The small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs which between them account for 99% of the borough’s economy are facing increasing rents. Some are being forced to leave or shut down.
That is one of the reasons why Ealing Council has published a new affordable workspace delivery plan. It describes how the council will help create more workspace that startups and small businesses can afford in the borough’s 7 towns.
The plan defines affordable workspace as commercial space, such as offices, shops, or industrial units, for local businesses, charities, and social projects to rent at below market rates. It must be available for at least 15 years.
The council’s new plan lays out how it will:
- help local entrepreneurs, charities, and community groups
- work together with partners to support key industries and start-ups
- make it easier for developers and workspace providers to offer affordable spaces
Good for science, good for society
Charlie Mitchell is the CEO of Sciopolis, a startup business which develops and operates ready-to-occupy lab and office space for science and technology companies. He said: “Whilst London is one of the best places in the world for science and technology innovation, the cost of lab space is often very high, and it can price out the very people who drive scientific progress. Science and innovation shouldn’t be held back by real estate.”
Sciopolis is currently developing workspace at 1 Portal Way in Old Oak, which is expected to open in June 2026. The site is located in the Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area and a key part of WestTech London – a globally competitive innovation ecosystem, anchored by Imperial College London, that is driving investment, job creation and growth for London and the UK.
Charlie explained: “We’re working with Imperial to create cost effective, ready-to-occupy lab and office space in the borough, designed specifically for scientists, technologists, and innovative scale-up companies.
“Researchers spinning out of universities, startups developing new diagnostics and climate tech pioneers often face a stark choice: compromise on location, delay their work, or give up altogether. That’s not good for science, and it’s not good for society.”
Life sciences have been earmarked as a key area for future growth both locally and nationally. It is one of the sectors highlighted in the council’s jobs and skills strategy, while the government published a life sciences sector plan last July. By offering space that is ready to move into at more attractive rental rates, Sciopolis will help scientists stay focused on what matters: their research, teams, and impact.
“We’re also making it easier for them to connect with investors, collaborators, and the wider innovation ecosystem,” Charlie added.
“Ealing is the right place for this. It’s connected, diverse, full of potential, and a key part of WestTech London. With support from the council, Imperial, and local partners, Sciopolis is proud to be part of a movement that’s making space for science, literally.”
Helping businesses to thrive
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “We want the businesses in our borough not only to survive, but to grow and thrive.
“The lack of affordable workspaces risks pushing companies out of the borough or, in the worst cases, out of business.
“This is why we are introducing our affordable workspace delivery plan, which will create more places where businesses can flourish and offer good, well-paid jobs to our residents, in line with our jobs and skills strategy.”
