Member Article

Open Space turns One

More and more people are parting ways with their traditional working environment in favour of accessing space as and when they need it. The Open Space at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) turns one this month and it remains the perfect answer for businesses who desire a prestigious place to work from but don’t require their own dedicated full time offices.

Based on the principles of co-working it is the ideal environment for self-employed professionals as well as business owners allowing this option to employees. Freelancers, web and IT consultants, accountants, HR specialists, marketing experts are just some of the frequent users of the facilities.

It is not just about the location and surroundings but also about the social interaction and the support network it can provide. Co-working seeks to change the existing rules of work. Enabling business owners and employees to work in a more unconventional but still very productive way. According to deskmag.com co-working spaces have doubled within the last year with over 2000 spaces now worldwide. Why, because business owners no longer have aspirations of moving into their perfect office, however nor are they content with their home space or coffee shop.

Instead they are leaving all these models behind in search of alternative work strategies. They are looking for something which offers the flexibility of premises without the contractual restrictions. Working alone can be incredibly lonely but in these changing and exciting times it needn’t be.

For information on how your employees could benefit from our Open Space call 0191 516 6066. Here is what a few of our members are saying: Sharon Lashley, director of Environmental Consultants said: “Being a member of the Open Space at the BIC has provided me with an excellent opportunity to network with other businesses, work productively in a business environment without the overheads of having an office base which as a new business was really important to me when I started using the Open Space facility one year ago. Open Space has definitely helped me to run my business effectively, meet new people and also win new business - success in all areas I say - thank you and happy birthday Open Space!”

Tim Jones, entrepreneur and director of Green Tiki Recycling: “Working from home has many distractions so it was vital for my business that I found an office. The business has a handful of really good customers so far and my focus is building upon those relationships so we can continue making steady progress. I am confident that this is more than achievable by working from Open Space.”

Michael White, Posture Team added: “The Open Space is a fantastic co-working hub and I have already made connections with other members who use the facility. Prior to this I worked from home but having a professional l setting as well as a business address is priceless, not to mention the access to experienced advisers.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Howell .