While workshop rent in the UK is typically exempt from VAT, meaning you pay the advertised price, there’s a twist. Landlords can “opt to tax” their property, adding the standard VAT rate (20% as of April 2024) to the rent. This benefits them by allowing them to reclaim VAT on property-related costs. To ensure clarity and avoid surprises, it’s always advisable to directly communicate with the landlord or their listing to confirm if VAT is included in the advertised rent, giving you reassurance and confidence in your financial planning.

Whilst workshops can be considered a type of commercial building, they’re more likely to be categorised as industrial buildings. It is typically zoned for business use and ideal for income-generating activities. Many businesses rent workshop space for storage, production, or repairs. Depending on your needs, these spaces can range from small, self-contained units to larger industrial facilities. By contrast, commercial units cater to retail, office-based, or service-oriented businesses, featuring amenities like shopfronts and office layouts.

The minimal rental agreement for a workshop is 12 months. We can offer longer-term leases to businesses that want to secure their premises over a more extended period. Agreements can vary between business centres, so please always check with the business centre manager.

It is common for businesses to boost the size of their premises. We recommend starting with a space suitable for your needs now and in the foreseeable future. If and when you need to scale up, our business centre managers will work with you to extend your current space or find additional space.

You are free to customise your workshop and industrial unit how you want, as long as it meets health & safety guidelines. For example, you can paint the walls, install partition walls etc. All we ask is that when you leave, you return the space to the same, or better, condition it was in when you initially signed up. BizSpace can help with modifications, and put you in touch with our maintenance team for additional support.

As standard, our small industrial units to rent come with building insurance and, in some instances, business rates – depending on your local council and area. Aside from these insurances, you may need to consider additional cover for employees, volunteers, equipment etc.

Many of our industrial units and workshops have a 3-phase electricity supply, but others don’t. If you know you need this for your equipment, please tell us when we’re discussing possible suitable units with you.

Fire Safety Regulations suggest the maximum occupancy for light industrial space is 55 square feet per person. For our workshops and light industrial units, we would expect you to look at anything between 100 – 800 square feet. A small workshop is considered to be up to 250 square feet, a medium workshop is 250 to 750 square feet, whilst a large workshop is above 750 square feet. If in doubt, speak to our relevant centre manager, who will be happy to help.

That’s not a problem. Most of our locations offer 24-hour access, seven days a week.

We don’t have any hidden costs. Any additional fees to your lease depend on the business centre, the type of space you’re renting and the type of agreement. For example, some leases include a service charge, a charge for utilities and even a charge for parking. Always check with your business centre manager to ensure you’re aware of all fees being charged.

This really depends on location and size of unit. As a guide you can expect to pay anywhere between £25 to £200 per week to rent a workshop or light industrial unit.

Whether you’re renting a garage, a workshop or a light-industrial unit, workshops are ideal for small businesses that manufacture, repair, pack or store equipment and stock. Whatever sector your company works in, a workshop is recommended if you need the space for any of the above activities, as you’ll benefit from the space, access, and security.