A Guide to Office Space in Leicester
Situated in the centre of the UK, Leicester is a small city in the East Midlands. Known for its agriculture, it’s one of the country’s oldest cities. Today, it is a bustling hub for education, transportation, and commerce, seeing significant economic growth each year.
Its convenient location makes Leicester ideal for office space, attracting businesses from multiple sectors, including manufacturing and retail. It is also strategically located near other cities, such as Birmingham and Manchester.
In addition to the larger enterprises, Leicester is also a promising place for small and startup businesses, too.
In fact, in 2023 it was named the best city to live and work in the East Midlands. It scored above the UK average in areas like economic growth, skills, and work-life balance.
Leicester is home to three world-class higher education institutions. Over 17,000 graduates enter the workforce every year. Universities include The University of Leicester, Loughborough University, and De Montfort University.
For these reasons and more, there is plenty of available office space in Leicester. Below, we’ll discuss more about living and working in Leicester.
Geography of Leicester
Leicestershire has a diverse geography. Across the county, you’ll find rural areas, busy cities, forests, and coalfields. The city is situated beside the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal, close to the eastern side of the National Forest.
Leicester’s proximity to the city of Birmingham, as well as the East Midlands area, makes it a strategic location for businesses. It’s also not too far from other key cities, such as Nottingham, Sheffield, and Manchester.
Top business areas in Leicester
According to the Good Growth for Cities Index, Leicester is the best city in the East Midlands to live and work, offering a great location outside of places like Birmingham.
The city offers a good work-life balance, which is an important factor for any business thinking about moving to the area.
These are some of the top business areas in Leicester:
- Leicester City Center. The city centre’s shops, eateries, and attractions make it a great location for businesses. Mixing the old and the new, there are plenty of spots to enjoy an after-work drink or two.
- Cultural Quarter. Leicester’s Cultural Quarter supports the city’s arts and commerce ecosystem. Here, you’ll find a blend of modern entrepreneurship and historic culture.
- Grove Business Park. The Grove Business Park offers modern and versatile workspaces. Its convenient location and transport links make it a great place to collaborate.
- Belgrave. Located in the centre of the city, Belgrave has a reputation for being attractive for many businesses. Particularly popular with startups, Belgrave provides a welcoming environment for young businesses.
- Leicester Innovation Hub. The Innovation Hub is situated in the city centre and houses slick, state-of-the-art workspaces. Offering networking events and workshops, this is an ideal place for entrepreneurs and startups.
5 businesses based in Leicester
With so much to offer large and small companies alike, it’s no surprise that some big names have made Leicester their home. Some notable businesses include:
- Samworth Brothers: One of the UK’s biggest makers of sandwiches and wraps, Samworth Brothers is a family-owned business. It has several factories, one of which is in Leicester.
- Amalgamated Holdings Wilkinson: The company famous for Wilko set up its first store in Leicester in 1930. Today, it has over 400 stores UK-wide.
- Dunelm: Furniture retailer Dunelm is one of the largest homeware retailers in the country. You will find several stores here in Leicester.
- Sytner Group: Sytner Group is the UK’s leading retailer of prestige cars. Its head office is located in Grove Park, Leicester.
- Europcar Mobility Group UK: Automobile manufacturer and vehicle hire company Europcar UK has set up a home in Leicester’s Great Central Square.
Top 8 reasons to grow your business in Leicester
Leicester and Leicestershire have the largest economy in the East Midlands. Offering access to a workforce of over one million, the city attracts people from all manners of industries.
Here are some of the top reasons to grow your enterprise in Leicester:
1. Business support
Leicester was named one of the top 10 locations in the UK to start a business, beating larger competitors like London and Edinburgh. The city offers tailored support and funding options to businesses within Leicester and across the country.
Access to grants and funding is a fantastic way to grow your business. Leicester offers helpful schemes like the Manufacturing Growth Fund and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.
A range of budget benefits also help smaller businesses. This includes reviewing business rates every three years to make them fairer and providing investment relief to encourage businesses to invest in more sustainable technologies.
2. Rich industrial history
Leicester has a fascinating industrial history. In the 1900s, it was recognised as the second richest city in Europe, thanks to its successful textile industry. Leicester continues to demonstrate progress today across numerous sectors, including textiles and manufacturing.
3. Strategic central location
Leicester’s central location in the UK makes it ideal for businesses that need connections with other parts of the country. Travelling to meetings in other cities is easy via road, rail, and air.
Both Birmingham International and East Midlands airports are nearby. There are also regular rail services that connect Leicester with cities like Sheffield, Nottingham, and London.
4. Startup friendly
It’s not only established enterprises that make Leicester their home. Over 98% of businesses in the city and Leicestershire county have fewer than 50 employees. A supportive environment makes Leicester desirable for startups and small businesses.
Annual events like the Leicester Business Festival offer invaluable opportunities for startups to network and partner with other companies.
5. Economic growth and prosperity
Leicester's local government strives to create a supportive business environment. Small and large businesses are encouraged to not only put down roots in the city but to develop and expand as well.
