As a freelancer, working from home is often considered one of the biggest perks of the job and for many, it is. However, not all freelancers love the work-from-home life and benefit from having somewhere else to work from, such as a co-working space.
If you’re keeping an eye on the budget, we have a separate blog which explains some of the best places to work from for free.
In this article we explore the benefits of co-working spaces for those who prefer not to work from home, or just want to get out of the house from time to time.
We also share advice on how to find co-working spaces in Manchester and spotlight seven co-workspaces in the city to steer you in the right direction.
The benefits of co-working spaces
Whether you choose to work in a co-working space full-time, part-time or just on an ad hoc basis, there are so many benefits this brings to the table, including:
- A better work-life balance
- Improved focus, concentration and productivity
- Networking opportunities and the chance to meet new clients and like-minded professionals
- A sense of belonging to a community
- Giving your business a stronger reputation and impressing clients
- Reducing your own at-home utility expenditure
- The chance to work in a diverse range of different spaces and places — even around the world
Where can I find a co-working space in Manchester?
There are now thought to be more than 6,000 co-working spaces across the UK – a number that continues to rise all the time. So, as you can imagine, when it comes to finding a co-workspace in Manchester city centre and beyond, you’re spoilt for choice.
Google search, social media platforms and requesting word-of-mouth recommendations from peers are some of the best ways to find the co-working space(s) that will tick your boxes. You can tap into honest opinions from real-life co-workers and use these to help you navigate your options.
Some of the best co-workspaces in Manchester
To get you started, here are seven co-working spaces in Manchester for you to check out next time you’re looking to host a meeting with a client or simply take a break from working at your kitchen table.
Use.Space
Where? UseSpace, Paddock Street M12 6PN
When? Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm
Membership cost? From £89pm
Day passes available? Yes (£25 full day, £15 half day)
Dog-friendly? Yes
This independent co-working space in Ardwick is nestled in a historic building in one of the most up-and-coming parts of the city. It’s only a 10-minute walk away from Piccadilly train station but being slightly outside the very centre of Manchester means you can benefit from spacious on-site parking.
With its botanical decor, bustling co-working cafe, indoor greenhouse and flexible combination of hot desks, private offices and meeting rooms, Use.Space is a popular spot for solo workers and small businesses alike.
WeWork (Manchester)
Where? Multiple locations
When? Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm
Membership cost? From £149 per month
Day passes available? Yes
Dog-friendly? Yes
WeWork is one of the most globally recognised co-working brands around the world, so if you travel a lot, this one is a good option for somewhere that will feel familiar wherever you are.
WeWork offers private offices, dedicated desks in a shared office, open-plan hot desks and meeting room hire, so whether you’re a solo freelancer or working with a team, there’s sure to be something to suit.
Beehive Lofts
Where? Beehive Mill, Jersey Street, Ancoats M4 6JG
When? Open 24 hours
Membership cost? From £185 per month
Day passes available? No
Dog-friendly? Yes
Dubbing itself ‘Manchester’s most luxurious co-working space’, Beehive Lofts features quirky interior design, eclectic furniture and a diverse array of different types of work settings.
It offers ‘the productivity of an office with the comforts of home’, complete with hammocks, pool tables and lounges alongside the key necessities like meeting rooms, desk space, breakout areas, etc.
People buzz about Beehive lofts for its affordable prices and 24/7 access – as a freelancer, you often work around the clock so having somewhere with 100% flexibility is a huge bonus.
Flagship Spaces (Manchester)
Where? 27 Turner Street M4 1DG
When? Monday-Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm
Membership cost? Enquire for details
Day passes available? Yes from £15 per day
Dog-friendly? Only in larger contained offices, not small offices or communal areas.
The Flagship group offers ‘a thoughtful collection of flexible workspaces and co-working offices, designed with the agile modern business in mind’, with other locations in Bristol and LA.
The Manchester base is nestled in the Northern Quarter, which is one of the city’s trendiest hot spots where you’ll be surrounded by some of the north west’s most dynamic creative brands and businesses.
Spaces include private offices, dedicated desks, open shared workspaces, breakout areas, an eight-seater meeting room and quiet spaces designed for focus and privacy. Plus, state-of-the-art Herman Miller furniture made with ergonomics in mind.
Colony
Where? Multiple locations
When? Monday-Friday, 8:45 am–5:30 pm
Membership cost? From £200 per month
Day passes available? Yes
Dog-friendly? Yes
Colony has a network of co-working spaces across the city so wherever you need to be in Manchester, there’ll be one pretty close by.
What’s on offer? Furnished private workspaces that you can customise to suit you, whether you’re working solo or as part of a large team, desking in a shared workspace, and 20 meeting rooms around the city.
Flexible contracts and access to any Colony site are perfect for freelancers who need something that can adapt to their schedule.
Huckletree (Manchester)
Where? The Express Building, 9 Great Ancoats Street M4 5AD
When? Monday-Friday, 8.30am-6pm
Membership cost? From £175 per month
Day passes available? Yes
Dog-friendly? For members only
As well as the key amenities like meeting rooms, desks and private offices, other things you can benefit from at Huckletree are:
- A custom-built podcast recording booth
- Privacy phone booths and focus booths
- Flexible membership options
- Modern design and tech facilities
- Wellness event and open mic nights
- Bike parking
- On-site shower facilities
One of the things people love most about Huckletree co-working spaces are the purpose-built event spaces. So, if you’re planning something for your event calendar like a networking event, presentation or client workshop, this is an option worth exploring.
Clockwise (Manchester)
Where? Linley House, Dickinson Street M1 4LF
When? Open 24 hours
Membership cost? From £115 per month
Day passes available? Yes, £20 per day
Dog-friendly? For private offices only
Clockwise co-working spaces all pride themselves on delivering four key things in equal measure: functionality, flexibility, service and connectivity.
Based in a former electricity station that once powered the whole of Manchester, this beautiful building is steeped in history but the interior is fresh and modern with a welcoming community vibe. Services at Clockwise include:
- Meeting rooms
- Desking
- Private offices
- A podcast recording studio
- Breakout areas
- Club Lounges
- On-site cafe
- Event spaces
- Collaborative technology
- Bike storage
- 24/7 access
What to look for in a co-working space
Co-working spaces come at a cost, so it’s important to get your money’s worth by choosing the ones that meet as many of your needs as possible.
Of course, this will be personal to you but there are some key general factors that might affect your selection when scoping out your options, such as:
- A fast, reliable internet connection
- Good public transport links
- On-site car parking
- Perks like free tea, coffee and snacks (not 100% necessary but always nice)
Some other important things to consider when selecting a co-working space are:
Flexible opening hours
The life of freelancer very rarely fits neatly within the confines of a traditional 9-5. This freedom is one of the best things about freelancing but it also means you need a co-working space that offers flexible access and working hours that suit your schedule.
Community events
As well as assessing the facilities and amenities a co-working space has to offer, check its website and social media profiles out to get a feel for the culture.
This might also help you get an idea of what (if any) types of community events they offer to visitors and members and see if they float your boat.
Shared community events are a brilliant way to get to know other freelancers, meet new people and make contact with other professionals who could even become your next clients.
Childcare facilities on site
Some co-working spaces offer on-site childcare services and facilities, giving you the opportunity to focus on your work or deliver that presentation, whilst knowing your kids are being well looked after and in the same building.
Dog-friendly
Most co-working spaces in Manchester are dog-friendly or offer specific dog-friendly hours where you can bring your pooch along.
Check out our top co-workspace etiquette tips to make sure you’re a welcome addition to the community. Or, head over to our freelancer information hub for even more guides, news, and advice.
