West London Office Spaces Coworking chiswick park

Why you should embrace coworking spaces as part of the return to the office

Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that popularised widespread homeworking, the pendulum is swinging back from full-time home working toward a return to the office model. Many organisations are, sometimes controversially, attempting to enforce a return to the office for 4-5 days per week. This shift presents an opportunity for coworking spaces and flexible workspace providers to offer tailored, cost-effective solutions that meet the needs of both employers and employees.

Major Companies Leading the RTO Charge

A growing number of high-profile firms have enacted stringent return to office mandates in 2024 and 2025:

  • Amazon’s escalating in-office requirement: What began as a two-day-in-office policy has now evolved into a four-day standard, whilst a full five-day return was scheduled for January 2, 2025.
  • Goldman Sachs’ full-time office mandate: As of 2024, the banking giant requires all employees to be on-site five days a week, citing the need for “full-time in office” to drive collaboration and mentorship.
  • 5 days a week required at Tesla: Musk in 2022 said that employees must work from the office at least 40 hours per week. “If you don’t show up, we’ll assume you have resigned,” he said. Strong words.

These aren’t sole examples—JPMorgan Chase, Intel, and Citigroup have adopted similar policies—plus so many more. With perhaps the exception of Fridays being a bit more lenient, most industries are already back to pre-pandemic office attendances. As a result, commuter trains as just as packed as you remember them!

Why Employers Are Mandating In-Person Work

Executives cite several evidence-backed reasons for reversing the full remote approach:

  1. Productivity Gains: Research from Harvard Business Review suggests fully remote work can be up to 10% less productive on average, due to communication lags and fewer spontaneous interactions.
  2. Improved Collaboration: In-person environments allow for quick brainstorming, on-the-fly problem solving, and stronger team cohesion.
  3. Culture and Mentorship: Face-to-face contact accelerates onboarding, informal mentoring, and cultural assimilation, reducing employee isolation and turnover.

As a result, this is why so many companies are forcing their employees back into the office, sometimes even going so far as to make threats to do so. Sometimes this has been to the annoyance of workers themselves, who had become accustomed to not having to commute and being free of the costs associated with doing so.

The Limitations of Traditional Office Leases

So, is the solution to go back to traditional office spaces? We don’t think so. Despite the RTO momentum, conventional office real estate poses challenges:

  • High Fixed Costs: Multi-year leases lock companies into large footprints, regardless of actual desk utilisation.
  • Under-utilisation: With some hybrid schedules, many seats remain empty most days.
  • Long Commutes: Employees face time-consuming, stressful commutes, potentially harming work-life balance and retention.
  • Inflexibility: Rapid scaling or downsizing is difficult when space requirements shift unexpectedly. This is an especially poor prospect for startups or smaller companies who cannot afford to risk commitments to this scale.

As such, this is why we propose the use of coworking spaces as the alternative.

Coworking Spaces: The Best of Both Worlds

Here are some common annoyances associated with traditional offices which coworking spaces can counter, as we all return to the office:

Challenge Coworking Benefit
Under-utilised desks Different membership levels allow for you to pay for as much as you’re going to use. For example, if you only need an office for a small number of days, simply get a package which affords you a few day passes!
Rigid, multi-year leases Month-to-month memberships allow organisations to adapt as they need.
High utilities and maintenance costs All-inclusive pricing covers cleaning, utilities, and security.
Long employee commutes Multiple locations close to transit hubs

Coworking spaces also include a lot of great amenities that are typically included as standard:

  • Ergonomic desks and chairs
  • High-speed internet
  • Meeting rooms
  • Printing facilities
  • Kitchen amenities
  • Daily cleaning

Furthermore, the offerings given by coworking spaces – especially in competitive areas – tend to be of the highest quality. For example, here at Venture X we are based in West London, one of the best locations worldwide to do business – many household names are based here. Naturally our services will include everything you need and more!

Other services include:

  • Reception and mail-handling services
  • Phone booths for private calls
  • Professional business addresses
  • IT support
  • Virtual office packages
  • Networking opportunities

Boost in Employee Productivity and Retention

A high-quality coworking environment can boost employee morale and productivity thanks to its dynamic atmosphere, modern amenities, and flexible schedules. A lot of outdated traditional offices don’t come with the same benefits.

Happy, productive team members are more likely to stay — reducing the costs associated with high staff turnover. In fact, studies show that employees working in coworking environments report higher job satisfaction and engagement.

Accommodations for small businesses

More than just a one man band and wish that the benefits of coworking spaces can apply to your small business? But also want a separate space for your business like as in a traditional office? Well, you’re in luck.

We make a number of accommodations for small businesses, and indeed offer packages that can provide just that.

Layout changes

Have more control on choosing the best layout for your office space, depending on how much space you need, how many people you work with, and how you like to collaborate. You can opt for an open-plan office, cubicles, or more (or even a combination of these). Like all our office spaces, you can also adjust the lighting and temperature to your comfort level.

Specific Furniture

Select the furniture that matches your staff’s needs, your budget, and ergonomics. By contacting us, we can arrange a free consultation to better determine what furniture we can provide, to ensure your office space has everything it needs to function without becoming cluttered.

