Co-working hub altspace triples its membership in six months

In the six months since altspace Co-working Office has moved to its new 3,000 sq ft Altrincham base in Kennedy House, it has tripled its membership and filled four of its five private offices.

The hot desk area is now a popular hub for remote workers while the private offices are home to geotechnical engineering companies Betts Geo Environmental and Ground and Project Consultants, charity Resolve ASB and property cost mangers Akira Consult.

Steve Upham, altspace founder, is confident the one remaining private office space at the Stamford Street site will also be let this month.

He said: “The co-working movement has taken off across Manchester, and with Trafford having a particularly high number of start-ups, there’s been a growing demand for affordable office space in Altrincham.

“In January I, therefore, decided to invest in a new, larger office to give greater support to small businesses and remote workers and, to be honest, it’s proved more popular than I could have hoped.”

Research has shown that small businesses are increasingly taking advantage of coworking spaces, with studies revealing that shared workspaces can lead to greater motivation and engagement.

They also offer an informal setting to help meet fellow professionals and can help improve job satisfaction.

Marc Fawcett, director of Betts Geo Environmental, who rent one of altspace’s private offices, said: “Historically, we had offices in the centre of Altrincham but moved out due to lack of space and crippling business rates.

“Having tested the water at altspace with a ‘satellite office’ with one member of staff in 2017, we’ve now embraced the idea of investing in a full time office for eight members of staff within the building.”

Mr Upham added: “Today, people want more than just a desk. They want to be surrounded by people that understand their business and actively help them grow, with tailored support and the opportunity to make valuable connections.

“To achieve this, we host appropriate networking groups and speakers, and are a regular meeting place for the Federation of Small Business and the Young Professionals Alliance.”

He has also developed value-added partnerships with local businesses, including a printer and hotel who offer reduced rates for members.