Freelancing can be a lonesome business, which for some is its appeal. But if you’re looking for interaction, cultural and artistic exchange, and the buzz of a shared space you might give a thought about moving into a co-working space.
Co-working offers all the advantages of working in an office, while allowing you to operate on your own. Prices vary widely depending on your location and the kind of package you’re after, but it’s not just about price: you need to think about location, services, events and the overall culture of the space. Alt-Africa picked some interesting and fast-paced vibrant options for you:
THE HUB @TheAfricaCentre: “THE HUB is a new affordable co-working space located in a modern railway arch in the newly re-developed Union Yard Arches in Southwark, an increasingly bustling place where art, culture, eatery, tech and well-being cohabit.
Central to the mission of THE HUB is offering flexible membership to entrepreneurs and creatives from the UK, Africa and the African-Caribbean Diaspora. THE HUB is committed to providing an affordable place to work, gain new skills and network.
Making THE HUB commercially accessible aligns with the Africa Centre’s commitment to contribute to unlocking the potential of emerging businesses and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.”
Where it is/ nearest tube: The Hub, Arch 28 Union Yard, Union Street, London SE1 0LR. Nearest tube: Southwark, on the Jubilee line less than 5 min walk.
Amenities: mezzanine floors, boasting work stations, creative studios, lounge and meeting areas.
- Dedicated meeting and lounge space
- Free high-speed internet connection
- Modern desks and furniture
- Fully-fitted kitchen space
- Scanners and printers (at cost)
- Fair trade tea & coffee (at cost)
Cost: depending on membership:
Associate membership – £95/month (For one in need of a part-time creative cocoon)
Individual membership – £225/month (Ideal for freelancers eager to grow stronger.)
Business membership – £295/month (Top choice for start-ups.)
Benefits:
- Priority booking for business socials
- Free workshops and training
- PR opportunities for your business through on-site media partner Colourful Radio
- Discounts at neighbouring businesses
Opening hours: depending on membership
Associate membership: 8 days each month
Individual membership: Access hot-desks and meeting space, Mon – Fri, 9am – 6pm.
Business membership: Mon – Fri, 9am – 6pm
Net.Works.: “Net.Works. space is curated and designed by the award winning interior design house G&T, who they have worked with to bring their characteristic buildings to life. Comfortable, collaborative, functional work areas with bespoke furniture and lighting, each space is ergonomically enhanced to fit around you and the way you work. Across the Net.Works. co-working space, they have games rooms, break out, lounge and relaxation spaces, kitchenettes, meeting rooms, showers and more.”
Where it is/ nearest tube: Highbury & Islington, Borough (Fulham, Old Street, Dalston coming soon!)
Amenities: games rooms, break out, lounge and relaxation spaces, kitchenettes, meeting rooms, showers and more
Costs: the memberships vary according to the package –
Flexible Membership: £20 + VAT per day
Hot Desk: £199 + VAT per month
Dedicated Desk: £350 + VAT per month
Private Office: £399 + VAT per month
Benefits: Central locations, inspiring community, flexibility, flat rate pricing, acceleration, events, healthy treats, perks.
Their monthly flat rate includes everything to let you get on with what is important. Bills, business rates, utilities, wifi, manned reception, 24-7 access, furniture, security, daily cleaning and maintenance are all part of the package.
Opening hours: depending on package
Flexible Membership: MON-SUN 8AM-8PM
Hot Desk: MON-SUN 8AM-8PM
Dedicated Desk: 24/7
Private Office: 24/7
Contact: hello@net-works.london
+44 (0)800 0776 555
Impact Hub : “An innovation lab. A business Incubator. A social enterprise community center. Impact Hub offers you a unique ecosystem of resources, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities to grow the positive impact of your work. Joining our diverse community of members and collaborators will inspire, connect, and enable you to develop your best work every step of the way.
They provide flexible access to co-working space and curate a supportive, collaborative environment for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses to grow and thrive.”
