SHARED IDEAS: THE SHARING ECONOMY ASSOCIATION

the Sharing Economy has a deep economical and social impact.

The All Space directors are passionate about the shift it creates from ownership to access.

“Co- sharing leads to a more sustainable way of resource usage,” she says. “The sharing economy offers huge opportunities for reinvention and innovation in traditional industries. It opens up a new level of creativity.

“For us, the Sharing Economy Association is an opportunity to join forces to create a supportive network, influence traditional industries, promote the collaborative economy to the public and make a difference.

“We'd like to share our story, both highs and lows – inspire and be inspired by others.”

Elena says it's a misconception that the Sharing Economy mostly targets young tech savvy people.

“Interestingly the 40 to 60 demographic is very active. We get a lot of interest from the older demographic for both the ‘host' and ‘renter' side of storage.”

She's quick to dispel myths surrounding the Sharing Economy – particularly around security. “Some may think it's not secure to put personal or financial information into a shared economy mobile app or website. But mobile app security is as safe as online banking or any other secure online data.”

As to physical security of the assets, many people might think the insurance industry is totally against the Sharing Economy, she continues. “Quite the opposite; it presents a completely new market and opportunity to grow in a completely new way.

“We're seeing smaller insurers jumping on board and creating unique products to fit the market need.”

Myriam predicts a normalisation of the Sharing Economy over the next few years, and it's adoption by large, traditional businesses – in much the same way as travel firms eventually established an online presence and partnered with online fare comparison and booking websites.