Exeter Office Spaces for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
For flexible office space, Exeter is a fantastic place to put down roots as a small business, with the city spearheading growth in the South West.
A vibrant cathedral city, Exeter has a rich history of commerce. It’s home to many creative and science-based startups that enhance the local business community.
In 2023, the city came third in PwC’s rankings in its Good Growth for Cities Index, just behind Oxford and Swindon. The local area saw above-average performance on safety, jobs, and its skilled workforce.
As the heart of Devonshire, Exeter benefits from local government help for entrepreneurs. Case in point is the Prosper programme, which launched in 2023 and offered over £500,000 in funding for new business ventures in the area.
When you choose an Exeter office space, you’ll gain access to a supportive business atmosphere in the city. This thriving destination provides offices to rent that are affordable for the south of England.
These factors contribute to the region’s dynamic small business environment. Let’s look at more reasons why Exeter is a smart choice for SMEs looking to advance their business.
Why entrepreneurs and SMEs should choose flexible office space in Exeter
Entrepreneurs will benefit from Exeter’s reputation as a growing business destination. The city is also notable for its startup survivability, with 46% of new businesses surviving past their first five years.
This makes Exeter an attractive option for reducing the risks of starting a new venture. There are also many other benefits for entrepreneurs, which we’ll discuss below.
1. Great accessibility
Exeter thrives on its transport links. You can reach most major UK cities from the Exeter St Davids railway station, which connects to London Waterloo.
Plymouth and Bristol are under an hour away by train, while London itself is around two hours away.
For clients visiting from further afield, Exeter Airport has regular routes to Ireland, Spain, and Greece.
For those travelling by car, you’ll be able to travel via the nearby M5 motorway. Many of our offices to rent in Exeter have parking onsite.
2. Economic vibrancy
There are more digital jobs in Exeter than in the rest of the South West. It’s a vibrant hub for science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine, or STEMM, research, and the Met Office HQ draws in new talent from around the world.
This dynamic economic environment makes the local area a melting pot for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here, you’ll network with experts at the cutting edge of new technologies.
People commute into Exeter from across the county. The city has the second largest travel-to-work area in the UK, with 37,000 people commuting every day.
3. Supportive business environment
Devonshire strongly supports SMEs. The local government operates the Heart of the South West Growth Hub, an organisation providing business support.
The Growth Hub offers free advice for grant and funding searches. Recently, the organisation commissioned webinars for small businesses focused on cyber security.
An Innovation Hub has opened in Exeter city centre, which is also aimed at supporting businesses and entrepreneurs. Led by the University of Exeter, the Hub utilises the university and is committed to creating a greener future.
4. Infrastructure investment
A major draw for Exeter’s serviced office options is the area’s commitment to infrastructure. Throughout the local Enterprise Zone, projects are underway to improve the local economy, including faster broadband and energy schemes.
Alongside its status as one of the cleanest cities in the UK, Exeter provides workers with plenty of city centre amenities, including an abundance of cafes, bars, and even museums. These help small businesses appeal to staff looking for a healthy work-life balance in the local area.
5. Skilled workforce
This local talent pool is one of Exeter’s major draws for new businesses. Approximately 37% of the local workforce have professional occupations, well above the national average.
The University of Exeter is a significant factor in these local skills and is considered a key research university in the UK.
Thanks to this, businesses can recruit promising new graduates from this esteemed university, many of whom choose to stay in the area after their studies. For local entrepreneurs, the university provides further support through its Centre for Entrepreneurship scheme.
6. Investment opportunities
You’ll find plenty of investment initiatives in Exeter. Small businesses can get hands-on support through the SETsquared Exeter Business Accelerator. This programme has helped 22 startups and 40 potential entrepreneurs gain vital skills and has grant funding available for small businesses.
Elsewhere, Exeter has attracted significant investment interest. For example, tech startup Binit has received a £500,000 equity investment from the South West Investment Fund.
Launched in July 2023, SMEs in Exeter can also benefit from SWIF’s £200 million commitment to new business funding.
7. Diversity is encouraged
The major sectors in the city are health, professional activities, and education. This is due to the large STEMM presence in Exeter, alongside the NHS trusts in the area.
In Exeter, the economy is rapidly moving towards industries that are less dependent on geographic location.
