Did you know there are over 2 million active podcasts with over 48 million episodes between them? And that was as of April 2021. Despite the huge volume of podcasts worldwide, the medium continues to grow in popularity. According to a 2021 study on global podcast consumption, there were 332 million people consuming podcasts. This is predicted to increase to around 500 million by 2024. There’s no denying that whether you’re an individual looking to entertain or a business looking to build your brand, podcasting has huge potential. This is reflected by the advertising revenue of podcasts, with ad spend expected to exceed $2 billion by 2023 according to a report by IAB Pricewaterhouse Coopers. But if you want to make one, you’ll need a podcast studio first…

Below are some tips for maximising your podcast potential and where you can find the best podcast studios in West London.

Top tips for recording a podcast

If you’re looking to start a successful podcast, or if you’re looking to improve the one you already have, below are some key things to do:

1. Create content people are looking for
2. Define your content creation goals
3. Use the right podcast recording equipment
4. Record in a quiet space or a podcast recording studio
5. Warm your voice up
6. Resolve sound issues early
7. Publish regularly
8. Welcome and ask for feedback and reviews

These are just some best practices. The hard part is at the start: planning the content and making sure it’s relevant, entertaining and interesting. The podcast recording is arguably the easier bit. So put in the hard graft before you hit the mic!

Podcast production

Define your goals

Before embarking on producing your podcast, ask yourself why you’re creating it to start with? What are your content creation goals? Defining them is the first step to achieving them.

Is it to raise awareness of your brand? To generate leads? To build a relationship with your listeners? To share your thoughts or expertise? To build a community?

Think about:

• Who your ideal listener is
• What the perfect structure and format is
• If it should be scripted and to what extent
• When it’s best to schedule and release episodes

Depending on the format (story-telling, interview, solo discussion) there may be different requirements for production.

On top of actually recording the podcast – there are things to consider before and after in regards to production, namely pre and post-production:

Pre-production

• Deciding on your podcast’s subject and purpose
• Podcast title and cover art
• Choosing a structure and format
• Scripting and editing
• Organising guests (if required)

Post-production

• Intros and outros
• Sound design
• Transitions
• Audio editing
• Video editing (if visual format is also required)
• Mix and mastering

If you’re not sure how to produce a podcast or are looking for extra support, many London podcast studios offer packages to help with production as well as provide a quiet space to record.

Do I need a studio for a podcast?

It is possible to record a podcast from home, however, there is a cost and investment in recording a podcast with good sound quality and a professional final product.

Podcast equipment needed

• Microphones
• Mic stand
• Headphones
• Cables
• Sound treatment/soundproofing
• Audio interface/mixer
• Computer/laptop
• Internet access
• Cameras (for video podcasts)
• A spare room (ideally carpeted, without external walls or large windows, and without appliances such as boilers)

The cost of this equipment can range from the hundreds to the thousands depending on your budget and the quality you’re looking for.

If you’re apprehensive about making this investment there are always more affordable options. If you don’t have an appropriate room or are looking for a dedicated and professional space specifically designed for podcasting then you may want to find yourself a podcast studio.

Luckily for you, there are plenty of podcast studios in London available to hire by the hour or by the day. Podcast studios offer everything from state of the art recording equipment to custom lighting for filming, temperature control for comfort and a flexible booking system for ease.

Where can I record a podcast in West London?

There are plenty of options if you’re looking for podcast studios in West London.

We have our very own podcast studio at White City offering everything you need for your podcast recording in a bustling area of West London, right by Westfields. Our studio is designed to make everything as easy for you as possible. Walk in, plug in, record and walk away with a high-quality recording.

Studios range from as low as £40 per hour for basic packages to £100+ per hour depending on your needs and what they offer. Some studios offer packages if you’re looking to buy a block of time or offer special rates for full or half days.

Some studios, including our own, also provide their own or partner production services if you’re looking for more than just a space to record.

Venture X Podcast studio

Our podcast studio in London is designed to make podcasting easy and enjoyable whilst ensuring high quality audio.

Our facilities include:

• Up to 6 contributors
• Plug in and play capabilities for a seamless recording process
• Professional quality audio and video recording
• Fast and reliable wifi
• A quiet and professional space providing privacy as you record
• End-to-end service including professional editing and post-production

Our studio is perfect for podcasts, vlogs, social media and digital projects to inject life into your brand and business. You can even bring your own branding to make the space your own!

