London has long been the business capital of the UK but for many companies, it’s no longer the most practical place to be.

Whether you’re a small team, a growing service-based business, or a hybrid company looking to reduce overheads, relocating your office out of London could be one of the smartest financial and strategic moves you make.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Why more businesses are moving out of London
• What you need to consider before making the move
• The logistics of a successful relocation
• Why Crawley, West Sussex is a smart destination

Why Move Your Office Out of London?

The reasons stack up fast, especially in a post-pandemic world where hybrid working, cost-efficiency, and work-life balance are key.

💸 1. Lower Overheads

Office space in London comes at a premium. Moving out can slash:

• Rent or lease costs
• Business rates
• Travel expenses
• Staff salary expectations (especially for non-London workers)

Many businesses have reduced monthly overheads by 30–50% simply by moving their HQ outside the M25.

🏡 2. Better Work-Life Balance for Your Team

Remote and hybrid work has changed expectations. Employees no longer want a packed commute and expensive sandwiches. 

A move to somewhere like Crawley means:

• Shorter commutes
• More affordable housing
• Access to green space and good schools
• A better work environment, with less stress and more time

🌐 3. Hybrid and Remote-Friendly Infrastructure

Today, the success of a business doesn’t rely on being next to the Gherkin. With strong WiFi, cloud-based systems, and flexible meeting options, your team can be:

• In the office 2 days a week
• Meeting clients on Zoom
• Working productively from anywhere

Which means you can right-size your workspace and move somewhere smarter.

What to Consider Before Relocating Your Business

Moving out of London is a big decision and it should be treated like any other strategic move.

Here’s what to factor in:

1. Legal and Financial Implications

• Will your business rates change? (Yes, usually for the better)
• Do you need to update your registered office?
• Will the move affect your VAT or Corporation Tax status?
• Are there employee contracts tied to the London location?

We can help you audit these areas before you sign a lease or hand in notice on your London office.

📦 2. Team and Culture Considerations

• Will your team need to relocate, commute, or go remote?
• Can you offer hybrid work to ease the transition?
• Is your new location appealing to potential hires?
• How will you handle the logistics of desks, tech, post, etc.?

Remember to run an internal survey before you commit. Your team’s buy-in can make or break a successful office move.

🔧 3. Operational Readiness

Before you leave your London base, make sure:

• You have continuity of IT and phone systems
• Your new location has reliable broadband (especially for remote teams)
• Business insurance, security, and compliance are reviewed
• Your suppliers and clients are informed of the change

Why Choose Crawley?

If you’re moving your business out of London, you’ve got options but Crawley offers a rare combination of benefits that few other places do.

✈️ 1. Gatwick Airport

Crawley sits right next to Gatwick perfect if you:

• Travel frequently for business
• Work with international clients or suppliers
• Want to attract team members who value global mobility

🚄 2. Excellent Transport Links

Crawley has direct train lines to:

• London Victoria (approx. 40 mins)
• London Bridge
• Brighton and the south coast

And quick access to:

• M23 & M25 motorways
• Regional towns like Horsham, Redhill, East Grinstead

Which means your team (and your clients) can still get to you without the stress of city-centre travel.

💼 3. Strong Local Business Ecosystem

Crawley is home to:

• Manor Royal Business District (one of the largest business parks in the South East)
• A growing number of SMEs in tech, logistics, consultancy and professional services
• Talent from both London commuters and local professionals
• Networking groups, growth hubs and small business support

At Curve, we’ve seen first-hand how local businesses support one another here and we’re proud to be part of that community.

🏢 4. Commercial Property That Makes Sense

Whether you want:

• A serviced office
• A coworking space
• A retail unit
• A light industrial site

Crawley has options at a fraction of the London cost.

What Needs Organising Before You Move

Here’s your mini checklist for a stress-free business relocation:

✅ Update your registered office (if relevant)
✅ Notify HMRC, Companies House, banks and insurers
✅ Move or set up new payroll and business rates details
✅ Ensure business continuity (phones, broadband, security, IT)
✅ Communicate the move to clients, suppliers, and team
✅ Review contracts and legal responsibilities tied to the old location
✅ Consider business signage, local SEO (Google Maps, directories)
✅ Talk to your accountant about any transitional costs or tax impact

Moving office? We can help you project the financial impact and build a realistic relocation budget.

Final Thoughts

Moving your business out of London is more than a cost-saving exercise; it's a shift that can unlock new flexibility, focus, and growth.

And if you’re looking for somewhere that’s well-connected, affordable, and full of opportunity? 

Crawley deserves a serious look.