On Brand Colour Schemes

Pick the colour scheme that reflects your brand, mood, and personality, from a range of colours, patterns, and textures available in different finishes and materials. Take your office space to the next level by really making it your own, giving a positive impression on clients and staff alike.

If you’re looking for a startup office solution that aligns with your budget and your growth goals, a flexible, shared workspace could be the smartest move you make. If you’d like to know more about Venture X, explore our flexible memberships, premium amenities, and thriving business community — all designed to help you grow, collaborate, and save. Contact us to find the right plan for your team.

Video Conferencing

How common is office burnout in 2025?

Ever experienced office burnout? Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As this stress continues, you begin to lose interest and motivation. Burnout reduces productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.

Work-related factors can contribute significantly to burnout, especially if you have a high workload, little control over your work, or a lack of recognition for it. Your work atmosphere, commute, quality of office facilities, and desk space can also be large contributors to burnout.

As more companies push their employees to come back into traditional office spaces, which then entails long commutes and office hours of often longer than 9-5, there are more opportunities than ever for the masses to develop burnout. And that’s in the UK, too. 

Even if you are a business owner or generally work by yourself, working from home also has its fair share of challenges. Just because you don’t have the commute doesn’t mean you are exempt from the symptoms of office burnout (being cooped up inside all day never helps). As a result, we propose that a flexible coworking space can present the best of both worlds.

The symptoms of burnout

In a traditional office environment, burnout often presents with several key symptoms, each tied to specific causes.

One common symptom is chronic fatigue, which can stem from long working hours, inadequate breaks, and constant pressure to meet deadlines. Fatigue builds gradually over time to completely diminish your productivity and motivation. This can become a huge issue especially if you end up having to take home with you, or have a long commute.

Meanwhile, attitudes of cynicism or detachment can develop when employees feel undervalued, unsupported, or disconnected from the purpose of their work, especially over long periods. This can be exacerbated by setbacks in the workplace, such as being passed over for promotions.

Sleep disturbances are also frequent, typically caused by the inability to “switch off” after work due to constant emails, looming tasks, or performance anxiety. Meanwhile, physical symptoms such as headaches or gastrointestinal issues may arise from sitting for long periods, poor office ergonomics, or skipped meals due to a hectic schedule.

Has this ever sounded like you? Let’s have a look at the statistics…

Key burnout statistics from 2025

Interestingly, statistics show that over time, young people such as those aged 18-24 have developed a disproportionately higher chance of suffering office burnout compared to their older peers. 

According to Mental Health UK’s own report, 18-24 year olds are now 3x more likely than their older peers to need time off for burnout or extended stress related issues, and this proportion has been increasing; interestingly however, the percentage of total people of all ages who have experienced this has remained constant at 21%. This means that older people are in fact less likely to experience burnout, by a proportional factor to increase in likelihood for 18-24 year olds.

One reason for this could be the previously mentioned return to the office, as we talked about [here]. Many firms are wanting to boost productivity post-COVID and are shepherding their employees to come into the office usually either 4 or 5 days per week.

Naturally, this is most likely to affect younger people in the 18-24 age bracket, as they tend to occupy more junior positions within these firms. As such, they are not afforded the same luxuries as their older – and more senior – peers, including being able to work from home on occasion, or making decisions to spread their workload to others. 48% of those aged 18-24 are also expected to work some form of unpaid overtime, which could be a factor.

The report also noted a sharp drop in the percentage of young people who are willing to discuss their symptoms of burnout with their managers, down from 75% to 56%. With suicide rates still high, especially amongst young men, it’s more important than ever to remind you to put yourself and your needs first. Always take the time to speak to someone if you believe you are suffering the symptoms of burnout before it has a chance to develop into more serious problems.

How can coworking spaces decrease your risk of burnout?

If you have the luxury (or the courage!) to start your own business, coworking spaces could be a fantastic way to eliminate many of the risks above. Flexible office spaces offer a unique environment that blends the functionality of a traditional office with the flexibility of remote work as well as other benefits, which can significantly enhance work-life balance. These shared offices provide a dedicated workspace away from home, which is crucial considering that working from home isn’t always ideal for productivity. Coworking spaces can be better given that you’re working in a professional but also relaxed business environment, and without many of the distractions available at home.

With amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, ergonomic furniture, communal areas and tea/coffee, they also deliver a more comfortable office environment that traditional office spaces rarely provide. These are all factors that can go a long way to reducing burnout. Furthermore, coworking spaces such as ours utilise natural light and have spacious interiors, even recreational facilities, to take care of your physical health as well.

The inherent flexibility of coworking spaces allows professionals to create a work schedule that fits their personal life, enabling them to attend to family needs or personal errands during the day, helping to improve work-life balance.

Additionally, since coworking spaces are full of like-minded professionals, there are plenty of networking opportunities. This may come in the form of casual conversation in any of the communal areas, or at dedicated networking events held by those who run the office space (we do this at Venture X!).

We can even offer our services as a virtual office if you’d still prefer to work from home, more about which can be read here – to find out more and start the process to transform your work life for the better, book a consultation today!

Other ways to prevent office burnout before it starts

While coworking spaces can make a huge difference, there are plenty of additional strategies you can use to proactively manage stress and avoid burnout. Whether you’re working remotely, from a traditional office, or anywhere in between. These tips are backed by experts and can help create a healthier, more sustainable approach to work.

