UK Businesses Prioritise Tech Over Price in Flexible Workspaces

55% of businesses say they would pay a premium for a top-quality workspace.

A new independent survey by NCG of 1,002 senior decision-makers within UK businesses has found:

  • 31% of respondents identified technology availability as the most important factor when selecting a flexible workspace, compared to 25% who prioritised price.
  • 55% of businesses are willing to pay a premium for a top-quality workspace, which includes better technology, facilities, and décor.
  • However, only 10% rated the overall tech offering within their workspace as ‘very good’.

NCG's research revealed that over a quarter (31%) of senior decision-makers within UK businesses view the technology available in a flexible workspace as the most important factor in their choice, surpassing the 25% who consider price the top factor. Events and networking opportunities (31%) and design and quality of the fit-out (28%) also proved more important than price.

The digital infrastructure specialist commissioned an independent, nationally representative survey of 1,002 senior decision-makers within UK businesses. The survey found that over half (55%) of businesses would pay a premium for a top-quality workspace.

Despite the high ranking of technology on businesses’ wish lists over low price, only 10% of respondents rated the overall tech offering within their workspace as ‘very good’. Meanwhile, 50% reported that the tech in their workspace regularly failed.

Among the businesses that described their workspace’s tech offering as ‘very good’, only 57% are considering moving to a new workspace, 19% below the average.

Thomas Proctor, CEO of NCG, said: “While many UK businesses clearly place a high value on workspace technology, the service they are receiving is not meeting their expectations.

“The data shows that flexible workspaces still have a considerable amount of ground to make up to meet the growing demand for top-quality technology that is essential for UK businesses. Landlords and flex operators need to realise that in the world of flexible and hybrid working, first-class technology is not an area that can be treated as a luxury item or a cost-saving measure.

“The flexible workspace industry must embrace modern technology and ensure their clients get the service they and their businesses demand. By collaborating with technology and integration experts, landlords and operators can bring their spaces into the modern world and be at the forefront of modern working.”