Venture X Podcast Studio West London FAQ

Do you have to be a Venture X member to have access to the podcast studio?

No, we welcome anyone looking to record a podcast or who wants a secure, soundproof meeting space.

Do you get access to other facilities?

We can provide catering for your booking as required and you’re welcome to make use of our beautiful Member Lounge.

We understand that so much goes into producing a one hour episode of a podcast and our studio and workspace is designed to make the process a joy.

Can I eat/drink in the studio?

Cups of tea are welcome – but please drink responsibly!

Is it possible to hire the recording studio for the day to do back-to-back episodes?

Yes, booking is available by the hour, half-day or full-day. Prices start from £150 per hour, or £480 per half-day, or £900 per full day (+ VAT).

Contact our team to visit our recording studio and get your podcast off the ground.

In 2021 we’ve seen workers desperate to get back to some sort of working ‘normality’. But not everyone has been returning to the traditional office setup. More and more businesses and their teams are looking for more flexibility, using a hybrid model of both, time in the office and remote work. Hot desking in London in a coworking space has been an increasingly popular solution for these businesses and freelancers. Below we’ll explain why – and how much do serviced hot desks cost?

FAQs for Hot Desking?

What is hot desking?

Hot desking is a system that allows you to use a desk space as and when needed. This usually works on a first come first served basis. These are unassigned desks in a coworking space so you can use them by the hour, day or month as your business needs dictate.

Hot desking cuts down on unnecessary costs for businesses that may be paying for office space with more desks than they need. 

It also allows individuals, entrepreneurs, startups or freelancers without an office to have access to a professional desk space as and when needed without the fixed cost of an office.

How much is an office in London?

Costs of an office space in London varies greatly according to location, type of office space and whether or not there are fit-out costs. 

Commercial office space is traditionally priced per square foot although serviced office spaces are usually charged per desk/person. 

Prices in London can vary from £20-30 per square foot up to £120 per square foot (or more!) for some sought after locations. In general, a generous space would offer 100 sq ft per person and a more efficient use of space would offer 75 sq ft per employee.

According to research by Oktra, more expensive locations include St James’s and Mayfair, Soho and Knightsbridge, whereas Battersea and Nine Elms, Hackney and Stratford remain at the lower end.

Average monthly desk rates per person in Central London sits at £632 for a private serviced office.

How much do serviced hot desks cost?

The cost to rent a hot desk varies according to region, location and other amenities. Some facilities allow you to pay by the hour or by the day while others offer a monthly rate.

Costs per month can vary, with average prices in London being between £100 and £300 per month.  

It is also possible to rent hot desks by the day and even by the hour in some locations.

What are the best London offices for hot desking?

When trying to find the perfect space for hot desking there are several factors you need to take into account including location, price, facilities and needs.

If you’re in West London then come and experience our Venture X offices in White City or Chiswick Park. Our spaces in London offer you unparalleled comfort, hospitality and facilities in a great location with enviable transport links.

Other popular locations for hot desking tend to be those that come at a premium including Knightsbridge, Soho, Camden and Mayfair.

Uncommon in Highbury and Islington is a popular spot further East just ten minutes away from Kings Cross Station. 

Plexel at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park also offers a great space with a focus on collaboration and innovation.

If you’re looking for a hot desk in London in a specific area, you can search sites such as Zip Cube to explore the different hot desking options London has to offer from Camden to Canary Wharf.

How much does coworking cost?

The flexibility of coworking means that it’s very difficult to pinpoint an exact cost. It can vary hugely according to:

• Location
• How often you need access
• If you’re looking for a dedicated desk or if you’re happy to hot desk
• How many employees require access
• If you also need regular access to other facilities such as meeting rooms

According to Startups.co.uk, the average price per desk per month in London is £613 (May 2021).

This can be determined by one or several of the above factors though and, as an average, it is possible to find cheaper options.

Benefits of hot desking

Below are just some of the numerous benefits of hot desking for you and your business:

Cost-effectiveness

First and foremost is the cost-saving through hot desking.

Hot desking allows you to be completely flexible in using a workspace. You can choose from working at a hot desk in a coworking space every day or on an ad hoc basis. 

As a smaller business or startup, this could be crucial as you grow.

It allows freelancers, small businesses, startups, creatives and entrepreneurs who can’t commit to a cumbersome contract, crippling annual rents or long term leases to have access to a professional office space.

A private office is not always required and hot desking in coworking spaces can provide a much more affordable compromise.

