My wife and I moved to Sheffield in the spring of this year and finding a good coworking space was so helpful for us. Prior to our arrival, we had been living and working in a number of countries including India, Hungary and Portugal, but as we are planning to settle here, finding a space where we felt at home was very important.
I’d say there are five key reasons why coworking makes such a difference. I’ll call them the 5 Cs.
First, community. A coworking space helps you to feel part of a community in the way that otherwise you might miss out on as a freelancer. Union St, where we are members, organises regular socials (in fact, I’ve started attending the social committee to help out with this) and just being able to ask people for local tips and advice when we were new, was really useful. While I enjoy working solo a lot of the time, like most people I feed off the energy of others, too. Plus, Union St isn’t just a coworking space. It involves members of the community in all sorts of ways including things like hosting pop-up cafes to support local businesses.
Second, confidence. Being a coworking member has helped me to get up to speed much more quickly and feel I can get involved in the life of the city. For example, after talking to other members of Union St, my wife and I set up a meetup called Social Good Sheffield.
Third, contacts. My business helps people with their personal brand and their influence. Networking is very important for what I do. Sharing desk space is an effective way to get to know people much more quickly and naturally than you otherwise might.
Fourth, collaboration. While coworking feels very ‘now’, independent people working on areas of specialism is really part of Sheffield’s traditions, for example with the ‘Little Mesters’. Being able to work alongside a range of people, rather than just on your own, opens new doors.
Fifth, creativity. Union St is full of talented people who have completely different skills to me. It is inspiring to learn from people who are passionate about their craft in the same way I’m passionate about mine.
If anyone hasn’t tried coworking yet but thinks that it might be for them I urge you to try it. I believe it will be a key part of the future of work in our brilliant city.
