Once a bustling hub for the wool trade, Exeter is now an emerging beacon for STEMM activity in the South West. Continued local investment in commercial growth has made the city an ideal choice for trail-blazing businesses.
With strong business support offered by the local authorities, Exeter is home to an increasing number of dynamic workspaces. Thanks to this, household names such as the Met Office have relocated to the city.
With offices to rent in Exeter, Regus provides a premium base for businesses while offering low prices and flexible terms.
Outside of work, the city retains a thriving sense of community as the central point of the West Country. For social amenities, Exeter has plenty of attractions to offer as Devon’s capital.
In this article, we’ll discuss why you should consider establishing your business in Exeter.
Why you should consider doing business in Exeter
Situated in South West England, Exeter has a legacy of commerce dating back to the Roman Era. A prominent trading route throughout history, the river Exe is still in use today by the fishing and marine leisure industries.
Thanks to this position in the heart of Devonshire, serviced offices in Exeter enjoy a well-connected location. The city is 36 miles from Plymouth and 75 miles from the city of Bristol. It’s also only two hours by rail from London.
Key destinations in the county are easy to access via the major M5 and A38 road links.
The city gains from being home to the University of Exeter. This competitive institution provides a wealth of graduates to the local workforce. Over 39% of employees work in professional occupations.
Top business sectors in Exeter
There are many booming industries in the city, and our business centres are home to ambitious startups and international companies. Position yourself in Exeter alongside the region’s dominant sectors:
● Knowledge and scientific industries, including prominent STEMM enterprises
● Finance and related auxiliary services, such as trusts and pensions
● A growing digital sector, based around telecommunications and data processing
● Logistics and infrastructure companies with multinational reach
Network with industries outside your business silo through the use of coworking spaces and meeting rooms available in our Exeter offices.
5 businesses based in Exeter
The city is home to plenty of thriving businesses in these sectors and beyond. Choose serviced office space in Exeter and work alongside prestigious names including:
● Pennon Group, a water utility company servicing over 1.7 million customers
● The Met Office, the UK’s national weather agency
● Scot Group, a long-established rental company overseeing Thrifty car and van rental
● Pedigree Toys, creators of the famous Sindy doll
● Landmark Information Group, suppliers of geodata and environmental reports
Why you should rent an office in Exeter
Exeter benefits from a robust local economy and government support for businesses. The city is an up-and-coming location for research and education and is keen to encourage continued economic growth.
Let’s dig deeper into the reasons why Exeter could be the right choice for your business.
Ideal Location
With its central position in Devon, office spaces in Exeter benefit from proximity to our Plymouth and Bristol centres. There are few better locations for companies looking to become established in the UK’s prosperous South West region.
In turn, the city’s position away from the immediate London area offers more affordable options for commercial properties.
Access to amenities
Thanks to its status as Devon’s county capital, Exeter boasts a variety of amenities for you and your team. One of the top locations in the UK for city centre facilities, Exeter placed eighth for amenities per 10,000 people.
Exeter is a compact and walkable city with beautiful green spaces. Our Senate office suites are a few minutes walk away from the famous Southernhay Gardens.
Quality of life
Exeter’s residents are amongst the happiest in the UK. Devon has previously topped a major quality of life study, providing inhabitants with all the necessary factors for wellbeing. This includes equality, local conditions and sustainability.
Close to both beaches and the Dartmoor Hills, there are plenty of after-work or teambuilding activities in the local area.
For companies promoting a good work-life balance, it’s hard to beat Exeter and the wider Devon area.
Transport connectivity
When looking for office space to rent in Exeter, it’s important to consider transportation links. Our centres are well connected via road, and the city offers three park-and-ride services for commuters.
For clients from further afield, Exeter Airport is only four miles east of the city. This busy airport sees over 1 million passengers annually. From here, you can reach the city centre via the M5 and local bus routes.
By rail, Exeter is the main hub in the South West. Most stations in Devon are accessible via Exeter St. Davids. This makes it ideal for local businesses to stay connected with clients and customers.
Supportive business environment
Thanks to its local innovation projects, Exeter is well-placed to support new and established ventures. Home to a flourishing business community, the area is undergoing rapid economic growth in STEMM sectors and beyond.
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub offers free business advice and programmes. This initiative has supported over 6,650 projects since its inception.
Network with local experts through the Exeter Business Network, who regularly host talks and events. Previous speakers include researchers from the University of Exeter Business School.
Professional services hub
Exeter is a professional city with an educated workforce. Some of the region’s biggest employers are legal and financial firms. Local solicitors Michelmores LLP operates as a Legal 500 Top Tier firm with a long history in the area.
