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Why Consider Co-Working?

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Why go it alone when you could work in a collaborative, creative and social space?

The amount of people working freelance or remotely is steadily rising to meet the needs of a more flexible and collaborative business environment. In fact, HR professionals estimate that as many as 20% of employees could be freelancers by 2020. Home to a wealth of creative and digital talent, as well as numerous graduates from its two universities, Norwich is a hub for those looking to work independently.

But if you’re freelancing, where do you work?

For most, the answer lies in a home office, spare bedroom or dining room table. Whilst this is an economical solution, it doesn’t always offer the ideal working environment. And if you’re renting, you may find that there are restrictions around running a business from your home.

Even for the most strong-willed, working from home can feel like most of your day is spent battling against distraction. Last night’s washing up, childcare and friends that “just drop by” can all chip into your work time and affect your productivity. It’s notoriously difficult to set work boundaries in your own home, and while flexibility is an attractive part of being your own boss, separating business from leisure time is vital to stay healthy and happy.

Co-working is a fantastic and cost effective solution. A desk rented monthly – often on a flexible contract – can project a more professional image for your business and increase your productivity.

An office away from home can give your day structure, and knowing that you have somewhere to be means you’re less likely to spend the morning making calls in your pyjamas. Co-working could even benefit your health: if you’re within cycling or walking distance, you could use the time to squeeze in some exercise.

Co-working areas often share space with other great facilities like restaurants and cafés, which are great places to meet clients. It’s also worth looking for somewhere that is central and close to a car park or transport links so clients can easily find you.

Going it alone doesn’t have to be lonely: your co-working community are there to bounce ideas off and collaborate with. Working in a space with so many other businesses means effortless daily networking, and perhaps even some new business.

We offer co-working desks from £100 +VAT on a monthly rolling contract. If you’d like to find out more information or arrange to be taken on a tour of our excellent facilities, why not get in touch. We’ll be more than happy to help.


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What Exactly Is Hot Desking and Is it Right for You?

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For many freelancers, it can be a real challenge finding a suitable working environment. The lack of facilities and social interaction can make working from home a non-option for some freelancers. Not to mention the many unhelpful distractions present at home.

With working from home ruled out, what options are left? Renting office space when you’re a one-man band is out of the question. Fortunately, there is an increasingly popular solution for freelancers who find themselves in this predicament. As you’ve probably guessed from the title of this blog, we’re talking about Hot Desking.

Hot Desking is the perfect compromise between working from home and working from rented office space. It has the benefits associated with working from home and from an office without the negatives of either. There are no contracts that require a lengthy commitment, it’s affordable and completely flexible.

What is a Hot Desking service?

The term ‘Hot Desking’ originates from an old naval term ‘hot racking’, meaning to save space. Hot Desking is based on this principle of saving space; providing you with the space you need, but nullifying the excess space you don’t.

In short, to ‘Hot Desk’ is to hire a desk as and when you need it. The main benefits being the affordability and flexibility it provides.

What other benefits does Hot Desking provide?

As well as being an affordable way of working in a productive environment, Hot Desking also provides fantastic learning opportunities. This is because you’re surrounded by other professionals much like yourself who will likely possess skills and experience you do not, and vice versa. This is why hot desking is often a popular choice for those just starting out, as on arrival you become part of a diverse business network. Some of the connections you make may prove useful later down the line.

Here at The Union Building, in addition to providing Hot Deskers with a professional environment in which to work (and network), our service includes a number of additional perks. These perks include access to our secure underground car park and super-fast Wi-Fi, as well as the option to make use of our creative breakout area, equipped with tea and coffee making facilities.

There is also a range of amenities within the building itself, from meeting room space to a rooftop bar & restaurant. Our Hot Desking service is available on either a half-day or full-day basis, meaning how you use the service is completely flexible.

To find out more about our Hot-Desking service, enquire today!