Coworking hub offers space for start-ups

A Tees Valley coworking hub is opening its doors to more entrepreneurs and small businesses with affordable workspace designed to combat the isolation that can come with running a company.

Wynyard Coworking Space, based at Wynyard Park, is run by entrepreneurs Michael and Kat Carruthers, who created the facility after experiencing first-hand the challenges faced by founders working alone.

The hub brings together businesses spanning HR, marketing, PR, software development, photography and academia, providing a collaborative environment alongside traditional desk space.

Six desks are currently available, with prices starting from £150 plus VAT per month and free trial days offered to prospective members.

Michael and Kat say their ambitions align with the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s (TVCA) Local Growth Plan, which includes increasing access to quality commercial premises and creating conditions in which businesses can start and grow.

Kat said: “The TVCA has pledged to increase business births, improve the business environment and business survival rates and increase access to finance and opportunities to scale up as part of its plan to increase regional prosperity for all.

“Through our own experience of setting up companies like Carro of Wynyard, Carro Weddings and Hugo Bea, we know it is very difficult for small businesses to find like-minded business owners who share the frustrations associated with getting a business off the ground.

“We have always had each other to lean on, but we know from our own experience that it can be very lonely and isolating until you start talking to other owners of similar-sized businesses and find they are experiencing the same challenges.

“That is why we opened up our workspace to others to create a supportive community.”

The couple also run NetWORK NotWORK CIC from the site, providing informal networking opportunities for businesspeople across Tees Valley.

Their wider work includes supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs and creating work experience opportunities for young people.

Businesses based at the coworking facility include communications consultancy SASS media, whose owners Sarah Walker and Sarah Dale are directors of NetWORK NotWORK.

Sarah Walker added: “The co-working space at Wynyard provides everything we need to run our business and support our wider work with NetWORK NotWORK at the same time.

“The facilities are fantastic and include meeting rooms and a well-equipped kitchen space.

“The ‘glass room’ in particular is great for collaborative meetings and brainstorming ideas, with access to everything from state-of-the-art interactive screens to more traditional whiteboards and flipcharts.

“We have seen a significant increase in productivity working within these offices and it is also beneficial working around other businesses, as we all learn from each other.”

The NetWORK NotWORK team has also launched Careers Navigator, a gamified careers and employment platform currently supporting apprentices in the construction industry, including learners with additional needs.

It is hoped the platform can eventually support young people who are not in education, employment or training and provide schools and colleges with careers resources.

Alongside coworking facilities, the Wynyard site includes a studio available for businesses and creatives producing photography, social media content, videos and podcasts.

Coworking members receive up to eight hours’ studio use each month at no additional charge, while the facility can also be hired separately.

Michael and Kat hope the combination of affordable workspace, creative facilities and an established business community can give early-stage companies an environment in which to develop while building stronger connections with other entrepreneurs.

Michael added: “Through our group of companies, including NetWORK NotWORK, we have created a supportive ecosystem of business owners and young people at all different stages of their career or business journey – and we are very proud of what we have achieved in this regard.

“Businesses who work in our coworking space can access a wide range of advice on marketing, PR, social media and website development, as well as HR for those who progress to employing people within their business – all under one roof.

“We are looking forward to welcoming more businesses within our Wynyard Park coworking space and collectively benefiting from their expertise.”

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