The freelance economy is booming, and with it, the demand for coworking office spaces for freelancers has never been higher. While working from home has its perks, many freelancers struggle with distractions, isolation, and a lack of professional networking opportunities.

Coworking spaces provide an ideal solution by offering a professional yet flexible workspace where freelancers can work productively, connect with other professionals, and access essential business resources. They do this without the overhead costs of a private office.

So, why should freelancers consider coworking office spaces? Here’s a look at the top benefits.

A Collaborative & Inspiring Work Environment

Freelancing often comes with a lack of social interaction, which can affect motivation and creativity. In a coworking space, you’re surrounded by professionals from diverse industries, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and shared knowledge.

Being in an open, professional setting allows freelancers to exchange ideas, build relationships, and find opportunities for collaboration that wouldn’t arise when working alone. Unlike coffee shops or home offices, coworking spaces are designed for productivity. Their modern layouts promote both focused work and organic networking.

The presence of like-minded professionals can also inspire innovation. It helps freelancers think outside the box and gain new perspectives on their work, as well as making new connections that can help them progress their business.

Boost Creativity & Productivity

Working from home can sometimes feel monotonous, leading to a decline in motivation and focus. Coworking office spaces provide bright, open, and energising environments that encourage creative thinking and productivity.

Studies show that workspace design plays a crucial role in productivity. Coworking spaces are designed to support freelancers with ergonomic furniture, natural lighting, and dedicated quiet zones for deep work. Many also include breakout areas and brainstorming zones to help individuals reset and recharge, keeping them engaged throughout the day.

A study published in the European Journal of Workplace Innovation found that coworking spaces enhance employee creativity through social interaction and knowledge sharing. The collaborative setting allows freelancers to exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and develop innovative solutions, making their work more dynamic and efficient.

For freelancers, this shift in environment can lead to fewer distractions, better time management, and an overall increase in work efficiency.

Encourage Discipline & Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest challenges freelancers face is setting boundaries between work and personal life. Without a structured workspace, it’s easy to lose track of time, leading to overworking or procrastination.

Coworking spaces help establish a routine and a sense of discipline and provide a dedicated workspace that separates professional life from home life. Working alongside other professionals naturally motivates freelancers to stick to schedules, meet deadlines, and maintain a structured workflow.

This structure helps to avoid the isolation that often comes with working solo.

Expand Your Professional Network

For freelancers, success isn’t just about the work—it’s also about building strong connections. Coworking office spaces create endless opportunities for networking by bringing together professionals across industries.

Being part of a coworking community means frequent interactions with potential clients, collaborators, and industry experts. These opportunities open the doors to new projects and partnerships. Many coworking spaces also host networking events, workshops, and social gatherings, allowing freelancers to expand their professional circles and stay ahead in their field.

Whether you’re looking for mentorship, business opportunities, or simply like-minded professionals to exchange ideas with, coworking spaces offer the perfect setting for organic networking.

Access to Business-Grade Resources & Amenities

One of the standout advantages of coworking office spaces for freelancers is access to premium office amenities without the high costs. Unlike home offices or coffee shops, coworking spaces offer a professional setup that includes:

• High-speed Wi-Fi and IT support
• Private meeting rooms for client calls
• Printing and scanning facilities
• Comfortable workstations and ergonomic seating
• Kitchen and break areas for coffee and networking
• 24/7 access for flexible working hours

Having these resources readily available enhances professionalism and efficiency, allowing freelancers to focus on growing their business without logistical concerns.

Why Freelancers Choose St James Business Centre

Finding the right coworking space is crucial for freelancers looking to increase productivity, expand their network, and maintain a professional presence. At St James Business Centre, we provide fully serviced coworking office spaces for freelancers with flexible membership options tailored to individual needs.

Located on the outskirts of Warrington town centre, our coworking space offers:

• 80,000 sq. ft. of serviced office space
• Flexible hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices
• Meeting rooms and breakout areas for collaboration
• A vibrant business community with networking opportunities
• 24/7 fob access, on-site café, and ample parking

If you’re ready to take your freelancing career to the next level, download our brochure to explore our coworking packages and facilities. Join a thriving community and work in a space designed for success!

