What’s The Difference Between Traditional, Managed and Serviced Office

WorkWell on September 15, 2025

When you’re searching for a new home for your business, the terminology can often get confusing. Traditional, managed and serviced all sound alike, but each comes with its own setup, costs and benefits.


To cut through the noise and keep things simple, here’s a simplified breakdown of each option, so you can focus on finding the best fit for your team.

What is a traditional office?

A traditional office often includes a long lease and minimal flexibility. Typically spanning 5 to 10 years, these agreements give you the space but little else included. You’ll usually be responsible for everything from WiFi and utilities to furnishing and maintenance. They’re also unlikely to have a professional reception to welcome your team, or any member networking events and other community initiatives.

While traditional leases can be a good option for businesses wanting complete control, they can require heavy upfront investment and ongoing management.

What is a serviced office?

A serviced office offers flexibility and simplicity. Contracts can often be as short as six months, and your monthly fee covers just about everything. From utilities, WiFi, business rates, furniture, cleaning, maintenance and often meeting room use.

Serviced offices such as WorkWell’s also act as community hubs. Many include front-of-house support and a calendar of member events designed to help you connect with other businesses.

It’s a professional environment, ready from day one.

What is a managed office?

Managed offices sit between traditional and serviced. You’ll typically get a more flexible lease than a traditional office, with fewer upfront costs on fit-out and design. Some essentials, such as utilities are included, but often not to the same extent as in a serviced office.

The main advantage here is customisation. A managed space can be tailored to your brand and layout, giving you independence alongside some of the infrastructure you’d expect in a serviced environment.

Community perks such as events or front-of-house support are occasionally offered, but are less common.

Traditional Office vs Serviced Office vs Managed Office: What’s Included?

Here’s a look at the typical comparison between a traditional, serviced and managed office.

 ServicedManagedTraditional
Flexible contract length✔️❌❌
Fully furnished✔️✔️❌
Utilities included✔️✔️❌
IT ready to go✔️❌❌
Onsite support team✔️✔️❌
Office fitout & design✔️✔️❌
Customisable✔️✔️✔️
Secure 24/hour access✔️✔️✔️
Multi-site access✔️❌❌
Meeting room credits✔️❌❌

What’s the most cost-effective option?

Upfront costs

Traditional offices usually come with high deposits and significant upfront costs for fit-out, furniture and utilities.

Managed offices reduce some of this burden but still involve investment in customisation and ongoing management.

Serviced offices in comparison, spread the cost through an all-inclusive monthly fee, keeping cash flow predictable.

Ongoing costs
In a traditional or managed office, you’ll usually cover the cost if equipment breaks or if maintenance is required (such as broken air conditioning). With a serviced office, those responsibilities sit with your operator, removing both the hassle and the expense.

Overall, serviced offices often deliver the best value for money, especially if you’re looking for flexibility, minimal risk and premium support.

WorkWell’s Serviced Offices In Harrogate & Leeds

​​Not all serviced offices are created equal. At WorkWell, we’ve taken the convenience of the serviced model and layered in five-star hospitality, thoughtfully designed spaces and a genuine focus on wellbeing.

With three premium workspaces across Yorkshire (and more on the way), our serviced offices are built to help your business perform at its best, today and as you grow.

Flexible workspaces: Deciding Between Day Offices, Dedicated Desks and Co-working

WorkWell on September 15, 2025

Flexible workspace for all businesses

At WorkWell, we offer three types of workspace solutions: day offices, co-working spaces, and dedicated desks.

Day-offices, dedicated desks and co-working spaces are professional serviced environments, which operate uniquely, offering different types of office spaces for various working needs.

 Co-working spaces, often referred to as hot-desking, are open-plan offices allocated for businesses to work within. This style of working allows businesses to work alongside others, network and reap the benefits of a professional space at a fraction of the cost.

Day offices, on the other hand, are private office spaces that are available for short-term rental.  These rooms offer a private, dedicated space for businesses to operate within without distraction.

