Why International Businesses Should Choose a London Virtual Office
London is both an economic dominator and a major centre for international trade. It’s one of the most well-connected cities in the world, innovating the financial industry for hundreds of years.
Today, the city still tops the rankings for international business. In 2023, it retained the number one spot on the International Financial Centers Index. It’s a competitive hub with high scores in infrastructure, taxation, and growth.
A virtual office in London gives your business an instant presence in this centre of commerce. With on-site mail forwarding services and call handling, you can reach a lucrative new market without having to relocate.
This provides multinationals with the chance to connect with clients from across the globe. A virtual address also lets you establish your business early to meet market demand as it happens.
Below, we discuss the reasons why a virtual business address in London could work for you.
Why London virtual offices offer an ideal location for new market business expansion
London is a prime choice for expanding into new territories. When you rent a virtual office in London, you’ll get the prestige of operating in the UK capital, which comes with a certain level of trust.
Below are several key reasons why the city is a good starting point for expansion:
1. Global business hub
As mentioned, London is an important player on the global stage. With its strong roots in banking, asset management and legal services, the city has links to all major global markets.
The UK at large is the leading global centre for international dispute resolution. To put that into perspective, all the top 50 law firms worldwide have an office in London.
2. Ease of doing business
Choosing a virtual address for business in London is simpler than you might think. The city supports international business. There are fewer operating restrictions than in other comparable destinations.
You’ll have to register as an overseas company, but you can easily do this with a virtual office. Where other countries might impose conditions, the UK process is the same for residents and non-residents.
3. Strategic global expansion
London is a strategic pick for expanding an international business. Thanks to its geographic location, the city is a key link between the US and EMEA markets.
As a virtual office location, it’s in a central time zone. This means we can help answer your calls from anywhere in the world at a time that suits your business.
4. Large opportune market
The UK market is a significant growth opportunity. For international businesses looking to capture a new region, the local economy has a lot of buying power.
This offers the potential for your business to increase its profits going forward. The UK economy performed better than expected in 2023, with business investment growing 6.3% in Q3.
5. Diverse environment
London is a diverse city with a growing population and many international residents. 41% of the city’s residents originate from outside of the UK. There’s also a significant minority population, diversifying the city’s dynamic workforce.
If you choose a virtual office in Hammersmith or elsewhere in West London, you’ll find the highest concentration of international residents. This diversity leads to enhanced innovation and a local economy moving from strength to strength.
6. Government support
International businesses are an important part of London’s economic dominance. The UK government supports multinationals in investing in the city, helping you grow and develop your offering.
For international entrepreneurs, Start Up Loans provide unsecured loans of up to £25,000. You’ll also receive expert mentoring and business offers.
There are significant other tax and business benefits available to those looking to expand in London.
7. Diverse and skilled workforce
We’ve already touched upon London’s population diversity, but this also benefits the local talent pool.
For example, choosing a virtual office in the City of London means you’ll have access to the borough’s high-skill workers. This includes over 194,000 people employed in the Financial and Insurance industries.
As we shift towards hybrid working, a business address helps attract this talent without the expense of a permanent space.
8. Local presence
A virtual registered office address in London gives you a local presence without committing to a physical space. Our packages include mail forwarding, call handling with a dedicated telephone number and a receptionist service.
This creates a base where you can reach out to new markets, staff and trends that are unique to the UK. And if you visit for work, Virtual Office Plus grants access to our lounges and meeting rooms.
9. Gateway to European markets
London’s central position offers fantastic opportunities to connect with European markets. The city is home to six airports, and you can reach most major European cities in only a few hours.
For international businesses, this means overlapping your working hours with this important market. London’s time zone is at most two hours out from the rest of Europe.
10. Improved business recognition
Situating yourself in London comes with international recognition. There are over a million businesses in the city as of 2023. This creates unparalleled networking opportunities.
By joining them with a virtual office address in London, you’ll tap into this global business cluster. An address in London is instantly recognisable worldwide.
11. Strong economy
The UK has a growing economy, and this is abundantly clear in the capital. The world-renowned King’s College London projects that this will continue through to 2030.
London, its research suggests, is a resilient city with productivity far higher than the rest of the UK. The capital is a magnet for international interest, with an increase of almost 25% in foreign investment since 2019.
