Cambridge is often associated with academia, bikes, and its famous boat race. But over recent years, the city has also evolved into a thriving business hub.

The University of Cambridge has played a significant role in this transformation. It actively supports new business endeavours through its funding, research, and networks.

At the latest count, the institution had connections to more than 213 startups and 178 spin-outs. By that measure, it has had the biggest impact of any UK university.

That’s not all ‘Silicon Fen’ has going for it. It also has access to top talent, excellent research facilities, and easy transport links. Virgin Money named Cambridge the best city in the UK for new business.

In this article, we’ll delve into the many factors that make this city a great place to establish and grow your business. We’ll also showcase some of the best offices in Cambridge to help you find the right workspace here.

From its history to its location, there are many reasons why choosing office space in Cambridge can be transformative for a business. In the following sections, we’ll explore these in more detail.

Cambridge has a long history of technical innovation. During the personal computer boom, it housed the headquarters of big names like Acorn Computers and Sinclair Research. And that ecosystem has only grown over recent years.

One measure of technological innovation is the number of patent applications. Cambridge comes out top in the UK for this metric, with 259 patent applications per 100,000 people. For context, Derby, the second-ranking city, recorded 131.

The city was also named the ‘unicorn capital of Europe’, with hundreds of tech companies with a net worth of more than $1bn deciding to set up shop here.

It has the highest number of unicorns per inhabitant, with notable names including Darktrace and ARM Holdings. Plus, Cambridge plans to double its number of unicorns by 2035.

This innovative culture continues to attract and support groundbreaking companies. It’s the ideal environment for new businesses looking to be at the forefront of innovation.

This innovation hub has created a diverse business community, particularly in the tech sector. Along with an array of startups, Cambridge is home to multinational giants like Microsoft, Toshiba, and Amazon.

There are plenty of networking organisations that foster this community. For instance, Cambridge Wireless offers valuable opportunities for new businesses through networking events.

Members can engage with industry leaders, make valuable connections, and establish partnerships. This makes it significantly easier for young businesses to find new clients and opportunities.

Being part of Cambridge’s business community also gives new businesses an edge when hiring. The city’s reputation attracts a healthy supply of skilled professionals looking to make a difference. This enables budding enterprises to build strong teams from the very start.

The University of Cambridge actively supports local startups through Cambridge Enterprise. Their support incorporates everything from new company creation to the licensing of ideas. It also opens the door to funding and investment opportunities.

Another initiative in the city is Barclays’ Eagle Lab. This accelerator provides business support to startups and scale-ups focusing on climate innovation. These can benefit from high-quality workspace, expert advice, and investor connections.

There’s also St John’s Innovation Centre. This provides mentorship and bespoke business support for growing companies across East England.

Another reason new businesses rent office space in Cambridge is its strategic location. The city has two main railway stations, Cambridge and Cambridge North. These offer easy access to other UK business hubs, including London, Birmingham and Leicester.

It only takes 45 minutes to get from Cambridge to London King’s Cross by train. You can also drive to the capital in just an hour and a half. The proximity is a significant draw for many employers who want to recruit talent from the capital.

Cambridge is also close to Stansted Airport. It’s only 40 minutes away by car or train. This makes it a convenient location for businesses with international clients and investors.

The city is well-serviced by public transport, including plentiful bus routes. If your team prefers to get to work on two wheels, then they’ll be joining 49% of Cambridge commuters who cycle or walk to the office.

Both visitors and residents of Cambridge love the balance of heritage and innovation. Within the walls of its ancient university buildings, new technologies are being developed.

Pioneers Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking all graduated from this university.

Businesses that rent offices in Cambridge can enjoy this unique charm. City workspaces combine beautiful historical exteriors and contemporary, fully-equipped interiors.

The University of Cambridge is regularly ranked top in the UK and the wider world. It’s also an economic powerhouse, contributing almost £30 billion annually to the UK economy.

The University’s fame means addresses in the city are highly sought after. Businesses looking to hire top talent or make their name in research and development will benefit from an office in Cambridge.