This welcoming environment leads to economic growth and prosperity, attracting even more businesses.
6. Diverse and dynamic economy
Leicester is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK. This also extends to its economy, with a diverse economic structure that encourages innovation. Collaboration between its different sectors is nurtured and supported.
7. Great travel and accessibility
Leicester has fantastic public transport links via road, rail, and air. You can be in London within one hour by train, and East Midlands Airport is just a 30-minute drive away.
Leicester’s road network makes it easy to get to other cities via four national motorways, including the M1, M6, M42, and M69. Thanks to these, other cities like Birmingham and Manchester are easily accessible.
8. Leicester culture
Leicester is one of the UK’s most diverse cities, offering a thriving arts scene, with multiple galleries, theatres, and street art to discover.
The Highcross shopping centre is an instantly recognisable landmark. There are also plenty of parks, restaurants, and family attractions, like the National Space Centre. The city even has its own Cultural Quarter, located on its eastern side.
The St George’s Cultural Quarter blends historic architecture with exciting development projects. There are also award-winning restaurants and theatres to explore.
Sports fans will love life in Leicester. As well as a racecourse, you can watch football, rugby, and cricket at some of its famous sports stadiums, such as King Power where Leicester City play.
The annual Comedy Festival is a famous event in Leicester, and the city also throws the biggest Diwali party outside India each year. Enjoy global cuisines, independent shops, and yearly festivals and music events all year round.
How much is office space in Leicester?
As Leicester is smaller than other cities in the UK, it can be a more cost-effective option when it comes to office space. The average cost of Regus offices in Leicester is around £189 per month.
By comparison, something similar in Manchester would average around £200. London is pricier, with average costs starting at £300 or more.
We offer several types of offices to rent in Leicester, such as:
- Private Offices: From £175 a month per person
- Custom Offices: From £175 a month per person
- Office Membership: Work from a private office by the day, or on a longer-term basis
Office spaces for rent in Leicester
Serviced offices in Leicester are much more affordable than in other parts of the UK. Find the perfect place for your business in the city with our Regus office spaces in Leicester.
Our offices make everything easy for you, including having high-speed WiFi and flexible rent terms. Here are some of our top Regus office locations:
Meridian Business Park
Meridian Business Park offers flexible offices in Leicester. Located on the outskirts of the city, it houses office spaces and modern meeting rooms within a secure gated site.
Whether you want a large or small office to rent in Leicester, you’ll find it here. There are legal and financial services in the area, offering the chance to network for those who work in this sector.
You can hold meetings and workshops in its well-lit rooms, or rent a private office for the day. There is a gym and spa nearby as well as hotels, which is ideal for visiting clients.
There are also a variety of restaurants in the park, perfect for taking colleagues and clients for after-work dinner and drinks.
Highlights include:
- Gated site
- Breakout areas
- Meeting rooms
Information about Meridian Business Park
- Location: 1 Meridian South, Leicester, LE19 1WY
- Starting cost: From £189 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Fire Station Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and Harcourt Way Bus Stop (a four-minute walk away)
St George's House
St George’s House is an attractive Leicester office for all your business needs. It offers bright working spaces, break-out areas, and a terrace that overlooks the city. Workspaces are all flexible and can be designed to suit your requirements.
Its modern facilities and amenities are sure to impress your clients. You’ll find representatives from several sectors here, including legal and healthcare.
After work, relax at the cinema, or grab a bite to eat in one of the nearby restaurants. Nearby amenities include several shops, as well as St George’s Courtyard, which features a theatre and bars.
Highlights include:
- Bicycle storage
- Parking
- Showers
Information about St George’s House
- Location: 6 St George's Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1QZ
- Starting cost: From £189 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Leicester Train Station (a five-minute walk away) and Station Street (Stand EG) Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)
Grove Business Park
A vibrant business park near the city centre, Grove Business Park is a great place to rent an office in Leicester.
You can network with major national and international brands in the offices and communal spaces. You’ll find representatives from the financial, manufacturing, and management industries here.
After work, the Fosse Shopping Park is right on your doorstep. Explore shops, restaurants, and supermarkets, or head to the Grove Farm Pub. There is also a Marriott Hotel, ideal for visitors travelling from afar
Highlights include:
- Business park location
- Disabled facilities
- Parking
Information about Grove Business House
- Location: 4 Penman Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE19 1SY
- Starting cost: From £175 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Thorpe Way Bus Stop (a five-minute walk away) and Sainsbury’s Bus Stop (a nine-minute walk away)
Establish your business with serviced offices in Leicester
Leicester is an amazing place to live. As a multicultural hub in a key central location, there are so many business opportunities and affordable office spaces here. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with entertainment, leisure, shops, eateries, and green spaces.
Regus are always happy to help you find your dream office space in Leicester. With many options to choose from, we’re confident you will find the best place to work in this vibrant city.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent location or browsing for something short-term, in Leicester, renting office space couldn’t be easier. Get in touch with us if you have any questions.