The right office space can make a big difference for your business.
If you’re looking for an office space in Stockport, there are plenty of choices. But getting the right office space that’s suited to your business is incredibly important and can have long lasting effects. Not only will affect your daily operations and your morale, but it’s also a reflection of your brand and your image as a company.
Our customers came to us at Ourworx for a variety of reasons. This month we talk to Search and More, who have been with us since the middle of 2016. They told us why they are loving being here.
We are a web design and marketing agency, based in Stockport. With over 25 years of industry experience, we help our clients build the online presence of our clients in a way which secures them real engagement and a viable connection with their audience.
We know that many well-known methods are effective, but we believe that they can only be truly impactful when they are utilised in conjunction with one another, taking into account both the client and Google to ensure quality visits from viable searches. We also pride ourselves on designing and constructing every project in-house, with a carefully-selected group of professionals who have been hand-picked for their diverse expertise.
For the last few years, we had been based in offices in Poynton. We had a very good deal and were very happy where we were. There wasn’t any need to change as we had a rolling 12month contract and a good relationship with the existing landlord. But then things changed.
The lease suddenly increased dramatically. It was as though the landlord realised they could get much more out of the businesses in his offices, and instead of looking at whether this was the right thing to do in the long term, they pushed for as high as they could get.
For us, it wasn’t so much that we couldn’t afford the new rent, but we felt it was above market value, and that we were being used as a cash cow. We’re happy to pay for the space we rent. After all, that’s what good businesses do, you pay for what you need, alongside providing a great service, but we didn’t feel this was the best deal available to us. So we looked around.
Everywhere! We looked into all the options very carefully. There are cheap offices out there, but we are an agency, and that means we need to be able to meet clients in a professional atmosphere, and we have standards to uphold. There are lots of offices available in Stockport but some were too scruffy, or badly appointed, whilst others at the higher end of the market were expensive for what they were. Whilst there are some good office locations, we didn’t feel at home in any of them. Nothing felt quite right.
We found Ourworx through the web and decided to have a look. The minute we walked in through the door we knew. It is an amazing space. We knew immediately that it was a suitable space for our kind of business, but there were other factors that swung it for us.
The price was perfect for us. We are saving £150 a month from our previous office space, and the facilities are light years ahead. We get easy access to the whole north west region, the train into Manchester is fast and reliable, and the free onsite parking is a must. Add to that, free tea, coffee and breakfast, and an amazing space to bring people into, and we knew we had the perfect solution for our agency.
The value. Everything is bundled in together. Broadband and service charges aren’t extras, but are included in the price. And the packages on offer are flexible too. We have a good sized office space, enough for our team. But if we want to expand there are plenty of options available to support that. The boardroom and meeting spaces are very important to our business. Having the meeting spaces to chat informally with clients is invaluable.
We settled in straight away. It does feel like a family, and a very welcoming one at that. We’ve made some great connections working here and have been able to offer help to some of the smaller businesses who are in the startup phase. There is buzz here. Everyone says it. And we feel as though we make a great contribution to the atmosphere. Wayne, the manager of Ourworx says: “The only thing they can’t do here is sleep!” It’s a great quote and totally true!
We are a growing business. We have a great team and we are looking to move forwards and add to it. Ourworx is so flexible we can expand as much as we like. It’s been a great place for us to come to and we’d recommend it to anyone.
In the last ten years, there has been a huge surge in self-employment. There are now 4.7 million people in the UK who are self-employed. More than ever before – and it is a rising trend.
Talk to people who work for themselves and they will give you a variety of reasons for doing it. Some do it for the freedom to escape from the daily office grind – no boss telling them what to do, no one watching over them with a leash. Self-employment gives them true freedom to work when they want and how they want.
Others are entrepreneurs, looking to build up a business. Hoping to grow their business, to employ people and build up the assets of the company, with a view to becoming independently wealthy themselves and to make their shareholders wealthy too.
Some end up self-employed without a choice. Through lack of jobs, or poor economic factors, they are forced to look to work for themselves, utilising their skills in new ways.
