Flexible Workspace - A Business Network on Your Doorstep

Flexible Workspace - A Business Network on Your Doorstep

One of the greatest assets of every business leader is their professional network. 

These are the people you go to for advice, support, referrals, and problem-solving. Whether you need a trusted recommendation or simply a fresh perspective, being able to lean on people within your network can take you from roadblock to solution, faster.

Trouble is, in today’s interconnected world, it can be difficult to find time to nurture your network.

It’s important to keep in touch digitally as well as in-person. And yes, face-to-face networking might seem old-fashioned. But as the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us, meeting someone in-person has a deeply personal value that video calls simply can’t replicate.

Good news is, you don’t need to travel far to build your network. Here at UBC, you have endless opportunities to make connections and stay in touch.

A Business Network on Your Doorstep

That’s one of the great benefits of using UBC workspace.

In many cases, the people you need are just a few steps away from your desk. Marketing, accounting, franchising, branding, business card designers -- UBC is home to hundreds of business professionals, each with their own expertise and carefully curated business networks.

 Want to tap into it? All you need to do is ask!

Our centre managers are always happy to make introductions. What’s more, we host regular business-focused events at our centres, designed to bring professionals together and help strengthen your business networks.

How UBC Connects People and Businesses

But don’t just take our word for it.

Sharon Cawley, managing director of Conexus Tuition, chose to settle at UBC’s Birchwood centre because she knew it would enable her to collaborate and grow her business.

“When choosing our working home at UBC Rutherford House in 2018, we looked beyond the aesthetics. As a franchisor starting out, I realised I wanted to be at the heart of the business community, like a sponge ready to learn. Having networking events literally on my doorstep was a huge plus in deciding to move in.”

At Rutherford House, Sharon met Bruce McKinnon of Brand Arrow when he ran a free workshop at UBC. They are now working together on her company branding. Sharon also worked with Tony Maguire after he gave a presentation about Google My Business at Rutherford House.

At Forward House in Henley-in-Arden, UBC centre manager Christine Anderson regularly brings people together. She does this on a personal basis but also through her monthly hUBClub networking events, held at Forward House.

“Faye Harris of Breeze Consulting needed to rebrand her company and carry out some customer research. I mentioned that Rob Harrison of Glued was going to be a speaker at our hUBClub networking, so she made contact with him and also came to his talk. They are now working together.

“Orbis Care asked me if there were any accountants in the Centre, so I put them in contact with Robert Wood, who is now doing some work for them. Ian Walters of Pure Business Vehicle Leasing needed some business cards printing, I put him in touch with Wendy Andrews of Creative Touch Design, who came to a Henley hUBClub networking event.”

Christine has also coordinated an office share between two therapists and a counsellor, who use the room on a rota basis since they only require the space for a few hours per week.

 

Working with UBC

And it’s not just our own clients benefiting from in-person collaboration. UBC is getting in on the act, too.

Rebecca Bate of Social Media Executive began hiring our meeting room facilities after giving a talk at one of our networking events. UBC worked with Rebecca to train our staff, and went on to recommend her to one of our suppliers who also have used her services.

After attending hUBClub networking, Alison Phillips of Kindred CSR is now set to run a workshop in conjunction with C&W Chamber of Commerce at Forward House later this year.

Another example is at UBC Cirencester. Centre manager Lyn Chapman frequently works with Jacob Kirby, who runs Cotswold Transport Company and has a virtual office with UBC.

Jacob moves furniture between centres, which is no easy task considering UBC’s network ranges from Southampton right up to The Wirral.

“Last week he moved a TV from Cirencester to Henley, tomorrow he is moving the reception desk from Birmingham Business Park to Thursby House, and vice versa. And in the past, he moved desks and chairs to Fleet from Southampton.”

As Lyn noted, “We would never have thought to work with him if he had not been a client with us.”

Business is about people, and the more personal your business interactions, the more likely you will be remembered when opportunities arise in the future.

If you’re interested in making new business connections, why not come to one of our networking events? We also offer commitment-free coworking day passes, which is a great way to get to meet other professionals and get to know the local community.

Simply get in touch. We’d love to get connected and help grow your network, and your business.