A guide to office space in Glasgow
The largest city in Scotland, and third largest in the entire UK, Glasgow’s economy was historically dominated by the manufacturing industries of shipbuilding and other heavy engineering. While the city still maintains its place as a major hub for these types of industries, the economy has diversified in recent years and is supported by companies in creative, financial and business services, retail and tourism, bio-science and communications.
The location
Situated on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow is located in West Central Scotland, just under 50 miles west of the capital, Edinburgh.
Neighbouring areas - price comparisons, per person per month
|
The prices given below are the minimum to maximum average cost for serviced offices, per person per month, derived from our Sales Team's knowledge. |
| Area | Indicative price range |
|---|---|
| Central Glasgow | £250 – 300 |
| East Kilbride / Hamilton | £180 – 200 |
| Paisley | £180 – 200 |
| Edinburgh |
£250 – 400 |
Looking for an office in Glasgow
Glasgow provides a range of office types and solutions that suit companies from a diverse range of industries. With a number of new-build Grade A office developments in the pipeline, the supply of office space is expected to increase. This in turn will help to keep prices competitive.
The area around the main railway station in central Glasgow is ideal for companies looking to move into the city, to allow for quick access to Edinburgh and the south.
Costs
Prices currently range from £250 – £300 per person, per month for serviced offices in central Glasgow, depending on exact location and requirements. For companies looking for cheaper space, areas such as Paisley and Hamilton on the outskirts of Glasgow can be rented for around £180 - £200 per person, per month. When looking at serviced offices keep in mind that these costs usually cover a variety of amenities such as meeting rooms and Internet, and as such can offer great value for money.
Office sizes
We often receive a lot of enquiries for smaller office spaces in Glasgow. This is due to the fact that while most companies will not have their headquarters in the city, it is a very popular city to set up a secondary office. Having said this, Instant are able to accommodate most enquiries, from one person through to 100 or more depending on the specifics.
Why choose Glasgow?
While Glasgow used to lag behind Edinburgh, which has always been seen as the centre of the Scottish financial sector, it has now moved level with the capital as the country’s largest financial centre. Combined with a diverse economy, good transport links, comparatively cheaper rental prices than the capital and a wide range of cultural activities to enjoy, Glasgow is a great place to be for both work and pleasure.
Five things you probably didn't know about Glasgow:
- The name ‘Glasgow’ is derived from a Gaelic phrase meaning ‘green valley’ or ‘dear green place’
- Glasgow’s underground railway system is nicknamed Clockwork Orange because of the colour of its trains
- Glasgow had its own police force in 1789, 40 years before London’s force was established
- By the late 18th century, over half of the tobacco trade in Britain came through Glasgow
- Glasgow is home to the Horse Shoe Bar that contains the longest continuous bar in the UK, at 104 feet and 3 inches
A closer look at Glasgow
Almost 17,000 companies now have a home in Glasgow with many more expected to follow their lead with the city set to become one of the UK’s smart cities of the future. Plans are in place to ensure that Glasgow positions itself at the forefront of both technology integration and application.
Some of the most popular areas in which to rent office space in Glasgow are:
- Home to the CBD and divided into the Retail and Theatre District, Merchant City and the Financial District
- Built on a large grid system lined by Victorian buildings and modern high-rise offices
- Some of the best shopping opportunities in the UK
- Most of the city’s cultural venues located here including The Theatre Royal, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow School of Art and The Pavilion
- Area known officially as the International Financial Services District (IFSD) to the western edge of the City Centre
- Nicknamed as the ‘square kilometre’ or ‘Wall Street on Clyde’
- Bounded by the M8 motorway to the west, the River Clyde the south, Hope Street to the east, and Sauchiehall Street to the north
- Home to a number of landmark buildings
- The majority of the largest UK general insurance companies have a presence here
- Key banking companies include Santander, HSBC, JPMorgan Chase and Abbey
- Located 12 miles south-east of Glasgow
- 35 miles south-west of Edinburgh
- Major employers are local government and service industries
- Home to Philips Lighting UK’s manufacturing site
- Regenerated town centre with a number of new indoor shopping centres
- Ideal location for companies that want to be close to Glasgow Airport
- Considerably cheaper rent than comparative city centre locations
- Scotch whisky blenders and bottlers Chivas Brothers located in the town
- The public sector is the major employer here
For more information on the current state of the UK serviced office market check out our UK Flexible Workspace Review 2016.
Want to find out more?
If you’re looking to move into the area, or simply require more information, contact Instant Offices' specialist local consultants.
Email our team or call us and we'll be delighted to help you.