Demand for co-working space increases in Plymouth

Plymouth Science Park is supporting emerging tech businesses in the region by providing access to a newly renovated co-working space. The modern co-working space and break-out areas proved popular in the wake of the pandemic as more small businesses looked for flexible office space to accommodate hybrid working. 

Hybrid working is a type of flexible working where an employee splits their time between the workplace and working remotely. This form of working has increased in the last two years during the pandemic, and a report by Accenture, found that 83% of 9,326 workers surveyed prefer a hybrid model and that 63% of high-growth companies have already adopted a “productivity anywhere” workforce model.

Fay Davies, Business Development Manager at Plymouth Science Park commented: “The coworking space the Park is popular with small startup businesses which are either transitioning to a flexible hybrid working model as a result of the pandemic, or choosing to work in a space which is cost effective and does not tie them in to a long-term lease at the early stages of their business. It allows small businesses to access the full range of facilities and benefits which the Science Park offers, and enables them to become part of our growing community of innovators.”

Whilst the co-working space is open to businesses from a range of sectors, there is a strong cluster of tech start-ups currently utilising the space including Disruption Works, ESyn3rgy, KnowThis, and Total Innovations Europe Ltd, who are all trailblazers in their respective fields. 

Ben Saul launched his marketing company, KnowThis, at the start of the pandemic, and works ad-hoc from the co-working space at Plymouth Science Park. Despite the challenging climate, the business has achieved impressive growth and has already secured its first global client. 

Ben said: “The co-working space at Plymouth Science Park enabled us to move away from a home office, recruit new members of staff, and make valuable connections with like-minded business people. The business has been going for two years and our growth is in part thanks to the invaluable support offered by the Park.”

Russell Hockley from ESyn3rgy, also based in the co-working space at Plymouth Science Park, provides a range of services to support businesses with large scale projects using cloud technology. 

Head of Modern Workplace at ESyn3rgy Russell Hockley said: “The co-working space at Plymouth Science Park has proved an invaluable asset to our business. It has been a great platform for us to consolidate and grow our business and since we formed at the Park, we’re working on large scale strategic business projects with clients across the globe.”

The Park is also proud to support the award-winning Plymouth Drake Foundation. The charity has benefited from the co-working space at the Park since 2009 and is a much valued member of the community. 

Demand for co-working space in Plymouth has increased with some businesses giving up their premises and moving to a hybrid model of working during the pandemic.  

Fay Davies, Business Development Manager at Plymouth Science Park, says: “The increase in hybrid working and a thriving tech start-up scene in the South West has seen demand for our co-working space higher than ever before. We’re delighted to be supporting local charity, The Drake Foundation as well as many small businesses at the start of their growth journey.”

To find out more about Plymouth Science Park visit: plymouthsciencepark.co.uk