  1. Prioritise rest and recovery.
    Burnout often creeps in when we don’t give ourselves enough time to rest. Make sure you’re getting adequate sleep each night and carving out downtime in your schedule – even if it’s just a walk, a nap, or ten minutes away from screens. Overworking yourself to the point of exhaustion might seem productive short-term, but it’s one of the quickest routes to burnout.
  2. Set clear boundaries.
    It’s essential to set limits on your working hours, especially if you’re working from home or constantly connected through emails and messaging apps. Let colleagues and clients know when you’re available, and stick to it. That includes turning off notifications after hours and resisting the urge to “just check” your inbox at 10pm.
  3. Move your body regularly.
    Even short bursts of physical activity during the day can dramatically improve your energy, mood, and ability to focus. Whether it’s a lunchtime walk, a yoga stretch, or a quick cycle to the shops, movement releases endorphins that help counteract the effects of stress and screen fatigue.
  4. Make time for things that bring you joy.
    Hobbies, creative outlets, and time with loved ones are not luxuries – they are essential to your mental well-being. Carving out space for joy and connection outside of work is one of the most powerful ways to build long-term resilience.
  5. Talk about how you’re feeling.
    Whether it’s with a trusted friend, coworker, therapist, or manager, sharing how you’re feeling can release tension and give you clarity. You don’t have to wait until you’re at breaking point – early conversations often lead to the support you need before burnout takes hold.
  6. Take regular breaks throughout your day.
    The human brain is not wired to focus for hours on end. Try using techniques like the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes focused work, 5-minute break) to stay productive without pushing yourself into overdrive. And don’t forget to take a proper lunch break, away from your desk if possible.

Discover a Healthier, More Sustainable Way to Work and Prevent Office Burnout

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a growing reality for professionals of all ages, especially in today’s fast-paced, always-on culture. Whether you’re feeling the early signs or simply want to prevent them before they start, making small, intentional changes can completely transform how you work and feel day to day.

At Venture X, we believe that where you work plays a huge role in how you work. Our flexible coworking spaces are designed to help you thrive – with natural light, inspiring interiors, spacious desks, wellness-focused amenities, and a community of ambitious professionals to connect with.

Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, startup team, or small business owner, we’re here to support your success – and your wellbeing.

Book a tour today or schedule a free consultation to see how Venture X can help you create a better, healthier way of working.

serviced hot desks cost

Why West London Is a Strategic Powerhouse for Business Growth

In recent years, West London has become more than just a desirable postcode — it’s evolved into one of the most dynamic commercial zones in the UK. All over, the area is not only a good looking part of the city but also teeming with activity and opportunity. But beyond the glossy surface, what makes West London such a smart base for growing a business?

You see, West London has long had a reputation for affluence. I mean, where else would you find people willing to pay for the stuff at Whole Foods? In terms of business, it’s home to a whole host of corporations, many of which are household names, but it’s no longer just a place for established firms to plant roots. Today, it offers a unique combination of connectivity, innovation infrastructure, and access to capital that makes it equally attractive for ambitious startups. Districts like Hammersmith, White City, and Chiswick are home to much exciting commercial possibility.

Now, let’s unpack the key reasons why West London is becoming a top-tier destination for business.

West London has high levels of investment

Thanks to major regeneration projects such as the White City Innovation District, Television Centre, and the broader Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) initiative, West London is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in the capital. White City in particular has become a magnet for cutting-edge companies and forward-thinking institutions. Once known primarily for its broadcasting legacy and stadium, the area is now emerging as a thriving cluster of biotech, digital media, AI, and life sciences firms. Pretty neat, huh? Especially considering how poorly the UK is doing in general…

In another example, the White City Innovation District, led in partnership with Imperial College London, has seen hundreds of millions of pounds in investment, with new lab and office space, enterprise incubators, and public-private collaborations all working to attract startups and global firms alike. The Scale Space campus, for instance, offers tailored support for scaling tech and science businesses, housing both early-stage ventures and established names such as Autolus, a clinical-stage biotech firm, and Novartis, which recently established a UK headquarters in the area.

Just next door, the regenerated BBC Television Centre has become an important creative hub. If you’re annoyed after watching any of their half-baked content and want to track down who is responsible, now you know!

What sets West London apart is the scale and flexibility of this transformation. Unlike East London’s Shoreditch or Canary Wharf, where available space is becoming scarce and expensive, West London still has capacity — both physically in terms of development plots, and financially, in terms of cost-efficiency relative to other premium zones. 

West London has great access to education

West London is directly connected to one of the world’s top-tier research and innovation institutions, one that has outperformed even Oxford and Cambridge at times in the past. We’re of course talking about Imperial College London. Imperial’s White City Campus is a purpose-built centre for entrepreneurship, deep tech, life sciences, and AI-driven R&D, offering startups and SMEs direct access to talent, research facilities, and collaborative opportunities. Imperial also operates Imperial Enterprise Lab and Imperial White City Incubator, which actively support spinouts, student entrepreneurs, and scale-ups through funding, mentorship, and facilities.

