Workshops & light industrial units to rent in London
London is the bustling and beating heart of the UK, an energising capital city with a wealth of opportunity. BizSpace offers an extensive range of workshops and light industrial units for rent in London, with the flexibility of rolling monthly contracts and easy terms. You’ll find a space perfect for your business, from small industrial units and warehouses to let to creative studio workshops.
Why let a workshop or industrial unit in London?
From its superb transport links to its diverse economy and vibrant culture, London is an ideal location for businesses of all sizes. If you’re searching for a workshop or light industrial unit to let in London, explore the city’s many advantages below:
Size and cost
Though workshops within London may come at a premium due to their prime real estate value, renting a workshop in London gives businesses a competitive edge. When it comes to seeing business growth, having a unit in the capital enables companies to capitalise on the city’s strong economy and provides access to one of the largest and most affluent customer bases in the UK.
Location
London is the UK’s largest city, and it sits on the River Thames in southeast England. Known as a global hub for business and financial institutions, it’s a prime location for growing and flourishing businesses. Situated only a few hours away from other key cities in the UK, such as Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, and host to five international airports, the capital is a significant travel and tourist destination with a constant trade stream.
Infrastructure
In the UK, London’s infrastructure is second to none, providing businesses access to various resources, including the city’s transport links, high-speed internet, and excellent telecoms and energy networks. This, coupled with the region’s strong economy and established financial services industry, makes London the destination for established and emerging enterprises. On top of this, London provides work opportunities and a wealth of incredible sights and activities, from world-famous landmarks to cutting-edge culture.
Workforce
As the UK’s capital city and one of the world’s most vibrant business and finance hubs, London is home to many leading companies and innovative start-ups, all eager to find the best talent. With almost 8 million people, it is one of Europe’s most densely populated cities, packed with a talented and diverse workforce and a top spot for highly educated University graduates and postgraduates.
A variety of industrial units
BizSpace has many industrial units for rent in London, which are ideal for manufacturing, storage, small warehouse production and distribution, or skilled craftsmanship. We have a selection of affordable options, ranging from 0 to 750 square feet, close to key transport links. No matter the size or industry, businesses can find a suitable rental space to meet their needs.
Supportive business environment
London’s business environment comes with solid support for both the public and private sectors, enabling its community to thrive. The UK government has invested heavily in the city’s business infrastructure, which continues to benefit from diverse resources, networks, services, and tax and funding incentives. Incubators and accelerators provide crucial early-stage support for start-ups, and there are numerous mentoring programmes, support organisations, and venture capitalists located in London who can provide invaluable assistance to businesses and emerging entrepreneurs.
What are the types of industrial units to rent in London?
London’s industrial scene provides a diverse range of units to rent or let, catering to the varied needs of its businesses. Whether you’re a small and nimble startup seeking a light industrial unit for flexible manufacturing or distribution, a craftsman requiring a dedicated workshop, or a creative visionary needing an inspiring studio workshop, London has your space. For businesses with tighter footprints, small warehouses offer efficient urban storage solutions. In contrast, sizeable industrial storage units cater to larger-scale manufacturing and logistics, ensuring your operations have room to flourish.
What are the main industries in London?
The economy of London is one of the largest in the world. Due to its history as a major global financial centre and its proximity to European cities like Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, it has secured its position as an attractive location for businesses looking to tap into the European markets. The primary industries in London include finance, banking, professional services (including legal, consulting and accountancy firms), technology, media, telecommunications, tourism, and retail.
London’s industrial history
London has a long and fascinating history, stretching over two millennia. From the 18th century, following the development of the port of London, it established itself as a central hub of industry and commerce, becoming renowned for its production of textiles and clothing, machinery, and engineering. In the 19th century, the city flourished due to the emergence of finance and banking and the extensive railway and transport networks. Although London suffered a period of decline in the 20th century, it has recently seen a resurgence, particularly in the digital economy. Today, London is one of the most significant cities in the world, and its industrial past continues to shape its present.