Whatever the reasons, the increase has been rapid since the economic downturn. But what is unusual is that this isn’t just a blip.
It is usual whenever there is a recession or downturn for self-employment to increase. This was seen in the recession in the early 90’s. But what is unusual in the present situation is that the numbers haven’t dwindled as the economy has picked up, which is what happened in the late 90’s and early noughties boom.
The number of self-employed people has continued to rise steadily despite economic growth suggesting that other factors are the cause. This is certainly borne out when we look at the type of people who are seeking self-employment.
One of the biggest increases in self-employment has been through older workers from 55 to 65. Those who are taking partial retirement and semi-retirement are continuing to work to keep their hands in and to supplement their pensions.
There’s also an increase in parents who are at home looking after children and then want to utilise their existing skills, or find new areas to work in to build up a business. These are looking for flexibility in their working environment, so that they can decide who can look after the children or who can do the school run. The need to work at times that aren’t the usual 9-5 and without the strictures of an office life.
Lastly, there has also been a huge increase in younger workers working in what’s called the gig economy. These are creatives and freelancers, using technology and online services to deliver results for clients and customers. These are finding that they have more autonomy as to how to solve customers’ problems and how to provide a service by working for themselves.
The one thing that unites these different demographics of self-employment is that each of these groups are using creative means to solve issues for their customers. They are servicing the new economy, where customers are looking for solutions that are more agile, to cope with the fast-changing world.
Self-employed workers are in the best position to offer agility and creativity, because they can work in an agile way. To do this effectively, however, they need the facilities and the right support for their businesses. Which means they need the right working environment to be able to service customer’s needs.
Self-employed Britain is increasing. It is not a marginal section of the labour market anymore. It’s an important part of the economy, and will continue to be so. Even though the economy is booming again, the numbers of self-employed is still increasing. And longer lives and the impact of information and communications technology means that it is easier and easier to manage a labour input that comes in fragments.
This means that self-employed people need suitable space to work in, that suits a new way of working. Some start out from the 3rd bedroom, but the time comes for most self-employed people when a more professional space is needed – somewhere away from the distractions of home.
This is what we have strived to create at Ourworx, a flexible, creative space that is geared specifically to small business needs. We understand that agile businesses need agile solutions. With our flexible packages, super-fast fibre broadband, 24-hour access and everything else you need comes inclusive in the deal. Giving you everything you require to make it in the “gig economy” as a self-employed person.
No matter whether you are a young creative start-up, semi-retired professional, or a working parent, Ourworx has it all for the self-employed.
The life of a small business owner is sometimes painted as a long hard slog. You work all the hours you can to get the business off the ground, building up clients and working long into the night. All so you can retire early, and wealthy, and happy (hopefully).
But, in many people’s experience, working for yourself isn’t all an uphill battle. Yes, it can be frustrating, scary, difficult and a constant struggle. But for every struggle there are also plenty of rewards, and a ton of things that make working for yourself fulfilling, exciting and fun.
Working for yourself means allocating your own time and working when it’s best and most convenient for you, rather than when the office is open. You don’t have to keep to the old 9-5 or worry about leaving early or starting late. With an Ourworx office you also never have to worry about ever being locked out. All our customers are afforded 24hour access allowing them to work at their pace in their business.
If things do go wrong, and they will occasionally, there’s no one to blame but yourself. This is a good thing. It means you can stay focussed on what the real issues are, rather than putting up with someone else’s mistakes or anger issue. The added bonus is that getting fired is no longer an option. You might run out of business or clients, but at least you won’t be suddenly told to clear your desk out of the blue and sent on gardening leave.
Lots of small business owners rent an office, but there’s no need to rent an office miles away from your home. Ourworx is neatly located close to all major roads and networks, and with free onsite parking, you never have to worry about getting to work on time.
Who you work with is up to you. You’re in charge of hiring staff, you get to select the clients and you get to choose which freelancers and consultants you work with. You can choose people who inspire and motivate you and leave out the bores.