Private space

Dedicated desks combine elements from both types of workspaces, typically accommodating individuals and smaller teams in a shared-private office. An ideal choice for those wanting a fixed desk in an office environment, whilst creating a sense of community that co-working offers.

When a day office is the practical option

Day offices are ideal for teams that need to get together temporarily. Unlike a meeting room, this space is set up with workstations to plug and play. An ideal solution for hybrid and project-based teams looking for a short-term base.

Ergonomic furniture and smart storage solutions in our clean and well-designed offices are designed for productive and efficient working. Built-in conferencing capabilities remove the hassle of bringing your own equipment, perfect for a fast setup.

Our spaces are secure, which means our returning members can rest assured knowing any items kept within their day office remain safe. Each space blends comfort with convenience, promoting efficiency and productivity, tangible results and a real-time impact on the quality of output from a business.

When a co-working space is the most suitable option

Co-working is a fantastic option for entrepreneurs, businesses and freelancers seeking a tidy, nice, professional working environment, with opportunities to network and connect with other people.

Our co-working settings are perfect for those wanting an office-like environment. The ability to use the space as and when needed makes it ideal for those who adopt hybrid-work models or part-time office workers.

Our co-working spaces have numerous allocated seats, which may be acquired by various teams, which means our members will likely have the opportunity to meet other co-working members. We promote a collaborative atmosphere, increasing the chance for individuals to connect with other professionals.

When a dedicated desk is the ideal solution

Dedicated desk strikes a balance between the benefits of co-working and day offices, allowing small teams to have a dedicated space within a private office made up of other businesses.

This model of work allows our dedicated desk members to enjoy the privacy of an office, whilst still having the opportunity to network with other members. This is an effective long-term solution for those who only need one or two desks rather than a full private office.

Ready to find the right fit?

If you’re exploring the flexibility of a co-working space, the consistency of a dedicated desk, or a short-term base from a day office, contact us, and we’d be happy to discuss your business needs. We can help you explore the most practical office, as well as provide a tour of the facilities upon request.

Where to host your next team day in Yorkshire

WorkWell on August 20, 2025

If you’re a busy startup or growing company, then organising a successful team day, especially one that caters to the different needs of each team member, can feel like just another task on an already packed to-do list.

But the truth is, the impact is worth it.

Team days help you build connections across departments, strengthen culture (especially in hybrid teams), and help create real alignment for your next big chapter. Done well, and they can be the difference between keeping and losing great people.

So how do you find something that suits Jill from accounts, who’s got the school run to work around, with Sarah in Marketing, who’s looking for something exciting that can be shared on socials?

To help, we’ve rounded up some of the best options for team days across Yorkshire, so you can make the decision and get back to doing what you do best.

Top team day activities in Yorkshire

  1. Host an outdoor workshop at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Visit Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster and you’re not only surrounded by some incredible wildlife, but your staff can go head-to-head to design and build enrichment items for the animals, which are then put to the test, aiding the park’s mission to provide the best possible animal welfare.

https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com

Yorkshire Wildlife Park
  1. Ready Steady Cook at Hazlewood Castle

Bring the heat to your team day with a culinary challenge at Hazlewood Castle in a Great British Bake Off-style competition. It’s a fun (and delicious) way to mix collaboration with a little competition.

https://hazlewood-castle.co.uk/meet/team-building/ready-steady-cook

  • Host an Action Impact Day at Herd Farm

Combine hands-on support for local community projects with team building and personal development. These team days are a powerful way to meet your corporate social responsibility goals while strengthening staff connections in a refreshing, outdoor setting.

Team Building and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Take your meeting to new heights at Go Ape

Treetop high ropes. Forest Segways. Axe throwing. Competitive ground games. If your team thrives on adrenaline, Go Ape at Temple Newsam is the place to take meetings to new heights – literally.

https://goape.co.uk/locations/temple-newsam

  1. Learn the art of sushi

Get hands-on with maki, nigiri and more at Yo! Sushi School. It’s fun, focused and something a little bit different, ideal for smaller teams or creative departments looking for a fresh challenge.

