Helping social enterprises thrive starts with a smart workplace choice. Affordable workspaces cut costs and offer valuable support, perfect for organisations that want to put their resources towards social good.
This guide breaks down the best options for workplaces that meet tight budgets, offer simple agreements, help you link up with like-minded people, and give you the freedom to focus on your impact.
If renting pet-friendly property, know that many indoor and outdoor plants are not safe. Read up on pet-friendly gardens to know plants to avoid.
Affordable Spaces for Changemakers
Ethical Property Company is a company that people can invest in (it’s not listed on the stock exchange, as this would cost an enormous amount of money – remember all investments are at risk) that provides affordable office space for people in cities nationwide, for them to do good, without worrying about colossal rents.
Green Park Station (Bath) is a flagship example. Housed in a beautiful Georgian building with a stunning vaulted roof, here spaces are rented by local market traders and artisans, offering everything from hot street food to vintage fashion. It also has an independent bike shop, a music workshop and men’s barber shop.
Other offices are located in Brighton (including an eco building), Bristol (in a stunning Art Deco building), London (Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Vauxhall, Islington), Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield (in a former 19th century cutlery factory) along with buildings in Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Flexible Contracts, Affordable Rents
Unlike most office rentals, this company offers flexible contracts so you can expand, downsize or move out if your circumstances change, without being locked into long contracts. All costs (including service charges, waste and recycling) are included, to help small businesses and non-profits thrive.
As an example, a typical small office in East London we found being advertised costs around £250 a month. It’s wheelchair-friendly with free cycle parking and wi-fi, 24-hour reception and a lift. Just a few minutes walk from both rail and underground station, and near to a local park and public spaces.
When we looked on Rightmove, there were 54 office spaces to rent privately. There was one tiny studio to rent for around £450, but everything else was going over the £1000 mark, likely with bills not included.
Examples of those who rent from Ethical Property Company include:
- Local Green parties
- Green funeral companies
- Local housing associations
- Care agencies
- Sewing workshops
- Community energy companies
- Small hair salons
Co-working Spaces For Social Impact
Co-working spaces are everywhere now, but some cater especially to social enterprises. These spaces often have a clear social mission. You can find flexible membership plans, which mean no long contracts or heavy deposits.
Monthly rolling plans let you scale up or down as you need. You’ll work alongside others who care about purpose-driven work, so finding collaborators or advice is simple. Events, talks, and shared resources help you stay inspired and connected.
Community-Owned Business Hubs
Community hubs offer workspace managed by local groups, charities, or councils. These usually have lower rents than city-centre offices. Leases tend to be easy to manage, sometimes only month-to-month.
The goal is to give back, not profit from tenants. Facilities often include meeting rooms, kitchens, and drop-in desks. You’ll often share the space with charities, co-ops, and other social innovators, making networking straightforward.
Fora (flexible workspaces)
Fora (London, Cambridge, Leeds, Reading) offers flexible workspaces to empower you to work in your own unique way. Whether you need a private office, whole floor or just a dedicated desk. Business rates and utility costs are included, and the flexible licenses are only 3 months minimum term.
Accelerator Workspaces
Accelerators focus on helping social enterprises get started and grow faster. Spaces are kept cheap, or even free in exchange for joining a support programme. These contracts are usually short, from three to six months, but can sometimes extend longer.
You’ll mix with both fresh start-ups and field experts, all driven by social aims. The connections, training, and shared energy make these places a springboard for new ideas.
Flexible Desk Hire in Local Libraries
Libraries are re-inventing themselves as community workspaces. Many now rent hot desks or meeting rooms for a small fee. You won’t get long contracts, just book by the day or week.
Fast internet, printing, and quiet rooms are standard perks. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by students, freelancers, and other non-profits, so the setting feels safe and community-focused.
Sharing or Subletting with Others
Social enterprises often have spare desks or rooms. Subletting from them means lower costs and shorter leases. Sharing space also gives you quick access to advice or partnerships, as everyone works towards similar goals. If your needs change, moving in or out is easy, with less red tape than traditional letting agents.
Canopi: London Workspace for Charities
Canopi is a non-profit in London, which rents out affordable workspace to charities, so that they can focus on doing good, rather than paying exorbitant rents in the capital. It also offers virtual workspaces, where people anywhere can use their registered office address and facilities. Just a few minutes from from bus and train stations near London bridge, the offices also have bike stations and shower facilities.
These fully-serviced hybrid spaces are a world away from paying a fortune on long leases for draughty offices and having to buy equipment yourself. Choose from:
Dedicated desks – These are from around £510 plus VAT each month and include flexible rolling contracts, storage, printing, postage, phone, high-speed wi-fi, a generous meeting room allowance and inclusive refreshments.
Hotdesks – these are basically the same, but are cheaper as you share the desk with others (say working from home, and popping in once a week to use printing facilities). You can even book by the day, or customise to suit your own work schedule.
Virtual desks are around £25 per month. You can work from home but use this London Bridge office as your address. Post is sorted and stored for you, and for an extra £5, you can add on phone and voicemail services.
