Utilising property space like never before at HQ Tralee

THE ‘HQ Co-Working Space’ in Tralee has taken the idea of property use to a whole new level in the heart of town. This clever idea enables a flexible and affordable mix of office/work space solutions for start-up and small businesses.

The story began last September when a vacant property in Abbey Street was transformed into a modern office and work space. It currently caters for 50 people who run 18 different businesses ranging from consultants, designers, finance, tech and web companies. HQ Tralee also facilitates short-term occupancy and board meetings all of which, when combined, is helping to revive the town centre by making it a vibrant business hub.

The good news is HQ Tralee is set to expand to an adjoining building in mid-May. Ken Tobin and Tom O’Leary are the driving force behind HQ Tralee, an undertaking they started with the aim of reviving Tralee Town Centre by retaining and attracting entrepreneurs and businesses to remain here, something which is having a knock-on effect for the local economy. Ken Tobin explains more about HQ Tralee.

“Currently we have 18 businesses working out of HQ . We do have membership available for people who just need to use the facility on a short-term basis. But in terms of permanent space, we’re full at the moment with a waiting list. Phase 2 of HQ will start in May with a view to opening in midsummer. This will help provide accommodation for approximately 50 extra people.

“When we opened last September we had 30 people, so this tells you how the business has grown. The aim of this project for Tom and I was to generate activity in the centre of town, which has worked. We are already getting feedback from local restaurants and shops in the area who say they have noticed a slight uplift in trade because everybody based in HQ Tralee is spending money in town.

“We’re not focused on one particular market at HQ as we want a collaborative mix of businesses. We have everything from small start-ups in their first few months, to medium and established businesses covering all kinds of fields. It’s a good mix. Interestingly, the different businesses here also do a lot of work together which helps them to grow.

“Tom and I are continuing in our work of building up what is essentially a business community and we’re very interested in looking at new ways in which other parts of Tralee can be used as a business hub.”

Learn more about HQ Tralee at www.hqtralee.com