Coworking space numbers rise across UK and Ireland

Coworking space numbers rise across UK and Ireland

by • News, Property

The number of coworking spaces in the UK and Ireland has reached a new peak, according to new industry data, signalling the continuing shift in how offices are being used.The number of coworking spaces in the UK and Ireland has reached a new peak, according to new industry data, signalling the continuing shift in how offices are being used. Data from CoworkingCafe’s third quarter 2025 report show around 4,315 coworking locations across the region, of which approximately 4,048 are in the UK and 267 in Ireland. In the UK the distribution is heavily concentrated in major urban centres. Greater London alone hosts roughly 1,191 coworking sites. Manchester follows as a leading regional hub with around 120 spaces, while Glasgow and Birmingham also show significant numbers at 68 and 67 respectively. (more…)

People are now more interested in job rewards now rather than at some point in the future

People are now more interested in job rewards now rather than at some point in the future

by • News, Workplace

Employees place far greater importance on being respected, fairly compensated and other job rewards now than on their future career prospectsEmployees place far greater importance on being respected, fairly compensated and other job rewards now than on their future career prospects, according to new international research. The Work Remastered 2025 report from United Culture, which surveyed 1,500 employees in the UK, US and Western Europe, found that respect topped the list of workplace priorities, cited by 36 percent of respondents. This rose to 43 percent among US workers and 45 percent among those aged 18 to 24. Job security followed at 31 percent—rising to 40 percent in the UK—while fair pay ranked third at 29 percent. (more…)

The successful implementation of new ideas can come at a cost, says new research

The successful implementation of new ideas can come at a cost, says new research

by • Business, News

New research from King’s Business School has suggested that too much success can be a problem, at least when it comes to the implementation of new ideas.New research from King’s Business School has suggested that too much success can be a problem, at least when it comes to the implementation of new ideas. The study, carried out with colleagues from University of Liverpool Management School, University of Hohenheim and Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and published in the journal Research Policy, suggests that employees who experience exceptionally high levels of success are less likely to see their next ideas implemented. (more…)

New (biggest and best ever) digital edition of Works magazine is now available to read free

New (biggest and best ever) digital edition of Works magazine is now available to read free

by • News, Premium Content, Workplace design

The new issue of Works magazine sets out as always to highlight the ideas, projects, products and thinking that are shaping the way we live, think and work.The new issue of Works magazine sets out as always to highlight the ideas, projects, products and thinking that are shaping the way we live, think and work. Provocative, lively and wide-ranging, it’s our biggest issue yet, and we think the best. There’s plenty of new products to get your teeth into and while we are on that particular subject, we explore a new generation of showrooms in which big ideas matter as much as products. Our case studies span Munich, Portland, Harrogate and London, showing how occupiers are rethinking the office in very different ways, saunas and nap pods included. (more…)

People no longer want to network, and it’s harming them and their careers

People no longer want to network, and it’s harming them and their careers

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

The report sets out the biggest challenges holding young people back from making real life connections to build relationships and a network.The art of networking is fading from the modern workplace, with a new poll from Nova suggesting that nearly two thirds (60 percent) of young professionals actively avoid in-person networking events, while around a third (29 percent) say they feel socially anxious when faced with real-life small talk. The report sets out the biggest challenges holding young people back from making real life connections to build relationships and a network. One in four (26 percent) dread awkward silences more than anything and one in five (19 percent) secretly hate small talk and wish they could skip it altogether – despite it being one of the simplest ways to build rapport and make professional connections. (more…)

Design Festival North is back for 2026, but with Birmingham replacing Manchester

Design Festival North is back for 2026, but with Birmingham replacing Manchester

by • News, Workplace design

Design Festival North, the regional design event organised by Design Social North, will return in 2026 with an expanded programme visiting Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool.Design Festival North, the regional design event organised by Design Social North, will return in 2026 with an expanded programme visiting Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool. The one-day festival, which takes place on 12 March, will bring together architects, interior designers, specifiers and suppliers to explore new products and ideas from across the design and built environment sectors. The organisers say the event aims to strengthen connections between creative professionals and foster collaboration across regions outside London. (more…)

