Hot-desking & Co-working NI

Posted by Dawn Baird, Partner on Dec 13, 2011 in business, entrepreneurship, featured | 3 comments

This post outlines the options available in NI for those who are newly established, or those who have either no staff, or a small number of staff.

First, a definition of the options, listed roughly in increasing order of cost.

Hot-desking

Hot-desking is the option of paying (on demand, or monthly) for use of a desk on an hourly, daily or ad-hoc throughout the month basis. Only rarely will you be able to make the desk your own, as it will be used by others inbetween your visits. (Larger organisations, typically in the IT industry, may keep some hot-desking space free for visitors, or where a large portion of the workforce works mostly from home.)

Hot-desking is best for those who are only rarely in the office. Alternatively, those who work from home, and want to avoid distractions, or enjoy a little company may also benefit.

Co-working

Co-working is the option of renting  desk for 1-5 days a week, usually in an open office. Often, you will be able to make the space your own, as it is more common to rent the desk all week.

Co-working is suitable for those who enjoy the vibe engendered by a busy office.

Virtual Office

A virtual office is a service provided by (usually) a provider of office space, for those who prefer to work from home, are on the road more often than not, or who cannot yet afford office space. The option is used by those who have a headquarters in one location, but who may wish to establish a presence in another, without committing to the initial cost.

The services include provision of an office address, and telephone number. Inclusive services may involve answering your calls, storing your post, conducting administrative tasks, setting appointments, and hosting meetings.

Dedicated Desk or Office

Renting a dedicated desk is the best option for those who need an office, but without the large premium that city-centre locations bring.It may, or may not, be in a shared office.

The advantage of a dedicated office over a mere desk, is that clients may visit and conversations will be private. In either case, meeting rooms are usually available for use (often free to residents, or, if charged, at a discounted rate).

Industrial Unit

Many Enterprise Agencies and business centres will have industrial units for rent.

They are suitable for manufacturers, those who need a workshop, or anyone else who needs lots of space. Some units on offer would need to be modified to incorporate suitable office space.

Business Incubation

In venues that offer co-working, you will often find business incubation mentioned. This can refer to an ad-hoc, supportive, ask-us-anything-and-we’ll-help, atmosphere, to a more structured coaching arrangement, and may or may not be included in the price.

Where Can I Find these Options in NI?

This is a list of the providers who supply a combination of some of the options listed. If you’d recommend we add other options here, click on Contact and send us details via the form. 

Belfast Business Centre

http://www.belfastbusinesscentre.com/

Blick Shared Studios (Belfast)

http://www.blickstudios.org/

CIDO Innovation Centre (Craigavon)

http://www.cido.co.uk/index.aspx

Emerald Valley

http://www.emerald-valley.com/

Glandore (Belfast and Dublin)

http://www.glandore.ie/arthurHouse.asp

Greenshots Newry

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenshoots-Newry-Ltd/190193324364525?sk=info

Magazine Studios (Derry)

http://www.magazinestudios.com/

Midtown Business Centre

http://www.midtown-center.com/

Newry Property Office

http://www.newrypropertyoffice.co.uk/pages/virtualOffices

Northern Ireland Science Park (Belfast)

http://www.nisp.co.uk/

Regus (Belfast)

http://www.regusdirect.co.uk/regus-shop/hot-desk-for-a-day

The HatcheryNI (Antrim)

http://www.antrimenterprise.com/index.php/news/289-the-hatchery-ni.html