SHB Flexible Workspace Advisors
Find, renew, or expand in the right flexible office with our team on your side
SHB has placed 500+ businesses into flexible workspaces around London and internationally – from 5-person startups to 200-seat enterprise teams in multiple countries. We match businesses with the top serviced offices, managed workspaces or other flexible options to align with business needs, timeframe, budget and key criteria.
When it comes to office acquisitions, flexibility is critical – especially in times of growth, consolidation or when trying to stay lean. Real estate’s role in a business strategy can be a key driver of success when done right.
Our Flexible Workspace team provides a strategic advantage for clients. Whether on the search for serviced offices, managed offices, or a bespoke flexible lease, our expert team sources the perfect space to support business goals.
How we work with clients
Working with a property partner on flexible workspace allows you to negotiate better terms and stay agile for any upcoming growth or funding plans.
• Full view of the market
We have access to thousands of flexible workspace options across London and beyond — serviced, managed, and off-market. You see everything and decide what fits.
• One key contact
From first brief to move-in, renewals to expansion, we get to know your business and make sure every option aligns with your growth plans, culture and budget. We act as an extension of your team to help anticipate needs of your business for as many moves as you need.
• Support on viewings
We accompany your team on viewing tours, ask the hard questions and benchmark what you’re seeing against live market data, so you walk in informed and leave with assurance.
• Negotiated, competitive deals
We use market insight, proprietary data and operator relationships to secure the best possible terms on your behalf. Independent advice and data means we’re on your side of the table.
• Move-in support
Once terms are signed, we can manage every moving part — legal documentation, pre-move customisations, handover — so you can focus on operations.
• Renewals, renegotiations and expansion
Facing a renewal with rising costs? Looking to upsize in your current building? We build the strategy and data case to secure better terms, with full negotiating leverage behind you.
Speak to our team to learn your options
Get a benchmark of how your office fits with your strategy and market opportunities. Ask us any questions about renewals, a stay vs. go strategy or to align your office with where you’re heading.
Some of our most commonly asked FAQs
What is the difference between a serviced office and a managed office?
A serviced office is a ready-to-use workspace provided by an operator. You pay an all-inclusive monthly licence fee and share amenities like reception, meeting rooms, and breakout areas with other businesses in the building. This setup is great for teams that want to move in quickly with minimal setup. A managed office offers more: the space is fitted out and run just for your business, giving you a private, branded environment with more control over the layout and culture. Both options are types of flexible workspace, and the best choice depends on your team size, growth plans, and how much you want your office to reflect your brand. Our advisors can help you decide which model suits you before you start viewing spaces.
How much does flexible workspace cost in London?
Pricing can vary a lot depending on location, building quality, and what is included in the licence fee. As a general guide, serviced offices in London usually cost between £600 and £1,500 or more per desk each month, with top locations like Mayfair, the City, or Soho at the higher end. Managed offices are usually priced per square foot and negotiated directly with the operator. Most flexible options, unlike leasehold space, combine rates, service charges, utilities, and facilities into one monthly payment, which makes budgeting easier. We offer clear cost comparisons across your shortlisted options so you can compare them directly before making a decision. Take a look at our latest Rents & Rates guide here, or contact our team for a specific market report.
How long does it take to move into a flexible office?
One of the main benefits of flexible workspace is how quickly you can move in. For a serviced office, you can often be set up and working within a few days after agreeing to terms, especially if you use the existing furniture and fit-out. Managed offices usually take a bit longer due to customisation and fit-out requirements, but they are still much faster than a traditional leasehold. Typically, the process involves a few key steps: understanding your requirements, searching the market, shortlisting and viewing options, negotiating terms, agreeing a contract, arranging fit-out if needed, and then moving in. From your first brief to moving in, most of our clients are in their new space within four to eight weeks. We handle the process from search to handover to keep everything on schedule.
Do I need a broker to find flexible workspace?
You don’t have to use a broker, but having one on your side can make a real difference. The flexible workspace market in London is large and fragmented, and many of the best options are never advertised publicly. As an independent broker, we have direct relationships with operators across the city and access to off-market spaces, early pricing, and special incentives that you won’t find on operator websites or aggregator platforms. We always act in your best interests and remain impartial throughout the process, ensuring you get the workspace solution that truly fits your needs. We also work only for you, not for the operator’s in-house sales team. We are paid by the operator when a deal is completed, but our advice remains unbiased and fully focused on your requirements, so you get expert help at no cost throughout the process.
What areas of London do you cover?
We find flexible workspace throughout central London and beyond, with strong market knowledge of areas such as the City, Shoreditch, Soho, Mayfair, Covent Garden, Farringdon, Fitzrovia, and Canary Wharf. We also often help clients looking in fringe locations such as Bermondsey, King’s Cross, and White City, where availability is increasing, and value is good. If you are searching in other UK cities or even internationally, we can help with that too through our wider network. For international requirements, we work closely with trusted global partners and direct contacts in major cities to provide you with tailored options and expert support wherever you need it.