What Is A Managed Space?

What Is A Managed Space?

Written by: Rebecca Philipp

Last Update: 23 December, 2022Read: 5 minutes
In today’s world, renting traditional office space is falling out of favour for modern workspace solutions that are flexible and compromising.  Thanks to these options, business owners aren’t forced into long-term leases, nor do they have to fixate on the nitty gritties of operating a company. Instead, they can focus on what’s important, growing their business and achieving goals.

Managed office spaces, not to be confused with coworking offices, are preferred for medium to large companies. These fitted-out spaces customised to your unique business requirements are acquired, designed and overseen by a third-party provider. 

Choosing to set up shop in a managed office space takes the headache from establishing yourself in a new work hub because everything is handled for you.

Why choose a managed space over a traditional office?

Managed office spaces and traditional offices share many similarities with a few crucial differences that make office life less stressful.

1. Versatility

Conventional office spaces are notorious for long-term leases that people are afraid to commit to for the long term and for a good reason.
On average, these contracts last three years where tenants can’t leave the space until it expires. This limits a company’s ability to blossom, grow or adjust to changing circumstances during that lengthy period.
Leases for managed office spaces are compromising. Tenants can pay on a month-to-month basis or some other payment plan depending on the office they choose.

2. Costs are fixed

You won't be bombarded by a collection of bills come the end-of-month, have an upfront payment thrust upon you, or have to carefully manage your budget to account for hidden costs.
Amenities, utilities and other related fixed costs are included in your rental plan in a managed office space.

3. Dedicated support

When it comes to leasing traditional space, you're solely responsible for setting up shop when you move in initially and your business's smooth operations after that. These activities can be incredibly taxing on your time and capital and may prevent you from moving your business forward.
As previously mentioned, with third-party providers involved in overseeing a managed office space, the challenges associated with running an office and resolving maintenance issues fall away.

4. Easier relocations

Relocating your business is undeniably demanding and disruptive. However, moving to managed spaces is less time-intensive than uprooting your company to traditional office space, and likely with less paperwork involved.
...moving to managed spaces is less time-intensive than uprooting your company to traditional office space, and likely with less paperwork involved.
image

How are coworking spaces and managed office spaces different?

Coworking spaces or flexible workspaces and managed spaces are used interchangeably, yet these are two different concepts that share few commonalities.

1. Different markets

Coworking spaces are usually inhabited by entrepreneurs and small start-ups that require limited desk space.
On the other hand, managed office space is designed for bigger businesses in more advanced stages of growth. These hubs are future-proof, which means there’s additional space that allows businesses to scale up as they expand.

2. Protection and security

Cyberattacks and data leaks are threats to modern businesses, a danger that’s amplified with coworking because you’re sharing a network with people you don’t know.
You choose how your infrastructure is set up with a managed space and who has access to it.

3. Privacy

Coworking spaces are based in a communal environment where professionals from different sectors work separately under the same roof. This work setup is most beneficial because it leads to organic collaboration, ideas sharing, and job opportunities, but to name a few advantages.
However, having little to no privacy is risky for those working with confidential information where co workers might accidentally be privy to classified facts and figures.
Having a managed office space permits you the isolation you need away from potentially prying eyes.

4. Greater Sense Of Control

In a coworking environment, you’ll be sharing space with a wide array of people. As such, you can’t control who can access the premises or enter private rooms, which may be cause for concern if your company values privacy or works on sensitive files.
At the same time, you can’t reconfigure the space to how you require it in a coworking office. When it comes to designing managed office spaces, you’re allowed to do more than move around your desks and chairs.

5. Design and Aesthetics

Coworking spaces come pre-fitted with furniture, artwork and an office design, which is convenient if you're only looking for a quiet spot to toil away for a couple of hours or meet clients in a professional setting that's not a coffee shop.
However, if you're building your empire and want to impress your clients and stand out against your competitors, coworking probably isn't the way to go.
Besides a personalised coffee cup and other knick knacks at your desk, coworking doesn't allow for company decor, although there are exceptions.
Branding is essential for improving your business's visibility and how it's perceived, and that starts at the workplace.
It's also crucial for building company culture and helping your employees to feel like they're part of a team, which isn't easy to achieve if your office isn't personalised to your brand and working style.
Managed office spaces give you the freedom to decide on the custom design and layout of your office.

6. Familiarity

Having the same desk in a room surrounded by work colleagues probably gives you a sense of familiarity.
Usually, no two workdays are the same in a coworking space, especially with your desk neighbours rotating constantly. Some might find this type of work life exciting or stimulating, while others may crave a set routine and familiar faces - which is something you’ll experience in a managed workspace that you share with fellow staffers.
Managed spaces give you the freedom to decide on the custom design and layout of your office.
image

What do shared and managed office spaces have in common?

1. Better flexibility

Being locked into long-term leases are risks that professionals don’t want to take during the challenging times we face. Both shared and managed office spaces allow for highly flexible leasing should you outgrow the space or require downsizing.

2. Faster move-ins

Relocating your business - a previously taxing and arduous task - is simplified by moving to a shared or managed office space.

Office facilitators or third-party providers arrange everything for you - setup, maintenance and utilities - so that you don’t have to lift a finger.
Both shared and managed spaces allow for highly flexible leasing should you outgrow the space or require downsizing.

Is a managed space for me?

