10 of the Best Co-Working Spaces in the UK

Co-working is an emerging trend in the business world that puts collaboration and sharing at the forefront of its ethos. It allows small businesses and freelancers to come together and create a community where they can all benefit from one another, sharing the same values.

It completely suits the Web 2.0 working world where we demand openness, friendliness and fun from everything we do. Co-working normally involves a shared working environment between various independent businesses and involving people who are not employed by the same company.

The term 'co-working' was first coined by Bernie DeKoven in 1999 and in 2005 was used by Brad Neuberg to describe a physical space. It's a very attractive way of working for work-at-home professionals, independents and people who might have to travel frequently.

Co-working spaces are now popping up all over the UK and we've picked out the top 10 as follows:

THECUBE, London

Co-working space, THECUBE in London offers a diverse co-working and network community for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses. Based on Commercial Street, Shoreditch, THECUBE was founded in September 2009 and provides high-end designer office, meeting, conference, gallery and comprehensive business facilities. Packages start from just £5 per month.

The Werks, Brighton & Hove

Based in Hove, The Werks describes itself as 'coworking, workspace, events and support for creative businesses and nomadic workers' and is a hub of new media creatives throughout East Sussex. Packages start from £150 per month for workspace and from £65 per month for co-working access. The Werks also has space available to hire for workshops, events and meetings.

FlyThe.Coop, Manchester

Located in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter on Edge Street, FlyThe.Coop is a co-working space and community for the city's creative individuals, entrepreneurs and small businesses, working together and sharing space for the purposes of 'collaboration, innovation and profit for the benefit of themselves, their communities and their industries'. Prices start from £17.50 per month.

Old Broadcasting House, Leeds

Old Broadcasting House is located in the heart of Leeds and houses top spec computers, the latest software applications, meeting areas and group working zones, all in a stunning creative space. It is home to a community of independent, freelance and nomadic workers - digital entrepreneurs, creatives, technologists, artists, designers, marketers, writers and programmers, all of whom share our core values of collaboration, openness, community and sustainability.

FunkBunk, Leighton Buzzard

FunkBunk is ideal for all sorts of different small businesses, freelancers and home workers. It is the perfect work hub to either base your business from or break away from home to. If you’re looking for a workhub near Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, or Leighton Buzzard, FunkBunk is a pretty decent co-working space where you'll have your own desk with access to high speed broadband, ergonomic chairs, natural light, fresh tea and coffee and free parking. Packages start from £25 per month.

screenWORKS, Edinburgh

screenWORKS is a work, social and learning space in Edinburgh and a non-profit coworking space in Fountainbridge providing affordable, flexible, work, meeting and events space for anyone involved in the digital media and screen industries. They're creating a community base for creatives with resulting opportunities for collaboration and inspiration as well as establishing a local resource to encourage local emerging talent. Packages start from £20 for a day's access.

The Hub, Bristol

The Hub Bristol is a dynamic members' space which offers a new way of working and connecting. The traditional sterile office is replaced with a vibrant, flexible hot-desking work space. It's a place where social innovators at the forefront of the ethical economy, as well as thinkers, entrepreneurs, creatives and other businesses, can come to develop their ideas and connect with like-minded souls who share their passion. Visit The Hub for more information.

IndyCube, Cardiff

A new co-working space for Wales at IndyCube in Cardiff where freelancers and businesses are encouraged to share office space and collaborate to grow their businesses. The idea is to take away the stresses of working from home to offer a diverse and supportive community that shares, collaborates and celebrates co-working and all the benefits it brings. Prices start from £60 per month.

Le Bureau, London

Le Bureau is a beautifully designed office in Battersea, providing shared workspace for independent professionals, startups and small businesses. There is one monthly rate, which includes the use of all their office facilities and a good range of benefits. There are no hidden extras and not even a deposit – just a one-month minimum commitment. Prices start from just £65 per desk per week.

Moseley Exchange, Birmingham

A brand new co-working space in the heart of Moseley, Birmingham - The Moseley Exchange is a place to meet, work and share ideas. Unlimited membership is £85 a month with day-use rates starting at just £10. The co-working providers offer regular events and workshops to support and help its members to improve and grow their businesses.