26 Nov Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: Which Is Best for East Midlands Businesses?
For businesses across the East Midlands — from Leicester, Nottingham and Derby to towns like Loughborough, Melton Mowbray, Grantham, Lincoln, Newark, Mansfield, Hinckley and Coalville — choosing the right cloud productivity platform is essential for collaboration and operational efficiency.
At Digital Office Group, we help organisations select, deploy and manage cloud systems designed for growth. Below is an impartial comparison between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, including updated plan details and storage information.
Google Workspace: Cloud-Native Collaboration
Google Workspace is ideal for modern, fast-moving businesses that want simple, cloud-first tools with real-time collaboration built in.
- Real-time collaboration across devices
- Simple user experience
- Excellent mobility for hybrid workers
- Minimal IT overhead
Google Workspace Plans & Storage
| Plan | Monthly Price (per user) | Storage | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Starter | £5.90 | 30 GB per user | Email, Drive, Docs, basic Meet |
| Business Standard | £11.80 | 2 TB per user | Meet recording, Shared Drives |
| Business Plus | £18.40 | 5 TB per user | Enhanced security, Vault, large meetings |
Microsoft 365: The Enterprise Productivity Standard
Microsoft 365 is the go-to platform for many established organisations, combining the full power of the Office desktop suite with cloud services, advanced security and deep integration.
- Full desktop apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Advanced data analysis tools
- Teams for communication
- Strong security and compliance
Microsoft 365 Plans & Storage
| Plan | Monthly Price (per user) | Storage | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Basic | £4.60 | 1 TB per user | Web apps, email, Teams, cloud storage |
| Business Standard | £9.60 | 1 TB per user | Full desktop apps + Teams |
| Business Premium | £16.90 | 1 TB per user | Advanced security and device management |
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Google Workspace | Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Simple & intuitive | Familiar, more feature-rich |
| Desktop Apps | Browser-based only | Full Office desktop suite |
| Storage | 30 GB – 5 TB per user | 1 TB per user |
| Collaboration | Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet | Teams, SharePoint, co-authoring |
| Best for SMEs | Very strong | Strong |
| Best for growing enterprises | Moderate | Excellent |
Benefits & Negatives of Each Platform
Benefits of Google Workspace
- Outstanding real-time collaboration
- Very easy to use
- No software installations needed
- Flexible cloud storage depending on plan
- Great for small teams and startups
Negatives of Google Workspace
- No full desktop apps
- Not ideal for advanced data tasks
- Storage limited on lower tiers
- Fewer enterprise tools
Benefits of Microsoft 365
- Full desktop Office apps included
- 1 TB storage per user as standard
- Advanced security and device management
- Excellent for larger or growing teams
- Stronger data, compliance and workflow tools
Negatives of Microsoft 365
- Slightly more complex to manage
- Higher pricing for feature-rich plans
- Many apps may go unused by very small teams
Overall: Google Workspace is a brilliant choice for simple, cloud-native collaboration. But Microsoft 365 offers the strongest long-term value for businesses that need reliability, desktop apps, security and scalability — which is why many established East Midlands organisations choose it.
Real-Life Examples: When Each Platform Works Best
When Google Workspace Works Best
- Estate Agency Teams (e.g., Nottingham & Leicester) – Agents frequently out on viewings benefit from quick mobile access to Docs, Sheets and Gmail.
- Creative Agencies & Marketing Firms (e.g., Derby & Loughborough) – Real-time collaborative editing reduces delays.
- Startups & Small Businesses (e.g., Lincoln & Grantham) – Low cost, simple onboarding, and minimal IT.
When Microsoft 365 Works Best
- Engineering & Manufacturing Firms (e.g., Derby & Mansfield) – Excel macros, datasets and desktop tools are essential.
- Professional Services (Solicitors, Accountants) – Outlook, SharePoint and security tools offer control.
- Growing Enterprises (e.g., Lincoln, Hinckley, Coalville) – Device and identity management support scaling.
Speak to the East Midlands Cloud Experts
Digital Office Group helps businesses across the region implement and optimise both platforms. Whether you're exploring Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, our team provides consultation, migration and full ongoing support.