More people are turning away from traditional office spaces for flexible workspace solutions. However, the space you choose depends on the size and nature of your business.

Generally speaking, coworking is only suitable for freelancers, remote workers and small companies of ten people or less.

Convenience and collaboration are the two main advantages of coworking. Convenient in that you can move in straight away and have access to shared amenities that make work life more manageable.

Additionally, in a shared space filled by fellow-minded folk, there's an opportunity to grow your circle of work contacts, gain different perspectives, and generally reap the rewards that come with being in a communal setting.

Managed office spaces are better suited for larger companies that require bigger spaces for business expansion, and need a greater degree of security and control over their workspace.
In the UK, managed office space is becoming increasingly popular. Companies are attracted to the flexibility and affordability of this office space, as well as the ability to rapidly scale up or down their space depending on their business needs.

Office Hub is one of the largest global providers of flexible office space, with locations in many cities in the United Kingdom. Get Office spaces in cities, especially in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Contact our team of experts today and get your dream office.
Convenience and collaboration are the two main advantages of coworking.
image
Rebecca Philipp
Rebecca Philipp
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rebecca Philipp
Rebecca Philipp is a dynamic leader passionate about building bold, innovative brands that spark growth and inspire change. As the heart of the team, Rebecca fosters a positive workplace and empowers every member to thrive—earning her the title of "The Queen" with pride.

We are the UK's No. 1 marketplace for serviced, coworking, and shared office space.

Connect with our local experts for flexible workspace solutions across the UK. Get personalized recommendations, arrange tours, and secure the best deals — all at no cost.

Office Hub team memberOffice Hub team memberOffice Hub team memberOffice Hub team member

Talk to our Experts directly

020 3808 7222

Latest News

Explore trends, data, and tips shaping the UK’s dynamic office market

9 Best Serviced Offices in Bromley

9 Best Serviced Offices in Bromley

Daniel Lange9 July, 2026
5 Best Coworking Spaces in Leeds

5 Best Coworking Spaces in Leeds

Daniel Lange8 July, 2026
13 Best Office Spaces in Soho to Rent

13 Best Office Spaces in Soho to Rent

Soho workspaces look like the perfect choice on paper for creative businesses: a central address, strong transport links, clients nearby, an... Read more
Angeline Suriaatmaja7 July, 2026
City vs Suburban Offices in the UK: What Works Best for Growing Teams?

City vs Suburban Offices in the UK: What Works Best for Growing Teams?

Office Space in London can help you win a client meeting on Monday and make half the team question the commute by Friday. Hybrid work has ch... Read more
Angeline Suriaatmaja29 June, 2026
The Rise of Flexible Workspace in the UK: What's Driving Demand in 2026?

The Rise of Flexible Workspace in the UK: What's Driving Demand in 2026?

For UK businesses, the office decision keeps becoming harder to get right. A company may want a London base for clients, a regional hub clos... Read more
Angeline Suriaatmaja24 June, 2026
12 Best Serviced Offices in West London under £1000/desk/month

12 Best Serviced Offices in West London under £1000/desk/month

West London is becoming harder to treat as one office market and it’s no longer just the practical office space alternative to Central Londo... Read more
Rebecca Philipp24 June, 2026
14 Best Office Spaces in South London

14 Best Office Spaces in South London

Rebecca Philipp23 June, 2026
How to rent office space in London (a step-by-step guide)

How to rent office space in London (a step-by-step guide)

If you're looking to rent office space in London, it's easy to see why. The city gives businesses access to one of the strongest tal... Read more
Miles Anderson16 June, 2026
24 Best Coworking Spaces in London for Startups, Hybrid Teams and Growing Businesses

24 Best Coworking Spaces in London for Startups, Hybrid Teams and Growing Businesses

From the startups and tech firms of Shoreditch to the financial institutions of the City and global businesses in Canary Wharf, London's... Read more
Rebecca Philipp3 June, 2026
6 Best Coworking Spaces in Wales for Startups and Small Teams

6 Best Coworking Spaces in Wales for Startups and Small Teams

Finding the best coworking space in Wales is no longer just about affordability. For many startups and small teams, it’s about finding a wor... Read more
Rebecca Philipp3 June, 2026
13 Best Office Spaces for Rent in Moorgate, London and Nearby Areas

13 Best Office Spaces for Rent in Moorgate, London and Nearby Areas

Moorgate has become a practical sweet spot for businesses that want City credibility, strong transport access, and a workday that does not f... Read more
Angeline Suriaatmaja15 May, 2026
Breaking New Ground: Inventory Integrations That Change Everything

Breaking New Ground: Inventory Integrations That Change Everything

In the flexible workspace game, speed and accuracy matter. Outdated listings, incorrect availability, and manual updates don’t just slow you... Read more
Rebecca Philipp11 May, 2026
5 Best Coworking Spaces in Epsom

5 Best Coworking Spaces in Epsom

Revamp your working style and gain a competitive advantage without paying a hefty amount. But how? By leasing coworking spaces in Epsom thro... Read more
Rebecca Philipp4 March, 2026
A Guide to Managed Offices in Manchester: Premium Solutions for Every Business

A Guide to Managed Offices in Manchester: Premium Solutions for Every Business

Manchester has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most dynamic business hubs with a strong commercial heritage, thriving innovatio... Read more
Grant Philipp29 January, 2026