Printing firm opens its doors to support businesses with new co-working space
Essential Print Services has converted its Pride Park offices into a co-working space, creating new a new base for three other companies.
Yvonne Gorman, owner of Essential Print Services, advertised the change via the Derby Small Businesses Unite Facebook group that she runs which has over 1,000 members.
She had instant responses from limited companies looking to relocate and sole traders wanting a break from working from home.
She said: “With my commercial lease renewal looming and sales not yet recovered from the effect of COVID-19, I ran the risk of losing my office space.
“After talking with fellow small business owners, it became apparent that many were in a similar position, or that working from home was no longer working for them. So, with the support of my landlord, I made the decision to change my office into a COVID-secure environment where small businesses can not only have their own space on a monthly basis, but also network and support one another as they restart and grow.”
Essential Print’s offices are now also home to Kedleston Safety, Enable Property Solutions, and BBP Recruitment.
Gorman says the demand for shared workspaces is rocketing around the country, with many companies realising that vast office space is no longer required but still recognising a need for some form of base.
Suzanne Dixon from Kedleston Safety said: “For me working away from home means fewer distractions which gives me more business focus, therefore making me more productive. There are good networking opportunities in a shared office as well as having others to bounce ideas off.”
Andy Miller, founder of Enable Property Solutions, said: “Having a shared workspace is good for both my mental health and my business. It allows me to network with like-minded entrepreneurs and to feel part of the business community.”
Andy Green from BBP Recruitment added: “After trying to work from home, Yvonne’s offer gave me the chance to focus on my business and to push for growth. Having newly set up, this gave me the chance to work from a professional office and allowed me the opportunity to work with others to help support and push my business forward as well. Although I am my own boss, this has had the added bonus of making me feel part of a team.”
