Hull is aiming to establish itself as the co-working capital of the UK, ensuring a thriving city centre as it embraces post pandemic productivity.
Building on the best broadband connectivity in the UK and the direct rail links to London, a strong team has united behind the vision of Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy - helping keep talent local, while drawing in larger city wages and offering a better quality of living, as office presenteeism is consigned to the past.
Bringing on board property developers, entrepreneurs and the council, Labour colleague and Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves attended the launch to endorse the ambition.
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The University of Hull will also conduct a report to be put to parliament on the potential.
Under the Work Hull Work Happy brand, hot desk providers will be united to give those who find themselves with flexibility the best opportunities.
Ms Hardy, who was inspired as she watched a woman in Hull have a pedicure while working on a laptop for a London firm active in the Middle East, said: “We can do this. A decade of progress has been made in this area in two years. We have been forced to make it work and make it happen. I accept there are tensions, if you own a huge office building in the centre of London you are not going to like it. This is our time, our opportunity, we have the plus side rather than the negative.”
Unveiled at The 55 Group’s impressive base in the former HSBC in Whitefriargate, it is one of several co-working hot spots ready to commit, ranging from the C4DI to coffee shops - with full buildings, floors or zones all welcome.
Ms Hardy said: “Nobody should feel forced to leave the place they love to get the job they want, and the launch of this project will help to put Hull on the map as the co-working capital of the UK.
“Now that businesses can sign up to offer co-working space, we will have the most accessible and diverse spaces throughout the city. This, paired with the best high-speed broadband in the country, together with all of the benefits of living in Hull, I really believe is an opportunity to kickstart a new era for the city and breathe new life into our local economy.”
Plans will see spaces checked over to ensure suitability, with plaque certification rolled out and a website directory for participants.
Hubs developing for particular sectors are envisaged as a balance is struck between the formal office structure and pitfalls of home isolation.
Cllr Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said trust issues between employer and employee had been dismissed, making working anywhere possible for many.
“We have to embrace this opportunity and this is a great chance to pitch it,” he said. “There is so much going for us, a beautiful city, beautiful buildings, a beautiful waterfront, brilliant connectivity and beautiful people too. There’s a real point of difference here to take that opportunity.
“Big box retail of yesteryear has gone from the high street, it is about how city centres reinvent these places, and it is about flexible office space, bespoke businesses that you cannot find in other cities, leisure and unique hospitality.”
Innovation and startup 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 this is all too difficult, and this is going to lead to the haemorrhaging of the city centre or people moving away, you are seizing the opportunity.
“No-one should feel forced to leave the place they love for work.”
Gerard Toplass, group executive chairman of The 55 Group, said: “The pandemic changed everything when it comes to how, why and where we work – and people can enjoy an excellent quality of life by co-working in Hull.
“Remote working opportunities can bring high-quality jobs to regions of the UK they weren’t previously available, boosting local economies, retaining the best talent and providing excellent 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.
Support from entrepreneurs and property professionals
Moodbeam co-founder Jonathan Elvidge told how co-working was ideal for the launch of the tech wellness business he helped create.
The city entrepreneur, once behind The Gadget Shop and Red5 retail brands, said: “We started the company, started working from home, as it wasn’t in a position where we could invest in office space. We found ourselves co-working at C4DI. It was a real game-changer - not only did we have an incredible space, it was somewhere we could meet people, much better than in a pub or at home. It gave us credibility and allowed us to start creating a network.
"That experience is why I want to promote this and Hull as the capital of co-working in the UK.
“It is great for existing businesses and new start-ups as well. If you can start a business in Hull or work for a business based anywhere in Hull, that’s great, because it helps Hull grow, and everything thrives from there. The bonuses flow.”
For Charlie Allennby, of Hull-based developer Allenby Commercial, it matters to keep up the momentum that Covid reactions risk.
“I’m a young guy, I live in work in Hull and I’m passionate about Hull," he said. "We have had some great momentum over the last five years and we have seen some brilliant businesses, with the fantastic Fruit Market, Trinity Food Market, Paragon Arcade and how Hammonds of Hull - real momentum in the city centre. With the change in work brought by the pandemic we risk losing that momentum. We need to capitalise on this, the benefits are clear. If we get this right new co-working space will mean more choice, more in the city.
"I really enjoy it, but Hull can do better. We are the end of the line, while well connected it is the end of the line. We have to do so much better than Leeds and Manchester, the same won’t be enough to attract more.”
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