North and South UK areas demonstrate sustained appetite for flexible office solutions, driven by hybrid working and evolving business needs
Flexible workspace provider, Clockwise, is expanding its offering for start-up and scale up businesses across the UK following a significant rise in demand for flexible office space from regional SMEs.
Across its portfolio, Clockwise is responding to growing demand from regional SMEs for flexible, scalable workspace by increasing the availability and variety of its office offering. In Glasgow and Liverpool, existing space is being reconfigured to better reflect changing occupier requirements, while Exeter has recently opened a new phase of workspace to meet strong local demand. Together, these investments will enable more businesses to find workspace that suits their current size while giving them the flexibility to grow without relocating.
The investment reflects broader changes in how businesses are using office space. As hybrid working becomes the norm and companies place greater value on flexibility, community and high-quality amenities, demand is increasingly shifting towards workspaces that can adapt as organisations evolve. With 18 locations across the UK and mainland Europe, Clockwise is well positioned to support businesses at every stage of their growth journey.
Northern Momentum: Rising Demand for Smaller, Flexible Spaces
In Glasgow, year-on-year data shows growth in demand for offices with a smaller number of desks. These insights have informed a strategic reconfiguration of the building, introducing more small offices and repurposing larger suites to better match customer demand.
During the first quarter of 2026, total private office enquiry volumes increased by 66% compared with Q4 in 2025. Demand has been driven by smaller requirements with offices for one to six accounting for 84% of all private office enquiries. At the same time, periodic larger requirements have provided additional uplift in overall desk volumes, demonstrating continued activity from businesses of varying sizes.
Liverpool continues to show a consistent appetite for offices designed for smaller teams. Early 2026 has delivered strong performance, with enquiries for private workspace increasing steadily since late 2025. The sustained demand is guiding ongoing investment, with space reallocated to prioritise small, flexible options.
Southern Growth: Exeter Leading Expansion Beyond Tech
In Exeter, Clockwise is experiencing significant momentum with the launch of a further phase, increasing desk availability across the site. The expansion is driven by strong interest from new members as well as existing members looking to expand, reinforcing Exeter’s strength as a thriving hub for scaling businesses.
Once primarily associated with a growing tech sector, Exeter is now attracting a broader mix of industries. A range of business services now lead membership, with the diversification reflecting a regional shift – a wider range of businesses seeking high-quality, flexible workspace solutions.
Network-Wide Performance and Standout Locations
Across its wider network, Clockwise continues to build momentum, reflecting growing confidence in flexible workspace as a long-term business solution and the strength of regional economies across the UK and mainland Europe.
Bristol remains one of the company’s strongest-performing locations, with consistently high occupancy and enquiry volumes, while Cardiff and Southampton continue to foster thriving business communities. Southampton has experienced sustained growth as its member network has matured.
Internationally, Clockwise’s Brussels European District location has cultivated a distinctive membership, bringing together established corporates and emerging start-ups within a single collaborative environment.
Meanwhile, in Edinburgh’s Leith district, rising city centre costs are encouraging more entrepreneurial businesses to consider well-connected alternative locations. This shift supports Clockwise’s position as businesses look for high-quality space that offers greater value without compromising on accessibility.
Adapting to the Future of Work
Clockwise’s latest insights and expansion underline a broader shift in how businesses approach workspace. The rise of hybrid working, combined with economic pressures and changing workforce expectations, is driving demand for flexibility, scalability, and community-focused environments.
By responding to these trends through space reconfiguration and a focus on member experience, Clockwise is well positioned to support businesses across the UK as they navigate the future of work.
Looking ahead, Clockwise is actively exploring further expansion opportunities in key UK regional cities and Europe, as the business builds on strong momentum and increasing market demand.
To find out more about Clockwise, visit https://work-clockwise.com/.