You can always say no! The projects you work on are completely your choice. You don’t have to take on work that you aren’t interested in, because you know that following your passions is a best way to succeed. If you don’t want to do something, in most cases, you don’t have to do it – apart from paying HMRC, that is!
Got laptop – will travel. If you can get an internet connection and a phone signal, in most cases, you can work on the go. Which means you can take time off and still keep on top of your business. If clients and customers are satisfied, who cares where you are in the world?
How many complaints does it take before a large firm gets better quality coffee/food/facilities for its staff? Work for yourself and you’ll notice that you can eat better and have much better quality of life. Exercise when you want, and keep a healthier lifestyle. If you rent and office at Ourworx and you’ll have good quality coffee and tea available all the time, as well as breakfast included every day.
If you need to leave early for family reasons, you can leave early. Want to take that art and painting class? Go for it! You can work whenever suits you, and with 24hour access to your own personal office space at Ourworx, your schedule is completely your own. So, forget that worthless office guilt from the boss, or overzealous colleagues, your time belongs to you for you to prioritise as you see fit.
Unless you are seeing clients and want to give a good impression, you don’t need to be suited and booted every day. Which means you can be yourself, relax and wear what you like. And if it’s the end of the week and you fancy a drink in the office, who’s to stop you? At Ourworx, Friday is beer and pizza day, with the fridge stocked, so our clients can relax after a busy week and look forward to the weekend.
Every little bit of effort you put into your business benefits you directly. If you work hard, you see the rewards straight into your bank account. And there’s nothing more satisfying than that!
For more information about renting a small business office space at Ourworx contact us today 0161 483 7719.
Last week we welcomed Moxie Mingle networking group to Ourworx. For our customers, networking is a vital part of their day. At Ourworx there is always the opportunity to mix and talk to the other businesses and our superb facilities lend themselves to informal networking and mutual support. But we also like to offer the opportunity to network more formally, and to bring in businesses from the surrounding area.
Here’s a few reasons why we think any form of networking is great for businesses.
Networking brings new opportunities – simply by meeting other people connections are formed and business opportunities appear. But the one thing to remember is that you never know when or how an opportunity will appear. It could be a referral into a new lead, or a direct request for your service or product, or even the offer of partnership. Whatever it is, you’ll only get the opportunity if you’re out there and mixing with other businesses, so why not seize the opportunities when they come along?
Networking is a great way to build up good connections with other businesses. But you aren’t just gaining exposure to the people who are in the room with you, you’re building connections with their extended network too. If someone in the group has a connection who they know needs your business proposition, and if you’ve made the right impression, they will likely refer you on to them. It looks good for them, to be able to help their client, and you’ll almost certainly return the favour if the opportunity arises. If someone in your network matches a business you encounter at an event, don’t hesitate to share their details. It all helps to strengthen your relationships and makes your more valuable to your clients.
With so many experienced entrepreneurs in one room, a networking meeting is a great place for sharing ideas and knowledge. You can ask for feedback on ideas, gain answers to thorny issues or just discuss how best to get things done. Sharing with a group helps you to expand your knowledge and also allows you to see things from another perspective. The experience that exists within a good networking group usually means that someone else will have dealt with the issues you have before, so you can to learn and avoid some of the common pitfalls they have experienced along the way.
Plenty of people find standing up and talking about their business a pretty daunting task. Not least, making it interesting so a new person understands what you do and offer in the short time you have to keep their attention. But regular networking can really help. By pushing yourself to talk to people you don’t know, it will help not only to increase your confidence, but also to help hone your sixty second pitch, so that you can quickly tell someone new you meet, how you help your clients and what you can do for them. This is an important attribute as a business owner, because much of business growth dependents on talking to people and making good connections.
Being visible and getting noticed is very important for small businesses. If you are known, liked and trusted as a business you are more likely to get leads and referrals. By building up your reputation as a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive, and by offering useful information or tips to people who need it, you can become the trusted advisor in your sector, meaning that you will be the one people think of when they need what you offer.
