A North East software developer has launched a new venture to help home workers connect with their local business community.
Andy Millne and his wife Helen have opened CO22 in Bedlington, a co-working space with private offices, a kitchen area and a meeting room, designed for people that work at home or those setting up a business. The couple have recently returned to the region from Slovakia where Mrs Millne was a teacher and Mr Millne worked on community software projects from home. The isolation of home working prompted the pair to look at ways to help others in the same situation.
While providing a base to help home workers connect with others, CO22 also offers networking opportunities, high speed internet and late night working. Mr Millne said: “I’m used to working alone at home and know how isolating it can be. Helen and I wanted to create a hub where people can come and go as they please, meet other businesses and work in a modern, well equipped office environment.”
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CO22 operates on a membership basis with packages ranging from day passes to professional business support. A virtual office also has reception services and mail handling.
Mr Millne says the best advantage of CO22 is the fact it gives people to link up with other businesses. He also believes it will provide a cost-effective alternative for home workers, amid the rising cost of living, fuel and energy costs.
He said: “We’re not just offering workspace; we are all about meeting people and the connections that you may never get when you’re working from home. A home worker may have great ideas and lots of talent and skills but sadly they are often invisible to others.
“CO22 gives the opportunity for our customers to meet people that can really drive their business forward and when you get lots of different people together in one room sharing ideas, great things can and do happen. When you’re new in business it’s nice to talk to other people and share experiences.
“I’ve talked to many businesses who tell me that the cost of having their own office is prohibitive due to the increased cost of living. Add to that the added expense and time of the daily commute and co-working is a viable way to operate.
“Since Covid struck, many people are operating a hybrid system of working at home and the workplace but here at CO22 we are taking it a step further and providing a fully equipped office on their own doorsteps.”
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