Nottingham set to pioneer ‘remote working revolution’
Nottingham is set to be “a pioneer” of the flexible working movement, according to a new provider of a network of venues uniting co-workers with available spaces.
Dispace, which will launch on 1 October in Nottingham, says it will create a “remote working revolution that isn’t wedded to the tired 9-5 office culture” but will be “an entirely flexible solution that co-exists much better with people’s lives and the power of technology”.
The company’s owner says Dispace is designed to revolutionise co-working space in bars and restaurants so that busy professionals can work wherever they need to.
Dispace’s first Nottingham venue is the city centre pub, the Cross Keys, already a popular haunt for freelancers and remote workers.
Further venues including hotels and coffee shops will shortly follow including the Bentinck Hotel, right next to Nottingham railway station.
Ross Cox, founder of Dispace, said: “Workforces have changed: corporations have more remote workers than ever and the uptake of online communication and collaboration tools has allowed more people to follow the dream of being their own boss. Over 50% of the working population is expected to be self-employed in the next five years but we all know that working from home isn’t always the best option.
“Dispace connects the remote worker with the critical assets they need to succeed: facilities, people and resources. The great thing is that we are also helping to drive footfall and open up new opportunities for venues across the city which is a massive opportunity given the challenges the high street faces.”
“We’re here for anyone who spends time away from permanent premises and teams,” added Ross. “Freelancers, contractors, homeworkers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, the ‘on-the-road’ workforce of larger organisations and businesses seeking innovative overflow space – they are all welcome at Dispace venues.
“Ultimately, we’re giving them on-demand facilities wherever they are located, connecting them to potential partners, suppliers and customers within their user peer group and providing access to support and guidance, via expert contributors and tailored content.
“We’ll be starting with Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham in the first few weeks of launch – places close to us so we can be hands on in giving our customers the service they demand. We’ll then adding locations by the week meaning Dispace is there where our members need it.”
Tom Holodynsky, operations manager, Great Northern Inns, said: “We’ve always been popular with people popping in for a coffee, a snack or even a pint if they like whilst they get some work done. We have great WiFi here which is a major factor and its quite a quirky and creative space which people enjoy as they can get a fresh perspective away from the office or their home.
“What we didn’t have before Dispace was a network of potential customers who know we are open for business if they want to come in work here. Dispace has opened that offering up to a new customer base and we will making a few tweaks here and there in consultation with their team to ensure the venue works for them but that’s the great thing about the network, we can learn what people want. If that means a separate area upstairs or a section downstairs we can provide that. It is all about making sure this works for both parties, win/win.”
With Nottingham open and Leicester and Birmingham following within the month, Dispace’s phase two roll-out during winter 2018 will include: Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Brighton and Sheffield.
