New research published by the Business Centre Association (BCA) in collaboration with CBRE has found that the business centre sector in London and across the UK continued to thrive in 2015 and 2016 despite initial fears about the impact of Brexit and its effect on the economy in the capital.

The findings come from “The UK Business Centre Market” report which surveyed 580 business centres, representing 23% of the sector across the country, to assess the current state of the market. Overall, the report found the UK wide business sector is now home to 93,000 individual small businesses which employ over 480,000 people, supporting around £18bn of GDP.

The research is published amidst a flurry of recent acquisitions and new entrants coming into the market place. In June 2017 alone, it has been announced that Blackstone have acquired a majority stake in BCA member, The Office Group, whilst Carlyle Group have made three acquisitions to boost its “Uncommon” flexible workspace venture. British Land have also launched Storey, a new flexible workspace concept.

This recent activity is predictable in light of the publication of the report which found that in London in 2016:

• Occupancy levels in business centres in London have remained resilient at 80% which is the highest in the country. In Inner London, the figure increased to 84%, despite increased competition in the market place.
• Serviced and managed office space dominates the business centre sector in London, with 93% of space falling into one of these categories.
• The average amount of space taken by a business in London business centres is the lowest in the country. In London’s West End market, a business takes on average around 101 sq ft of space compared to the national average of 420 sq ft per business.
• In London, 90% of businesses operating out of business centres have 5 employees or fewer. The majority of these businesses operate within the business services, finance and insurance sectors.

At the UK-wide level, the report found:

• Turnover in the sector increased by 13% and the number of workers in business centres has increased by 11% in 2016 compared with 2015.
• The amount of space taken per worker in a business centre has fallen by 8% year-on-year between 2013 and 2016.
• 74% of businesses in business centres have 5 employees or fewer.
• 39% of businesses stay in business centres for more than three years, up from 14% in 2013, providing further evidence that the sector is seen as a long-term option for those seeking flexible workspace for their business.

This increase in competition comes amidst wider economic concerns around Brexit. As part of the report, 38% of operators sampled said Brexit had a slightly negative impact on their business, 34% of operators sampled said it had no impact and 20% said it had a positive impact. Whilst it was felt there was an initial pause in activity after Brexit, demand for space has recovered.

Speaking on the impact of the EU referendum on the sector, the Chair of the BCA and Director of Sales at Bruntwood, Andrew Butterworth, said:

“After the referendum, almost immediately enquiry levels and demand levels fell…but they have come back and are now tracking long term averages. Business confidence started to return and people decided they needed to get on with running their businesses. As recent investment and acquisitions in the sector demonstrate, the prospects for the future of the sector are extremely positive.”

The continuing success of the sector within the commercial market is also evidenced by the growth in competition over the two years, as high levels of demand from customers drives fleet of foot operator innovation, and creates clearer and more distinctive customer offers and facilities.

Commenting on the findings presented within the report, the Executive Director of the BCA, Jennifer Brooke, said:

“Our sector continues to push to the front of the commercial sector, with operators able to respond to customers and technology in a way which the traditional office market cannot. Whilst 2016 was a year of some uncertainty for many in our sector, this survey shows that the sector continued to grow and thrive amidst the instability created by political events. And, of course, Brexit has not and could not have stopped the pace of technological innovation or stemmed the ever-increasing aspirations of customers for higher quality space and more responsive service from our members. The sector looks set to respond positively to what is likely to be a challenging few years to come.

In London, occupancy rates have remained resilient despite the increase in the competition within the sector and the shrinking levels of space each business requires for their operation. The report shows operators and their customers continue to have the confidence to invest and grow.”