UK regions receive additional £20 million to support science and technology growth

UK regions receive additional £20 million to support science and technology growth

by • News, Property, Technology

Three UK regions will receive an additional £20 million each to support science and technology development as part of a government initiative to drive innovation outside London and the South EastThree UK regions will receive an additional £20 million each to support science and technology development as part of a government initiative to drive innovation outside London and the South East. The Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City regions will see their total funding rise to £50 million each through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. The announcement coincides with the first Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham, where government ministers, local leaders and business representatives are discussing ways to strengthen regional economies through research, innovation and private investment. The funding is intended to help local partnerships expand projects in areas such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences, translating research activity into commercial growth. (more…)

Most people now use unapproved AI tools despite security and privacy risks

Most people now use unapproved AI tools despite security and privacy risks

by • AI, News

A new poll from Microsoft suggests that most UK employees are now using consumer AI tools at work without approval, raising growing concerns about data privacy and cybersecurityA new poll from Microsoft suggests that most UK employees are now using consumer AI tools at work without approval, raising growing concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. According to the research, 71 percent of UK workers have used or tried unapproved “Shadow AI” tools for work purposes, with more than half (51 percent) doing so on a weekly basis. These tools are often used for writing reports and presentations, drafting communications, and even handling finance-related tasks. (more…)

Accurate feedback doesn’t necessarily dent people’s overconfidence

Accurate feedback doesn’t necessarily dent people’s overconfidence

by • Business, News

A new study suggests that overconfidence can persist even in situations where people receive frequent and accurate feedback about their performance.A new study suggests that overconfidence can persist even in situations where people receive frequent and accurate feedback about their performance. The findings, published in The Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, raise questions about how effectively feedback mechanisms improve self-awareness in professional settings. Researchers analysed data from 3,388 competitive chess players across 22 countries. Chess provides a clear test of confidence and self-assessment because performance is tracked continuously through the Elo rating system, which adjusts after every match. Players have access to detailed, objective feedback, allowing them to compare their results with others and track progress over time. (more…)

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

by • Environment, News, Property, Workplace design

An office built entirely on circular design principles, a 3,300 sq m living wall and the transformation of a Victorian infirmary into a modern workplace were among the projects recognised at the British Council for Offices (BCO) National Awards. Held on 7 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the event brought together more than 1,200 senior figures from across the office sector to celebrate excellence in workplace design, development and operation. (more…)

Most managers underestimate the role their emotions play in decision making

Most managers underestimate the role their emotions play in decision making

by • Business, News

Managers are less rational and more influenced in their decision making by emotions than they think.Managers are less rational and more influenced in their decision making by emotions than they think, according to a new poll. The study, The empathy problem: Balancing emotion in decision-making, part of the Building Better Managers series [registration], surveyed 279 people leaders across eight countries and 51 industries, with qualitative interviews assessing how emotions and biases impact workplace choices. While four in five managers reported making decisions without emotional influence, almost all shared personal stories during interviews that indicated the opposite. This gap reflects the unconscious nature of decision making, according to the report. It suggests that, while humans see themselves as rational thinkers, many of our choices are instinctively fast, intuitive and emotionally driven. (more…)

Britain’s AI ambitions face delays from planning and energy challenges, report warns

Britain’s AI ambitions face delays from planning and energy challenges, report warns

by • AI, News

The UK risks losing momentum in the global race to build the infrastructure for AI because of planning and energy constraints, according to a new report from the Centre for British Progress think tank. The study, Unblocking AI Growth Zones, argues that outdated regulatory processes, environmental approvals and pressure on the electricity grid could slow or derail major data centre projects. The authors say that while private investment of more than £30 billion has been committed to new sites, barriers in the planning system may prevent projects from being delivered quickly enough to compete internationally. (more…)

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