Beyond Imperial, the area enjoys rapid transport links to several of the UK’s most prestigious universities: University College London (UCL) and London School of Economics (LSE) are under 30 minutes away via tube, and Oxford, Cambridge, and Reading are reachable within an hour by train. This makes West London one of the most strategically located zones for businesses seeking to recruit elite graduates, engage in university-led innovation projects, or partner on cutting-edge research.

This proximity translates into a continuous influx of skilled graduates, PhD researchers, and international specialists across fields like engineering, data science, biosciences, and creative disciplines. Combined with West London’s long-standing diversity — both culturally and professionally — the result is a workforce that’s not only well-educated but also globally minded and well adapted to many sectors .

Moreover, the area’s talent is amplified by a rising culture of collaboration and flexible work. Coworking spaces like Venture X provide curated events, startup mentorship, and networking environments that bring together founders, freelancers, investors, and corporates across sectors. 

We here at Venture X have two such offices in West London that can provide all this and more.

Our offices are located in Chiswick Park and White City, both of which are at the heart of West London talent.

So, if you’re interested, get in touch! We can arrange a free consultation to try to determine the best office space for you given the needs of your business, your staff and your budget.

West London Office Spaces Coworking wellbeing-focused workspaces coffee

Health and Wellness in Coworking: A Wellbeing-Focused Workspace

The concept of coworking spaces has revolutionised the way professionals approach work. More than just shared offices, coworking spaces provide great facilities and networking opportunities. But, as the lines between work and personal life continue to blur, the significance of coworking health and wellness has never been more paramount. Today, the best coworking spaces don’t just cater to productivity – they also promote wellbeing-focused workspaces for their members.

The Growing Need for Wellbeing-Focused Workspaces

In a fast-paced professional world, health and wellness are often sacrificed in the pursuit of goals and deadlines. As many of you have likely experienced, this is particularly true in traditional office settings where long hours, poor lighting, and suboptimal ergonomics contribute to physical and mental fatigue. The very best coworking spaces, however, take the opportunity to redefine the narrative. 

But why is this so critical? While imperfect, studies have shown that environments designed with health and wellness in mind lead to increased productivity, reduced stress levels, and higher overall satisfaction. In fact, those who invest in employee wellbeing see a significant return on investment through increased efficiency and morale.

The Importance of Ergonomic Furniture

One of the foundational elements of a healthy office environment is ergonomic furniture. Unlike traditional setups, coworking spaces often prioritise adjustable desks, supportive chairs, and other ergonomic solutions that promote proper posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues.

Incorporating standing desks, for instance, has become a popular trend in coworking spaces. These desks allow members to alternate between sitting and standing, reducing the negative health impacts of prolonged sitting. It can help:

– Improved Posture: Ergonomic furniture helps maintain the natural alignment of the spine, reducing strain on the back and neck.

– Increased Comfort: Adjustable seating and desks cater to individual preferences, ensuring maximum comfort throughout the workday.

– Enhanced Productivity: Comfortable workstations minimise distractions, allowing members to focus better on their tasks.

Natural Lighting and Its Benefits

Natural lighting is more than just a design choice, it’s an underrated aspect of wellbeing-focused workspaces. I mean, who seriously thinks of light first and foremost when they think of wellbeing? It’s easy to overlook.

Exposure to natural light helps to boost moods in the workplace – if you’ve ever had to work under those horrible fluorescent lights found in traditional offices, you’ll know what we mean. 

For coworking spaces, incorporating large windows and open layouts can significantly impact the wellbeing of members. For example, our White City location has wide glass windows and a large balcony!

Some benefits of natural lighting:

– Better Mood: Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, a hormone that boosts mood and helps maintain a positive outlook.

– Reduced Eye Strain: Natural light is easier on the eyes compared to artificial lighting, reducing fatigue and discomfort.

– Enhanced Productivity: Workers exposed to natural light tend to be more alert and focused.

A Cherry on Top: On-Site Fitness Facilities

In an era where more people sit on their asses than ever before, physical activity is an increasingly scarce component of overall wellbeing. Since sitting down for large stretches of the day is so common, coworking spaces that offer on-site fitness facilities are a step ahead in creating healthy office environments. 

These facilities range from fully-equipped gyms to yoga studios and even outdoor spaces for running or cycling. For example, there are such facilities near our Chiswick Park location!

Take advantage of:

– Improved Physical Health: Regular exercise helps combat sedentary lifestyles, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.

– Stress Relief: Physical activity releases endorphins, which help alleviate stress and improve mood.

– Community Building: Group fitness classes or shared workout spaces encourage social interaction. Who knows, maybe you get a business opportunity out of it?

The Business Case for Wellness in Coworking

From a business perspective, investing in coworking health and wellness is not just a metropolitan fad like some would have you believe, it’s a strategic advantage. The features of wellness-focused workspaces attract a diverse range of members, from startups and small businesses to remote teams and individual freelancers. 

These spaces stand out in a competitive market and enjoy higher retention rates and member satisfaction. Workers are more likely to join if the benefits of their workspace are well advertised. Furthermore, wellness initiatives often lead to positive word-of-mouth, which in turn boosts the reputation and profitability of coworking spaces.

As coworking spaces continue to evolve, the very best will be separated by their ability to prioritise wellness measures for potential members. This includes features we’ve talked about like ergonomic furniture, natural lighting, on-site fitness facilities, and mental health support.

