GCUC Blog

Two Cities. One Story.

posted on May 28, 2025 by Emilie Lashmar

When it comes to coworking in the UK, London and Manchester are the ones leading the way. Not just by numbers, but by attitude. Each city brings something different, something important. Together, they help GCUC tell the whole story — from scale to spirit, polish to possibility.

London

London’s big. Everyone knows that. With over a thousand coworking spaces, it’s where the sector goes to test itself. Competition is high, expectations even higher. You’ll find the major players here — big operators, bold launches, deals that get attention.

It’s not cheap. A dedicated desk sits around £297 a month, give or take. But that’s part of the appeal. This is where people go when they want to be seen. When they’re aiming high.

Why London matters to GCUC

  • It gathers the biggest crowd — the names you’ve heard of, and the ones you will

  • It gives us a platform to bring serious ideas to the table

  • It draws in global interest

  • And it shows, quite simply, what best-in-class can look like

Manchester

Different vibe. Same momentum. Manchester doesn’t try to be London, and that’s its strength. It’s scrappy, creative, constantly reinventing itself. You’ll find old mills turned into studios, cafes tucked inside former warehouses, tech and design sitting side by side.

There are fewer spaces — around 90 or so — but the energy is something else. Desk prices are lower (about £248 for a dedicated one), but what you get in return feels generous. It’s grounded. Accessible. A bit raw in places, in a good way.

What Manchester brings to GCUC

  • A coworking community that feels alive and on the move

  • More entry points, more affordability

  • Spaces with character and history

  • A reminder that big ideas don’t need glossy packaging

Why We Do Both

Because it’s not about choosing one over the other. London brings the weight. Manchester brings the spark. GCUC UK moves between the two so we can stay connected to the full picture.

That means we reach people at every stage — big operators, small independents, teams just getting started.

It means we reflect the full spectrum of UK coworking — not just what’s established, but what’s emerging too.

And maybe most of all, it means we keep the conversation balanced. Not top-down. Not one-size-fits-all. Just honest, real, evolving — like the workspaces we’re here to support.

Where will you be joining us?

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