Top businesses and industries in London
London’s business ecosystem is diverse and evolving. Different boroughs have areas of specialisation, such as Central London’s retail cluster.
A virtual office in Canary Wharf would be better suited for financial businesses outside the City of London. But for international retail businesses, virtual offices in Knightsbridge would be more advantageous.
In general, the city excels in many sectors. The following are the top industries in London, alongside representative market leaders:
- Financial services: Barclays originated in London over 300 years ago. Today, it’s a multinational bank with trillions of assets.
- Professional services: Clifford Chance LLP is one of London’s “magic circle” of prestigious law firms. It’s one of the top ten largest law firms globally.
- Technology and innovation: Hypervolt is leading the pack when it comes to cleantech. This SME has seen massive growth since its founding in 2018.
- Tourism and hospitality: Malmaison, a luxury hotel chain with 16 destinations, operates from London. This is part of the city’s extensive links to the tourism industry.
- Retail: London is famous for luxury retail. This includes Harrods, the 175-year-old department store in the heart of Knightsbridge.
- Healthcare and life sciences: Barts Life Sciences is a partnership between the NHS Trust and QMU London. It’s the largest host of commercial clinical trials in the UK.
- Creative industries: Zealous is a startup connecting London’s creatives with new opportunities. This is the UK’s fastest-growing sector.
- Real estate and construction: ISG Ltd is a London-based construction company that operates in the EMEA region. The firm has won a contract to build a Sunset Studios facility in the UK, the first of its kind outside America.
Our virtual office spaces in London
Now you’re familiar with the city’s unique benefits, let’s look at the London office addresses a virtual membership with Regus can offer your business.
From spaces in the city centre to emerging outer boroughs, we can help you pick an address in a prime location.
Mayfair Berkeley Square
As a virtual office in Mayfair, our Berkeley Square centre provides a central base for your business. This office puts you in the same neighbourhood as financial institutions and chartered surveyors.
For creative multinationals, Berkeley Square is home to prestigious art institutions such as the David Aaron Gallery. This centre also has meeting rooms sure to impress when you visit for business.
Highlights include
- Break-out areas
- Virtual receptionist services
- Meeting rooms
Information about Mayfair Berkeley Square
- Location: Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BD
- Starting cost: From £199 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Berkeley Square Stop V (a one-minute walk away) and Green Park Underground Station (a six-minute walk away)
Covent Garden St Martin’s Lane
Opt for a virtual office in Covent Garden at St Martin’s Lane. This bustling district is perfect for creative international businesses. You’ll find London’s West End nearby, alongside The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square.
Covent Garden St Martin’s Lane is an impressive business address for visiting clients. Book one of the centre’s quirky meeting rooms, or expand your access with a day office if you’re in the area.
Highlights include
- Secure underground parking
- Break-out areas
- Day offices available
Information about Covent Garden St Martin’s Lane
- Location: 60 St Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4JS
- 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 Square Underground Station (a two-minute walk away) and Charing Cross Underground Station (a four-minute walk away)
Shoreditch
Join the busy marketing world of Shoreditch with our Epworth House centre. Thanks to local networking opportunities, this address is a fantastic choice for international marketing businesses.
Nearby, you’ll find the MullenLowe Group offices, a global ad agency that works with Google, Diageo and Bayer.
When you open a virtual office in Shoreditch, you’ll gain access to our centre’s call forwarding services, and someone to handle your mail.
Highlights include
- On-site coffee bar
- Break-out areas
- Bookable meeting rooms
Information about Shoreditch
- Location: 25 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AA
- 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: Old Street Station Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and Old Street Station (a four-minute walk away)
Canary Wharf Cabot Square
Choose a virtual office just minutes from London City Airport at Canary Wharf Cabot Square. Part of London’s fastest-growing business district, this location has unparalleled transport links around the city and beyond.
When visiting, take advantage of the centre’s rooftop terraces and incredible views.
If you’re looking for a virtual office in London with meeting rooms, it doesn’t get more impressive than Cabot Square.
Highlights include
- On-site lunch restaurant
- Outside seating area
- Bookable meeting rooms
Information about Canary Wharf Cabot Square
- Location: 25 Cabot Square, London, E14 4QZ
- 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: West India Avenue Stop E Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and Canary Wharf DLR Station (a three-minute walk away)
Farringdon
Expand into the UK with a Farringdon virtual office address. This central location has immediate access to the City of London, with plenty of tech firms along nearby Clerkenwell Road.
