Evert,
There seems to be an awful lot of discussing going on, when I feel that a lot of the discussion could be skipped and inspiration from the states can be taken direct.
I found the easiest way to set up a coworking space was to 'just do it' ... these thoughts are from a year of having run a small space in Dublin.
From your list, I'd say only the following are necessary:
- post boxes
- fast broadband (most necessary)
- out-off hours access (definitely, keys ftw)
- security, storage facilities (generally a place that is free from potential theft is good)
This is all that's really necessary to get going and the administration in providing other add on services would probably be too much. A meeting space would have been really great for us: there were a few other offices in the building that we were able to use on occasion.
You should take a look at a recent post on the coworking group from Alex Hillman of IndyHall in Philadelphia, they've been up and running for a year:
http://groups.google.com/group/
c...161283025df426f
Peace out, and best of luck,
Paul
Your facility list seems quite comprehensive and has everything you could want covered. Shared meeting rooms are a must along with at least one good meeting room / boardroom that would allow tenants to use it for sales presentations etc. Maybe a training room that could be used to allow in-house/third parties to run training program would be useful? I guess the co-working facility piece is the easy bit.
Adding value as a tech centre & supporting start ups is possibly the more challenging part. For start ups there is the option of providing a structured support program which they can pay for or maybe sponsorship could be secured for a number of places annually.
Additionally, in my opinion, encouraging an open culture of creativity & innovation would be essential. Some quick thoughts on items that may help are - Hosting regular technology updates / information sessions followed by open discussion, attracting OCC or other such groups to use the facility for meetings, facilitated sessions on idea generation & concept development, education & support on how to bring a product to market, inviting "success story" companies to speak on challenges they faced & how they overcame them.
Hope this helps,
Brian
What would people think of in-house legal counsel & accountancy services?
I love the idea. I'll definitely will use it!
@Evert a few things.
In house Legal and accounting is not a good idea (IMHO) unless the deal is quite unbelievable. Relations with several acccountancy firms would be better for the clients as it creates a competitive environment. (Your clients might not like your choice)
Location, Location, Location. Where is this going to be?
Travel connectivity is almost as important as broadband.
Availability and cost of other office space nearby when clients "graduate".
I agree with Paul Campbell about "just doing it" as well.
One thing. Be careful you're not replicating centres like the EAC and the Rubicon which have EI support and an EPP program of training and free premises etc. most of which come with CORD funding.
My advice: Respect the community and be fair. Make sure the policy and pricing suits your target community.
Also, be careful about the name you choose for your co-working location and mind that just because sth is legal, doesn't make it legitimate in the eyes of the community.
See the following posts and comments to get an idea of how it should NOT be done:
http://www.numlock.ch/news/it/ci...soon-to-arrive/
http://www.numlock.ch/news/it/ci...d-more-details/
Hi Evert,
Keeping the bureaucracy to minimum is important. Some centres just provide the office space and central reception but leave the individuals to organise their own phone line etc. Some points that spring to mind:
- Good phone system: Don't make people organise their own phone lines. If you can fund it then get a good PBX system that allows then to have individual billing. People should be able to transfer calls to other offices and make free internal calls. A more advanced system will allow them to have big company features without the overhead.
- Central Website: Give people a few pages on a central website while they are getting their own one sorted out.
- Don't forget parking. It often ends up causing problems later - especially if customers/visitors can't find a space.
- Coffee. Very important - or at least suitably maintained kitchen facilities.
Keith
Anton,
I wasn't aware that Rubicon & the EAC provided free premises. AFAIK they charge low rents...
Keith,
I absolutely agree.
One of my reasons for doing this is that getting space in any off the other centers around the country entails too much bureaucracy.
It is my plan to offer turn-key facilities that can be utilised from day 1 and to take away all infra-structural "worries" from tenants. They should be able to move in and concentrate on their product or service.
@Evert They do if you're on an EPP scheme like LEAP/Genesis (at least they do in Limerick as I was on the LEAP program).
They also give access to CORD funding without having to jump through too many hoops. (Up to 38k based on 50% previous salary)
They also offer general business training as part of the program and will bring in and make connections to accountants and other professionals for expertise in those areas.
Otherwise they are pretty good (not unbelievable though) for rents. And will have a lot of other startups on the premises to share experiences with.
I ain't saying it's perfect as it doesn't suit a lot of people. And there is an application/acceptance part which is icky. You ought to be aware what's already there though , so giving you the lowdown to better tailor your offering. 
But again, where are you going to do this? (As in I might be a potential client depending on where it is, how far to an airport, links to trains and main motorways)
Is there a lot of bureaucracy getting into the other centres around the country? I didn't know that, what's the problem in being a tennant?
Thanks for the very constructive feedback everybody! It confirms that I am on the right track.