Flexibility and mobility

For small businesses engaging in a more hybrid work model, employees can share the desks depending on who is in the office and when.

There is no commitment needed and you can expand the number of hot desks needed as required.

Hot desking also allows mobility as well as flexibility for those that move around for work. This is ideal for those interested in or needing to base themselves in different locations.

Through hot desking, you can work at different offices in different locations as you please. You could move to a hot desk to be near to your clients or base yourself somewhere new each month purely for a change of scene!

As well as flexibility with the number and amount of time required, hot desking also allows access as and when needed to other amenities.

Venture X, for example, also has additional facilities such as meeting rooms, private phone booths or even podcast rooms. These are all available on-demand at the same site.

Design and purpose

Unlike some spaces people use for work such as cafés, good coworking spaces for hot desking are thoroughly and thoughtfully designed to improve productivity and creativity and aid concentration. 

Coworking spaces, such as those at Venture X, are built to provide an optimum work environment with state-of-the-art tech and unmatched hospitality services.

This aims to provide their members with the best experience with minimal distractions.

Hot desking spaces with Venture X are also surprisingly social. You’ll have access to the communal area – The Hub – ideal for those looking to network and mix with other like-minded people and businesses. 

Networking and collaboration 

There are plenty of opportunities to meet, mix and learn together. You can make the most of these opportunities through our networking events.

This all helps to provide a community feel with a culture of support and collaboration.

Extra perks

Some coworking spaces come with a few added perks! Our hot desking memberships at Venture X include food and drink discounts at local restaurants as well as gym and wellness discounts.

Members can enjoy barista-standard coffee through our touchless coffee machine by Scanomat. 

You can also make the most of local pop-up traders and street vendors at our Chiswick location or make the most of Westfield’s amenities at our White City location.

Hot desks in London on a budget

Hot desking is the prime example of agile working, allowing the use of a coworking space in London at an affordable price.

For those on a budget, you can find hot desks from as little as £3 per hour or £60 per month.

It is worth bearing in mind some of the cheaper options may have more simple offerings (just a desk and wifi) and some cheap hot desk options may be in less popular locations.

It’s important if you’re on a budget to weigh up your needs and the environment you’d like to work in against the cost. If you require extra services or facilities then it’s best to check what is included in the price.

Venture X Hot desking – What’s included in your membership?

Members have several hot desking options with Venture X.

All of the options give you access to a beautifully and ergonomically designed workspace. These ensure comfort, looking after your body so your mind can focus on the work at hand.

Our thoughtfully designed premium office spaces are supported by our amazing and experienced hospitality team. They’re there to ensure your time with Venture X runs seamlessly. 

Desks: 

Our spacious hot desk stations include desks by Workstories and chairs by Herman Miller. The design of both is intended to reduce fatigue and discomfort and to maximise productivity.

You could choose from a more private desk space for privacy or a more social desk to bond with your neighbours!

The pandemic has fundamentally changed our approach to office life. According to a survey by IPA conducted in June 2021, a new outlook towards our professional lives and wellbeing has led to: “89% of adults now favouring a fully flexible approach to turning to the office”; the same survey featured the key drivers for returning to a workspace: seeing colleagues face-to-face (48%), getting out of the house (41%) and easier collaboration with colleagues (34%). It’s therefore easy to see why the demand for flexible shared office spaces is increasing.

Whether you’re a freelancer looking for a more social space, a start-up wanting to move out of your garden shed or a company that has handed back the keys to your private office, here are the innumerable benefits flexible workspaces in London offer:

Benefits for companies of flexible shared office spaces

Cost-effectiveness and versatility for your business

The pandemic has shown us that physical space has to add purpose and value to be viable for a business. London’s flexible workspaces allow you to adapt your office setup as you require, an invaluable benefit in an unpredictable and ever-changing world.

Help attract the best talent

As so many people are now looking to have the option of both working remotely and in an office environment, working in a shared space and being able to stagger office days for your teams are a valuable way of attracting the best talent by offering the flexibility they’re craving.

Everything on one site

Our hybrid office spaces provide everything from state of the art technology, IT support, well-designed workspaces and meeting rooms on-demand in a space that can expand with your business as and when necessary. All of this without the financial burden of the traditional private office

Expand your office space as you need

If you only need a meeting room or event space sporadically, flexible shared office spaces allow you to use the additional facilities on demand, whether it’s for a few hours or full days.