For serviced office space, Exeter’s prestigious businesses ensure you’re in good company.
Growing economy
Ahead of much of the UK, Exeter enjoys a flourishing economy with an upward trend in commercial activity. The University of Exeter provides a positive influence on the economy, creating over 15,540 jobs. In 2021, the University spent over £20m with 330 suppliers based in the city.
In the last decade, the local government has invested over £500m in infrastructure, business premises and facilities.
Focus on innovation
Businesses in Exeter benefit from local interest in innovation. The city houses the Centre for Future Clean Mobility, with research solutions for businesses looking to operate sustainably.
As home to the Met Office, Exeter has made a name for itself globally as a hub for weather and climate science.
How much is it to rent an office space in Exeter?
Companies looking for Exeter offices to let will enjoy premium locations for affordable prices. Our business centres offer space for £178 per month on average, with prices starting from only £155 per month.
For on-demand services such as meeting rooms in Exeter, find the ideal space for your needs from £25 per hour.
Office spaces in Exeter
Now you know what Exeter has to offer, let’s look at the Regus spaces available in the city. Our centres provide businesses with well-appointed private offices in ready-to-use condition.
Each of our four business centres in Exeter supplies flexible serviced offices for affordable prices. With options for customisation, you can create a contract that suits your business needs.
The Senate
The Senate offers exceptional office space to let in Exeter’s city centre. A modern, well-equipped space, the building has breakout areas designed for networking sessions. Inside, the glass facade offers views towards the River Exe.
With only a 15-minute walk from the main railway station, The Senate has excellent transport links. The centre is close to Southernhay Gardens for lunchtime walks too.
Highlights include
● Central business park location
● Secure underground parking
● Major nearby transport links
Information about The Senate
● Location: Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1UG
● Starting cost: private offices from £225 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is during reception hours
● Nearby transport links: Exeter Central Station (a 12-minute walk away), St James Park Station (a 16-minute walk away)
Marsh Barton Trading Estate
Positioned in Exeter’s largest industrial area, our Marsh Barton Trading Estate location provides office space close to the city’s logistics sector. Featuring bright, well-appointed rooms with original features, this space is ideal for those looking for flexible units.
For transport links, a GWR-operated railway station is nearby. Virtual offices are also available for companies seeking to establish a presence in this prominent estate.
Highlights include
● Commuter-friendly location
● Business lounges
● Disabled facilities
Information about Marsh Barton Trading Estate
● Location: Yeoford Way, Exeter, EX2 8LB
● Starting cost: private offices from £155 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is during reception hours
● Nearby transport links: Marsh Barton Station (a 15-minute walk away)
Exeter Business Park
Exeter’s leading business location, Exeter Business Park offers unrivalled access to over 80 acres of grounds. Work next to The Met Office in these stunning private offices, with modern meeting rooms designed for planning and workshops.
An ideal choice for companies with visiting clients, this park is only three miles from Exeter airport. It’s also serviced by nearby business hotels and restaurants.
Highlights include
● Direct links to the M5 and Exeter Airport
● Outside seating area in landscaped grounds
● Business park location
Information about Exeter Business Park
● Location: 1 Emperor Way, Exeter, EX1 3QS
● Starting cost: private offices from £175 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is during reception hours
● Nearby transport links: Pinhoe Station (a 20-minute walk away)
Matford Business Centre
Situated south of the Riverside Valley Park, Matford Business Centre combines an industrial base with a well-serviced location. Enjoy a coffee in the centre’s bright kitchen area, with breakout areas designed for quick meetings and project planning.
This centre benefits from its location near Exeter's major trading estate. For visiting guests and clients, Exeter Airport is five minutes away by car. And after hours, you can enjoy the historic locks of the River Exe nearby.
Highlights include
● Meeting rooms
● Break-out areas
● Close to Exeter Airport
Information about Matford Business Centre
● Location: Matford Park Road, Exeter, EX2 8ED
● Starting cost: private offices from £159 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is during reception hours
● Nearby transport links: Matford Park and Ride (a five-minute walk away), Marsh Barton Station (a 22-minute walk away)
How to find an office space in Exeter
By choosing flexible office space in Exeter, you’ll be working in one of the UK’s most innovative business regions.
Our private offices in the city are available in ready-to-use or fully customisable options. This ensures you can create the best environment for your business.
Regus can help you choose the location that suits your needs with 1-1 support from our advisors. Talk to an expert today and make a home for your business in Exeter.
