As they are
often called in the U.K., are shared office spaces operated to create a
community spirit among members. The set up is typically casual and open. Spaces
are designed to encourage interaction and a sense of community. Most include
amenities, meeting rooms, some private offices and social hours (complete with
adult beverages). The cost is based on the frequency of use and packaged as
monthly or long-term memberships.
A more
flexible workforce, a desire for greater workspace efficiency and huge advances
in mobile technology have led to the remarkable growth in coworking and shared
office facilities across the UK.
Coworking hubs are
home to collaborative communities of like
minded freelancers, start-ups and SMEs. Even Global organisations such
as Google have embraced coworking to reduce office costs whilst similarly
boosting employee performance & satisfaction.
Cowork spaces are
part of the sharing economy. Gone are private offices and allocated
workstations. In come open plan spaces, shared desks, break out areas and
creative meeting rooms.
In addition to
social & networking events most coworking spaces offer business support,
professional advice drop-ins & investor meetings.
Coworkers typical
pay a monthly club membership or subscription fee which includes access to the
hub, a hotdesk, internet & meeting rooms. Some also provide day access
rates.
For a quarter of a century the
Business Centre Association has been at the forefront of the flexible workspace
revolution and we are champions of the coworking & shared office
concept.