In a world where work-life balance is increasingly elusive, the healthy office environments found in top coworking spaces offer a solution that bridges the gap. They provide a space where professionals can pursue their goals while taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. 

The coworking revolution has always been about more than just desks and Wi-Fi—it’s much more than that.  Coworking spaces that embrace this wellness-focused approach will undoubtedly shape the future of work, creating happier, healthier, and more fulfilled communities. 

The challenge now is not just to keep up with this trend, but to innovate and redefine what it means to truly care for the people who walk through their doors.

 

Here at Venture X, we’d argue that we’re a coworking space that really puts our members’ wellness first. The top features that promote wellness can be found in both our glamorous Chiswick Park and Venture X locations. If you’d like to know more about our facilities and packages, look here.

how to get to White City London

The Best Commuter Routes to White City & West London

Choosing the right office location is paramount for any business. A well placed office has great transport links for employees and clients, a vibrant local economy, highly qualified workers nearby, and so on; however, as many people find out, these prime locations come at a price. Balancing the benefits of a great location without emptying your wallet is easier said than done.  It’s a great thing you’re looking at White City, then. White City – and indeed, West London in general – does a decent job at balancing both benefits and costs. It’s much less expensive than Central London, but offers similar benefits – it’s no wonder why so many large corporations, such as the BBC and Unilever, have their headquarters in West London. There are many commuter routes to White City, too.

If you don’t live in London, we know what you might be thinking. Maybe London is too far. Maybe you think it’s a pain in the ass to get to. Maybe you can’t stomach the sight of weird words such as “organic” or “artisan”. We can’t solve the last issue (you’ll have to get used to it), but we can explain why the first two issues aren’t necessarily as big as you’d think.

You see, White City is actually very accessible from many areas in the South East of England. So, what are the best commuter routes to White City?

The Best Commuter Routes to White City

First things first, for reference White City is most easily accessed by rail from three stations:

  • White City, on the Central Line
  • Wood Lane, on the H&C and Circle Lines
  • Shepherd’s Bush, on the Central Line, the Overground and National Rail

Clapham Junction to White City:

A direct journey via the London Overground from Clapham Junction to Shepherd’s Bush takes only 12 minutes (we’re not going to recognise the abhorrent new line names for the Overground). So, if you can get to Clapham Junction easily, you can get to White City easily!

Southern/South Western Railway serve Clapham Junction very frequently, so if you live in the following areas, White City should be easily accessible via the Overground from Clapham Junction:

  • South London (such as towards Balham and Croydon)
  • Further south towards Brighton (such as Redhill and Haywards Heath)
  • Along the South Western Main Line (such as Surbiton, Woking, Farnborough or Basingstoke)
  • Towards Guildford and Godalming
  • Towards Wokingham and Reading (such as Richmond, Feltham and Staines)

North and West London to White City:

White City and Shepherd’s Bush stations are easily accessible from North West London, too. The Central Line serves the former and is useful for travel from:

  • Acton and Ealing on the southern branch westwards
  • Perivale, Greenford, and Ruislip on the northern branch westwards
  • Central London eastwards

Meanwhile, from North London, Shepherd’s Bush station is extremely useful. Southern runs a service through the station from Milton Keynes Central, meanwhile the Overground runs from Stratford via the North London Line.

  • Use the Southern service from Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead, Watford or Wembley
  • Use the Overground from places such as West Hampstead, Camden or Dalston

The Tube offers many more possibilities to White City!

Via the Central, H&C or Circle Lines at White City/Wood Lane stations, it’s possible to get to White City from basically anywhere in London with a connection to the Tube. The beauty of modern times is that there are many apps out there to help with your journey. Simply look up a route to somewhere notable in White City, such as Venture X’s offices, and see how it tells you to get there!

Bus Routes into White City

London’s bus network is remarkably extensive and well run. As you might expect, White City is well served by bus from many areas in West London, and even from Central London. There’s so many we can’t go through them all, but some notable ones to remember are:

C1 and 148: The C1 connects White City to areas towards Central London such as Victoria Station, Knightsbridge, and South Kensington. The 148 can take you to the West End and Westminster.

72 and 95: these connect White City to local areas like Shepherd’s Bush and North Ealing.

207: this route is useful if coming from areas further west, such as Ealing or Acton.

49: this links White City to areas to the south such as Clapham, Wandsworth, and Battersea. They work as a (slower) alternative to the Overground.

31: the 31 links White City to Camden via Kilburn.

260: this links Golders Green to White City via Willesden Green.

What Awaits You in White City?

Obviously, the best thing about the entirety of White City is Venture X’s offices! Jokes aside, the area is known to be vibrant, business friendly, well connected and prestigious. Westfield Shopping Centre is absolutely massive and has many great options for food, as do some other areas which are home to more independent eateries. 

Many of the world’s largest and well-known companies have their UK headquarters in West London, in places such as Chiswick Park (psst, Venture X also has a location here!). Venture X offers fully customisable office spaces tailored to meet the needs of mid-to-large teams, or if you want something simple, use our coworking facilities instead.

 

If you’d like to know more about our facilities and packages, look here.

West London Office Spaces Coworking in the evening

Which coworking space is right for your business?

Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, they’re projected to make up 30% of all office spaces by 2030, up from just 2% in 2023. All this means that it can be, well, a bit painful if you’re looking to start a membership somewhere. Loads of buzzwords, membership variations, marketing, endless options; who can really blame you? It’s hard to know where to start. 

With so much variety, it’s important you research what aspects of a coworking membership will be most important for you. This is because different coworking spaces will likely be more beneficial to you depending on why you’re using them – for example, you could be using them as somewhere to work instead of at home, or maybe even for a small business. In this article, we will look at what we think you should consider most when deciding what works best for you.

What to look for in a coworking space

Trial Period

Many coworking spaces offer trial periods or day passes, allowing you to experience the space before committing fully. Take advantage of these opportunities to test the coworking space and see if it meets your needs. Perhaps go there and work for a day, experiencing what it has to offer – this may include facilities, seating areas and networking opportunities. What is there to lose? The surest way to know if something is right for you is to try it yourself, and with a trial, you can do so with no strings attached.

Location and Transport Links

Ideally, a coworking space should be easily accessible for you, your team, clients, partners, and other businesses you frequently interact with. A central location with great transportation links is a must. Additionally, the surrounding area should offer amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and shops, and at affordable prices too. This may sound trivial, but if your team ends up having to spend outrageous amounts on their lunch (you know what London prices are like, even for sandwiches), then they will have less incentive to leave home. It will devalue whatever great benefits the coworking space provides itself.

Cost

Budget is a significant factor when selecting a coworking space. Compare the pricing plans of different coworking spaces and determine what is included in the cost. Some spaces offer flexible membership options, such as daily, weekly, or monthly passes, while others may require long-term commitments. Ensure that the cost aligns with your budget and provides good value for the amenities and services offered.

Flexibility and Package Options

Flexibility is essential, especially for businesses that may experience growth or changes in their work patterns. Look for coworking spaces that offer flexible membership plans and the ability to scale up or down as needed. Some coworking spaces provide options for private offices, dedicated desks, or hot desks, allowing you to choose the setup that best suits your needs. Unsure which of these package types you would require? Luckily, once again we’re here to help!

Amenities and Services

Different coworking spaces offer various amenities and services. Consider what is essential for your work and productivity. Common amenities include high-speed internet, meeting rooms, phone booths, printing facilities, kitchen areas, and comfortable workstations. Some coworking spaces also offer additional perks such as fitness centres! Make a list of must-have amenities and compare them across different coworking spaces.

Community and Networking Opportunities

One of the main benefits of coworking spaces is the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. Consider the community and culture of the coworking space. Are there regular networking events, workshops, or social activities? Admittedly, networking events can become quite tiresome (there’s only so many times you can introduce yourself and your profession before it gets dull), but you’ll count yourself lucky that you went if it leads to new business opportunities! So, visit the coworking space and interact with current members to get a feel for the community.

Technology and Infrastructure

Reliable technology and infrastructure are essential, with high speed internet usually coming standard for most coworking spaces. Check if the coworking spaces you look at provide access to advanced technology, such as video conferencing equipment and smartboards, which can be beneficial for meetings and presentations. Pro tip: another thing you can perhaps look at if you go for a trial is the availability of plug sockets! There’s nothing more annoying than watching your laptop battery slowly seep away because there’s no plugs to be found in the building.

Reviews and Recommendations of the coworking space

Lastly, research reviews and recommendations from current or past members of the coworking space. It’s the best way to be completely sure that your pick is the right one.

Coworking spaces at Venture X, West London

At Venture X, we offer fantastic coworking spaces in West London at two West London locations, Chiswick Park and White City. Take a trip to our homepage to book a tour or get more information!

West London Office Spaces Coworking

What is hotdesking and what are its benefits?

Hotdesking is becoming an increasingly popular way of working, as modern work life evolves post COVID. But what exactly is it, and how could it benefit you?

Many workers are moving away from rigid traditional office spaces, instead opting for coworking spaces. In fact, London has more coworking spaces than any other city worldwide! Hotdesking facilities are most commonly found in coworking spaces. 

Hotdesking within coworking spaces gives members the ability to set up their office for the day wherever they please; in other words, there are no set places for members to sit. This provides a convenient and affordable option for busy entrepreneurs and freelancers to obtain a professional business address.

The Benefits of Hotdesking

Networking Opportunities: Members of coworking facilities can vary from entrepreneurs to freelance workers, or may even include small businesses. One key advantage of this is that networking opportunities come naturally from day to day, plus many coworking spaces offer dedicated networking events on top of this. These interactions can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and even friendships, leading to a vibrant professional community.

Access to Facilities: As you may expect, coworking spaces offer quality services that you wouldn’t be able to get at home. At Venture X, for example, we offer lightning-fast WiFi connectivity, IT support, private meeting rooms, and phone booths. These facilities ensure that you have everything you need to work efficiently and professionally, without the distractions and limitations of a home office.

Lower Costs: Compared to dedicated desk packages, hotdesking packages come in a lot cheaper as you don’t require a desk to be allocated to you on a permanent basis. This cost-effectiveness makes hotdesking an attractive option for startups, freelancers, and small businesses looking to minimise overheads while still enjoying a professional workspace.

