The idea of swapping uninspiring business parks for rolling fields isn’t just a retirement dream, it’s rapidly becoming an achievable and strategic move for businesses across Leicestershire who want to retain their staff and enjoy going to work everyday. As hybrid work patterns reshape how and where we work, countryside office locations are gaining serious traction.
According to a 2023 report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than 40% of UK workers now operate under some form of flexible or hybrid working arrangement. With this shift, employers are rethinking the need for expensive city-centre head offices and increasingly exploring the benefits of rural hubs.
A countryside office can offer…
- Improved wellbeing and reduced stress
Numerous studies link green environments with lower stress and higher job satisfaction. Research from the University of Exeter found that employees exposed to nature reported significantly improved mental health outcomes. - Surprising cost-efficectiveness
Rural offices often provide more space at lower cost per square foot compared to urban counterparts, with lower overheads across utilities and rent. - Inspiration, productivity and focus
Many business leaders report that the tranquillity of rural settings fosters deeper concentration and more creative thinking. A quiet antidote to the distractions of city noise and overcrowded commutes.
Not all rural business parks are created equal
However, moving to the countryside isn’t a guaranteed win. The benefits only materialise if the right infrastructure and community are in place. That’s where Burrough Court certainly distinguishes itself from the rest.
Tucked away in the Leicestershire countryside, just 6 miles South of Melton Mowbray, Burrough Court blends natural beauty with business-grade facilities. From superfast 1Gbps leased-line internet to solar-powered energy and an on-site coffee shop, it shows how a rural office doesn’t have to mean compromise – in fact – it can mean even more.
Moving your business out of the city can be transformative but only if you choose the right location. Rural offices vary widely in quality, infrastructure, and community.
Here’s what to look for and what to steer clear of…
Reliable connectivity
In today’s working world, fast internet isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Too often, rural locations fall short here. At Burrough Court, customers benefit from a 1Gbps leased line ensuring fast, secure and uninterrupted service. That’s faster than many city-centre buildings can offer, and it supports everything from video conferencing to cloud-based workflows without a hitch.
On-site amenities that support your team
Rural doesn’t have to mean remote. Great countryside offices offer facilities that help people feel comfortable, connected and productive.
- A boutique coffee shop serving fresh food and artisan coffee
- A gym and wellness studio for morning workouts or lunchtime resets
- Dog-friendly policies ample car parking and even EV chargers
- Flexible meeting rooms for team catch-ups or client visits
- Set in beautifully converted heritage buildings with views of Leicestershire
Environmentally conscious
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a responsibility. Seek out countryside offices that don’t just use the landscape but respect it. For example, Burrough Court runs on solar energy and biomass heating with more to come … It proves that rural business doesn’t have to mean high-carbon.
A supportive business community
Isolation is one of the biggest risks of rural office life but it doesn’t have to be. When done well, countryside locations can foster vibrant, supportive business networks. Burrough Court is home to over 50 companies and 350 individuals, with a mix of creative agencies, consultants, and SMEs. Shared outdoor spaces, community events, and informal networking make it feel connected, not cut off.
What to avoid when choosing rural office space
- Patchy broadband
A beautiful location is no good if your calls drop or your downloads crawl hampering productivity and frustrating colleagues. - Lifeless locations
Some business parks promise peace but deliver emptiness. Without cafes, wellness options or people, you’re left with a pretty view and little else. - Long travel times
Being rural shouldn’t mean being hard to reach. Look for a location with proximity to road and rail like Burrough Court, just 6 miles from Melton Mowbray and close to the A1 and M1 corridors. - Poorly maintained spaces
Converted barns may sound charming, but without proper care, they’re just cold and creaky. Choose operators with a proven record of maintenance and service.
Conclusion
Choosing an office in the countryside can offer more than just a change of scenery — it can transform how your team works, thinks, and feels. But to make it work, you need more than a pretty postcode.
Look for high-speed connectivity, on-site amenities that support work-life balance, a genuine business community, and a commitment to sustainability. Avoid isolated or under-equipped locations that promise charm but deliver compromise.
Whether you’re a small business, creative team, or growing enterprise, Burrough Court is the thoughtful choice for those who want to work productively in inspiring surroundings.