​​https://yosushi.com/sushi-school

Yorkshire Sushi
  1. Host your own Traitors game

A unique twist on your usual team building. Based on the hit TV show, Traitors, this immersive game pits the faithful against the traitors in a mix of strategy, suspicion and serious fun.

Betrayers
  1. Take a Ninja Warrior challenge

Challenge your staff to tackle obstacle courses at Ninja Warrior. These fast-paced experiences are ideal for energetic teams who like a bit of friendly rivalry.

Home Page
  • Give back with a green impact day (Leeds)

Looking for something meaningful? Join Leeds Green Spaces’ corporate volunteering days. From habitat creation to park clean-ups, it’s a rewarding way to reconnect outside the office whilst giving back to the local community.

https://www.leeds.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/parks-and-countryside-volunteer-opportunities-for-corporate-groups

How Adjustable Contracts in Serviced Offices Support Business Agility

WorkWell on August 5, 2025

Serviced offices, by design, offer far greater flexibility than leased spaces, with shorter terms and ease of moving and simpler contract setups. At WorkWell, we ensure our serviced office comes with flexibility, allowing our members to adapt to change in real time whilst avoiding being locked into a rigid contract.

What makes a flexible contract valuable for a business?

Flexibility is ideal when seeking out an office contract. It affords businesses the agility to adapt, pivot, and scale your environment to their business needs, ultimately giving them a competitive edge in a consistently evolving landscape.

A flexible contract can be useful for reducing costs by limiting overhead spending by merging all the costs into one flat fee. This not only saves budget but can make the set-up process efficient as there aren’t lots of contracts needing to be set up.

Those opting for a managed office space are able to tap into an already established community, which in turn increases networking opportunities. This is something that rivals the traditional office, as it makes the process of connection easier.

This type of contract empowers businesses to make decisions based on their current needs, rather than being locked into long-term contracts that don’t serve them. Gone are the days of being trapped in an environment that isn’t conducive to success.

Which contract features should you look for to stay agile?

What makes a great contact? Well, the key is a lot of things when there’s a balance struck. Your contract must meet your basic requirements, i.e.:

  • The cost
  • The duration of the lease
  • The notice period
  • The breadth of the services you can use
  • If business rates are included

The key to getting a contract that allows your business to stay agile in such a competitive market is to look for the following in your managed office contract:

  • How flexible the contract is, i.e. can it be changed during the contract or are you locked in
  • Benefits/perks of the space, i.e., WorkWell members can use all communal space indoor and outdoor with access to Zoom Pods, sound-insulated booths, refreshments and free parking.
  • If there are penalties for early contract termination

How does WorkWell make flexibility functional?

Most serviced office providers will give their members some flexibility, but at WorkWell we go beyond that. With the unique advantage of being able to scale mid-contract, we ensure our members’ workspaces serve them.

We accommodate these needs by adjusting the environment to the growth or reduction of the business, when necessary, providing smaller or larger office spaces to ensure the space is practical for the member.

Our fees are all inclusive, meaning only one bill goes out of the business account each month. All bills are streamlined at WorkWell, which means one flat cost for the rent, utilities, maintenance, and security is included within the leasing fee.

The approach we take is low commitment for the member, so whether it’s leasing a day office for a day or using our co-working spaces for a week. We make it easy to flex the contract, so you get the most out of the space and your money.

Could flexible contracts be the key to long-term success?

Absolutely, serviced office spaces with flexible contracts, like ours, are the bedrock of success. An adaptable contract flexes with your business, rather than restricting its capabilities. A major benefit, for instance, is the reduction in spending for leased office space. With members only paying what they need, they’re able to allocate more budget to their business, which can be a factor in creating success.

There’s a lot of value in picking a provider that caters to your business’s needs not only in the present, but for the future too. Real-time adaptability is fundamental when offering flexible contracts.

If you think a managed office could be the right solution for you, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out whether WorkWell is suited to you and your business needs.

