victorian heritage buildings to ultra-modern facilities suitable for freelancers to large teams. These offices come fully equipped with meeting rooms, offering broadband, cleaning services, and furniture for a comprehensive monthly fee, ensuring hassle-free operations for businesses.
How to Choose Your Ideal Birmingham Office Space
Choosing the ideal office space in Birmingham requires careful consideration of:
- The ideal location
- Amenities
- Budget constraints
- Alignment with company culture
The selection process should take into account the amount of space required, the budget available, and the company’s working style.
Let’s delve deeper into how to make this crucial decision.
Assessing Your Business Needs
When assessing business needs, it’s essential to evaluate your organisational size, the nature of your operations, projected growth, and desired flexibility in leasing. Factors such as the number of employees, type of work performed, need for privacy, client interaction frequency, and accommodation for future expansion are crucial for this evaluation.
A comprehensive workplace strategy requires businesses to review current office usage, adapt to different work styles, and incorporate employee feedback to meet immediate and long-term goals.
Comparing Different Office Types
Businesses in Birmingham can choose from three primary office types:
- Serviced offices: These typically include utilities and amenities in the rental price. They offer more flexible lease terms.
- Managed offices: These may offer more cost-efficient solutions for larger companies. They require longer-term commitments and the ability to handle facility management.
- Leased spaces: These also offer cost-efficient solutions for larger companies. They require longer-term commitments and the ability to handle facility management.
Each office type comes with varying costs and benefits, allowing businesses to choose the option that best suits their needs.
The level of control over the work environment can be a deciding factor, with different options offering varying levels of autonomy and management:
- Leased offices provide the most autonomy but require self-management.
- Serviced offices offer a fully maintained and controlled work environment.
- Managed spaces sit between the two options.
Negotiating Lease Terms and Costs
When it comes to lease terms and costs, negotiation is key. Committing to a lease term of a year or more can enable businesses to negotiate incentives such as 1-3 months of free rent in Birmingham. At Tally Workspace, we can negotiate for you on your behalf.Â
The Benefits of Renting Office Space in Birmingham
Renting office space in Birmingham comes with a plethora of benefits, including significant cost advantages, with rental prices typically lower than other major cities such as London. The city is home to a variety of business networking groups and trade associations that provide numerous opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
Additionally, the city boasts premier business events and conferences, which are ideal platforms for networking, sharing ideas, and fostering professional relationships. Renting office space in Birmingham also gives businesses access to a rich talent pool, thanks to the presence of renowned universities and professional training facilities in the city.
Lower Rental Costs Compared to London
Office space rental costs in Birmingham are more affordable when compared to the expensive rates in London. For
private office space accommodating 1-4 desks, the median price in Birmingham is £310 per person per month, whereas London’s median price is £583. For office setups requiring 50 or more desks, Birmingham offers rates around £300 per person per month, compared to London’s £733.
Thriving Business Ecosystem
Birmingham’s economy is diverse and robust, with a business ecosystem strengthened by the presence of:
- Business and professional services
- Digital technologies
- Future mobility
- Data-driven healthcare
- Advanced engineering
The active foreign direct investment in Birmingham, particularly boosting the business, professional and financial services, and tech sectors, underscores the city as a thriving business hub and a thriving city.
The ‘Professional’ sector is a key player in Birmingham’s office space market, having acquired over 81,000 square feet in Q4 2023, which illustrates the city centre’s appeal to professional firms. The ‘Public Services, Education & Health’ sector’s substantial leasing activity of over 80,000 square feet reflects the city’s conducive environment for sectors that support creativity and education.
Access to Local Talent Pool
Birmingham’s five universities produce approximately 30,000 graduates annually, with a strong retention rate of 55% within the region. The city of Birmingham boasts a diverse population including a significant percentage of young individuals, fueling a dynamic and skilled workforce.
Businesses in Birmingham can leverage a multilingual talent pool, with a substantial number of speakers in:
- French
- German
- Polish
- Russian
- Urdu
- Mandarin Chinese
Investing in an office space that aligns with the company’s culture, brand, and values can help in attracting and retaining top talent by boosting employee satisfaction and reducing turnover.
Amenities and Lifestyle in Birmingham
Apart from business advantages, Birmingham offers a vibrant lifestyle with:
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Shops
- Cultural and recreational activities
- Green spaces
These amenities boost accessibility for businesses and their clients, with an 800-space multistory car park located above Snow Hill station offering dedicated spaces for individuals with disabilities.