Find out more about our networking opportunities at Ourworx Office Solutions.
We like getting to know our customers, here at Ourworx Office Solutions. It helps us to help them build their business, and it makes sure that we are still providing them with the best facilities possible.
We asked Alex Gunning, from Chase Personnel to have a chat with us, to talk about his business and how he’s making use of his serviced office at Ourworx.
My name is Alex Gunning, I’m the head of resourcing at Chase Personnel. I’ve worked in recruitment for many years and I’m responsible for managing candidate campaigns and maintaining advertising platforms.
Chase Personnel is an RPO recruitment company, which means we handle all the recruitment processes for our clients. We work across 3 key sectors: Health & Social Care, Construction & Property and Sales & Admin. We provide high quality hires from entry level staff through to Senior Leadership placements.
I started Chase Personnel up as a single person business. Essentially, when I kicked off, I was working from home and trying to juggle my home life with work life, all in the same space. I had a year of doing that. And a year was enough! Plenty of people wouldn’t admit it, but I knew I was getting stale. It’s not like I didn’t have some moderate success, things were going okay, but I knew I wasn’t reaching my potential.
I picked up a contract working within a company for six months. After completing that, I just didn’t want to go back to working at home. I realised how much I’d missed the office life. How much being in contact with working people mattered, not just because it made my day more varied and interesting, but also because being in a working atmosphere helped me to be more productive and innovative too. I had the added incentive of needing to take on someone else as well – so I started to look around for an appropriate space.
All over. There’s plenty out there, but too many are badly appointed, or just scruffy and cheap looking. While I didn’t want to pay the earth, I wanted someone that reflected our values as a growing agency. I wanted somewhere that I could do candidate interviews in private, but also somewhere I’d feel proud to bring my client businesses. I wanted the Manchester agency feel, but without the extra cost.
Recommendation. A friend of mine had an office space here, and he suggested I come in and have a look. As someone who’s business is founded on trusted relationships and referrals, I was looking for someone I trusted to help me find just what I needed. I wasn’t let down. He sent me through the pictures and I was amazed. It looks like a fantastic space, and when I came in to visit I wasn’t disappointed. I knew immediately that it was a place I needed to consider, but there were other factors that helped me decide too.
The location is great. I get easy access to the road network, motorway and the train into Manchester is quick and regular. Vital, too, was the free onsite parking. It’s such a premium concern. Last thing I need when I come into work is to struggle to find a space!
On top of that, the facilities are first rate. It’s a great space to bring people into, but also its an inspiring space to work in. It makes coming into the office a pleasure. I feel proud of it.
The price was on the upper side of what I was prepared to pay. Still reasonable, but there were cheaper office spaces out there I looked at. But just none of them had the same facilities and high quality. That’s what set this place apart. Lots of cheap offices feel run down, and unloved, but this is a nice place to come to.
Apart from the free tea and coffee, the boardroom and meeting spaces are most valuable to our business. If I want to interview candidates, which is a vital part of our proposition, having the meeting spaces to chat informally and then the boardroom to have the formal private interviews with prospects is invaluable.
I feel at home! It’s striking when you come in, but having other people around to say morning to, or to grab a coffee and a chat with, makes it much more homely and friendly. The office is comfortable. The furnishings are first class. And there’s a buzz to the place that’s infectious. It makes me more productive being here, there’s no doubt about that.
I have a growth plan in place. We are moving forwards as a business. I employ several staff now and we are moving towards having more. It’s another reason I chose Ourworx, its flexibility. There are a range of office spaces available here, and moving into a larger office when I need it is no problem at all. Just as downsizing wouldn’t be a problem either. It’s been a great place for us to come to and I’d recommend it to anyone.
Whether you rent a one-person office or share a communal workspace, it’s important to maximise your place of work, to make sure you’re staying productive and on top of your business. Some office spaces naturally help you do this, others may just be hindering you, if they aren’t set up in an ergonomic way.