Taking a walk each day could be the most important meeting you schedule

WorkWell on July 30, 2025

In today’s working world, where we’re constantly being pulled from meeting to screen to inbox, the idea of going for a walk during the workday can feel like a luxury. However, the latest evidence suggests that it may be one of the most beneficial things we can do for our long-term health and daily well-being.

Why Walking During the Workday Matters

A major global study, published this week in The Lancet Public Health and reported by The Guardian, has revealed that walking just 7,000 steps a day is enough to lower the risk of early death significantly.

For years, many of us have had the idea of 10,000 steps fixed in our minds, but researchers now say that the real benefits begin much earlier. Every additional 1,000 steps, up to 9,000, appears to offer increased protection against cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.

What makes this research so powerful is that it looks at real-world activity across a diverse population. The data shows that people who walked between 7000 and 9000 steps a day reduced their risk of premature death by more than 50 per cent compared to those who walked fewer than 4000. It doesn’t require a fitness tracker or a full hour of your schedule to reap these benefits. A brisk twenty-minute walk before a meeting, a lap around the grounds after lunch, or swapping one sit-down meeting for a walking one can all add up.

But it isn’t just our physical health that benefits. A growing body of research indicates that regular walking has a positive impact on mental clarity, mood, and decision-making. Movement helps regulate stress, supports better sleep, and improves our ability to focus. When we step outside and give our minds a break from screens and confined spaces, we often return feeling refreshed and more able to think clearly.

The Mental Shift That Comes with Movement

This is something we see echoed every day in our communities at WorkWell. Whether you’re working from the landscaped surroundings of Carrwood Park or enjoying the green space and urban energy around our Harrogate location, there are opportunities on the doorstep to get moving and reset. These aren’t just nice to have. They are part of what makes a workplace genuinely supportive of wellbeing.

In our efforts to build a healthy and effective working culture, we often focus on systems, apps, or new ways of working. But sometimes the simplest acts offer the most return. Walking reconnects us to our own rhythm. It gives us a chance to breathe, to think, and to regain perspective.

There’s a growing recognition among forward-thinking companies that wellbeing is not an extra; it is foundational to performance. Encouraging a short walk during the day is a practical, proven way to support this. It’s not about counting steps for the sake of it, but about recognising how even a few minutes outside can shift the tone of the entire day.

At WorkWell, our workspaces are designed with this in mind. Access to nature, walkable locations, and a sense of space are built into every site. Because when our members feel better, they work better. And when walking becomes a habit, the benefits reach far beyond the office.

Take the First Step — Literally

So, the next time you catch yourself glued to your screen or powering through another stretch without pause, consider stepping away. Not to escape the work, but to return to it clearer, calmer, and a little more resilient. The science says it helps, and so do we.

Short-term professional solutions: Why choose WorkWell

WorkWell on July 15, 2025

What is short-term letting?

Why would a business potentially need or want professional service providers’ support during a short-term period?

Short-term letting is when a property is rented for a brief period, lasting anywhere between a few days to a couple of months, with the longest short-term let extending to 6 months. Long-term letting is typically qualified by renting for longer than 12 months.

Businesses can find themselves in a limbo, with no professional office, wondering whether to bite the bullet on the overhead costs of a privately let office. That’s where we come in to provide an unrivalled serviced office experience, for a fraction of the cost of a traditional office.

What short-term letting solutions do WorkWell provide?

Day Offices

Day offices are the perfect option for businesses seeking a short-term solution to needing a professional, quiet environment for their team to work from. These spaces are kitted out the same as a traditional office with monitors, desks, and ergonomic chairs.

At WorkWell, we offer day offices for as little as a day to ensure any team needing a professional setting to work from has the space to do so. 

Co-working

Co-working is a type of working style which allows businesses to mix and work alongside other businesses and independent workers. This is done by creating a communal office environment without a seating plan.

At WorkWell, we offer day passes for those seeking out a tidy and inspiring environment to work from. This allows our members to tailor their contracts to their needs. Instead of having to rent a space for a chunk of time, and seeing the budget going to waste when the space isn’t being used.

