Workshops & light industrial units to rent in London

As the bustling and beating heart of the UK, London is an energising capital city with a wealth of opportunity. BizSpace offers an extensive range of workshops and small industrial units for rent in London, with the flexibility of rolling monthly contracts and easy terms. From light industrial units to creative studio workshops, you’ll find a space perfect for your business.

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 main industries in London include finance, banking, professional services (including legal, consulting and accountancy firms), technology, media, telecommunications, tourism, and retail.

London’s history with the industrial sector

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 major 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

London has one of the world’s most complex and extensive transport networks, connecting people and places across the Greater London area and beyond. We’ve included some key information below:

Motorways: Circling London is the M25 Orbital Motorway. This motorway is the main entry and exit point by road for London. 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 and features 11 lines running overland, underground, and on bridges across the Greater London area. It operates 24 hours a day and is the quickest way to travel around the city.

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: South Western 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.

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.

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 all parts of the capital, making cycling an attractive option for getting around. 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.

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.

How many workshops and small industrial units are available in London?

As the UK’s largest cosmopolitan city, London has an excellent selection of industrial units for rent. At BizSpace we offer a wide range of units available for rent in London and its outskirts. For example, in the city itself, you can find BizSpace Camberwell Lomond Grove, BizSpace Wimbledon and BizSpace Perivale. Whilst in the Greater London area, you’ll find BizSpace London Colney, BizSpace Egham, BizSpace Hemel Hempstead, BizSpace New Addington and BizSpace Dorking.

How do I find the right size industrial unit or workshop to rent in London?

Working out the right size of space for your needs can be tricky. However, as a general rule, Fire Safety Regulations advise that the maximum occupancy for light industrial space in London is 55 square feet per individual. Our workshops and light industrial units for rent range up to 750 square feet – but if that’s not quite what you need, check out our warehouse options which offer a larger square foot capacity. If you’re unsure, please feel free to contact one of our centre managers, who will be able to answer any queries.  

How big is a light industrial unit in London?

The word ‘small’ can be a little 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 that a small unit should be 100-800 square feet.

What are the different classes of commercial industrial property?

Commercial property in the UK is categorised into various classes from A-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 to find the right workshop or small industrial unit in London?

From size and location to budget and amenities, several key considerations exist in finding the right space to rent 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 major 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 free 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 possible 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, and will you require additional disposal options etc?

Lease terms: Your lease or license terms outline the specific rights and responsibilities of both you and your rental provider. It should include all the information you need regarding the duration, payment schedule and rent amounts, and any restrictions on the use of the unit, along with 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 find 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.