You’ve been working from home – maybe at a kitchen table, on a sofa, or in a corner of your bedroom. It’s worked well so far; no commute, a small desk, and a comfy pair of slippers are all you need. But at some point, most growing businesses and remote workers hit a wall. Suddenly, you start thinking about a workspace that offers faster Wi-Fi, a professional environment, and a place to focus, network, and meet with clients.

Here’s a practical guide designed by our Sussex Innovation team to help you decide.

 

1. Community vs Privacy: What Fits Your Team?

Coworking at Sussex Innovation is all about community, collaboration, and connection. If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur, solo founder, or a small team in Brighton and the surrounding Sussex area, our flexible workspaces provide plenty of room to focus while also offering opportunities to meet other local businesses. Members enjoy regular networking events, socials, specialised business workshops, and our onsite café is perfect for a coffee and a quick chat. When you need extra privacy or focus, you can book one of our soundproof booths, making it easy to balance collaboration with concentration.

For growing teams looking for private offices in East Sussex, Sussex Innovation offers a range of spaces to suit different needs. Teams can enjoy the privacy and focus of a private, fully serviced office while still being part of the centre’s vibrant community, attending events, and connecting with other businesses. Whether you’re a small team looking to take that next step or a scaling business in need of a permanent base, our private offices provide a professional, flexible, and supportive environment that helps your business thrive.

 

2. Flexibility vs Stability: What Does Your Business Need?

For many founders and small teams, the ideal workspace strikes a balance between flexibility and stability. Coworking gives you the freedom to come and go, choose the setup that suits your workload, and avoid long-term commitments. It’s ideal when you’re testing ideas, navigating early-stage growth, or simply need a reliable place to work close to Brighton, Lewes, or the wider Sussex area without being tied down.

At Sussex Innovation, that flexibility comes with room to evolve. Teams can easily scale from a hot desk to a private office within our Brighton hub as they grow, without the disruption of changing buildings or providers. You get the agility of coworking paired with the reassurance of staying within a stable business support environment that understands how companies develop over time.

Whether you need a day-to-day base, a part-time setup in a day office, or your own private office, Sussex Innovation offers a range of flexible workspace options designed to fit different working styles. And when you need guidance, our down-to-earth consultancy and support services are on hand to help you refine strategy, overcome challenges, or sense-check your next move.

 

 

3. Cost Considerations

When thinking about workspace, it’s important to consider more than just the monthly price. Ask yourself: How much flexibility do you need? Do you want access to meeting rooms or private booths? Will your team grow quickly, requiring space to scale? Factoring in all the extras – utilities, Wi-Fi, parking, and support – can make a big difference in the true cost of your workspace.

Private offices: Whether you’re a start-up with a few employees or a growing business looking to expand, Sussex Innovation has private offices to fit your needs. Our flexible, modern workspaces allow your team to collaborate on the vibrant Sussex campus just outside Brighton, while keeping within budget. Alongside your private office, you’ll have access to an open-plan business recepetion, meeting rooms, private booths, and our on-site café – a mix of spaces to suit your mood and working style. No hidden fees or confusing small print – just a simple, flexible contract covering rent, utilities, and free parking, with our in-person support team always on hand.

Coworking: We offer a range of tailored memberships to suit different working styles and budgets, from a couple of days a month to dedicated desks. There’s a membership option and price point to suit everyone, giving you access to the same vibrant community and productive space without the commitment of a larger office.

 

4. Productivity and Work Style

How do you or your team work best? Do you thrive in a lively, collaborative environment, or do you need quiet, uninterrupted focus to get things done? Reflecting on your work style is key when choosing the right workspace, as the environment can have a big impact on productivity, creativity, and overall wellbeing.

At Sussex Innovation, our hub supports a variety of working styles:

  • Private sound and podcast booths: Perfect for calls, recordings, or focused work.
  • Meeting rooms and large boardrooms: Ideal for client presentations, workshops, or team brainstorming sessions.
  • Open-plan, light-filled reception area: Biophilic features with plants and natural light encourages creativity and positivity.
  • Dedicated quiet room: Step away from your desk to reduce stress or take a break.
  • Access to nature: With the South Downs National Park, Stanmer Park, and Sussex University campus nearby, you can take refreshing breaks outdoors to recharge.

Beyond the physical spaces, Sussex Innovation’s team provides consultancy and 1-to-1 mentoring for strategic planning, accountability, and professional growth. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with other ambitious local founders and entrepreneurs across Sussex: Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Newhaven, Worthing, Haywards Heath, and beyond.

 

5. Location Matters

At Sussex Innovation, our hub at the University of Sussex in Falmer is ideally located between Brighton and Lewes, providing a well-connected base for businesses across East Sussex. Members benefit from excellent transport links, including Falmer and Lewes train stations, Brighton central station, regular bus routes, and cycle paths. For those who drive, our large on-site car park with free parking, electronic charging stations, ample bike storage, and members showers makes commuting simple.

Whether commuting from Brighton, Lewes, Hove, or further afield, Sussex Innovation offers a professional, convenient, and inspiring workspace to grow your business while staying connected to the wider Sussex business community.

 

6. Making the Decision: Coworking vs Private Offices

The choice between coworking and a private office comes down to team size, work style, and business objectives:

  • Coworking: Best for flexibility, community, networking, and startups wanting a dynamic environment.
  • Private office: Best for focus, privacy, and a professional, permanent workspace.
  • Hybrid approaches: Some teams use private offices for core staff while relying on coworking spaces for flexible members or client meetings.

At Sussex Innovation, you can scale from a coworking desk to a private office as your business grows, giving you flexibility within a stable, supportive environment.

Find coworking spaces near me

Private office options near me

 

FAQs: Coworking and Private Offices in Brighton

Q: What’s the difference between coworking and private offices?
A: Coworking spaces offer shared desks, community, and flexibility, while private offices provide dedicated space and more privacy.

Q: How much does coworking cost in Brighton?
A: Costs vary by location and membership type, but coworking memberships typically include utilities, Wi-Fi, and amenities, making them cost-effective for small teams or solo entreprenuers. You can find out more about Sussex Innovation’s coworking membership options by downloading our pricing brochure.

Q: Can I switch from coworking to a private office later?
A: Yes! Many hubs, including Sussex Innovation, allow businesses to upgrade to private offices or day offices as their team grows.

Q: Are there flexible office spaces or coworking options near Falmer or Brighton Station?
A: Yes. Several workspaces in Brighton and East Sussex are conveniently located near transport links. For example, Sussex Innovation is easily accessible from Falmer and Lewes train stations, Brighton central station, regular bus routes, and cycle paths, making it simple for teams and clients from across Sussex to reach the office. Both coworking and private office options are available.