Meeting rooms

Meeting rooms in serviced office environments are particularly useful when you need a professional environment to host in, for a limited amount of time. We’re able to offer our meeting rooms at an hourly rate, providing a practical and affordable way to access a professional working environment.

Why utilising a professional service provider can benefit you in the short term?

Every business is unique, as are its operational needs. Whether it’s needing a meeting room to accommodate client visits or simply wanting a desk to work from for a day, at WorkWell, we’ve got the facilities to accommodate.

Reduced costs

Renting a traditional office comes with its downsides, from the long set-up process to the hidden fees and major responsibilities. Bookable rooms with day pass and flexible co-working options ensure you only pay for what you are using.

Professional Impressions

Whether you’re meeting with your remote-working team face to face, or taking on an important meeting, WorkWell provides your business with access to an environment that is a polished, fully equipped workspace, perfect for making a professional impression.

Networking opportunities

It’s a rarity to be able to engage with new local businesses outside of your own in a traditional office, but in a service office environment, the opportunity is there.  It fosters a sense of community within members and allows them to make connections they otherwise wouldn’t have.

Continuity through transitional periods

Whether you’re renovating, scaling, or relocating, short-term letting allows your business to keep operating with no downtime, keeping your operations stable and smooth.

Adjust as you need

Whether it’s a desk for a week or a meeting room for a few hours, we make sure you can pick the services that suit your needs. This flexibility allows your business to operate as normal whilst being fuss-free.

Short-term professional intervention can offer stability and structure during times of growth or change. At WorkWell, we don’t just provide a space; we create environments and contracts tailored to ensure individuals and teams thrive. Our solutions are curated to your goals, ensuring your business is able to remain professional and productive each step of your journey.

.

A great workplace can transform health, happiness and productivity

WorkWell on July 1, 2025

Most people spend about 90,000 hours of their lives at work. That’s nearly 45 years. It makes sense that the workplace can play a big role in our health. When designed badly, an office can add to stress, leading to burnout and making people feel worse, not better. That’s a problem for both employees and employers.

Investing in your employees

The good news is that investing in a high-quality workplace yields significant benefits. When companies prioritise employee well-being, encompassing not only physical health but also mental and social well-being, the benefits are substantial. People feel better, and they take fewer sick days. They’re more engaged and productive, which means companies perform better as well.

Research by the McKinsey Health Institute shows that investing in employee health could create between $3.7 trillion and $11.7 trillion in economic value worldwide. That’s around $1,100 to $3,500 of value per person, or up to 55% of average annual pay. Most of that value, up to 77%, comes from improved productivity and reduced presenteeism. That’s when people are at work but not able to work at their best.

Too often, businesses focus solely on visible costs, such as absenteeism. But those account for just a fraction of the opportunity. The hidden cost of people not working to their full potential is far higher. And that’s where a better workplace can make the biggest difference.

A healthier workforce benefits the business and lifts entire communities. Healthier workers are more likely to be involved in their local area, help others and lead fulfilling lives outside of work. That’s why better workplaces are not only good business, they’re also good for society.

The pitfalls of employee health

Unfortunately, the current state of employee health is not where it should be. A global survey of more than 30,000 employees found that only 57% reported good overall health. Just under half, 49%, were ‘faring well’, meaning they had good holistic health and no symptoms of burnout. One in five reported signs of burnout.

Burnout is not the same as being tired after a long week. It includes exhaustion, feeling mentally distant from work, and a sense of being unable to cope. It affects people across every industry, although some are more severely impacted than others. Employees in accounting, retail, agriculture, shipping and the arts reported the lowest health and highest burnout levels. Even in the best-performing industries, fewer than three in four workers reported being in good health.

The situation is worse for certain groups, with women, LGBTQ+ individuals, younger employees, people with lower income or education levels, and those who are neurodivergent all reporting worse outcomes. These groups made up 80% of the survey respondents.

