Although Acton is primarily residential, it does have a lot to attract businesses. The transport links are fantastic, with more to its name than any other place in the UK, plus the arrival of Crossrail imminent. It’s also undergoing significant regeneration, making it an up and coming part of London.

West Hampstead is a commercial area of north London that centres around West End Lane’s thriving network of restaurants, shops and cafes. It’s in transport zone two and is part of the London borough of Camden. Many of the homes and buildings lining its streets hail from the Victorian era and still have plenty of 19th-century charm.

Investing in commercial property can be a great way to grow your capital. But you’ll need to know what you’re doing if you’re to maximise the return. Because the property market can be unpredictable, limiting risk is key – but how exactly can you do this? Here are six steps to choosing the best commercial property.

There’s a lot more to Twickenham than its famous rugby stadium. It’s a charming area of London in transport zone five, with two rivers (River Crane and the River Thames) to wander along. While the stadium draws many people to the area, other landmarks like Eel Pie Island and Turner House are worth a visit while you’re in Twickenham too.

Paddington is an area of London close to the famous West End in transport zone one. It’s home to the UK’s eighth busiest railway station, where many east-to-west cross-country services stop. Even though millions of people pass through the station every year, Paddington has quieter parts too like the Paddington Basin, where you can wander across unique bridges like the Rolling Bridge and Fan Bridge or visit the Floating Pocket Park.

Commercial real estate is a huge market. Most types of property can be a great investment opportunity. Commercial real estate can offer bigger financial gains than residential properties but may come with higher risks.

Notting Hill isn’t just a Hugh Grant romantic comedy – it’s also one of London’s most vibrant areas. It’s located in transport zone 2 and is part of the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Its streets are brightly coloured and multi-cultural, making it the perfect place to host UK’s largest carnival, Notting Hill Carnival.

You’ll find Nine Elms in south east London, between Battersea and Vauxhall. It is across the river from Pimlico and Chelsea. At a time, Nine Elms was a prominent leisure destination thanks to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, before becoming an industrial hub. The area is now entering a new phase as a social and business hotspot.

The ‘Oxford-Cambridge Arc’, as it has been dubbed, connects the two cities to Bicester, Milton Keynes and Bedford, as well as 26 local authorities. The region is not only attractive for workers in the education, engineering and science sectors, but also a popular base for those commuting to London.

Mayfair is an upmarket area of London, located in transport zone one. It’s long been one of the most exclusive places to live and work in London, thanks to its central location and the large, historic buildings that line its streets.

Maida Vale is an upmarket area of London in transport zone two that’s part of the City of Westminster. It’s just north of Paddington, above Westway Road and is home to plenty of green space, as well as a scenic stretch of Regent’s Canal. Many of the buildings in Maida Vale are from the late Victorian and Edwardian period, giving the area plenty of charming character.

Marylebone is sandwiched between Mayfair and Regent’s Park. It’s a beautiful part of London, with grand Victorian and Georgian properties, leafy squares and easy access to the picturesque Regent’s Park. Businesses based in the area enjoy the best of both worlds – a well-connected central location and a calm atmosphere. 

Knightsbridge is an affluent area of London in zone one. It borders Hyde Park to the north, Belgravia to the east and Kensington to the west. High-end designer shops, five star hotels and some of London’s finest eateries line its leafy avenues, including the world famous Harrods.

As well as being home to spectacular landscapes, stunning ancient architecture and a vibrant nightlife scene, Scotland is a fantastic place for SMEs. If you’re trying to decide where to set up or relocate your SME in Scotland, this guide should help you find an office space that is perfect for your business.

Sunderland is a city in the North West, set on the banks of the River Wear between the cities of Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It’s one of the north’s most exciting cities and is home to a university, which sits close to the busy docks. If you’re looking to base your business in Sunderland, here’s everything you need to know about working and living in the thriving port city.

There’s more to King’s Cross than the major rail station. It’s home to art galleries, theatres, the British Library, lots of businesses and the charming Regent’s Canal. Just north of Clerkenwell and east of Camden Town, it’s an artsy, creative place. Yet it still attracts businesses from a range of sectors thanks to its enviable transport links.

Our environment can have a huge impact on how we feel, interact and work. By making a few strategic changes, employers can maximise their workers’ creativity throughout the day. But this isn’t the only benefit; having a more ‘creative’ space can do wonders for employees’ mood, mental wellbeing and job satisfaction.

The city of Leicester in the East Midlands is an exciting place to base your business, as it’s one of the most central places in the country. Its excellent transport links also make it easy to travel further afield for business and pleasure. Here’s our guide to living and working in the city of Leicester – where you can find out about everything from rail stations to restaurants.

Kentish Town is a vibrant area of London, located in transport zone two in the borough of Camden. Kentish Town started life as a small settlement along the banks of the River Fleet, but it’s grown into a thriving residential and commercial area in central London.

Kensington is an affluent area of London, west of Hyde Park and the political hub of Westminster. Together with the equally upmarket streets of Chelsea, it makes up the central Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It’s located in transport zone one and is just a 25-minute tube journey from the City of London.

Islington today is regarded as a relaxed, enjoyable place, as it has been for centuries. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it offered an escape from the city and became home to ale houses, theatres and several tea gardens. It still has an exuberant scene, with many theatres, comedy houses, cinemas and quirky bars thriving in the area.

Isleworth is a small, charming town in the London Borough of Hounslow in West London. The riverside settlement known as ‘Old Isleworth’ is where you can find plenty of pubs and restaurants with the picturesque backdrop of the Thames. Many locals enjoy walking around Syon Park and Hounslow Heath – the local nature reserve, where the hustle and bustle of the city melts away.

Northern Ireland’s capital sits on the banks of the River Lagan and the port city has emerged as a thriving commercial location despite its chequered past. Now, the city is where you’ll find many of the UK’s most important aerospace businesses, as well as lots of companies involved in the missiles industry.

Lively Hoxton is East London at its prime. The area neighbours Shoreditch and is home to some of the capital’s trendiest bars, restaurants and cafes, making it popular among residents and businesses alike. It is a distinctly creative zone, with many start-up tech and design businesses cropping up.