An innovative new business has been launched in Weston-super-Mare town centre, offering a ‘working space’ to the town’s budding businessmen.
The High Street Working Space, run by Weston-based telecommunications company Uplands, has been designed to allow Weston’s small businesses to thrive in a friendly and relaxed, yet cutting-edge, working environment.
Dubbed ‘a whole new spin on the shared office thing’, the town centre space is a place for stay-at-home entrepreneurs to use for work, while gaining invaluable advice and networking with business giants such as O2, Apple, HSBC and Microsoft.
Owner Paul Hooper said he wants up-and-coming entrepreneurs to drop in and meet mentors, potential business partners and clients, with the emphasis on promoting innovative digital start-ups.
He is even offering flourishing businesses the chance to use the space for free, as long as they can show they are making a working profit.
Paul said: “Our mission is to create a great place to work. We are looking to encourage, work with and support digital ideas.
“Our view is that nobody has the final word on the future, it’s down to you. We are (particularly) open to any business who embraces digital as a part of their plan.
“So it may be creative travel company who uses their website to promote and tailor-make packages for individuals seeking exhibitions across the world, or a start-up web designer who has now outgrown working from home and wants to work in a more structured way but still enjoy a bright and informal environment.”
The working space is bright and informal and located in High Street, minutes’ walk from Weston railway station and the imminent Dolphin Square development, something which Paul believes could be integral in attracting more thriving businesses to Weston.
He is hoping Uplands’ links with major multi-national businesses and the High Street Working Space, combined with Weston’s regeneration, can help the town compete economically with Bristol, Bath and London.
The space is available on non-contract terms and offers high-speed internet and conference meeting rooms, as well as a relaxed space for entrepreneurs to bring their laptops and start working straight away.
It is more good news for Weston’s business, as North Somerset Council prepares plans for a creative hub in the town centre
The authority is currently on the lookout for a little-used town centre building suitable for conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here