Co-working future arrives in Queenscliff

Low overheads, flexible arrangements, professional meeting spaces and a connected and collaborative community – these are the reasons why co-working is the future of small business.

Shared work spaces, where sole traders and small teams collectively occupy a space and pay to hire a desk, professional meeting room or training facility are no longer a trendy fad in big cities.

This great initiative, which saves cash-strapped businesses the expense of leasing a private office, is increasingly in demand as the number of small operators grows in regional areas – especially the Bellarine.

Individuals may not be able to justify the cost of owning state-of-the art presentation technology, super-fast internet, good-quality printing and an ergonomic work space – yet the collective can.

It’s not just the cost-factor which makes co-working attractive: it’s the chance grow your business faster by connecting with the local business community, to have a private meeting space that isn’t a noisy cafe and the chance to learn from other professionals.

It’s also a great way to achieve work-life balance. This is particularly so for those who work from home and experience isolation and, sometimes, a sense of being overwhelmed.

Point Lonsdale engineering consultant Arash Harandian (pictured above), who is set to open a brand new co-working space, Business Hub at Queenscliff Marina, says he was motivated to start the business because of his own personal situation.

He needed an office from which to work and meet clients. Operating from home didn’t suit him and he based himself in various cafes and even rented a shed in Drysdale for a short time.

“Working from home is a romantic idea, but I think there are many reasons why it doesn’t work,” he says.

“Above all are the distractions and loneliness of working in isolation. There are hundreds of small businesses operating from home or cafes on the Bellarine and it’s not always ideal.”

Taking advantage of a professional co-working facility, whether it’s on an ad hoc or a more regular basis, means people can leave home, arrive at work, focus on their business and then leave when it is “home time”.

“There are a lot of studies and research pointing towards people being much more productive when working from places that inspire them,” says Arash. “And the benefits of working collaboratively are extensive. So many new ventures or projects are created simply by having two people with great ideas occupying the same space.

“Co-working hubs provide a support network for business owners who might need help with the accounting or marketing side of their operation for example – they can often connect with someone who has those skills by literally sitting right next to them.”

Having the option to reserve a boardroom or dedicated event space is an essential inclusion in modern co-working hubs. It means you can operate all aspects of your business from one location.

It also provides the facilities for co-working spaces to host in-house training and events free of charge or at very low rates.

Arash says part of the ongoing commitment to clients at Business Hub at Queenscliff Marina is a series of regular training events and in-house experts to help small businesses grow.

“It’s a main part of our mission to not only offer an affordable space with amazing water views, but also give small business owners the chance to gather essential skills from others who have been there, done that and can empower them to make their own firms flourish.”

The Hub will host four free events from October 30 to November 2 including a Facebook marketing masterclass with Mel Stewart from digital marketing and social media firm Hypersocial; a workshop on time management techniques by Les Watson from Get More Time, A Women in Business Q&A panel and morning tea, and a free photography session for business owners to have professional corporate-style photos taken.

All events are free but registration is essential at invitetoaccellerate.com.au.