In today’s flexible working world, businesses are constantly balancing remote and office-based work. While digital tools have made communication more seamless, face-to-face collaboration remains a vital part of productivity, creativity, and company culture.

Despite the rise of remote work, companies that invest in well-designed office spaces continue to see higher engagement, better teamwork, and improved problem-solving.

So, why is the office still the best place for collaboration? Let’s explore five key reasons why in-person work remains essential for business success.

The role of the office in collaboration post-COVID

While remote work has become a staple for many businesses, the importance of office collaboration is greater than ever.

Over the last few years, millions of workers have transformed parts of their homes into makeshift offices. Virtual meetings through Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become routine, making it easier to share documents and manage projects remotely.

However, virtual interactions don’t fully replace the dynamic benefits of face-to-face collaboration. Studies have shown that in-person meetings can generate more creative ideas, improve team trust, and accelerate decision-making.

A well-designed office space supports innovation, productivity, and teamwork—elements that are difficult to replicate through digital tools alone. Let’s explore five key reasons why offices remain essential for collaboration.

1. Collaboration is more effective in person

The phrase “two heads are better than one” is particularly true in the workplace.

When colleagues work together in the same space, brainstorming sessions are more fluid, and problem-solving becomes faster. A 2023 study from Stanford University found that teams working in physical offices generate 15% more ideas compared to remote teams.

Face-to-face discussions also help:

• Reduce miscommunication caused by email or messaging apps
• Speed up decision-making without long email threads
• Encourage spontaneous conversations that spark creativity

Whether tackling complex tasks or sharing expertise, in-office collaboration is often more efficient.

2. Immediate and meaningful feedback

A key element of collaboration is real-time feedback, which is easier in an office environment.

When working remotely, feedback is often delayed due to email back-and-forths or waiting for scheduled video calls.

In contrast, in-office conversations allow for:

• Instant feedback on projects, leading to faster iterations
• More clarity, as tone, body language, and facial expressions are visible
• Smoother conflict resolution, as difficult conversations are more productive face-to-face

Things like body-language, facial expressions, and getting difficult points across can be more successful on a face-to-face basis.

3. Creative spaces for innovation and productivity

A well-designed office environment can boost creativity and improve problem-solving.

Dedicated collaboration areas, such as meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and informal lounges, provide employees with different environments suited for different types of work.

• Brainstorming rooms encourage idea-sharing
• Quiet focus zones help with deep work
• Casual spaces (like sofas or coffee corners) foster spontaneous discussions

Areas like this can make you feel more creative and energised – especially if you grab a coffee at the same time and put you in a different headspace to sitting at your desk.

5. Stronger team building and company culture

Being in the same location means you can get to know and understand each other well and helps improve team relationships.

Being physically present in an office:

• Helps new employees integrate faster into company culture
• Strengthens team trust and collaboration
• Encourages informal interactions that improve camaraderie

Virtual teams often struggle with building connections, which can lead to feelings of isolation. In contrast, in-person workplaces create shared experiences that bring teams closer together.

Companies that prioritise in-office collaboration often see lower turnover rates and higher job satisfaction.

5. A shared workspace encourages a shared purpose

When employees share a workspace, they naturally develop a sense of belonging and purpose. Their office is where they feel at home when they’re away from home.

A 2022 study by Gallup found that employees who feel connected to their workplace are 3x more likely to be engaged in their roles.

An office environment benefits both employers and employees, with:

• Stronger alignment with company goals
• Higher engagement and productivity
• A sense of stability and structure

If co-workers share a sense of place, they’re far more likely to have a shared purpose about the work done at that place too, leading to a willingness to collaborate and work together effectively.

Why the office still matters

While remote work has its advantages, office collaboration remains a powerful driver of innovation, efficiency, and team cohesion. A well-structured, engaging, and creative workplace improves teamwork and communication, encourages spontaneous innovation, and strengthens company culture.

Businesses that invest in well-designed office spaces create an environment where collaboration happens naturally, ideas develop more easily, and employees feel more connected to their work, ultimately leading to greater productivity and long-term success.