Working as a team face-to-face

The benefit of being able to collaborate on projects more easily and brainstorm together in person is invaluable. Having the chance to do this – without extortionate London rental contracts – in an inspiring space can lead to greater focus, increased productivity and can boost the morale of your team. 

Staff wellbeing

In a world where people are now more wary and considerate in terms of bugs and sickness, people are less likely to come into the office if they have a cough or cold.

Our workspaces in West London allow you to cater for those able and wanting to join the team in the office with no pressure on those who are under the weather. This flexibility is invaluable to both your business and the wellbeing of the team.

Networking

A big advantage of flexible shared office spaces is the fact you get to be amongst other successful businesses, freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Our events space offers a great chance for networking and building connections and we look forward to hosting upcoming local networking events with Hounslow Chamber and West London Business. 

Benefits for staff

Optimal work environment

Flexible shared office spaces are specifically designed to be comfortable, secure and inspiring places, meeting the needs of each member. Everything from the location of the offices in London and hospitality level service to the ergonomically designed desks is specifically chosen to provide the optimum environment.

Social interaction

As demonstrated by the IPA survey, the key attraction of returning to a workspace for staff is interaction and time with colleagues and friends. The ability to meet face-to-face, enjoy a coffee together, share a lunch break or after-work drinks shouldn’t be underestimated.

These interactions can foster valuable personal and professional relationships that are hard to replicate purely working online. 

Creating boundaries

To differentiate your working space and from your home life can help you to switch off and recharge so that in the office you’re truly ‘on’.  This in turn can lead to greater focus and productivity in the office, and less stress and distraction at home. 

It can also prevent loneliness or demotivation from working solely at home, where you might be having to use your usual space to relax into an office or desk.

Personal Wellbeing

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, developed by behavioural scientist Abraham Maslow in 1954, shows a pyramid of human needs ranging from physiological (food and water) to self-actualisation (growth, peak experiences and satisfying self-esteem).

He argues you must meet physiological needs, at least in part, before addressing those higher up the pyramid. Just up from the fundamental physiological needs lie our safety needs. 

Safety needs include financial security, health, employment and wellbeing.

Well-designed workspaces are fundamental in ensuring the ‘work’ part of our work-life balance and safety are met.

Member discounts

Members at Venture X’s flexible workspaces can also take advantage of discounts for local gym memberships and restaurants meaning you can take full advantage of your time spent out of the house and being in West London!

Education, training and development

State-of-the-art technology

Our flexible workspaces provide an array of facilities at your fingertips. You can focus on the valuable role of the training and development of your team, networking or growing your business.

At Venture X there is something for everyone: small private meeting rooms;  fully-equipped boardrooms; spacious event rooms; meeting pods and even a new recording studio.

Both of our locations in London, Chiswick Park and White City, come with best-in-class AV equipment and on-site setup assistance, complete with beautiful views of the city.

We also offer state of the art security using Salto Keys on our doors for peace of mind.

And for the safest and most hygienic way to enjoy a barista-quality coffee, we even offer touchless coffee! 

Training and development according to different needs

The development of your company or of your teams rests on the individuals within it. Everybody works and learns differently.

Myers Brigg’s personality types can highlight the differing requirements from their office space. Explorers, for example, are highly creative and prefer to be in shared office spaces, whereas visionaries are creative yet prefer a quieter space with fewer distractions.

The beauty of a hybrid space in London is that you can choose areas that fit your needs and the needs of your team and their development.

Whether it’s a private and spacious workstation, a desk in the member’s lounge or a relaxed team meeting room, you can book the space that works for you and gets the most from your team.

West London

Local delights

Flexible workspaces in West London allow you to be in the heart of a dynamic and exciting part of the city. On the doorstep of London’s west end, it has easy access to theatres and museums such as the Natural History Museum and Museum of brands.

It’s easy to see why it’s becoming a mecca for start-ups, freelancers, entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) all in search of working space in an area of London bursting with culture, innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Both Venture X London locations in Chiswick Park and White City are surrounded by great cafes and restaurants and often feature pop-up restaurants to eat with stunning views across the lake.

Accessibility

With great transport links to Central London, national rail links and Heathrow, they offer a great space for entertaining clients or welcoming international partners.

Venture X boasts offices in 50 locations worldwide from Dubai to California so for international businesses with clients visiting London, it offers the ultimate flexible working experience.

Find out more

To get more information about our services in London, download our brochure here or get in touch today.