Sadiq Khan to protect and improve London office space for startups

A Workspace Providers Board will secure open office spaces for London businesses.

The London Mayor has proposed the creation of a new Workspace Providers Board, comprised of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

This follows the appointment of a Business Advisory Board whose aim is to understand how policy can have a positive impact on business and job creation, as well as a £7m scheme to support Londoners in the digital, technology and creative sectors.

The Workspace Providers Board will support the creation of open workspaces by scouting out new locations and identifying/ redeveloping empty spaces in current buildings.

Khan explains, "When we give Londoners with skills and talent the space they need to fulfil their potential, we pave the way for the great businesses of tomorrow."

"Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to expand your business or a creative start-up that needs more space to work, my message to you is that London is open for those with ideas and passion."

[caption id="attachment_21159" align="alignnone" width="280"] Photo by Katy Blackwood - Crop of original image: License[/caption]

The Mayor of London’s regeneration guide for Creating Open Workspaces recognises that office rent in London can be far from affordable for entrepreneurs and startups. In order for London to reach its innovation potential, workspace needs to become more accessible and adaptable.

He plans to use surplus public sector assets create more cost-effective, flexible ‘open workspaces’ which will be facilitated to support fledgling businesses and startups.

Sadiq Khan is encouraging local councils to team up with workspace providers who ‘understand the market and the kind of services their occupiers want.’

He will be writing to all boroughs shortly to request they sign a ‘workspace pledge’.

The initiative is part of Khan’s #LondonIsOpen campaign.