A practical guide for finding the right coworking space
Portsmouth has a well-connected startup ecosystem, with support, resources and expertise available.
Innovation Connect is part of that ecosystem, working with freelancers, startups and small businesses at different stages of growth. As part of the University of Portsmouth and in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs, we bring together workspace, expertise and business support in one place.
The space is open to students, university staff and external businesses, so you don’t need to be directly connected to the University to become a member. There are also free membership options for students, discounted rates for alumni, and dedicated membership options for university staff.
Alongside flexible workspace, we provide access to mentoring, facilities, and connections that support businesses from early idea through to something more established.
Here’s how some of that fits into the process of starting a business.
Choosing a Flexible Workspace that Grows with You
In the early stages, your needs can change quickly. You might start working alone, then need a more consistent base, or eventually space for a team.
At Innovation Connect, members can move between:
- Hot desk coworking
- Dedicated desks
- Private office space
There’s no long-term contract, so you can adapt your workspace as your business develops.
Day-to-day essentials such as WiFi, shared coworking areas and kitchen facilities are already in place, so you can focus more on your work than on setup.
Using a Shared Space as Your Business Address
Many founders prefer not to use their home address when registering a business.
A coworking space like Innovation Connect allows you to use a professional business address, which can:
- Keep personal details private
- Present a more established business presence
- Support visibility in local to Portsmouth online searches
Business Community and Networking in Portsmouth
For many people, one of the most useful aspects of coworking is being around others working on their own businesses.
Innovation Connect provides:
- Shared coworking workspace with day-to-day interaction
- Informal events and social meetups
- An online member network
Some members find collaborators, clients or even co-founders through these connections. Others simply value having a consistent, sociable place to work.
Professional Facilities and Resources
Alongside workspace, having access to the right facilities can make a difference to how you operate day-to-day.
Members have access to:
- Meeting rooms, with a monthly allowance included
- A podcast recording room with unlimited use
- A flexible event space for business activities, with capacity for up to 60 people seated or 90 standing
For many small businesses, having these resources within their coworking space removes the need to hire external venues or facilities.
Coworking Events and Business Opportunities
Events are a practical way to meet people, share knowledge, and stay aware of what’s happening locally.
Throughout the year, Innovation Connect hosts coworking and business-focused events, including:
- Workshops and talks
- Networking sessions
- Informal meetups
External organisations also run public events in the space, and members can host their own sessions or showcases.
In addition, relevant opportunities such as funding, programmes or collaborations are shared through member channels, helping you stay informed without needing to search for them.
Business Support from Barclays Eagle Labs
Barclays Eagle Labs are based onsite within the coworking space, providing direct access to their ecosystem managers.
Support can include:
- Early-stage advice and idea development
- Guidance on funding and investment
- Support with growth planning or exit strategy
There are also wider resources available, including:
- The Entrepreneur Academy
- The Demo Directory
Funding Opportunities for Portsmouth Startups
Funding is often available to Portsmouth businesses, though not always easy to find.
We share opportunities we find for our coworking community, from organisations such as:
- UKRI
- Portsmouth City Council
- Regional and national programmes
Members receive updates through a monthly newsletter, making it easier to track what’s relevant.
Access to Research and Innovation Support
Basing your business at the University of Portsmouth makes it easier to connect into a wider network beyond the workspace itself. Through the University’s research and innovation teams, as well as direct links across departments, Innovation Connect can help introduce you to relevant expertise and opportunities.
This might include:
- Connecting with academic specialists in your field
- Exploring research or product development opportunities
- Accessing facilities, labs or equipment
- Working with students through placements or projects
- Getting involved in collaborative programmes such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)
If there’s specific support you need, we are happy to make introductions where needed.
Mentorship and Support Through the University
As part of the University of Portsmouth, Innovation Connect provides access to Entrepreneurs in Residence.
They can support with:
- Early-stage decision making
- Working through specific challenges
- Longer-term mentoring
Being based within a coworking environment makes these interactions more accessible and informal when needed.
Access to Talent Through the University Network
One advantage of being part of a university-linked coworking space is access to student talent.
This can be useful for:
- Internships and placements
- Short-term projects
- Recruitment as your business grows
Coworking Locations in Portsmouth
Innovation Connect operates across two coworking locations:
Cell Block Studios (Historic Dockyard)
- A creative coworking space suited to digital and creative businesses.
Halpern House (Southsea)
- A coworking environment closer to academic support, student talent and university resources.
Both locations are:
- Accessible by public transport
- Close to the city centre
- Include discounted parking at Gunwharf Quays
Additional Business Support from the University of Portsmouth
Members can also access university-led services, often free or subsidised.
These include:
- Accountancy Clinics
- Business Consultancy Projects (BCP)
- Help to Grow: Management Programme
- Marketing and website support
See if this Coworking Space is right for you
If you’re starting or growing a business in Portsmouth, it can help to see a coworking space in person and understand how it fits your way of working.
You can book a tour of Innovation Connect to:
- Explore the coworking space and facilities
- See different workspace options
- Ask questions about support and membership
Book a tour or submit an enquiry, and the team will help guide you through the next steps.