A  new study by flexible workspace provider Regus reveals that the vast majority of small company owners believe collaborative work environments, where many firms co-locate, are better for business than traditional leased premises.

In the 2600-strong poll, small firms report that collaborative workplaces provide better value for money (91%), help them scale their businesses rapidly (82%) and create valuable business connections (75%). Three fifths believe co-location inspires entrepreneurial thinking (61%) and innovation (60%).

Richard Morris, UK CEO at Regus comments: "Deciding where to work is a fundamental question facing every small business. The ideal workplace should enable each member of the workforce to get their job done in the most productive way possible, working where, when and how it suits them. Fortunately, today's business owners have a multitude of practical options available to them, in stark contrast to previous generations.

"Co-locating with other businesses is an increasingly popular solution and our research highlights that cost reduction and scalability are the primary drivers, but the secondary benefits are proving equally compelling. This corroborates our own customer feedback - that that working under the same roof (or even in the same office) as other firms breeds dynamism, entrepreneurship and valuable opportunities to learn from others."

Start-ups in particular are reaping the benefits of collaboration as a more practical alternative to the traditional option of working from home.

Case study

After ten years working for blue-chip employers, North London resident Hari Prakash set up his own recruitment consultancy last year, Concrete Consulting, specialising in corporate facilities management.

"As a start-up, my primary concern was to keep costs down whilst maintaining a professional image, so that immediately ruled out working from home," he explains.

Instead, he chose to base his business at the Regus centre in London Piccadilly in the heart of the West End, where he has a permanent desk in a shared, open-plan environment with other SMEs.

"The surroundings are really smart and professional, in a prime central London location, and I've benefited from the expertise and experience of other co-workers," Hari says. "I don't have to worry about the maintenance of my space - plus we have handy break-out spaces and kitchen facilities which meet all my needs. The centre team also provide me with administrative and front-of-house services required for the day-to-day running of my business."

www.regus.co.uk