Where it is/ nearest tube: Impact Hub Westminster, 1st Floor New Zealand House 80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TE (Westminster Underground Station)
Amenities: Central location, flexible offer, buzzing environment, international hubs
Cost: Their packages vary from a basic offer HUB FLEXY – £6/hour to HUB UNLIMITED £420/month and TEAM DESK. For more info please visit the website
Benefits: If your business is less than one year old, you can now join Impact Hub Westminster on Hub Startup! Simply use the code STARTUP50 when you sign up and send evidence of your launch date to hello@hubwestminster.net.
Different programs, events, partners and affiliates.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 8am – 10pm
Friday – 8am – 9pm
Weekends – Closed
Contact: hello@hubwestminster.net
Media and Press: camilla@hubwestminster.net
+44 (0)207 148 6720
Nomad: “V22 Shoreditch is a sustainable & affordable co-working environment that is part of V22’s wider community of artists, designers and creatives, making the perfect workspace for artists, entrepreneurs, start-ups, social enterprises, ‘tech for good’, not-for-profit organizations and ethical business.
The building requires swipe card access; however, an onsite Office Manager will let guests in from 9am-5pm.”
Where it is/ nearest tube: V22 Shoreditch, 50 Worship Street, EC2A 2EA, London (Shoreditch High Street Overground, Old Street Underground, Liverpool Street Underground)
Amenities: Central location, buzzing environment, East London vibes.
- Highspeed Internet
- Printing
- Coffee / Tea
- 24h access
- Projector / Monitor
- Meeting rooms for hire
- Showers
- Security
- Reception
- Disabled access
- Lockers
- Bike Storage
- Event Space
Cost: Depending on booking period
HOT DESK: £15/day or £150/month + VAT
FIXED DESK: £300/month + VAT
Benefits:
HOT DESK: 24-hour access
– 9am – 5pm Office Manager
– Wireless internet (with an option to install a dedicated line)
– Showspace (available to be booked by all V22 tenants)
– Meeting space
– Tea Point
– Showers
– Bicycle parking
– Access to a community of artists, designers, creatives and entrepreneurs
– Mailing Address at £15 per month plus VAT FIXED DESK: 24-hour access
– 9am – 5pm Office Manager
– Wireless internet (with an option to install a dedicated line)
– Showspace (available to be booked by all V22 tenants)
– Meeting space
– Tea Point
– Showers
– Bicycle parking
– Access to a community of artists, designers, creatives and entrepreneurs
– Mailing Address at £15 per month plus VAT Opening hours: 24/7
Contact: support@nomadspace.co.uk
(020) 3818 7553
The Boutique Workplace Company: “Once known as Ventia Ltd, the well-known, well-loved, trail-blazing serviced office provider started by industry veterans Steve Baker and Dan Wheble in 2008, Ventia focused on creating office space with a difference, and it was acquired by The Boutique Workplace Company.
As they step forward together, their innovative, design-led workplaces will continue to be created with their clients in mind
As a business, they aspire to be unique; to be the opposite of generic; to lead the way for co-working and private work space solutions; and ultimately, provide a distinctly different central London work space that is so much more than just four walls.”
They offer Meeting rooms, co-working spaces, event spaces, serviced apartments.
Where it is/ nearest tube: several locations around London. You can find them all here. Check out their locations map
Their co-working space is Tagwright House, 35-41 Westland Place, London, N1 7LP (Old Street Underground, Shoreditch High Street Overground, Liverpool Street Underground) is a cool, converted warehouse with New York loft vibe, where industrial meets boho, shabby chic.
It’s also available to be used as an event space.
Amenities:
– 24-hour access
Aircon Break-out areas
– Cyclist friendly
– Fibre-optic broadband
– Fully furnished
– Meeting rooms
– Office cleaning
– Passenger lift
Cost: for more info please call 020 3405 7000 or fill the form here
Benefits:
- Transparent pricing
- Simple license agreement with flexible terms
- Monthly rolling contracts
- Modern building
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact: enquiries@theboutiqueworkplace.co
020 3405 7000