In the Cambridge area, 79% of all companies are within the tech sector and employ 3,300 people. So any inventor or big tech business will be right at home in the city.

These businesses are working on a range of innovations. For example, Nyobolt and Echion are developing high-powered battery technology. Xampla is developing biodegradable materials from plant proteins to replace environmentally harmful plastics.

There are many research institutions and development facilities in Cambridge. These support businesses looking to make strides in science and technology. So if you’re a business looking to break new ground, having offices in the city will open up huge opportunities.

There's a huge range of facilities here. These include the genomic research facility Wellcome Sanger and the commercial hub Cambridge Science Park.

The UK Dementia Research Institute looks for treatments and cures for neurodegenerative diseases. The Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research studies the impact of sound on health and well-being.

If you need some capital to take the next step in business, then having an office in Cambridge will put you closer to the contacts you need.

Cambridge Angels is a group of more than 60 high-net-worth investors. Since September 2001, they have invested more than £150 million in portfolio companies.

Cambridge Innovation Capital is a Series A investor. They focus on life sciences and deep tech companies and have invested £250 million over the past ten years.

You might have looked at serviced office space in Cambridge but have been put off by the long-term leasing commitment. Regus offers quality workspaces under flexible terms, so your office needs can grow with your ambitions.

Here are three noteworthy options and reasons to consider them.

Located in Petersfield, near the city centre, Wellington House is a fully serviced office space with a slick, modern design.

Its glass interior ensures plenty of natural light, designed to create an energising environment for your team. The building also has facilities that make commuting easy, from bike storage to showers and on-site parking.

There are also well-equipped conference rooms, a business lounge, and break-out spaces.

Petersfield is particularly popular among tech businesses. Microsoft, Samsung, and Apple all have research hubs in the vicinity.

Highlights include:

● Airport location
● Bicycle storage
● Business lounge
● Meeting rooms
● Parking

● Location: East Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 1BH
● Starting cost: Private offices from £179 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Fire Station Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away) and The Busway Parkside Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)

If you’re looking for an office in Cambridge that oozes professionalism, check out Vision Park.

With meeting rooms, break-out spaces, and a business lounge, you’ll have an array of work areas to choose from. The building has a modern glass reception area that’s sure to impress any client or visitor.

Impressive businesses making waves in science, technology, and finance have bases here. Notable names include GW Pharmaceuticals, Cytiva, and Coutts Private Bank.

By choosing to join this vibrant community, new businesses can tap into new partnership opportunities.

Cambridge city centre is only a short drive away. Nearby cafes, pubs, and a tennis club will help your employees maintain a work-life balance.

Highlights include:

● Bicycle storage
● Business park location
● Meeting rooms
● Parking
● Sandwich service

● Location: Chivers Way, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB24 9AD
● Starting cost: Private offices from £185 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Chivers Way Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away) and The Busway Histon and Impington Bus Stop (a five-minute walk away)

Situated nine miles from the city centre, Cambourne Business Park is a colourful, scenic office.

The building boasts large conference rooms, ideal for hosting investors or clients. There’s also plenty of break-out space for ideation sessions and an outdoor seating area for when you need a change of scene.

You’ll also be working alongside blue-chip companies. This offers tech startups or small businesses excellent opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Nearby, you have plenty of shops, pubs, and restaurants to keep you and your team entertained after work.

Highlights include:

● Business lounge
● Break-out areas
● Meeting rooms
● Outside seating area
● Sandwich service

● Location: 1010 Cambourne Business Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB23 6DP
● Starting cost: Private offices from £185 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Business Park Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away) and De La Warr Way Bus Stop (an eight-minute walk away)

Cambridge is a top choice for those seeking a thriving yet beautiful city to start their business in. With the city’s excellent resources, active community, and reputation, you’ll be well-placed for success.

If you’re looking for a serviced office to rent in Cambridge, look no further than Regus. With flexible office solutions in prime locations, Regus gives companies scalable, quality workspace.