Choosing an Office Space in Edinburgh: 5 Things to Look For
Updated: 3 days ago
Choosing the right office space in Edinburgh is about more than just finding somewhere for your business to be based. The location, cost, lease terms, facilities and transport options can all have an impact on your business and the people who use the office space. With so many different offices available, it can be difficult to know exactly what you should be looking for and which factors are most important.
In this guide, we will look at some of the key things to consider when choosing an office space in Edinburgh. From the cost of renting and the flexibility of the lease to the facilities available and how easy the office is to reach. We will also discuss the offering here at Mitchell House and how it can meet each of your considerations. Overall, giving you a better idea of what our office space in Leith has to offer your business.
Here are 5 things to look for when choosing an office space in Edinburgh.
1. Location
Location is one of the most important factors when choosing office space. It needs to work for both your business and the people who use it. So, think about how easy it is for staff to commute, where your customers are based and what amenities are available in the surrounding area. Being close to public transport, shops and recreational amenities can make a significant difference to the day-to-day experience of working from an office.
Mitchell House is located on Mitchell Street in Leith, allowing businesses to be based outside the city centre while remaining well connected to it. The Shore tram stop is less than two minutes away (more on that later), while there are also regular bus services nearby. Leith has a diverse community and a strong creative scene, making it a great location for businesses within the creative industries. The area also has its own distinctive culture, charm and identity, giving businesses based here a sense of personality that can be lacking in some locations further from the city centre. With plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and several green spaces nearby, Leith offers a practical and characterful location for both businesses and their staff.
2. Rent, Rates & Running Costs
When choosing an office, it is important to look beyond the advertised rental price and consider the overall cost of occupying the space. Rent and business rates are two of the main costs to consider, but heating, electricity, maintenance, repairs and other ongoing costs can all add up. It is worth understanding what is included in the lease and what you will be responsible for. Energy efficiency is also worth considering, as a well-insulated and efficient building can help reduce energy consumption and keep running costs under control. For many businesses, the aim is to find the right balance between budget and location, without compromising on the quality of the working environment.
Mitchell House offers offices to let from just £8.28 per sq ft, providing an affordable option for businesses looking to balance budget with location in Edinburgh. For comparison, prime Edinburgh city-centre office rents are currently around £50 per sq ft. Mitchell House has an EPC rating of A+, reflecting the great energy efficiency of the building. Renewable energy sources, good insulation and efficient heating and lighting all contribute to its energy performance. The Internal Insuring / Repairing Lease also means we, as the landlord, take responsibility for repairs to the outside of the building, helping tenants avoid some of the unexpected costs that can come with maintaining office premises.
3. Flexible Lease Terms
The terms of a lease can have a significant impact on the overall cost and flexibility of an office. So, it is important to understand exactly what you are agreeing to before signing. Consider the length of the lease, any break clauses and which repairs or other costs will be your responsibility. It is also worth considering how much space you need, both for your current workforce and if your business grows or your circumstances change. Taking on more space than you need can increase costs, while too little space can quickly become impractical.
Mitchell House offers flexible lease options to suit businesses looking for different lengths of commitment. Our offices range from 34sq m up to 3,020sq ft, with space for between 6 and 30 workstations, meaning our space is perfect for businesses of all kinds. We also offer an Internal Insuring / Repairing Lease, meaning we take responsibility for repairs to the outside of the building. This gives our tenants greater certainty over their responsibilities and helps avoid unexpected repair costs during the lease. There can be a rent-free period available, subject to length of agreed lease terms. We also allow tenants to choose their utilities provider, giving greater control over electricity and internet costs.
4. Office Facilities
When choosing an office, it is worth looking beyond just the office space itself and considering the facilities available throughout the building. Meeting rooms, breakout areas, kitchen facilities and showers can all make a difference to the working day. Secure access can provide flexibility for staff working different hours, while suitable spaces for meetings and presentations can make it easier to welcome clients and visitors. It is also worth considering practical facilities such as internet access and accessibility that may be important to your staff and the way your business operates day-to-day.
At Mitchell House, we offer a range of facilities designed to make the working day more practical and comfortable. Meeting and boardrooms provide enclosed spaces for meetings, presentations and private reviews. Elsewhere, modern breakout areas give staff somewhere to collaborate or take time away from their desks. Shared kitchen facilities provide a convenient space for breaks. 24/7 secure access gives our tenants the flexibility to access their office when they need to. Mitchell House also provides shower facilities and a bike shed, making it easier for those who cycle to work. The building is pet-friendly and has disabled access to the bottom floor. With offices available in different sizes and layouts, there is also flexibility to choose a space that works for your business and staff.
5. Transport Options
Transport links are an important consideration when choosing an office, particularly if your staff, customers or clients travel from different parts of the city or beyond. Have a look at the public transport options available and whether there are suitable walking or cycling routes. For businesses where staff or visitors regularly need to drive, parking can also be an important consideration.
Mitchell House is well connected to the rest of Edinburgh, with The Shore tram stop less than two minutes away. The city centre is less than 15 minutes away by tram and Edinburgh Airport is 40 minutes away. Edinburgh is excellently served by Lothian Buses, with bus stops for routes 16 and 25 within a five-minute walk. There are parking permits available on Mitchell Street, subject to availability. Office Zone 4 also benefits from a private lane with four private parking spaces. For those who prefer active travel, Mitchell House is around a 30-minute walk from Princes Street, with cycling connections around Leith. Mitchell House has a bike shed and shower facilities for those looking to freshen up ahead of the working day.
Wrap Up
Having looked at the main considerations, choosing the right office space in Edinburgh is more than just the office itself. The location, overall running costs, lease terms, facilities and transport options can all have an impact on whether a space works well for your business and your staff. Taking the time to consider each of these factors can help you find an office that fits your current needs while giving your business room to grow in the future.
Mitchell House brings all these considerations together into one office location. With offices of different sizes, flexible lease options and a range of facilities, Mitchell House offers a practical and flexible working environment for businesses of all kinds. The local amenities in Leith and the great transport links offer businesses the opportunity to establish themselves in Leith while remaining close to Edinburgh city centre. If you want to find out more about our available office space or make an enquiry, you can call us on 0131 554 7564.
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