Designing office spaces for success

The design of the physical workplace plays a huge role in supporting wellbeing. At WorkWell, we have emphasised the proven value of natural light, indoor plants, quiet zones, and access to fitness facilities. Workspaces filled with sunlight and biophilic elements, such as greenery or nature-inspired textures, have been shown to reduce stress and boost cognitive performance. Employees who sit near windows get better sleep and report higher productivity. Plants not only purify the air but also create a more calming and restorative environment.

Equally important are quiet spaces and on-site fitness facilities. In open-plan offices, having a designated space to retreat to for focus or rest can significantly reduce stress. Physical activity, whether it’s a lunchtime yoga class or a treadmill in the office gym, is directly linked to sharper thinking and an improved mood. When companies design environments that promote movement, reflection, and calm, they’re not just building offices—they’re investing in human potential.

A high-quality workspace isn’t just about better chairs or healthy snacks. It’s about the full work experience. That includes feeling safe, supported and respected. It means having leaders who genuinely care, clear roles and expectations, and a culture that fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.

The most successful employers take a systematic approach. They measure how people are doing. They test solutions and adapt based on data. They train managers to support wellbeing. They look beyond quick fixes and instead build a culture that supports long-term health.

There are plenty of examples to learn from. At the sportswear company On, an employee health programme led to a 30% drop in staff turnover, a 5% boost in productivity, and a $2.9 million a year savings, an 11.6x return on investment. At Ikea Canada, adding ‘Wellness Days’ helped reduce employee turnover from 35% to 24.5%. At Audi, voluntary health checkups led to high employee participation and long-term health benefits.

Final thoughts

Even small changes can have big results. Encouraging movement breaks, promoting mental health awareness or improving access to coaching can all help. What matters most is that health becomes a core part of how the workplace functions, not just an add-on or an afterthought. When work supports wellbeing, everyone wins. Employees are healthier and happier. Companies perform better. And society as a whole benefits.

Work shouldn’t be something people have to recover from. It should be a place where they thrive. Investing in high-quality workspaces is one of the smartest things any business can do.

The difference between front-of-house and call answering services

WorkWell on June 5, 2025

Utilising a serviced office provider may leave you pondering the difference between a call answering service and front-of-house staff. And, though in some ways there is a crossover with the tasks each role handles, they’re two completely different dedicated services used to make administrative tasks easier.

At WorkWell, we have front-of-house staff who are there to greet, accept parcels and mail. Our front-of-house staff are even able to do internal call transfers, enabling your customers to connect with you. This allows the reception to warmly greet your customer before transferring the call to your business, meaning you don’t have to worry about the formalities of introductions for your business. 

What is a receptionist?

A receptionist is the first point of contact customers have, whether that’s walking into an establishment or placing a call. Most businesses will have front-of-house staff to handle the administrative tasks like emailing, taking calls, booking appointments and so forth.

Having a receptionist offers many benefits. Here are just a few:

Make a professional and positive impression by having a front-of-house (reception) member of staff greet customers. The front-of-house staff will act as the face of the business, helping to establish your brand’s reputation.

A consistent point of contact rather than rotating your team positively impacts the brand reputation. This is because your customers are almost always likely to communicate with the front-of-house staff first, so having the same staff not only demonstrates an ability to retain staff, but it also helps the client build trust.

Hiring a receptionist can improve efficiency and organisation across the board. Rather than depending on a team of staff to clearly and consistently track administrative jobs, having dedicated staff can alleviate inconsistencies and free up time for more urgent tasks. Having a set team for the front-of-house can make tracking of administrative details that bit simpler, i.e. bookings. If one person/ or two people are consistently taking information, it will be easier to track and retrieve, rather than being scattered between a larger team.

What is a call answering service?

A call answering service is a dedicated line to a business, particularly handling customer service queries. Call answering may act like a receptionist in the sense that they’re the voice of the business.

Utilising a call service can be particularly useful when the business doesn’t need or have a physical address. Instead, staff handling call answering would utilise things like headsets to take calls for the business remotely.

This service is particularly beneficial as it helps improve customer relationships by providing a point of contact to discuss concerns. This demonstrates your business is able to accommodate the needs of the customer, providing a face of the brand to relay information to the customer, or vice versa.