Flexibility: If you don’t wish to commute daily, or to even work in the office for a full day, then not to worry – hotdesking is extremely flexible. Simply turn up whenever suits you and grab a desk in one of our London coworking spaces! This flexibility allows you to balance work with personal commitments, reducing stress and improving work-life balance.

Quality of Life: Many coworking spaces offer additional facilities within their offices to enhance quality of life. This may include free tea and coffee (maybe even a barista!), games such as table tennis or pool, comfortable lounges, and meditation spaces. These amenities create a more enjoyable and relaxed working environment, which can boost productivity and overall well-being.

Increased Productivity: The dynamic environment of a coworking space can lead to increased productivity. Being surrounded by other motivated professionals can inspire you; you’d probably feel a pang of guilt if you see people working on spreadsheets around you, but all you’ve been looking at are cat memes on Facebook for the past 15 minutes. 

Professional Image: Having a professional business address and access to meeting rooms can significantly enhance your business’ image. It provides a level of professionalism that is hard to achieve when working from home, which can be crucial when meeting clients or partners.

Community and Support: Coworking spaces often offer events, workshops, and social gatherings that can help you learn new skills, stay updated with industry trends, and build a support network. This sense of belonging can be particularly beneficial for freelancers and remote workers who might otherwise feel isolated.

 

Coworking spaces often come with many other benefits as part of their packages – ours can be read about here. Book a consultation if you believe hotdesking may benefit you!

 

West London Office Spaces Coworking

8 Essential Coworking Space Features | London Edition

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense list of essential coworking space features, this is it! In this article we will detail some of the most useful features that coworking spaces can offer you, allowing your work to be done as smoothly as possible.

We like to point out that London has more coworking spaces than any other city worldwide, so this is especially relevant to you if you live around the city. Not all coworking spaces are made equal, mind you – some may not offer all of the features on this list – but here we will list the features we expect a good quality coworking space should be able to provide (such as ours!).

Let’s get started.

 

Essential coworking space features in London

 

Number 1: High speed internet

In the post-Covid era, effective collaboration hinges more and more on video calling. We’ve all likely had to suffer through video calls where either we are panicking because our connection is dodgy, or where we have to try to discern broken speech from someone else whose own connection is unreliable. 

It always ends up being a waste of everybody’s time. With so many meetings nowadays being hybrid it’s essential to have a consistently reliable connection, and home broadband doesn’t always cut it.

A good coworking space will have its own high capacity, high speed internet; when you’re there, you will never have to worry about a poor connection again, whether that’s in London, or anywhere else in the world.

 

Number 2: Networking events

For a coworking space containing a load of independent business professionals, networking events make sense, right? Networking events are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and advance your career. Most coworking spaces will hold these frequently in their communal areas, usually entry is free for those who have packages at that coworking space.

 

Number 3: Private office spaces

Some coworking spaces (such as Venture X) offer private office spaces for small businesses who wish to have their own space. 

In our case, aspects such as branding and layout are even customisable! The advantage of having a private office space within a coworking building, rather than a traditional office space, is that you are still able to enjoy the benefits of coworking space, such as networking events for example.

 

Number 4: Tea and coffee facilities

Coffee these days is a rip off, there’s no other way of putting it – especially in cities such as London. Depending where you are, you can see chains charging up to £5 for a cup of your favourite coffee, and that’s assuming you don’t have one of those annoying hyper-specific coffee orders with seven different additions. 

Tea is the worst rip off, as some chains will charge £3 for… a tea bag and water? Seriously?

We digress. The point is, a coworking space can save you a lot of money in the long run as they can provide you with unlimited tea and affordable coffee options, as part of your package. 

Spending up to £5 per hot drink every day you go into the office can start to add up very quickly, so the savings are larger than you might think. That’s not even factoring in how convenient it is to order a coffee in the same building you are working.

Essential Coworking Space Features | Venture X

Number 5: Large communal areas

These have much the same benefits as the networking events described above, just in a less formal setting. 

Coworking spaces are designed to have large communal areas, such as seating areas, which are there to encourage casual conversation between members. 

It doesn’t even have to be business related either – even simple conversation can make the work atmosphere a lot lighter and therefore more enjoyable.

 

Number 6: Private meeting spaces

For meetings which may discuss more sensitive information, coworking spaces have private meeting spaces to hand, which tend to require booking. 

Alternatively, for video calls, convenient private phone booths will be available which won’t require booking, you can simply go in if it’s free. At our Chiswick Park location, we even have outdoor meeting pods which are set amongst grass and lakes!

 

Number 7: Recreational facilities

Another of the essential coworking space features includes recreational facilities such as ping pong tables or table football, they organise weekly events to bring members together and create a community.

This is again a fantastic opportunity to meet others in the building in an informal setting, and most importantly to stretch out your lunch break as long as you can.

 

Number 8: Virtual office

Say you don’t require a physical space to work in, but would rather a prestigious business address for your mail and enquiries. 

Coworking spaces once again have you covered! Many offer simple virtual office packages at very low prices. For example, at Venture X, starting at just £50 per month (plus VAT), you would get access to the following: access to a prestigious business address in London, mail forwarding and parcel handling services, telephone redirection and answering services, meeting room access and access to other on-demand amenities, and access to our events program and Member Community. For more information, check out our article on it.

