Your questions, answered.
What is Innovation Connect?
Innovation Connect is a coworking space and business incubation hub in Portsmouth offering flexible office space and business support for startups, SMEs, and established companies. Operated by the University of Portsmouth, and partnered with Barclays Eagle Labs, it combines workspace, expertise, talent, and specialised opportunities to help businesses start, scale, and succeed.
Where is Innovation Connect located?
Innovation Connect operates across three locations in Portsmouth:
- Halpern House (Southsea, city centre) – coworking and offices for all businesses
- Cell Block Studios (Historic Dockyard) – office space for digital and creative industries
- Future Technology Centre (FTC) (Northern Campus) – event space for large meetings, workshops, and receptions
Memberships at Halpern House and Cell Block Studios give you access the FTC event space, provide flexible contracts, shared facilities, and access to the same business support network.
Who is Innovation Connect for?
Innovation Connect is designed for startups, SMEs, remote and hybrid teams. We support organisations at every stage, from early ideas to established companies looking to grow.
What makes Innovation Connect different from other coworking spaces in Portsmouth?
Innovation Connect combines flexible workspace with embedded business support.
Members benefit from:
- Access to University of Portsmouth expertise, research, and student talent
- Business mentoring and programmes through Barclays Eagle Labs
- A collaborative community focused on innovation and growth
This creates an ecosystem designed to help businesses grow scale, not just a place to work.
What workspace and membership options are available?
We offer flexible workspace options designed to scale with your business:
- Hot Desking – flexible access (10 days per month)
- Dedicated Desk (Full Desk) – your own permanent desk
- Team Desks – shared workspace for small teams
- Private Offices – enclosed spaces for teams of 1 to 10 people
All memberships are available on flexible terms, with the ability to upgrade or change as your needs evolve.
What’s included in a coworking membership at Innovation Connect?
All our memberships include:
- Business Support
- Ultra-fast WiFi
- Meeting room allowance included (10 hours for hot desks, 20 for full desks, 30 for team desks and offices)
- Shared kitchens and lounge areas
- Breakout and collaboration spaces
- Secure access and professional environments
- Bike storage
- Event space at the Future Technology Centre
- Podcast facilities (Halpern House)
Members also benefit from business support through Barclays Eagle Labs and the wider University ecosystem.
Can I host meetings or meet clients at Innovation Connect?
Yes. Our Portsmouth locations include professional meeting rooms and client-friendly spaces. Each membership includes a meeting room allowance, starting from 10 hours per month, depending on your plan. We also offer an event space suitable for larger events of up to 90 standing, or workshops with 30 seated.
Are there networking and business support opportunities?
Yes. Innovation Connect provides structured and informal business support. Members benefit from:
- Networking events, workshops, and programmes
- Business support through Barclays Eagle Labs
- Access to the Universities Entrepreneurs in Residence
- Introductions to University of Portsmouth business programmes, research and students
This creates a connected environment where opportunities develop naturally through community and support.
Is coworking better than a traditional office?
Coworking offers more flexibility than traditional office leases, with lower costs, shorter commitments, shared facilities, and built-in networking opportunities. It is ideal for growing and agile businesses.
Can my business grow within Innovation Connect?
Yes. You can scale your workspace as your business grows:
- Start with Hot Desking
- Move to a Dedicated Desk
- Upgrade to a Private Office
This flexibility allows your space to evolve with your team.
Do you offer flexible or short-term office space in Portsmouth?
Yes. All memberships are designed to be flexible, with short-term options and the ability to scale up or down as your business needs change.
What are your access hours?
Standard access hours vary by location:
- Halpern House: 7:00am–7:00pm (Mon–Thu), 7:00am–6:00pm (Fri)
- Cell Block Studios: 9:00am–5:00pm (Mon–Fri)
Out of Hours access is available for Dedicated Desk and Private Office members. Cell Block Studios is located within the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and a Naval Base pass is required (our team will support this process).
Is there parking available?
Members benefit from discounted weekday parking at nearby locations including Gunwharf Quays and Wickham Street Car Park, both within walking distance. Bike storage is also available.
How much does coworking or office space cost?
Pricing depends on workspace/membership type:
- Hot Desks from £95 + VAT per month
- Dedicated Desks from £190 + VAT per month
- Private Offices from approx. £430 + VAT (Cell Block Studios) and £650 + VAT (Halpern House), depending on size
For current availability and pricing, please contact our team.
Can I try coworking before committing?
Yes. You can book a tour or trial day to experience the space, meet the team, and find the right option for your business.
How quickly can I get started?
Getting started is simple:
- Book a tour or enquiry
- Choose your workspace
- Move in and start working
We make onboarding quick and straightforward.
How do I end my membership?
You can end your membership by notifying us in writing. We require 30 working days’ notice to keep the process clear and straightforward.
Can I register my business address at Innovation Connect?
Yes. All memberships allow you to use Innovation Connect as your registered business address. Speak to the team to confirm the best option for your setup.
Can I receive post at Innovation Connect?
Yes. All memberships can receive post at Innovation Connect, giving you a convenient and professional mailing address for your business. Post can be collected from your workspace during access hours. Please note that mail forwarding and virtual offices are not available.