Transportation links in London
Manchester has a range of transportation links, making it easily accessible within the UK and internationally. Some of these include:
Motorways: The M25 Orbital Motorway that circles London is the city’s main entry and exit point. The M1 comes in at a close second; stretching from London to Leeds, it provides a direct route from the city into the north of England. From the south and west, the M4, M3, M20, and M2 also feed into the area, providing access to the capital for the rest of the UK and Europe.
The London Underground (the Tube) : The tube is the oldest and largest of London’s transport networks. It features 11 lines running overland, underground, and on bridges across the Greater London area. The tube operates 24 hours a day and is the quickest way to travel around the city.
Buses: London’s TFL buses and trams are the city’s most prominent forms of public transport. The bus network covers the whole of Greater London, with buses running around the clock, whilst the trams connect South London to Central London.
London Airports: With five airports from which to choose, London is readily accessible to travellers worldwide. London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City Airport include some of the busiest international airports, with flights and connections to Europe, the Americas, Asia and many more destinations worldwide.
Railways: London has a warren of railways providing easy access into and out of the city. With overground services, the Dockland Light Railway (DLR), and three of the busiest railway stations in the UK, it is a hub of activity. The main railway stations in London include London Victoria, London Waterloo, London Charing Cross, London Paddington, London Liverpool Street, London Euston, London Bridge and London Marylebone. Between them and the DLR, the city hosts the terminuses for the following networks: Southwestern Railway, Southeastern Trains, Great Western Railway, Network Rail, Chiltern Railway, Great Eastern, Virgin Trains West Coast, National Rail, London Underground, Stansted Express, Heathrow Express and Connect Services, and the Gatwick Express.
Cycle Network & Black Cabs: London’s cycle network consists of over 800 kilometres of routes, with dedicated bike lanes and cycle-only areas. This network connects the entire capital, making cycling an attractive option. If you prefer to be chauffeured around the busy streets, London’s famous black cabs can be hailed at any time of the day or night, providing a safe and convenient way of getting around the city.
How many workshops and industrial units are available in London?
As the UK’s largest cosmopolitan city, London has an excellent selection of industrial units for rent. In north London, you can find a range of small, medium, and large workshops to let at BizSpace Finsbury Park and BizSpace Islington, with large units also available at BizSpace Camden. Further north, close to the M25, we have medium and large units to let at BizSpace Waltham Abbey. Northwest London in Wadsworth, you can find medium and large units to let at BizSpace Perivale. Finally, south of the river, you can find small and medium units for rent at BizSpace Camberwell. Medium and large units are available for rent at BizSpace Wimbledon, and a range of small, medium, and large units are available to let at BizSpace New Addington, near Croydon.
What size workshop or industrial unit can I let in London?
London boasts a diverse range of industrial units ready for lease, designed to meet the needs of businesses across various scales. If you’re a burgeoning entrepreneur searching for an affordable storage or light manufacturing space, the smaller units in London present an optimal solution. As your business progresses, the medium-sized units are poised to accommodate your expanding operational and storage demands. For well-established companies requiring extensive space, the large units in London offer generous room for large-scale manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution operations. London’s industrial rental scene is tailor-made to suit your size and operational specifications, addressing the needs of businesses ranging from startups to seasoned enterprises.
How big is a light industrial unit in London?
The word ‘small’ can be ambiguous, so let’s clarify it. A small start-up business can vary from one to ten employees, requiring a space of approximately 55 square feet to 550 square feet to align with health and safety requirements. However, as industrial units and workshops involve more than simply sitting at a desk, you’ll need to factor in additional space for operating machinery or other business features. Therefore, we suggest a small unit should be 100-800 square feet.
What are the different classes of commercial industrial property?