Find the right office for your team

Creating a workspace that supports collaboration starts with the right environment. Whether you need a flexible office space, co-working areas, or dedicated meeting facilities, the right setting can make all the difference. View our brochure to explore workspace solutions that bring teams together, encourage creativity, and help your business thrive

Regional critical incident training centre relocates to St James Business Centre, Warrington

A new vital emergency services training hub has opened at St James Business Centre in Warrington.

The move follows on the heels of a £2.9m Warrington Town Deal award for the establishment of a new Digital Enterprise Hub at St James Business Centre, managed by Langtree under its Wire Regeneration joint venture with Warrington Borough Council.

State-of-the-art technology

The Digital Suite allows the University of Chester to operate state of the art technology from the renowned Hydra Foundation that trains up to 24 police officers at a time in how to manage critical incidents such as hostage situations, murder investigations and missing persons cases.  Officers will be drawn from forces around the north west.

The University of Chester has entered into a five-year lease commitment on a 499 square foot office for the staff who manage the programme and an operating licence on the 2,500 square foot hi-tech suite.  The team is relocating from the university’s Padgate campus.

A fantastic critical incident management tool

Geoff Elvey, Head of the Institute of Policing at the University, said: “The Hydra Simulation Suite is a fantastic critical incident management tool, to further develop decision making skills of University of Chester students and embeds the University ambition of creating citizen students to protect the public of Cheshire and beyond.  “Hydra creates immersive simulations that provide students with an opportunity to consolidate learning, by the use of effective decision making whilst managing different multi agency types of critical incidents as they unfold in a safe learning environment.

“The training invokes the tension and decision-making requirements of leading and managing serious incidents and allows delegates to put their skills and new approaches to critical situations to work.  It’s a highly effective methodology and similar suites are in use across the globe.”

The Digital Suite will be the eighty-fifth in a worldwide network that utilises Hydra’s unique combination of hardware and software.  To date, more than 850,000 decisions relating to different emergency situations have been logged by delegates whilst under training in a Hydra centre.

Commenting on the letting, Jayne Furnival, group property director for Langtree, said:

“We’re immensely proud to be hosting something so important to our community.  The brief was to find a property that combined ease of access, parking, flexible internal space, room to break-out and on-site catering and St James fitted the bill perfectly.  Our on-site security and pass-access systems were also vital decision factors and we’re now looking forward to welcoming delegates to the building.”

Fit-out

Fit-out of the suites, which include training rooms, break-out space, plenary rooms and a hi-tech critical situation suite is complete and the centre is now open.  Staff from other emergency services and the private sector will be able to utilise the service on request.

“These suites are unique to the region and will bring a whole new range of potential tenants to St James,” said Jayne Furnival.  “The deal, coming so soon after the Digital Enterprise Hub award, reinforces its place as one of the most important tech hubs in the area.”

Excellent progress

Commenting on the Town Deal-funded facility, Cllr Tom Jennings, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic development and innovation, said: “Warrington’s Town Deal continues to make excellent progress. The Hydra Suite as part of the digital enterprise hub project will be an important facility for the region, and follows the successful completion of two other pioneering Town Deal projects in our Health and Social Care Academy and bus fleet depot.”

Effective team meetings and meetings with clients are really important as this is your time to solidify your position in your business and show your team and its clients exactly why your business is the best place to be but where do you start? How can you run an effective and successful meeting?

In this blog we will discuss why meetings are so important and how you can run yours most effectively.

Why are meetings important?

Meetings are crucial for communication across various organisational segments. Teams, despite diverse viewpoints, collaborate towards shared goals. Regular meetings foster communication, idea exchange, and collaboration, key elements for success regardless of team roles

 

What are the 4 p’s of effective meetings?

 

Purpose

Why are you meeting? What is the purpose? Are you meeting for a general catch-up with your team to see if they need any support or are you checking in on the progress your team is making towards completing its goals?

Planning

Where are you meeting? How long for?

The environment that you and your participants are in can directly affect your performance and the tone of your meeting.

