Making space for a new
CO-WORKING facilities are shaking up the commercial property sector by providing modern, vibrant office space without burdening tenants with long, restrictive leases.
Facilities across Birmingham are providing convenient and new ways of working to entrepreneurs and companies of all different sizes.
We brought together an expert panel with co-working provider Spaces at its city centre facility in The Lewis Building to discuss how companies and entrepreneurs can use flexible workspaces to grow their businesses.
Michelin-starred chefs, on-site yoga classes and a focus on the experience, not just the space customers sit in, were some of insights our guests received.
It’s about the experience, not just the space you are sitting in
Stephen Townsend gives insight from a worker’s point of view, highlighting the importance of experience alongside office functionality: “One of the major challenges that businesses are facing is talent, namely attracting and retaining the best people as they are your biggest asset.
“Space requirements these days are far less focussed on physical characteristics of a building and more about the experience of being there.
“What does it feel like? What are the provisions and amenities and the sense of community?
“From a worker’s point of view, what they are looking for in the space has changed and evolved over the past few years.
“That community aspect is
is the founder of PR and publishing agency Edwin Ellis Creative Media which he launched in 2015. He works with a host of local and national clients in areas such as PR, magazine publishing and crisis management, prior to which he had a lengthy career as a journalist, including a spell as Birmingham Post editor.
Chris Kay
has spent seven years with IWG which operates co-working spaces globally including the Spaces and Regus brands. He is now responsible for leading the group’s operations in Yorkshire and the Midlands where it has multiple facilities including The Lewis Building, Crossway and Edmund
important, such as the ability to make friends, meet new people and enhance your career.
“Having the ability to choose how you work and where you work, rather than being stuck at the same desk, is vital.”
Chris Kay outlined the latest innovations in the fast changing office providers’ industry and how the demand for the best experience for office workers, alongside the best physical requirements, is being established.
“One of the most exciting things about being in this industry is that, if you don’t innovate, change and react quickly to fluctuations in market demand, you will be left behind.
“It really is that simple because there are so many businesses which are looking to deliver co-working spaces which is why our group is not stopping at Spaces.
“We are looking to bring a couple of new brands to the marketplace
(panel chairman) is the Midlands editor-in-chief of Reach whose titles include the Birmingham Post and Mail, BirminghamLive and BusinessLive. His 30-year career in the media has included spells as the Birmingham Post editor and more recently editor of the Birmingham Mail and BirminghamLive.
Stephen Townsend
is associate director with Birmingham practice Associated Architects which he joined in 2009. He has worked on a variety of schemes and is currently leading on the delivery of new city centre office building Platform 21. In addition, he sits on the British Council for Offices’ Nextgen Midlands committee.
this year, one of which is No.18 which could be coming to Birmingham next year. With this, the level rises up again with concierge service, yoga and gym facilities, and Michelin-starred chefs bringing your lunch to desk.
“All that kind of innovation is coming.”
Co-working spaces can help those starting out on a new career
Stacey Barnfield gives a personal insight on how co-working helped him: “I launched my business four years ago and it was a daunting step I took at that time. The top of my list of concerns were overheads and costs.
“I wanted to find myself a decent city centre office but I couldn’t at that stage commit to any kind of lease when I didn’t know the direction of the business.
“Every penny had to be scrutinised so costs were at the top of the list along with the ability to work in the city centre and be close to my clients and public transport.
“Launching the business from home can be pretty lonely at times and it can be hard to motivate yourself.
“I needed something that would energise my thinking and enable me to approach things differently as well as be among other people following a similar career path.
“That community of similar start-ups and businesses is what appeals in co-working facilities.
“What it also does, in addition to the immediate launch and set up period, is give me options to grow in the same building and even look at employing people.
“Consultants I work with can meet me in the city instead of coming out to my home so there are numerous advantages in terms of that starting point and the growth options that come with it.
How the changing nature of work is impacting on the commercial property sector
Stephen Townsend explains how co-working benefited his working practices.
“A few years ago we were travelling regularly to Leeds as we have a number of clients there.
“We needed people on the ground there but we also wanted that flexibility so, if that work load didn’t expand, we could quickly reduce the presence back so we took on some flexible space.
“What that enabled our staff in Leeds to do was engage with other businesses and property professionals within the same space and