A virtual address at this centre provides you with an affordable base for your business. If you’re investigating new markets, Farringdon allows you to operate in London with greater flexibility.
Highlights include
- Bookable meeting rooms
- Break-out areas
- Parking available
Information about Farringdon
- Location: 77 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JU
- 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: Clerkenwell Road Farringdon Road Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away) and Farringdon Station (a four-minute walk away)
The Gherkin
It’s hard to find a more prestigious address than The Gherkin. This virtual office in Central London’s iconic landmark will garner admiration from around the world.
Operate alongside leaders in their fields like the Bank of England and the London Stock Exchange. At The Gherkin, your business is well-positioned to connect with Europe’s financial centre.
Virtual Office Plus memberships allow you to work from this centre for five days a month.
Highlights include
- World-famous address
- On-site lunch restaurant
- Bookable meeting rooms
Information about The Gherkin
- Location: 30 St Mary’s Axe, London, EC3A 8BF
- Starting cost: Prices available on request
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Duke’s Place Stop A Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and Aldgate Underground Station (a five-minute walk away)
Holborn Circus
Choose a virtual office in Holborn Circus and you’ll gain a business presence in this heritage location. Thanks to its proximity to the City of London and Covent Garden, this centre comes with great networking opportunities.
Deloitte LLP has major offices just a few streets away. For global investors, there’s a Goldman Sachs International branch across the road.
Highlights include
- On-site coffee bar
- Bookable meeting rooms
- Sandwich service
Information about Holborn Circus
- Location: 20 St Andrew Street, London, EC4A 3AG
- Starting cost: From £109 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Holborn Circus Stop L Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and Chancery Lane Underground Station (a six-minute walk away)
Angel Islington
Find space for your business to grow at Angel Islington. This centre is an affordable option for international startups and SMEs looking to gain a foothold in London.
You’ll be connected with Islington’s many graphic designers and developers. Plus, the area is home to the cutting-edge Moorfields Life Sciences Hub.
When visiting our Angel Islington centre, enjoy the open-plan office space for informal client meetings.
Highlights include
- Affordable London location
- Break-out areas
- Day offices available
Information about Angel Islington
- Location: 70 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PP
- Starting cost: From £105 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Baron Street Stop T Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away) and Angel Underground Station (a five-minute walk away)
Old Street
Get a central address with our professional virtual office services on Old Street. This Hackney business centre is close to Shoreditch while being a few minutes from the City itself.
A virtual address in this location gives your business a foothold in an inclusive, evolving part of London. Media companies such as Splice and Nexus Studios are a few blocks away.
Highlights include
- Bookable meeting rooms
- Break-out areas
- Showers
Information about Old Street
- Location: 167 City Road, London, EC1V 1AW
- Starting cost: From £149 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Moorfields Eye Hospital Stop P Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away) and Old Street Station (a four-minute walk away)
Kings Cross
Choose a business address at our Kings Cross offices for easy access to St Pancras International. This centre offers multinationals an address with superb transport links to continental Europe.
For professional services businesses, this centre is in London’s legal quarter. To help make connections, Kings Cross offers a variety of customisable conference rooms.
Highlights include
- Break-out areas
- Excellent UK and international transport links
- Disabled facilities
Information about Kings Cross
- Location: 344-354 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8BP
- Starting cost: From £75 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Kings Cross Station Stop R Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and King’s Cross Station (a three-minute walk away)
Moorgate
Open a virtual office near London Bridge at our Moorgate offices. Home to a dynamic business community, these offices are close to several international tech firms.
A strategic pick for multinationals with tech connections, Moorgate offers day office passes for when you’re visiting. You can book meeting rooms that’ll impress clients in this central office space too.
Moorgate also benefits from several City of London business initiatives.
Highlights include
- Break-out areas
- Call handling services on-site
- Proximity to the City of London
Information about Moorgate
- Location: 30 Moorgate, London, EC2R 6DA
- 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: Great Swan Alley Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away) and Moorgate Station (a three-minute walk away)
Discover prime virtual addresses in London with Regus
Get a London address without the overheads of a physical office space. By choosing a business address in the capital, you’ll get the prestige of a London location alongside new territory expansion.
Discover further benefits of opening a virtual office in London and talk to an expert at Regus. Reach out and let us help you pick the right space for your international expansion today.