Hull aims to establish itself as the UK’s coworking capital, ensuring a thriving city center while embracing post-pandemic productivity.
Backed by the best broadband connectivity in the UK and direct rail links to London, a strong team has united behind the vision of Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy – helping to retain local talent, while attracting big city salaries and offering a better quality of life, because office presenteeism is a thing of the past.
Involving property developers, contractors and the council, fellow Labor and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves attended the launch to endorse the ambition.
Read more: Former Rix Group headquarters to become Network Rail’s call center as £3.8m contract lands in Hull
The University of Hull will also produce a report which will be presented to Parliament on the potential.
Under the Work Hull Work Happy brand, hot desk providers will be united to provide those who find themselves with flexibility the best opportunities.
(Photo: Richard Addison)
Ms Hardy, who was inspired by watching a woman in Hull get a pedicure while working on a laptop for a London firm active in the Middle East, said: ‘We can do it. A decade of progress has been made in this area in two years. We had to make it work and make it happen. I accept that there are tensions, if you own a huge office building in central London you are not going to like it. This is our moment, our opportunity, we have the positive side rather than the negative.
Unveiled at the impressive Group 55 base in the former HSBC in Whitefriargate, it’s one of many coworking hotspots ready to engage, ranging from C4DI to cafes – with buildings, floors or full areas all welcome.
Ms Hardy said: ‘No one should feel pressured to leave the place they love to get the job they want, and the launch of this project will help put Hull on the map as the capital of co- working from the UK.
“Now that businesses can sign up to offer coworking space, we will have the most accessible and diverse spaces in the entire city. This, coupled with the best broadband speed in the country, as well as all benefits of living in Hull, I truly believe this is an opportunity to usher in a new era for the city and breathe new life into our local economy.
Plans will see spaces checked to ensure suitability, with plaque certification rolled out and a website directory for attendees.
Hubs developing for particular sectors are envisaged as a balance is struck between the formal structure of offices and the pitfalls of home isolation.
Cllr Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said issues of trust between employer and employee had been ruled out, making work anywhere possible for many.
“We have to seize this opportunity and this is a great opportunity to present it,” he said. “There is so much for us to do, a beautiful city, beautiful buildings, a beautiful waterfront, brilliant connectivity and beautiful people too. There is a real point of difference here to seize this opportunity.
(Photo: Richard Addison)
“The retail of yesteryear has left the high street, it’s about how downtowns are reinventing those places, and it’s about flexible office spaces, bespoke businesses that you don’t cannot find in other cities, leisure and unique hospitality.”
Innovation and start-up opportunities are also flagged, with the provision of affordable spaces to work productively.
Ms. Reeves praised the proactive nature of the initiative. She said: ‘Instead of saying it’s all too difficult and it’s going to cause the city center to haemorrhage or people moving out, you’re taking the opportunity.
“No one should feel pressured to leave the place they love to work.”
Gerard Toplass, Group Executive Chairman of The 55 Group, said: “The pandemic has changed everything about how, why and where we work – and people can enjoy a great quality of life co-working in Hull. .
“Remote work opportunities can bring high quality jobs to parts of the UK where they were previously unavailable, boosting local economies, retaining top talent and providing a great quality of life for people.”
The new owners of Prince’s Quay and Hammonds of Hull are also on board, with support from HullBID and Northern Powerhouse.
(Photo: Richard Addison)
Support for entrepreneurs and real estate professionals
Moodbeam co-founder Jonathan Elvidge talked about how ideal coworking was for launching the tech wellness business he helped create.
The city entrepreneur, once behind retail brands The Gadget Shop and Red5, said: “We started the business, started working from home, because it wasn’t in a position where we we could invest in offices. We found ourselves in co-working at C4DI. It was a real game-changer – not only did we have an amazing space, but it was a place where we could meet people, much better than in a pub or at home. It gave us credibility and allowed us to start building a network.
“This experience is why I want to promote this and Hull as the coworking capital of the UK.
“It’s great for existing businesses and new start-ups too. If you can start a business in Hull or work for a business based anywhere in Hull, that’s great as it helps Hull to expand and everything thrives from there.The bonuses flow in.
(Photo: Richard Addison)
For Charlie Allennby, of Hull-based developer Allenby Commercial, it’s important to maintain the momentum that Covid reactions risk.
“I’m a young man, I live in work in Hull and I’m passionate about Hull,” he said. Market, Trinity Food Market, Paragon Arcade and how Hammonds of Hull – real momentum in the city centre. With the shift in work brought about by the pandemic, we risk losing that momentum. We need to capitalize on this, the benefits are clear. If we get this new coworking space, it will mean more choices, more in the city.
“I really like it, but Hull can do better. We are at the end of the line, although well connected, it is the end of the line. We have to do so much better than Leeds and Manchester, the same will not be enough not to attract more.
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