Here’s some simple rules to stick to, which will help make the most of your working environment, and keep your day clearer, focussed and more productive.
Sometimes all it takes is a bit more light to make you feel better about your work space. If you have a small office, make sure you have plenty of lighting options. Lighter coloured decor, internal and external windows and plenty of interior lights give an open, airier feel to any space, no matter the size.
Changing the light can also dramatically affect the appearance of a small office, and affect your productivity. Dimly-lit rooms that have limited access to natural light can often cause drowsiness. Rooms that are too bright with artificial light can feel clinical and unwelcoming. Lighting options that allow you to change the mood depending on your activity will give you the right environment for you to work at your pace and to your schedule.
Clearing out everything is a great way to evaluate just how much space you have. Keeping the office area clutter free with just the bare minimum of furniture means that you can organise your working space as efficiently as possible.
In a smaller office space, clutter can slow you down physically, but it also affects your mental productivity as well.
Some work psychologists also recommend having a few “cognitive artefacts” dotted around the office too, as thought starters or visual reminders associated with your work. All of this will help you have a greater sense of purpose as well as stimulating ideas.
You can’t hold every meeting in your office. Whilst it’s useful to have a private space to discuss sensitive issues, it’s good practice to hold some meetings, even internal ones, in a separate space which isn’t used for every day working.
Communal areas in many office rentals can be small and restrictive, limited to a tiny kitchen or reception area. The office space at Ourworx has dedicated areas for communal meetings, as well as fully functional board room which can be used as part of the rental package. Making use of this space gives you more freedom and essentially extends your working environment beyond your simple office.
If you’ve got a small office, it can be difficult to maintain a certain amount of privacy. But dividing your space into zones can help organise both your work and your colleagues’.
Think about having a sofa or table available, to accommodate small groups. This can be where you work on collaborative projects. Separate this area from your desks, where you can have the quiet, private space to get on with individual assignments.
By having two very different work zones, you set a clear distinction for the two types of work that are being performed in the office. And you can create workspaces that benefit both types of workers.
The most expensive furniture isn’t always suited to your workspace. An Eames Executive Work Chair might make you feel like a business mogul, but is it the most ergonomic for your space?
At Ourworx all office rental packages include quality furniture, like desks, pedestals, book cases etc. These have been sourced to compliment the office space and give you the best possible environment to work in. So, you don’t have to worry about cramming in a desk that doesn’t fit, or finding your office lacking in essential storage space.
Productivity in an office depends on comfort, so make sure you always have the best available to you.
Does your small business really need an office rental in the digital age? Here’s five reasons why working in a communal office space will always be beneficial for your business.
Every small business or start-up is using digital technology to power their business in some way. We rely on laptops, smartphones, Wi-Fi and cloud apps to keep us in touch, up-to-date with clients and to market our products and services. These technologies can give entrepreneurs the freedom and flexibility to work anywhere there’s an internet connection. Whether it’s at home, in the coffee shop, the library … or even the pub …
But digital technology, on its own, isn’t enough to deliver growth and success. There are other vital elements that every successful business needs. Networking connections, clarity, collaborations and the working environment all play a vital role in making a small business into a successful business.
At Ourworx, we believe that the best environment to nurture small businesses is a dynamic supportive space, where small business owners can work with a community of like-minded individuals and companies. Because working in a communal office can offer a small business so much.
Marketing your business through social and digital is a must in the “always-on” world. But human beings are social, and we achieve so much more when we work together. Even in the age of digital and social media, most small businesses still rely on a solid network of referrals to grow. Which means that personal connections are vital.
Communal offices workspaces, like Ourworx, allow you to build meaningful relationships with other business people, becoming known, liked and trusted, and creating a pipeline of referrals. This can happen through organised networking events, such as Moxie Mingle happening at Ourworx in April, or simply by spending time with other business people and leveraging their networks.
Even if you are a niche business, it makes sense to surround yourself with people who can inspire you and who will help your business to grow.