UK commercial property is categorised into various classes from A to F2. Industrial properties are typically used for heavy manufacturing, light assembly work, bulk storage, loading, or packaging and distribution. Classes B2, B8, and Ed are the most used classifications by businesses renting, leasing, or owning industrial property. B2 relates to general industrial factories or other industrial processes. B8 refers to properties used for storage or distribution, including warehouses. Finally, the Ed classification covers indoor leisure, recreation, or fitness activities, including gyms.
How much does it cost to rent an industrial unit in London?
Renting costs within the capital vary greatly depending on your unit’s location and size. Generally, you’ll pay between £110 and £6,080 per week in London to rent a light industrial or workshop unit. For a small unit, you might pay £430 to £1,200 per month, while medium-sized units typically cost £470 to £3,100. Large units can range from £2,730 to £24,300. Normally, units in central London will be more expensive than those in the Greater London area and surrounding districts.
How to find the right workshop or industrial unit in London?
From size and location to budget and amenities, several vital considerations exist in finding a suitable space to let in London. Here are some of the must-haves for a successful rental arrangement:
Location
The location you choose says a lot about you and your business, and it can be a significant contributing factor to the success or failure of your business. If you are setting up shop in London, consider whether the location you are looking at is convenient and easy to access for your customers, business contacts, and team. For example, does the site have good transport links or on-site parking, is the site appealing for your specific customer base, and does the area have the necessary infrastructure to support your business?
Size and layout
The size of your workshop should be appropriate for the work you will be doing. For instance, if you are running a printing or manufacturing service, you should ensure sufficient space for all your machinery and any staff working with it. If you are stacking or storing products, searching for a unit with high ceilings for tall shelving will make the most of the available space. Similarly, if you expect customers to come to your site, think about whether it is accessible for all the types of customers you expect, e.g., for those with disabilities.
Facilities and amenities
Ensuring your workshop or light industrial unit has all the amenities and facilities to meet all your business and staffing needs will help you save money in the long run. Consider whether the unit provides a work environment that is in line with health and safety at work requirements, such as adequate lighting, ventilation, and temperature control. Will your team need access to showers or kitchen facilities, breakout areas or storage space? Finally, depending on the work you will be carrying out, you may need specialist waste disposal, so you may need to investigate whether the local council offers this.
Condition
Check the property condition before signing the dotted line. This element is significant to address as it can affect the cost of renting the unit and the efficiency of any operations you undertake. Poorly maintained industrial units or workshops can be more expensive to run and rent, as they will require additional upkeep. Things to check include the lighting, electricity, water and drainage, structural issues, and general wear and tear.
Costs
Knowing that you can afford a space and understanding the costs of renting a space to run your business within a commercial property will help you make the right decision and get the best deal possible. Consider all the costs and potential costs that committing to a rental will incur. For example, aside from your monthly rent, what service costs are included? Will you need additional insurance to run your business? Will you require additional disposal options, etc.?
Lease terms
Your lease or license outlines your and your rental provider’s specific rights and responsibilities. They should include all the information you need regarding the duration, payment schedule and rent amounts, any restrictions on the use of the unit, and any special conditions you must adhere to.
What other commercial property is available in London?
Finding a suitable commercial property for rent within London can be lengthy, but BizSpace is here to help you locate a perfect space. Occasionally, you may need additional workspaces such as office or storage space, access to meeting rooms, or even secretarial services. Our portfolio includes sites that can come with various add-on solutions, so when you’re deliberating, we’ll be happy to share options that suit all your needs.
Virtual Offices & Mailboxes
How do you find industrial units in London?
View
Find the workshop you want from the list above and book a viewing. We’ll show you around our workshops, and where applicable, our business centres. We’ll be on hand to answer any questions you have.Sign-up
We have simple one-page license agreements for short-term rentals or leases for long-term rentals. Signing up is quick and easy – and all our terms are transparent.Move-in
You could be ready to go within an hour. And our dedicated centre managers are on hand – where applicable – to support you during and after moving in.
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