Victoria Square, adorned with heritage architecture, stands as a pivotal site for Birmingham’s amenities, contributing to the city’s cultural and aesthetic appeal.
Restaurants, Bars, and Shops in Birmingham
Birmingham’s city center, including the Jewellery Quarter, is known for its vibrant environment with a diverse array of shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes, creating an appealing atmosphere for professionals in the area. The Cube in Birmingham City Centre enhances the local business environment by providing convenient access to various dining and retail options tailored towards business professionals.
Westside stands out with its active nightlife and expansive shopping opportunities, featuring prominent areas like Broad Street and attractions such as the National SEA LIFE Centre. Theatreland Birmingham enriches the city’s cultural offerings with multiple dining establishments and entertainment venues, including the renowned Birmingham Hippodrome.
Cultural and Recreational Activities in Birmingham
Culture enthusiasts will be thrilled by Birmingham’s diverse cultural venues such as the Thinktank science museum and Ikon Gallery for contemporary art, along with Sarehole Mill, which has ties to the famed author J.R.R. Tolkien. Historical explorations are plentiful with venues like Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall, and the Black Country Living Museum, which brings history to life with its canalside village recreation.
Educational and enjoyable adventures await with places like the Lapworth Museum of Geology and Cadbury World, where visitors can delve into the chocolate-making process. Ikon Gallery not only presents modern art but also offers stunning outdoor views, adding to the city’s rich repertoire of cultural experiences.
Green Spaces and Outdoor Attractions
For those seeking tranquility amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, The Cube’s sky garden offers a peaceful retreat where employees can rejuvenate while enjoying the beautiful views of the Birmingham skyline. Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens offers a historical garden experience, whereas Walsall Arboretum features amenities like a children’s play area and a splash pad, making it an appealing destination for family outings.
Green spaces are essential for employee relaxation and can offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life, with an abundance of natural light. Birmingham’s outdoor attractions not only serve business communities but also provide family-friendly spaces, contributing to a healthy work-life balance for employees.
Support Services for Businesses in Birmingham
Birmingham offers support services for businesses, including networking groups, local government initiatives, and access to funding and investment. Birmingham libraries offer a free service providing business information, advice, and planning for entrepreneurs and existing business owners.
The Business Network Birmingham organizes monthly lunchtime events to support business networking in the city since 1993.
Business Networking Groups
The Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce offers the following benefits to its members:
- Connections with local businesses
- Inspiration through events
- Expert services Members of the Chamber also gain access to:
- Local and international business opportunities
- Networking events
- Expert services designed to assist in global trade.
The Business Network Birmingham serves as a platform for business owners and directors to network, collaborate, and enhance their visibility within the monthly events it hosts. Birmingham’s business community benefits from a diverse array of networking events, including training sessions, afternoon teas, and business walks, catering to different industries and career stages.
Local Government Initiatives
The Birmingham City Council has put forth the Big City Plan, aimed at regenerating and expanding the city center, which includes the development of new office spaces. Local government initiatives include the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), which enhance business areas through additional services funded by a levy on the
business rate, directly benefiting office space environments. The Birmingham City Council offers business rate relief to certain areas to attract investments, benefiting businesses looking for premium office space.
Grants such as the Property Investment Programme are designed to assist with the repair and improvement of commercial properties, encouraging the upgrade of office spaces. Support from the local government also comes through advice and guidance for businesses seeking to find or develop office spaces within Birmingham’s strategic development areas.
Access to Funding and Investment
Businesses looking to rent office space in Birmingham, including start ups, have access to a variety of funding opportunities, such as local grants and investment programs, which are designed to support business growth and expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of office spaces are available in Birmingham?
- In Birmingham, you can find a diverse range of office spaces, including Victorian heritage buildings and ultra-modern facilities, as well as serviced, managed, and leased spaces.
What is the average cost of renting office space in Birmingham compared to London?
- Renting an office space in Birmingham is, on average, less expensive than in London, with a median price of £310 per person per month in Birmingham compared to £583 in London.
What are some of the key business districts in Birmingham?
- Some key business districts in Birmingham are the city centre, Colmore Row, Brindleyplace, and the Jewellery Quarter. These areas are known for their commercial and business activities.
What support services are available for businesses in Birmingham?
- Businesses in Birmingham can access networking groups, local government initiatives, and funding and investment opportunities for support services.
How is the transportation network in Birmingham?
- Birmingham has a well-connected transportation network, including major road, rail, and air connections, centered around key hubs like New Street Station and Snow Hill.
Bull Street (Midland Metro Stop)