Small businesses need to be agile and nimble, and they require space where they can grow at a rate that suits them. Having the flexibility to scale up or down quickly is important for all businesses.
Ourworx is a fine example of a communal workspace that has the capacity and ability to provide small businesses with the flexibility they need. It’s important as a small business that you’re not trapped paying for a large office that you’ll never fill, and that you have the option to increase your space, should you require it.
In a communal office workspace, like Ourworx, rates, cleaning, internet and other bills are included within your rental package. This allows you to focus on what’s most important – growing your business.
The less hassle, and paperwork, the more time you get to spend on what you do best – servicing your clients and customers and building up a business which thrives.
The right office space can be the key to unlocking your potential. You might find the perfect office location that wows clients, but the best communal office spaces also actively encourage a supportive, collaborative culture.
No two days are the same, for small business owner, so you need to find an environment that takes this into account. Giving you the ability to work in private and the opportunity to collaborate with others.
At Ourworx, we work hard to nurture a dynamic atmosphere. That’s why we are actively promoting networking events such as Moxie Mingle in April.
Self-employment and freelance working is growing in the UK. Freelance network, PeoplePerHour has predicted that by the end of the decade, 50% of the workforce will be working on temporary contract or self-employment.
Even with all the digital tools at their disposal, freelancers and small business owners need a flexible working approach and access to a supportive network, populated by people who share a common goal of business growth.
Communal offices, like Ourworx, are perfect for this emerging workforce. Giving you the opportunity to run your business where, when and how you want, as well as the chance to become part of a dynamic business focussed community.
Anna Myers, owner and manager of Myers Motor Merchandise, started renting an office space at Ourworx in 2016. Since joining Ourworx, she’s seen her productivity, and her profits go through the roof.
“We’ve been trading for a long time, providing promotional products to the motor trade. But for the last few years, I’ve been working out of a home office,” says Anna Myers, owner of Myers Motor Merchandise. “Working from home suited me to start with, but after a while I just felt so isolated and depressed. I really needed to sort it out.”
Anna’s experience is similar to many small businesses owners operating from a home office. “I need to be around people,” Anna told us. “If I’m not, I lose focus on the business and find myself on a downward spiral. Work suffers, home life suffers, productivity goes down and the business suffers as a result.”
Faced with this, Anna started to look around for a suitable office space. One that gave her the private space she needed to be productive, but also offered the opportunity to network with other, like-minded entrepreneurs.
“There’s plenty of office rentals out there,” Anna says, “but not all of them are suitable. Some offered a good deal on the surface, with a very cheap rental package. But when visited, there was just no atmosphere. People were shut up in their own offices, with no where to break out, or relax, grab a coffee and chat, and no sense of business community. It wasn’t what I know I need to be productive.
“I’m a people person. I don’t want to be isolated in a generic office. I wanted to share the space with people who felt the same way, where we could talk about what we were doing, offer help and bounce ideas off each other.”
“I came across Ourworx on Gumtree,” Anna told us. “The first thing that attracted me was the practicality of the location. Being so close to the travel network, and yet with free onsite parking, I was itching to find out more. And then I saw the inside!”
“It’s such an amazing space to be working in. Really high class finish to everything, but so reasonable too. And the atmosphere was just what I knew I needed. It’s buzzing in here. There’s always someone around to talk to if I need a break or five minutes to switch off. But, more importantly, there’s always someone who can help out if I have a problem or an idea I need to bounce around.”
With a range of flexible office packages available, and a good choice of office sizes, Anna quickly found the ideal space for her.
“I took a larger office than we needed to start with. Because we are a growing business and we are looking to increase staff. Ourworx have been brilliant at accommodating us and we’ve got the option of moving into a larger space whenever we need.”
We asked Anna how coming into Ourworx has helped her business and her? “I’m so much better motivated,” she told us. “Being in a thriving business environment rubs off and the results from the business bare this out. There’s been a noticeable increase in sales, and this is purely due to being more productive more focussed and motivated, as well as working from a business atmosphere with a proper business address.
