Pay-as-you-go office concept lights the way
THE first business centre offering flexible office and pay-as-you-go desk space was launched in North Berwick this week, generating a significant boost to the local economy while providing an alternative for those wishing to work closer to home.
The Lighthouse on Heugh Road will offer a range of 2-6 person offices, 22 fixed desks, and a number of co-working options.
A novel attraction is discounted rates for commuters, enabling those who normally travel to Edinburgh for work to spend a day or two closer to home in the quality new facilities built on the site of the famous former Ben Sayers golf club factory.
The brainchild of property professional and local resident Andy Hadden and business partner Alasdair Mccaig, the project is the first of its kind in the area and fills a gap in the market for what is an increasingly popular way of operating among self employed workers and SMES.
There are also formal and informal meeting spaces, break out areas, showers, kitchen facilities and coffee from funky local café Steam Punk. High speed business broadband is supplied by Edinburgh based IT Centric, with on site printing and photocopying, a meeting room available for public hire and pop-up ventures, free parking for tenants and 16 self-storage units.
Hadden, well known in the property sector, said: “The Lighthouse has really captured the imagination of local businesses and we’re pleased with the strong level of interest already. There are clear benefits for businesses to be in co-working spaces and we believe this flexible new offering will be a perfect platform for them to thrive.”
Pre-signed tenants range from construction consultants and IT experts to a locally sourced lifestyle products business. Construction project consultant Phil Kilby of Northland PM said his new base in a collaborative and friendly environment cut out the long commute to a city centre office and negated some of the loneliness home-based working can bring.
Prices start from £150 per month for a hot desk, £250 for a fixed desk, with private offices almost all pre-let.
Discounts apply for start up businesses and day rates kick off at £30. Knight Frank have assisted with lettings.