As the world of work continues to shift, so do the spaces we work in. From plug-and-play flexibility to fully bespoke workplaces, the right office setup depends on where your business is now, and where it’s heading.

The rise of the flexible workspace

Flexible workspaces have gained traction for good reason. Operators like WorkPad, Work.Life, Huckletree, and Knotel offer ready-to-use environments that support hybrid teams, short-term commitments, and quick decisions. For start-ups, scale-ups, or businesses in transition, this level of agility can be invaluable.

Traditional leases not to be ruled out 

That said, smaller businesses shouldn’t rule out traditional leases. If your team is settled, your growth trajectory is clear, and your brand presence matters, then investing in your own space can be a smart move.

A leased office offers creative freedom, brand consistency, and a sense of permanence that’s hard to match, and it can often deliver better long-term value than renting desks in someone else’s space.

Meanwhile, for larger or more established teams, a leased space typically becomes a natural step: full control, tailored design, and the ability to build an environment that truly supports collaboration and company culture.

So what is the right choice?

There is a right answer, it just depends on your size, structure, working style, and future plans. Some businesses are even blending both approaches, using flexible workspaces alongside a more permanent base to strike the right balance.

A good example is Deloitte. While their main offices are leased and purpose-designed (like their HQ at 1 New Street Square in London), they also use flexible workspaces to give teams access to local, on-demand workspace when they need it, especially in areas where they don’t have a permanent office presence.

Other examples:

Spotify: Maintains leased HQs in major cities but offers employees access to co-working spaces worldwide as part of their “Work From Anywhere” policy.

Start-ups scaling up: A company might keep its original flexible office for overflow or temporary teams while fitting out a leased space to serve as its brand-led headquarters.

For businesses in growth mode or navigating new working patterns, this hybrid model can offer the best of both worlds: control, culture and consistency where it matters, with flexibility layered in.

Right – this is where we help you cut through the noise

Through open, design-led conversations, we’ll work with you to define the best path forward and create a space that’s not just beautiful, but Work-Ready from day one.