Opting for a call answering service over front-of-house staff may also reduce budget, as the staff won’t need to be physically hired and trained, freeing up some of the costs that are typically associated with hiring.

What sets these services apart?

Choosing between hiring a receptionist or someone to handle calls will depend on your business’s overall needs. Factors you’ll need to consider when weighing up your options include:

  • Your budget to hire and train staff
  • The facilities of your work environment, i.e. do you have the space to accommodate, or even a physical location
  • How often does your business have customers contacting
  • Do you need just call handling, or administrative tasks like mail handling, communications via email, and booking systems?

The role front-of-house staff play differs quite a lot from that of a call-answering service. Receptionists are the physical face of the business, they take all the information needed, as well as other tasks which do not require direct customer contact.

Call answering differs because it’s a dedicated role to just communicate with the customers, which means they’re not going to deal with things like taking any packages or physically greeting customers.

Both services offer unique benefits depending on your business’s specific needs. While front-of-house provides a physical presence to greet visitors, handle mail, and manage admin tasks, call answering services focus solely on remote communication with your customers. At WorkWell, we’re proud to offer a flexible combination of both—complete with internal call transfers, professional voicemail services, and a welcoming front-of-house team. If you’re looking for a professional serviced office that supports your operations and elevates customer experience, get in touch with us today to see how we can help your business thrive.

Where to go for lunch in Harrogate.

WorkWell on May 23, 2025

Harrogate doesn’t shout about its food scene enough, but it really ought to. Our elegant North Yorkshire town has quietly built a reputation for serving up some of the best lunches in the region. Whether you’re in the mood for a plate of something comforting and familiar or looking to explore flavours from further afield, there’s a spot here that fits the bill. These aren’t just restaurants, they’re places with personality, doing what they do well. Here are a few of the best for our Copthall Bridge members to explore…

FIFTY-TWO at Rudding Park

Set on the edge of town at Rudding Park, FIFTY-TWO is not your average countryside restaurant. Housed in converted shipping containers with views of the kitchen garden, it’s part of a wider push by the hotel to take food seriously. The menu leans into seasonality with quiet confidence, and there’s even a feature called ‘Dessert Islands Discs’, which lets you pick the soundtrack to your pudding. It sounds gimmicky, but it works. The food does all the real talking.

Three’s A Crowd

This smart gastropub overlooks the Stray and doesn’t mess about when it comes to flavour. British dishes are treated with just enough modern flair to make them interesting without being fussy. The menu changes often to reflect what’s in season, and the wine list includes a few unexpected gems. It’s hugely popular at lunch, especially at weekends, so booking ahead is advisable.

Paradise Café

Tucked behind a garden centre, Paradise Café has a big terrace with views over a small lake, and the space has a laid-back charm that suits its no-nonsense menu. Expect generous salads, sandwiches that don’t skimp on filling, and occasional specials that make good use of what’s fresh. It’s a solid choice for a casual, unhurried lunch.

The West Park Hotel

A former coach house turned boutique hotel, The West Park sits comfortably between brasserie and pub, depending on what you’re after. The lunch menu includes both lighter bites and more substantial dishes, all built around ingredients sourced as close to home as possible. It’s smart without being stiff, and you’ll find both regulars and out-of-towners settling in for a relaxed meal.

The Harrogate Inn

Right in the centre of town, The Harrogate Inn has had something of a glow-up in recent years. It’s still a pub at heart, but the food has stepped up a gear. Expect well-executed classics, think fish and chips, pies, and Sunday roasts, with no corners cut. The kitchen knows its audience, and there’s a real effort to make things from scratch. It’s a safe bet, in the best possible way.

Stuzzi

You’ll find Stuzzi on King’s Road, and if you’re in the mood for Italian, it’s where you should go. The cooking here has real swagger: dishes are bold, flavours are full-on, and there’s no mistaking the kitchen’s confidence. The Porchetta panini is as rich and indulgent as it sounds, and the arancini are small golden miracles. The sage tagliatelle with slow-cooked mutton ragu is worth crossing town for.

