5 Reasons to Set Up a Business in Henley-in-Arden

When it comes to strategic office locations, there's usually a compromise. For instance, a convenient location close to excellent transport networks will often come with extortionate rental costs, ugly views, or both.But for business owners looking to create a strategic location in Warwickshire, one particular town ticks all the right boxes for quality location and quality of life.

Henley-in-Arden isn't just an ideal location for offices on the M40 and M42 corridor - it's also a picturesque town with bags of history, a great character and plenty of places to eat, shop and visit. It's surrounded by rolling Warwickshire landscapes and pretty villages, it's within easy reach of Birmingham and it's in an excellent spot for further travel throughout the Midlands. 

UBC's serviced offices in Henley-in-Arden are based at Forward House on the High Street, right in the heart of this bustling historic town. Here are five reasons why setting up a flexible office in Henley-in-Arden makes good business sense:

1. Location, location, location:

Henley-in-Arden lies just over 3 miles southwest of Junction 16 of the M40 motorway, and a couple more miles from the M42/M40 interchange. Many other key local towns are within easy reach by road or rail including Leamington Spa, Warwick, Solihull, Redditch, Stratford-upon-Avon and Worcester.

2. Planes, trains and automobiles:

From Forward House, it's a 30-40 minute drive to Central Birmingham and the same to Coventry, both of which have fast direct rail links to London. Forward House is half a mile from Henley-in-Arden train station (managed by London Midland), approximately 10 minutes' walk away, and numerous bus routes serve the town too. Birmingham International Airport is just 14 miles away along the M40 and M42, approximately 20-25 minutes' drive.

3. Pretty as a picture:

Not many offices along the M40 and M42 corridor sport such a pleasant environment. Forward House is at the top end of Henley's mile-long High Street, a conservation area, which is packed with historic buildings and attractive shop fronts. The town is surrounded by lovely rolling countryside and sites of interest, including the 16th century Packwood House and Gardens in Lapworth, and Stoneleigh Abbey - a magnificent property in sprawling grounds near Kenilworth that was originally founded by Cistercian monks in 1154.

4. Let's do lunch:

Forward House is surrounded by fantastic cafes, shops and restaurants, ranging from big-name brands to lovely independent stores and boutiques. Within a few minutes' walk of the office, you'll find Costa Coffee, a cracking pizza restaurant at La Dolce Piazza, and the heavenly Henley Ice Cream - a lovely 16th century building that's home to a cafe serving light bits and up to 50 different ice cream flavours.

5. An important piece of history:

Just 8 miles away is Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and Henley itself has a rich heritage dating back many centuries. It can be traced back to the 12th century when, according to Henley-in-Arden Town, a market charter was granted to permit Henley to hold a weekly market in the grounds of Thurstan de Montfort's castle. Today, the remains of the 15th century Market Cross in the old Market Place can still be seen, and the High Street is home to many historical buildings including the beautiful timbered Guild Hall (pictured), which dates back to 1448.

As an added bonus, Henley-in-Arden is part of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, which offers advice and support to rural businesses in any sector along with people looking to start their own business in Henley.

Plus, if you're based at UBC's Forward House Business Centre in Henley-in-Arden, you can gain access to free help and support from experienced business mentors via our new live chat service. Find out more about our online business advice service here.

There are many more reasons to consider setting up a business in Henley-in-Arden. Why not come and see for yourself? You'll find us at 17 High Street - pop in or find out more about our Henley offices online.

Image source: Henley-in-Arden image | Guild Hall image