Choosing the right location for your business is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — and if you’re setting up in Birmingham, you’re already in one of the UK’s most connected and opportunity-rich cities.
But with such a variety of neighbourhoods, how do you know which area is the right fit for your business?
Whether you’re launching a new venture or relocating an established office, this guide breaks down some of the best places in Birmingham for office-based businesses — from the heart of the city centre to the suburbs of the north, south, east and west. We’ll explore each area based on key factors like transport links, local business activity, safety, and overall environment, helping you find a location that works for your team, your clients, and your budget.
If you want your business to be in the thick of things, Birmingham City Centre is hard to beat.
It’s home to a thriving professional district, including the Colmore Business District, Paradise, and Arena Central developments, with major names in finance, legal, and tech calling the area home. You’re surrounded by networking opportunities, coworking spaces, and a huge talent pool from the city’s universities.
Transport-wise, it’s extremely well connected, with Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill all nearby, and HS2 on the horizon, promising even faster links to London. But all this convenience comes at a cost — rents are among the highest in the city, typically ranging from £250 to £375 per desk per month, and car parking is often limited and pricey. It's also one of the busiest areas in terms of footfall and crime rates, so security is worth considering.
Best for: Firms that need to be client-facing, network regularly, or want a central, high-profile location.
South Birmingham has long been a favourite for businesses that value space, tranquillity, and strong local communities. It includes some of the city’s most desirable suburbs — like Edgbaston, Moseley, Kings Heath, Bournville, and Hall Green (home to Cambrai Court).
These areas offer a more relaxed pace, excellent train and road connections, and a strong base of local professional services, small businesses and creative firms. South Birmingham is also known for its safety — areas like Hall Green and Bournville regularly appear among the safest parts of the city.
If your business benefits from a quiet, professional setting with on-site parking, and you prefer being within easy reach of the city centre (but not stuck in the middle of it), the south side is a smart option. Rents here are more affordable than the city centre, often between £180 and £250 per desk per month.
Best for: Small to medium professional firms, consultancies, healthcare practices, and creative businesses seeking a calm, secure, and accessible location.
North Birmingham covers a wide mix of areas — from Aston and Perry Barr, close to the city centre, to the leafy, affluent neighbourhoods around Sutton Coldfield.
Aston is home to Aston University and innovation hubs, while Sutton Coldfield offers a more upmarket, suburban feel with its own business base, parks, and strong community links. The M6 motorway and Cross-City train line both serve this area well, making it a popular base for companies that need to travel across the region.
While inner parts of North Birmingham can have higher crime rates, places like Sutton Coldfield rank among the safest in the city, with excellent amenities and a professional local demographic.
Best for: Regional offices, consultancies, and small firms looking for a mix of accessibility, green surroundings, and a local client base.
East Birmingham is an area to watch. Thanks to major investment in infrastructure and regeneration, parts of the east — particularly Digbeth and Eastside — are rapidly becoming hotspots for startups, digital creatives, and media companies.
It’s also perfectly placed for travel, with fast road connections to the M42, M6, and A45, and proximity to Birmingham Airport and the NEC. If you fly regularly, or work with international clients, being based near the airport or Birmingham Business Park could be a major advantage.
Some parts of East Birmingham have higher crime rates, but areas like Sheldon and Digbeth are seeing real improvement, boosted by projects like HS2 and the BBC’s planned move to Digbeth.
Best for: Creative and tech companies, internationally connected businesses, and those looking to grow in an area full of potential.
To the west of the city centre, areas like Broad Street and Brindleyplace blur into Edgbaston and Harborne — giving you access to the city’s buzz without being right in the middle of it.
Edgbaston is home to universities, hospitals, and a cluster of professional offices, especially around the Calthorpe Estate. Meanwhile, Harborne offers a village feel with popular high streets, a relaxed atmosphere, and a strong local business community.
Further out, areas like Quinton are close to the M5, offering excellent road access westward. The newly extended West Midlands Metro also helps connect parts of the west side to the city centre more easily.
Crime rates vary depending on the area, but Edgbaston and Harborne are generally considered safe, leafy, and professional.
Best for: Established professional firms, educational or medical practices, and businesses looking for a peaceful location that’s still well-connected.
There’s no single ‘best’ place in Birmingham to set up a business — it depends on your needs, your team, your clients, and how you like to work.
Another key consideration is local culture and community. Areas like Sparkbrook and Small Heath in East Birmingham, for instance, are home to a rich mix of cultural and religious centres, including some of the largest mosques in the region. This makes them appealing for businesses looking to serve diverse communities or build relationships with cultural organisations. In South Birmingham, areas like Moseley and Kings Heath are known for their artistic and independent spirit, hosting festivals, live music, and a thriving café culture that appeals to creative businesses and freelancers alike.
Here’s a quick recap:
Whether you’re looking for prestige, peace and quiet, value, or vibrancy — Birmingham has a neighbourhood that fits.
And if you’re considering a location in the Birmingham suburbs, areas like Hall Green offer a professional setting, strong transport links, low crime, and on-site parking — ideal for growing businesses who want all the benefits of a city presence, without the city centre price tag.
Cambrai Court in Hall Green is home to a wide range of businesses who’ve made that move — and never looked back.
Interested in finding out more? Get in touch today to explore our flexible office spaces in Birmingham’s leafy south.