La Feria

La Feria, on Cold Bath Road, offers something different. It’s not trying to replicate a generic tapas bar, it’s aiming squarely at the food you’d actually find in a decent Andalusian joint. There’s rotisserie chicken seasoned just right, prawns swimming in garlic and chilli oil, and croquettes that crackle lightly before giving way to soft, savoury filling. The atmosphere is buzzy, the tables are close, and it all adds up to something very enjoyable.

Harrogate’s reputation for tea and scones is long established, but these places show it’s also somewhere you can eat properly and well in the middle of the day.

If we’ve missed your go-to, you know what to do; let us know. Good lunch spots deserve to be shared.

Attracting and retaining top talent.

WorkWell on May 23, 2025

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining the very best people is more challenging than ever. Candidates are not just looking for a competitive salary or flexible working hours; they are also paying close attention to the quality of the working environment.

At WorkWell, we understand that the physical workspace is a vital part of any organisation’s success. More than just bricks and mortar, your office is a living reflection of your brand, culture, and values. Creating a high-quality office environment is no longer a luxury, but a critical investment in your people and your future.

Recent research highlights a significant shift in what employees value most. According to the WorkBuzz State of Employee Engagement Report 2022, an impressive 45% of UK employees and business leaders ranked ‘a great culture’ as the most important factor when considering a new role. This finding places culture ahead of salary and flexible working location, demonstrating how much the workplace experience matters.

The right office environment can significantly strengthen a company’s culture. When employees walk into a thoughtfully designed, vibrant space, they feel a sense of belonging and purpose. These elements create an emotional connection that no remote or purely digital interaction can replicate. Companies that invest in their spaces are sending a strong message: we care about your well-being, productivity, and happiness at work.

First Impression in Recruitment

First impressions matter, especially in the world of recruitment. The moment a potential new hire steps into your office, they are forming opinions about who you are as an employer. A bright, welcoming, and well-designed workspace not only leaves a lasting impression but can often tip the balance for top candidates weighing multiple job offers.

Investing in interior design, ergonomic furniture, natural light, and thoughtful noise reduction strategies can transform your office into a powerful recruitment tool. It signals to candidates that the organisation values employee comfort, collaboration, and creativity. It shows that you are forward-thinking, attentive to detail, and committed to creating an environment where people can do their best work.

Reducing staff turnover

The quality of the working environment not only influences recruitment but also plays a critical role in retention. Studies show that employees who are happy with their surroundings are more satisfied, more productive, and more likely to stay with their employer for the long term.

On the other hand, poor facilities, lack of natural light, and uninspiring spaces contribute to lower morale and higher turnover rates. When the day-to-day working environment fails to meet basic expectations, even the most loyal employees can start to disengage. Investing in your workplace design can significantly reduce costly turnover, while boosting engagement and fostering a strong sense of loyalty among your teams.

The office has a competitive advantage.

While remote and hybrid working models are now well established, the physical office continues to play an essential role in organisational culture and employee engagement. In fact, businesses that provide a physical workspace are often at an advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining talent.

Younger workers, in particular, are looking for more than just a place to sit at a desk. They want spaces that reflect their values and support their aspirations. Offices that encourage collaboration, creativity, and connection help to build a cohesive and resilient workforce. By treating the office as a product in itself, one that is designed to meet the evolving needs of your teams, you create a lasting competitive edge.

Success through better workspaces

The evidence could not be clearer. A high-quality office environment is not simply a nice-to-have. It is a strategic asset that can transform your ability to attract, engage, and retain top talent.

At Workwell, we believe that your workspace should be a true extension of your brand, culture, and ambition. We work closely with organisations to create environments that are inspiring, comfortable, and purpose-built to support success. From design to delivery, every element matters – because every employee matters.

If you are looking to strengthen your recruitment efforts, reduce turnover, and build a thriving company culture, investing in your workspace is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Together, we can create a place where people love to work, where talent stays, and where your business can achieve its greatest potential.