The altspace coworking office community has grown to sixteen active users since our January launch on Stamford New Road in Altrincham. We offer a unique and flexible service to small businesses, freelancers or anyone needing a hot desk for a day. By looking after office needs and hosting interesting events we help local businesses thrive by offering an alternative, creative work space. There are distinct advantages for remote workers to work out of the home in a co-working space ranging from informal support to improved productivity and fewer commutes. In this article, two of our members discuss the services they deliver, their motivations and why they love working for themselves in Altrincham.
Fiona Chow of Goadi PR Consulting
What service do you offer local businesses?
I run my own consultancy specialising in startups and SMEs in technology, media and financial services. By working with them to build communication strategies and campaigns, I help their businesses thrive. I started my own company after a decade working for various PR agencies and a stint in-house at one of the world’s biggest online marketplaces. We moved back to the area after living in London and working within the tech and startup community. I believe that with the growth and potential in the North-West, I bring a blend of experience to companies.
What differentiates you from others?
I like it when I’m approached to “help with PR” but I LOVE it when I’m challenged with a business problem for example, “Why am I losing my best staff to my competition? ” or “How can I get my product or service in front of a younger audience?”. Thinking about the business objective initially and then developing the communications tactics helps ensure clients get the best return on their investment in the long term.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Usually a two year old yelling; “Lightning McQueen has gone off!” which is my son informing us that his Gro-Clock has turned off and it’s time to start the day.
What are your two favourite aspects of working at altspace coworking office?
Both my partner and I work from home running our own businesses which can get claustrophobic. It’s good to get out of the house into a professional environment to meet and chat with others and learn about their work and lives. There is a lovely blend of familiar faces and new friends and there’s always a great atmosphere in the office.
What are the best things about living in Altrincham?
I grew up around the area and it’s changed so much in the last couple of years. When I was a teenager, the McDonalds on the corner opposite the office was the central hub for activity, now there are brilliant shopping, eating and leisure options within easy reach by public transport. The redevelopment of the market and the efforts to create more community activities are good to see.
Chris Rendell of Covenco
What service does Covenco offer local businesses?
We provide Data Centre Infrastructure from industry leading manufacturers including IBM, Cisco, HP, EMC and Net-App. I work with several businesses in the North West but as a company we service the whole of the UK and Europe. We also have satellite offices in Spain, Denmark and a facility in Denver, Colorado for our US clients.
What differentiates Covenco- and you – from others?
Inventory, product knowledge and the technical resources we hold on staff set us apart from our competitors. We can design, configure and integrate converged infrastructures from stock using our own engineers therefore reducing our clients overall spend and time to deployment.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Are you implying that the thrill of selling Cisco hardware for a living isn’t enough?! Most of the time it’s the need for a strong coffee, I’m not a morning person.
What are your two favourite aspects of working at altspace?
The location is perfect for me as I can walk to the office now. There’s a really nice mix of people here which changes daily, I’m far more productive working with other people, I get cabin fever working from home. Also, Friday beers aren’t much fun on your own.
What are the best things about living in Altrincham?
I like being able to get the tram into Manchester in 20 minutes one day and the next I can be driving into the Peaks or the Cheshire countryside within the same amount of time. There are some great independent bars and restaurants that have popped up in Altrincham in the last couple of years, we’re spoilt for choice for lunch at altspace coworking space.