 

So there you go! That’s why you should seriously consider getting a package at a coworking space. Of course, if you want to do that, only the best will suffice… Allow Venture X to step in. Take a trip to our homepage to book a tour or get more information.

West London Office Spaces Coworking

How flexible workspaces support work-life balance

Flexible workspaces have become ever more popular over the last few years; in fact, London has over 1400 coworking locations alone, making it the city with the most coworking offices globally. These office spaces are far from the rigid nature of traditional office spaces, with different packages available for those ranging from individuals looking for a proper desk during the day, to a small business which needs its own dedicated space.

One benefit of flexible workspaces that is often overlooked are how they can positively impact your work-life balance. How can they do this?

 

Why having a good work-life balance is important

For those who fail to maintain an adequate work-life balance, the risks can be larger than you may expect. This mainly comes in the form of burnout. Burnout can have far reaching consequences on your mental wellbeing, but it can also take its toll on your physical health. Concerningly, 77% of employees admit to having experienced burnout at some point in their current job.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As stress continues, you begin to lose interest and motivation. Burnout reduces productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.

Burnout is associated with a 180% increased risk of developing depressive disorders, and an 84% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Work-related factors can contribute significantly to burnout, especially if you have a high workload, little control over your work, or a lack of recognition for it. Your work atmosphere, commute, quality of office facilities, and desk space can also be large contributors to burnout.

What can you do to prevent burnout?

There are a number of steps that can be taken to manage burnout. Recognising the early signs of stress is crucial; this can include symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or an upset stomach. 

Setting clear personal boundaries – and sticking to them – is another important step, by managing workloads, and taking regular breaks during the day. Ensure that those around you, such as those who provide you with work, are aware of this and do not be afraid to challenge them if you believe you are being overworked. 

Outside of work, self-care practices such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating can have a huge effect; it sounds like we are stating the obvious (and we are) but it’s sometimes easier said than done! 

 

How can flexible workspaces improve your work-life balance?

Flexible office spaces offer a unique environment that blends the functionality of a traditional office with the flexibility of remote work as well as other benefits, which can significantly enhance work-life balance. These shared offices provide a dedicated workspace away from home, which is crucial considering that working from home isn’t always ideal for productivity.

With amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, ergonomic furniture, communal areas, free tea/coffee (and beer?), they also deliver a more comfortable office environment that traditional office spaces rarely provide. These are all factors that can go a long way to reducing burnout. The inherent flexibility of coworking spaces allows professionals to create a work schedule that fits their personal life, enabling them to attend to family needs or personal errands during the day, helping to improve work-life balance.

Additionally, since coworking spaces are full of like-minded professionals, there are plenty of networking opportunities. This may come in the form of casual conversation in any of the communal areas, or at dedicated networking events held by those who run the office space (we do this at Venture X!).

 

So that’s how flexible workspaces can improve your work-life balance! We can even offer our services as a virtual office if you’d still prefer to work from home, more about which can be read here. So what are you waiting for? To find out more and start the process to transform your work life for the better, book a consultation today!

David Rushton

MEET THE MEMBERS | David Rushton – Fractional CTO, Technology Consultant and Advisor

My name is David Rushton, and I provide technology leadership to companies who lack in-house senior digital expertise. This includes working as an extension of the team as a ‘Chief Technology Officer’, as a consultant focused on specific projects and initiatives, or in a more general advisory capacity to ensure the right decisions are taken and they’re headed in the right direction.

 

It’s easy to assume that every company is backed by a strong technology team. But in reality, this isn’t the case. Many start-ups are built by non-technical founders, and many SMEs have never built in-house technology teams. In either case, technology is a key enabler of growth, and a lack of skills in this area can be a key blocker.

 

Startups and founders typically engage me to help them launch a digital product. This might be a web application, a mobile app, or an e-commerce offering. In addition, they’re also at a stage where they need to correctly choose and integrate several key back-office systems, for example CRM, ERP and marketing automation platforms.

 

SMEs approach me for similar things, but their situation is usually quite different. They are often ‘suffocated’ by legacy systems and ways of working that won’t scale and support them on their next stage of growth. They need help consolidating, refreshing, re-imagining, integrating and (finally) automating their ‘digital estate’. In some cases, they have identified a new revenue stream that could be realised with the right technology, which often leads to the creation of a digital product.

 

Regardless of their specific situation, my role is always to help provide technology that aligns with their business vision and ultimately enables them to grow. Whilst it’s often easy to think about building custom solutions (which can be expensive), I often find that there are existing offerings that can be neatly integrated to achieve a client’s desired outcome – without breaking the bank. But where custom solutions are required (or would add significant value), I work closely with teams to define requirements and engage with a partner who’s best placed to deliver them.

 

I’ve been at Venture X for 10 months now, and I must say, I love it! Yes, the workspace is extremely modern, well-furnished, spotless and brilliantly managed. But it’s the sense of community that really sets it apart for me. People are lovely, engaging and I’ve made some great contacts and friends along the way. Regular socials and events have been a fantastic way to expand my network with like-minded people who bring different ideas and perspectives. There’s definitely a ‘buzz’ around the place, but if you need some quiet time and to get your head down, then that’s absolutely possible too.

 

If you would like to know more about me or what I do, then please feel free to visit my website or my LinkedIn profile.

Please select a location

Please select a location

Please select a location