Ourworx is a space I feel proud to bring my clients into. The informal meeting areas are relaxed and comfortable. And the fact I have use of the boardroom anytime I need it, means that I can hold all my meetings in a serious, professional environment, giving me credibility I could never get from meetings at home, or in a local coffee shop.
“The ability to network informally with other members has been really useful, but the formal networking events, such as the Moxie Mingle that is taking place in April, provide a real opportunity to expand my network of contacts and find new areas of business.”
The one result that many small business owners often overlook, is the effect working from an office space has on their home life too.
“Having my space at Ourworx has provided the perfect boundary,” says Anna. “It’s so important to get the right home-work life balance. With the separation, I find I’m not taking work home. Which means that my home life doesn’t feel crowded out anymore.
“All in all, coming to Ourworx has been the making of the business. For entrepreneurs it’s such a great place to be, and most importantly of all, it’s paid for itself many times over. It really is the perfect place to do business.”
We look forward to many more years of helping Myers Motor Merchandise to grow.
Running a small business from a home office can be a lonely experience. There’s no one to bounce ideas off and no one to help motivate you. On top of that, the constant distractions can lead to a loss of focus, and a loss of productivity. Many small business owners find that working from home just isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
If this is you, the answer could be working in a communal office space, like the offices spaces available at Ourworx. From networking opportunities to joining forces with other businesses and learning from experienced entrepreneurs, there are many advantages to communal working.
One introduction leads to another, and another. Working in the same space as other businesses give you the opportunity to talk about what you do. You could find yourself working alongside new suppliers, new clients and also new friends, along with a valuable support network.
With business lounges for informal chat, break out areas and tea and coffee to break up the day, a shared office space can be the perfect place to kick start your networking activity. According to Harvard Business School, 84% of business starts with referral. So it’s all the more important for small businesses to make the most of the communal networking opportunity.
The potential for collaboration in a communal office is huge. Communal work spaces are a great place to meet new people, exchange new ideas, bounce technical challenges around and even look at profitable business integrations.
With entrepreneurs and small business owners, all within a single communal office space, there is usually a committed desire to share new, innovative solutions problems, and help each other overcome the all too common business obstacles.
Running your business from a very cramped bedroom or the box room office at home does get lonely. And keeping motivated for the long hall, takes discipline and considerable drive, especially after the first few months of excitement has died down.
Working alongside new people, who have a shared outlook and a desire to succeed, can be highly a motivating experience. Entrepreneurs and small business owners tend to be inspiring people. They are usually go-getters. Which means they are motivated and that motivation rubs off.
On top of this, a business-like environment, with quality furnishings, seamless IT infrastructure and an atmosphere of collaborative support, delivers huge benefits. Work spaces that offer this, like those available at Ourworx, are motivational in their own right.
One of the most beneficial aspects of a shared office space is the knowledge and experience that exists under the same roof. No matter what your business problem might be, you can guarantee that someone else has been through it, or has the contacts to help you solve it.
Although you might be working for different businesses in different sectors, you’re all walking down a similar path of business growth together. This common factor means that support, advice and mentoring is never far away, optimising everyone’s chances of reaching that breakthrough moment of success.
For any small business, it’s important to keep expenses down. Sharing a workspace can have a beneficial effect on a small buisness bottom line. They offer a conducive environment without paying another mortgage.
Flexible office packages, like those available at Ourworx, are designed to suit the needs of small business owners. With the right package to support you, you can get all the motivation, advice and referrals you need, without being hit by a crippling cost.
Small businesses like those based at Ourworx, benefit from working together in the same environment. In our office space, we have a mix of businesses from a variety of industries. Our customers are given the perfect opportunity to network, collaborate and benefit from the professional atmosphere and fantastic facilities.
With space for meetings and quiet time, and with breakfast, tea and coffee included, any small business can reap the rewards of increased productivity, and find the motivation to make growth a reality.
Click here to see how Ourworx flexible office packages can benefit your business.