Running an in-person meeting with your clients or your team in a bright and modern space will enhance the natural performance of your team and in turn breed more creative ideas.

For quick team meetings try using co-working space, an open and relaxed environment made for collaboration.

For more private and professional meetings opt for a meeting room or a boardroom. These are completely private and professional spaces built to impress your clients.

Lucky for you we have the perfect spaces available to hire, you can hire one of our professional meeting rooms here.

Preparation

Have an agenda. A meeting agenda readies participants by outlining the purpose and discussion points, aiding goal achievement through defined objectives and time frames.

Participation

Engage with your participants through regular intervals, ask questions to keep people engaged with what is going on.

What are your thoughts? Does anyone have anything to add?

Not questions to intentionally catch your team out but questions to make people feel like you want them to be involved and are interested in listening to their opinion.

Sometimes people can feel a little overwhelmed and actively engaging with the introverts of the session can ensure that they are part of the team instead of feeling like a spare part.

Finally

Don’t forget to follow-up with your team after the meeting itself. After you’ve run your meeting, you might want to deliver a follow-up email if what has been discussed and what those discussion points will affect.

We hope we have helped you with some tips on how to run effective meetings.

Team meetings are an important and crucial part of building your team and achieving your business objectives.

When done well, meetings can help improve overall performance of the team and the productivity of individual team members.

St James Business Centre can help you run effective meetings and get the most out of your meeting space.

For high-quality meeting spaces, explore our meeting rooms and co-working space. Contact our team for further details through our website by clicking here.

For the space you need to carry out effective in-person meetings, take a look at our meeting rooms and co-working space or contact our team for more information via our website by clicking here.

 

Want to know more about St James Business Centre, Warrington?

St James Business Centre is an 80,000 sq. ft. building offering serviced offices, conventional offices, and virtual office space to rent in Warrington town centre, we are close to train stations and offer extensive on-site parking. We also offer co-working space for anyone needing flexible working without the demands of permanent office space.

Our meeting and conferencing facilities, on-site café and spacious internal courtyards means your business has access to everything it needs under one roof.

Contact us for more information.

 

If you’re looking for office space for your business, one of the decisions you might be facing is whether to choose a serviced or leased office. To help you see which one’s right for your business, we’ve put together everything you need to know in this short and helpful guide.

 

Convenience or freedom

The first thing to consider is which of these is most important to you. Serviced offices are generally more convenient as more or less everything is done for you. All of the important stuff is there, including chairs, desks, and storage. And the essential infrastructure will be in place too. Many serviced offices will have ready-made break out areas, meeting rooms, and cafes or restaurants onsite.

With a leased office, you’ll need to sort out the fixtures and furniture yourself, as well as many of the services. This can take much longer to organise than you might think, so many businesses prefer the convenience of a serviced office. However, you can configure your office space however you like, so you can put your brand stamp on it more than with a serviced office.

Long-term commitment

Leased office spaces are usually a longer-term commitment than serviced office agreements. It can also take time to agree contracts, especially when compared to serviced office agreements. You can usually have more flexibility in the term if you take a serviced office agreement too. This is useful if you’re not sure how long you want to stay in a premises or if you need to move to a larger space as your business grows.

 

Costs

One advantage of a long lease is that you can sometimes control your overheads, as you can negotiate costs for services, and you know the price of your lease won’t change over the length of its term. With a serviced agreement, you can budget easily as you know what your monthly or annual costs will be, however, you won’t be able to save on overheads as you can with a lease. There’s also no guarantee your costs will be the same if you renew your agreement either.

As with all business decisions, understanding the numbers is vital before you sign anything, so it’s important to make a business plan that includes your projections for the future. This will help you decide which type of office space will suit your needs now and going forward.

 

St James Business Centre is an 80,000 sq. ft. building offering serviced, conventional, and virtual office space to rent in Warrington town centre, close to train stations and with extensive on-site parking. We also offer co-working space for anyone needing flexible working without the demands of permanent office space.

Our meeting and conferencing facilities, plus spacious internal courtyards in Warrington means your business has access to everything it needs under one roof. Contact us for more information.