This has led to an increase in flexible office space used by tech companies and other innovative industries. Such examples include City Science, a startup that’s revolutionising data gathering for cities.
Serviced offices in Exeter
Choosing office space to rent in Exeter places your business within reach of the city’s many benefits. For startups and entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to pick a location that’s affordable, scaleable, and in a supportive environment.
Our office buildings foster an innovative space for your company to grow. Additionally, with flexible contracts, you can decide how much time and space you need to work.
Let’s explore the available Exeter office spaces, with information on which industry best suits each location.
Exeter Business Park
Join household names like The Met Office and ITV at Exeter Business Park. This prestigious office space lets you network with big companies and nearby tech firms.
At Exeter Business Park, your startup can enjoy serviced office space with meeting rooms and breakout areas. This helps present a professional image to potential investors.
With the M5 nearby, plus bike storage, there are plenty of options for commuting to work. This alone makes the location a prime choice for small businesses looking for somewhere easy to get to.
You can also enjoy lakeside views, with 80 acres of stunning beauty. For international travellers, the office is just three miles from the airport.
Highlights include
- Outside seating area/terrace
- Sandwich service
- Business lounge
Information about Exeter Business Park
- Location: 1 Emperor Way, Exeter, EX1 3QS
- Starting cost: From £165 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Ambassador Drive Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), M5 Motorway J29 (a two-minute drive away), and Pinhoe Station (a 20-minute walk away)
Matford Business Centre
Work in the heart of a busy business district at our Matford Business Centre. This centre is near the Thrifty head offices and thus is an ideal pick for small businesses working in logistics.
Choosing serviced office space in Exeter’s thriving industrial estate means you’ll be able to work immediately. Keeping costs low, these offices come with WiFi and utilities to help you stay professional.
Matford Business Centre offers onsite parking as well as easy access to Exeter Airport. Matford Business Centre is also within easy reach of the city centre, particularly via public transport.
It’s not all about work, either. When the day is done, take advantage of the museum, cinema, and theatre, which are located just a short drive away.
Highlights include
- Lounge area
- Vending machines
- Parking
Information about Matford Business Centre
- Location: Matford Park Road, Exeter, EX2 8ED
- Starting cost: From £159 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Manaton Close Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away) and Marsh Barton Station (a 22-minute walk away)
The Senate
The Senate is perfect for professional services SMEs, an office space that will impress clients.
You’ll find plenty of LLPs and Chartered Accountants in the area. You can hold informal meetings in The Senate’s professional lounge areas, or make use of our conference rooms.
This centre is also great for commuting, with links to nearby bus stops and train stations. There’s secure underground parking for drivers, and Exeter Central is just a few minutes’ walk.
Enjoy the neighbouring Southernhay Gardens during lunch, or go for a stroll to see the famous Gothic cathedrals for those who like a bit of history.
Highlights include
- Bicycle storage
- Outside seating area/terrace
- Secure underground parking
Information about The Senate
- Location: Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1UG
- Starting cost: From £209 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: The Pyramids Bus Stop (a six-minute walk away), Exeter Central Station (a 12-minute walk away), and Exeter St Davids (a 24-minute walk away)
Marsh Barton Trading Estate
Startup office space at Marsh Barton Trading Estate is available in multiple sizes. Whether you need space for one to two people or more open-plan areas, this centre lets your business scale affordably.
The centre sits within Exeter’s largest industrial estate. Here, you can easily network with other local entrepreneurs by taking advantage of our business lounge.
At Marsh Barton Trading Estate, you can book day office space for as little as £79 per day. This lets you work without the overheads of a permanent location. It’s also modern, with options for virtual office rental and superfast broadband.
Highlights include
- Vending machines
- Parking
- Business lounge
Information about Marsh Barton Trading Estate
- Location: Yeoford Way, Exeter, EX2 8LB
- Starting cost: From £155 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Yeoford Way Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away) and Marsh Barton Station (a 15-minute walk away)
Find office space to rent in Exeter to establish your business with Regus
Entrepreneurs will benefit from choosing Exeter as a prime destination for their business. With a diverse economy and great transport links, it’s a strategic choice in the South West.
For more information on why this city can work for your business, check out our general guide to office space in Exeter.
We can help you decide on the right type of office for your enterprise. Call our expert advisors to discuss your requirements and we’ll help you create a contract on terms that suit you.