Business rates reform will change how coworking meeting rooms are priced — what construction firms should do now

# Overview

# What's changing The headline reform is a move to five business-rate bands and a new premium band for the largest properties. Separately, the VOA has started treating some coworking buildings as single taxable properties rather than collections of individually rated units. The difference in approach matters because under the single-property assessment the operator can be liable for rates on the entire building, including void space, rather than only on occupied desks or rooms.

# Why coworking and meeting-room hire are at risk Flexible workspaces are concentrated in London and the South East, so the effects will be uneven across the country. Construction firms using coworking meeting rooms for tender presentations, client sign-offs or design reviews are likely to feel changes sooner where flexspace density and rents are highest.

# Practical implications for construction firms These outcomes aren't guaranteed for every booking — transitional relief schemes exist — but firms should plan now rather than react after receiving a higher bill or finding day rates increased.

• Cost predictability: Dedicated venues outside the flexspace model usually price by the room, equipment and catering rather than through memberships that can be affected by building-wide rating liabilities. That can be more predictable for one-off client-facing events.

• Privacy and suitability: Shared coworking floors may not offer the acoustics or privacy needed for sensitive contractual discussions or formal presentations.

# What to ask before you book Ask these concrete questions to make a fair comparison between coworking and dedicated venues:

• Is the rate a simple day/hour price or part of a membership that could change? Membership pricing carries more exposure to an operator's cost pressures.
• What does the price include? Confirm Wi‑Fi, presentation screens, catering, printing and parking arrangements in writing.

• Does the room meet privacy and acoustics needs for this meeting? Shared floors may be unsuitable for confidential conversations.

# Next steps for construction firms Review your typical meeting needs and compare costs now between your usual coworking providers and local dedicated venues. If you rely on coworking because of convenience, factor in likely price volatility and ask providers about how VOA reassessments will be handled and whether transitional relief or other mitigations apply. If predictable cost and privacy are priorities, trial a dedicated venue for high-stakes meetings and build that option into your standard procurement checklist.

These changes create a clear decision point for firms that book meeting space: prioritize short-notice convenience and hope operator pricing stays stable, or choose predictable, room-based pricing when meeting cost certainty and formality matter.