Is The Exeter Business Hub the friendliest place to work in Exeter?
A business community right in the heart of Exeter is soaring ahead in its goal to become the most welcoming and supportive place in the city for entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.
The move from working in a big office full of buzz and chatter to setting up a small company in an empty space can be as lonely as it is exciting. But one city landlord has found a dynamic middle ground which, whilst giving companies their own space, also allows them to work within a large business community complete with networking events… and even coffee mornings.
James Blackburn runs The Exeter Business Hub in Queen Street which houses 26 companies and 84 virtual clients. He has long since known about the benefits of small companies working individually but alongside other like-minded companies, or ‘economies of agglomeration’ to give it another name. The basic concept of agglomeration economies is that production improves when there is a clustering of economic activity.
James has also introduced the Solid Start-Up programme to help new businesses establish themselves more successfully. The programme includes a free virtual office service for start-up companies, along with specific business support and bespoke networking events.
James said: “We offer something different from other rented office space in Exeter. We want people to love coming to work here, feeling part of something bigger. We appreciate that the Hub’s success as a centre of commerce is aligned with that of its partners and clients. As part of our vision, we have chosen to invest significantly in developing our services and helping new businesses thrive.”
Emma Wood, Client Development Manager, said: “The Exeter Business Hub can provide so much more than just office space. Alongside regular networking events, we provide informal meetings where you can grab a coffee and find out who works in the office next door. We also have such great feedback from our clients about our team on reception. They pride themselves on being friendly & approachable and are a real asset to the business.”
Charlie Martin and Olly Harrison who run Gusto Marketing Agency, in the Hub said there was a wealth of advantages to being based in the building.
Charlie said: “We moved to The Hub in April this year and have truly loved every minute of it. It’s a welcoming place to work in the heart of the city and there is a great buzz amongst the team here. We feel really supported by The Hub and are very much looking forward to meeting other likeminded business people at the events planned for the future.”
The Hub’s first ‘Meet the Neighbours’ event was an opportunity for businesses to do just that – meet everyone while enjoying canapes and fizz in the refurbished lower ground floor meeting rooms. The nearby Pink Moon Café hosted the food and drink and there was also a raffle. More events are being planned including coffee and croissants on the fourth Friday of every month and afternoon networking gatherings which will include guest speakers.
Contact emma@theexeterbusinesshub.co.uk to book your place on the upcoming talk: ‘Getting more bang for your marketing buck - how to Integrate sales with marketing’ with guest speaker Charlie Martin from Gusto Marketing.
