In recent years, the UK business landscape has changed dramatically. More people are now self-employed than before records even began. Because of this, many serviced office providers are reconsidering the facilities they offer, and looking at how they can adapt to suit these new types of businesses.
Like many of the other top office providers around the country, at Carrwood Park we have sought to create an innovative and dynamic work environment to sit alongside our more traditional office suites. Our co-working space has given small and micro businesses a professional hub in which they can do their best work.
Co-working spaces have sprung up in more than 7,000 locations worldwide in recent years, but it’s very much worth noting that not all of these spaces were created equally! If you’re thinking about investing in a membership for a professional co-working space, it’s important that you take your time and pick the one that’s right for you.
What makes a good co-working space?
Co-working isn’t just about having a desk to work from. The true value of co-working lies in the community that you get with that desk, and the networking opportunities that are available. The very best co-working providers seek to build this community with regular events.
A good co-working space isn’t limited to office space either – top co-working providers are also likely to give you access to other resources and facilities such as meeting room hire, catering, parking, administrative support and more.
How to tell if a space is right for you
- Choose a space where you feel you can be yourself in. Workers tend to fare much better in terms of work satisfaction when they don’t have to manage a ‘work persona’.
- Ask about opening hours. Do you want a space that’ll make sure you down tools and get home in time for dinner, or do you want somewhere that’ll be accessible whenever you feel ready to work?
- Look at the recent events and other networking opportunities on offer. How easy will it be for you to settle in as a member of the community?
- It’s not all about the desk. What other resources are on offer? Even if you don’t require things such as meeting spaces and administrative support at this moment in time, try and consider what you and your business might need a year from now.
- Atmosphere is vital. A disruptive co-working space where you won’t actually get any work done won’t be a good investment, but nor will one that’s so quiet that you won’t feel comfortable enough to talk to anyone.
- Check their tech set up. You’ll need a work base that’s got fast, reliable wifi access, and a solid mobile phone signal, otherwise you might as well be working from Starbucks!
What are the other options?
You may decide that, when it comes down to it, co-working itself isn’t right for you. Perhaps you work better in solitude at home, or perhaps you aren’t sure if you’re ready to financially commit to co-working at this stage in your business.
If this is the case, there are other options to consider. It’s becoming more and more common for freelancers and small business owners to invest in virtual offices. This type of work base can add an air of professionalism to your business, as well as more concrete benefits such as call answering, postal administration and access to discounted meeting room hire.
If you’re looking for a professional business address Leeds is one of the very best cities to get one. After all, Leeds outperforms other cities as a base for start up businesses.
Want to explore more about what co-working looks like at Carrwood Park? We’d love to welcome you for a visit to our dynamic family of businesses!
