If you are considering a career change, then making the move over to freelancing can be hugely daunting, yet over 1.4 million Brits are currently doing it. The lifestyle of a freelance worker has a large number of perks, from the chance to working from home and extra working flexibility. But, with so much freedom on offer, it can be hard to know which city to make your freelancing home.
London
Many people might consider London as a soulless place to use as a base for their freelancing career, however, London has plenty of great attractions for freelance workers to make their work and social lives much easier to manage.
Firstly, it is the capital city so there is likely to be a lot of events going on at all times. This makes London the perfect place to get involved and network with others, even at the most unusual of events. The majority of companies in the UK and from across the globe base their headquarters in London, so networking your way to a connection within these companies is likely to be easier.
London is also home to its fair share of freelance-friendly spaces. Parks, hotels and cafes are in abundance here, so finding a space to get away from it all and switch into work mode is fairly easy.
Norwich
Norwich is a city which is currently undergoing a huge renovation. With many people relocating there, Norwich is quickly becoming one of the most promising locations for freelance workers to base themselves from. With great shopping centres, beautiful open spaces and a friendly co-working community, Norwich is quickly growing.
Business Revolution is one of the longest-running co-working space companies in the UK, providing freelance workers with spaces to work in a professional, flexible and friendly environment. The spaces offer freelance workers with an alternative space to work in away from their home for as little as £100 a month for a full-time desk.
With high-speed internet, unlimited hot drinks and printing and a great place to network with other like-minded freelance workers, Norwich may be worth considering if you are looking to relocate for your freelance work.
Manchester
All freelancers know how tricky it can be to find a good space to freelance from, especially in a city. Luckily, Manchester is a city which is on the rise and is consistently increasing it’s appeal to freelance workers. There is a range of options available for those looking for a welcoming and motivational space, from the larger co-working spaces that dominate floors of the high rises to small independent coffee shops equipped with good coffee and plenty of plug sockets.
Be sure to check out the Northern Quarter for quirky cafes and some of the best places to eat in Manchester and Spinningfields for co-working spaces full of everything you could possibly need. There are 3 calming libraries within the city centre to choose from if you want somewhere quieter to focus.
Glasgow
Being a digital nomad is a way of life for many freelancers, who are constantly on the go checking their emails or meeting deadlines. Having a space that is suitable for a freelancing career should have the basic essentials: good internet connection, plug sockets, a good seat and warmth. Glasgow is full of great little places to base yourself from, no matter your needs or requirements.
Like Manchester, Glasgow is filled with small spaces that are ideal for freelancers, particularly in the West End, which is an area filled with busy students and professionals. Coworking spaces are aplenty in the city and are centred around all of Glasgow’s main attractions. Whether you prefer working outdoors in a park during the summer months or curled up in the corner of a cafe with your laptop, you’re sure to find your perfect space here.
Exeter
A small city, Exeter certainly packs a punch when it comes to freelance working spaces. Perhaps one of the most attractive and historically interesting cities in England, no matter where you choose to freelance from, you’re sure to have a wonderful sight.
If you’re a freelance worker who prefers the company of the outdoors, Exeter is the right spot for you to be based from. Thanks to the friendly appeal of the city, there is an abundance of small eateries and cafes to perch in for the afternoon, or head out to one of the city’s coworking spaces – many of which overlook some beautiful sights.