Coworking is thriving around the world, but it is particularly popular in multicultural areas. For several years now, London has been enjoying a vibrant coworking community, and this is in part due to its foreign-born residents.
Keep reading to learn more about London’s coworking community and discover the role of immigration in making London a global coworking hub. For information on how you could move to London from another country, don’t hesitate to reach out to the renowned London Immigration Lawyer.
The Coworking Community in London
Did you know that London boasts the most coworking spaces in the world, with 1,400 of these centres scattered around the capital? (1) For coworker enthusiasts, London is the place to be.
With an average monthly search volume for coworking spaces at 4,400, it’s clear that residents of London won’t be stopping coworking any time soon (2).
As well as official coworking spaces located in office blocks and other buildings, the people of London regularly choose to cowork in spaces such as cafés and libraries. The choice is endless when it comes to sharing your work day with your fellow Londoners.
The Role of Immigration in Making London a Global Coworking Hub
Given London is the most ethnically diverse area of the UK, it comes as no surprise that the high rate of immigration has cultivated a strong coworking community in the city.
Many foreign workers have moved to London to pursue creative industries, and coworking spaces provide the perfect platform for networking and collaborating with fellow creatives. As more overseas employees have demonstrated their preference for these spaces, the demand has risen.
Moreover, many immigrants have flexible careers — they may be entrepreneurs or solopreneurs who lean into their freelance way of life. London has adapted to this modern way of working by providing more coworking spaces for these individuals, allowing them to work outside of their own home whenever they wish.
As the cost of living has risen, it’s becoming harder for remote workers to work from their homes; many prefer to use coworking spaces to save on costs such as electricity. We know that 32% of all foreign-born people in the UK are in poverty compared to 19% of UK-born people, making this demographic more vulnerable to the high cost of living (3).
While plenty of London’s employed immigrant population are not in poverty, the average person is struggling more after the pandemic, and therefore they may be more likely to choose coworking spaces as a budget-friendly option.
Finally, many coworking centres in London offer workshops and courses that are likely to attract those who have moved from another country. For example, if weekly English language classes are offered, this is bound to cause an increase in immigrants enjoying coworking spaces. This collaboration has resulted in coworking spaces being in higher demand, as they offer more than a simple place to work.
How to Move to London to Explore Coworking
Plenty of people choose to apply for a UK Work Visa that enables them to advance their career in the impressive capital. If you secure a job that allows remote or hybrid working, you could be integrating into London’s coworking community sooner than you think.
The first thing to know about moving to London is that the application process is not always straightforward, and rejections are common. Fortunately, there is a practical solution for this — hiring an immigration solicitor means you will be informed on the common reasons for rejection in order to avoid them.
Once you have chosen the right lawyer for you, you can choose which UK Visa to apply for based on your eligibility, personal circumstances, and future aspirations. Applications can be filled in online and supporting documents must be provided as part of this.
Please keep in mind that not all jobs are flexible, so if you’re keen on exploring coworking, make sure you discuss this with your prospective employer before securing a job offer in this country.
It’s also possible to apply for a different type of visa, e.g., a Spouse Visa, and look for a flexible job upon arrival in London. Whichever route you choose, make sure you listen to the advice of your lawyer to ensure you have the best chances of obtaining a UK Visa in the near future.
Conclusion
Where coworking is concerned, London is unrivalled. It’s evident that immigrants have shaped the coworking community of the capital city, and continue to do so as the demand for coworking rises.
To get involved with this thriving community, remember to reach out to a reputable immigration solicitor for advice on applying for the right UK Visa.
Photo credits: Coworking London