I am talking to some other parties that might want to become involved next week so keep the suggestions/comments/ideas coming!
@Anton I am looking at a few, new but vacant office buildings in the Nenagh area next week. The N7 is only minutes away and you know how far Shannon Airport is...
Hi Evert,
I think this is all very interesting. I broadly agree with Paul's comment above, and tend to think that simpler is better, or you run the risk of taking on something that's more akin to serviced offices.
The first thing to decide is who exactly is it for? Is it a drop-in centre for anyone, or is it purely for IT/tech people? I would imagine somewhere where anyone can go to socialise/work/network with like-minded people and do business.
I was initially thinking of something more like Jelly http://wiki.workatjelly.com/
Howt...owtoStartaJelly than Citizen Space, but something between the two might be interesting.
Personally I would look for fast broadband, phone (maybe, given that we have mobiles), tea/coffee-making facilities – or good takeaway coffee locally – tables at a good height for writing at, ditto for laptop, good lighting, (generally good ergonomics). Not much beyond that I think.
Sorry if this isn't very specific but I hope it adds to the mix.
Cheers,
Debbie
Meant to include this link - some interesting things here too:
http://blog.coworking.info/
I'm still browned off by the southeast Enterprise Ireland panel who refused CORD funding to me when I told them I did not want to incubate in the WIT-controlled office space.
Bernie,
I feel your pain
That's exactly why I want to keep this an entrepreneurial venture only with nil bureaucratic involvement...
Hi Evert,
I took a look at your blog and I'd like to share my thoughts with you. I was at the IMI conference in April this year and an ex-Dragon Rachel Elnaugh was one of the presenters. ( http://www.rachelelnaugh.com/biography/ )
Rachel said something that I found interesting. She told the audience that has a lot of people working for her/around her but she doesn't have an office, she doesn't think they need one. These days she works with small businesses and they meet in WIFI enabled cafes, hotels, etc My point is, I don't Rachel is alone in her approach and I believe that this new breed of "cafe workers" is on the rise.
I remember reading an article in the Sunday Times a couple of months ago about this topic of co-working/hot desking. I believe there is a need for this type of facility, a low-cost option for people who like the buzz of working in the office, but prefer to work as self-employed consultants/contractors and therefore have no "office" to work in.
Hotels are too expensive for people to rent out meetings room and cafes are too noisy - especially if you are trying to conference call the States! It would be great if you could set up a "google/fun style office" that had all printers/scanners/shredders/admin that people need and locate it near the Luas, Dart, Train station, airport, etc - somewhere people could go before and after their meetings - without having to go miles out of their way. I think the market would be consultants and contractors who can write the cost of the service off against tax / expense it. Maybe you could find somewhere in the city near a large creche - aim it at the working women's market?
I worked in a Regus office for over a year in my last job and I can say that Regus charge an absolute fortune! (no joke!) However, the offices were "slick" - clean - shiny - flatscreen TVs with Sky news, fresh tea and coffee - friendly secretary’s etc.
If you are going to (or already offer) hotdesking/co-working facility, my advice would be three things. 1 - location 2. low cost 3. the "customer experience". People always say "its the little things in life that make the difference" and it’s true. Having an actual water cooler instead of just a tap, a proper coffee/tea machine, a stapler, a posting service, a colour printer and binder for proposals, a "networking breakfast/lunch" where you give all your clients croissants, muffins, juice and biscuits etc would be part of the "experience".
One small comment about the photo you use on your blog. My first impression was that you sold computer monitors. From the number of computer monitors on the desk, it seems that you are aiming your services at "stockbrokers" i.e, someone who would need to look at multiple screens at the same time to monitor prices going up and down. My advice is to use a photo with people in it - the photo should reflect a professional but fun environment. Think BA business lounge - less all the food and drink.
hi evert,
I don't think I can add much to the coments above. Maybe just this: consider that cw cannot be made for profit solely. As much as I know, most facilities have a main activity, in which coworking is added (that is also our case in milano italy, see http://coworkingmilano.com).
Your point is also on our linkedin group, and has been riquoted on our blog. Pleae excuse me for not answering sooner (it took me a while to realize about linked group discussions).
All the best,
max
The usual staffed admin facilities. Someone to fax/copy etc.
Keep the place clean and warm. Good quality furniture and chairs.
Coffee-'facilities' not just a sink and kettle! Either a decent machine and plenty of muffins/scones or a wee high-quality franchise/cart in the hall would do.
Shared meeting room/training room?
Do research on your pricing. Ask entrepreneurs what they'd pay for such a service and how they'd want to pay. That is on demand, or per month.
I'd definately have used this service in the early days. Rented office space (£600-1200 per month at the last look)is way too expensive for entrepreneurs starting off, even in a joint business centre.
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