Coworking in Norwich
Norwich is a city full of creative entrepreneurs, budding small businesses, and established organisations alike. With a wide range of businesses from different industries working in close proximity, you’ll quickly build connections – especially if you operate in one of Norwich’s many coworking spaces!
We’ve interviewed just a few of the businesses who operate in coworking spaces in Norwich, plus some of the people who run them – giving you an insight into what it’s like coworking in Norwich…
Bobby Burrage, cofounder of Studio Inn: a co-working space that is exclusively dedicated to creative practitioners and entrepreneurs.
“Norwich is a great city to work in for many reasons and, in recent years, it has seen an uplift in new flexible working environments. There are so many great options available no matter what industry you work in. I think the future of co-working in Norwich will see more spaces like Studio Inn which specialise and cater for specific communities.
I would say that the single biggest benefit of joining a co-working space is becoming part of a community – sharing ideas, knowledge and the occasional cuppa. For many, a co-working space is an alternative to working independently – whether that be at home or in a conventional office space with four walls. At Studio Inn, we facilitate quarterly socials – whether that be a simple meal out in the city or a day out on the Broads – it gives us all the chance to forge more meaningful relationships and explore opportunities to create new ’stuff’.
At Studio Inn you will meet architects, photographers, music producers, graphic designers, web developers, lifestyle influencers, interior designers, illustrators, marketing managers, brand strategists, fashion designers and tech start-ups.”
Studio Inn was founded by Fiona and Bobby Burrage – born from the need of a home for their own portfolio of businesses and creative endeavours. Fiona is founder of a Norfolk-made body care brand (Sop ~ Scents of place), an off-grid riverside retreat (The Water Cabin), lifestyle brand (Nor–Folk) and even an all-inclusive football club (Left Field Football Collective). Bobby is founder and creative director at branding studio, The Click.
Jim Drew, Director and owner of Business Revolution, a co-working space in the heart of Norwich, City Centre on King Street.
“Norwich is a beautiful city, with beautiful countryside all around, including the Broads, and the coast. Norwich has so much to offer, and is a great place to live and work, great for bringing up a family too.
When we started BizRev there were only a handful of spaces in the country, one in Devon, one in Telford, now there are many in each city, we have a number here in Norwich. With the increase in remote working and more flexible employment, along with many freelancers, it is now more popular than ever. I think following the pandemic people want to work in an environment with other people around. With the cost of living crisis it is expensive heating your home all day to work in, so why not use a co-working space.
Studies show that coworking results in 70% of members becoming healthier, 68% of members being better focused, and 64% of members completing tasks in a more timely manner. Especially since the pandemic, I think we all need other people around us, most people find working in a coworking space is better for their mental health, they are more focused and are more productive. It also helps to separate work from home, and gives a good balance.”
Jim’s favourite spot to grab a coffee in Norwich:
“The King’s Cafe in the King’s Centre, amazing homemade cakes and food and good coffee, and if it is raining I don’t even have to step outside, we do also have a great bean to cup machine in our coffee area.”
Tracie Rhodes, Campus Host at Fuel Studios.
“Norwich and Fuel Studios in particular is full of creatives, start ups and a huge tech scene which is attracting people to move to Norwich from London and Cambridge.
The main benefits of coworking are collaboration amongst co-workers, being more productive than working from home and being part of a great social group.
We have 38 dedicated desks on a rolling monthly contract, a very trendy, recently refurbished space with a large boardroom, meeting booths and comfy seating areas.
Talented, creative individuals work in the Club Coworking Space, it’s a great community, we are very sociable. Plus, we are dog friendly!
The feedback we receive is only complimentary about the space, the vibe and what we, TCN UK provide for our member. For example, we offer free wellbeing yoga, fresh fruit weekly, multiple member events, showers, cycle racks and very cool breakout spaces.”
Tracie’s favourite spots to eat and drink in Norwich:
“We are spoilt for choice in nearby Norwich Lanes and the Market. We also have the famous Grosvenor chip shop on our doorstep.
Strangers and Alchemista coffee shops are great, and they give us a discount.”
Clare Pye, Office & Partnerships Manager for St Georges Works:
“Norwich is a vibrant city steeped in medieval history, with a fantastic creative scene including art and music, it also benefits from a brilliant market where you are spoilt for choice with an array of food vendors, fruit & veg, clothing, flowers etc. Norwich also benefits from two shopping malls, a great nightlife scene and theatres. There are fantastic transport links in and out of the city including Norwich Train and Bus station.
Coworking in Norwich has allowed, in our experience, many creatives and businesses alike to collaborate effectively. Since the pandemic working from home has become the norm, and coworking offers the freedom and flexibility to have a change of scenery even just once a week, without being tied into a contract.
Co-working gives individuals and remote teams members the freedom and flexibility of having access to a fully serviced place to work, with wifi-access and shared access to print, copy and scan equipment, as and when they need it. St George’s Works co-working desks and shared office space provide convenience and cost savings to those who need part time access to shared office facilities.”
Clare’s favourite places to grab a coffee or a bite to eat in Norwich:
“Our go to spot for coffee would have to be our reception area where we have our very own in-house barista selling coffee from a local roastery called Strangers, this has proven very popular with our tenants and co-workers alike and offers a space to get away from the desk, chat with others or just enjoy a cup of coffee.
We also frequent to Amaretto who offer delicious Italian style deli treats, Expresso offering homemade hot and cold breakfast and lunch treats including pastries, ciabatta rolls and daily specials. The Bodega, on Norwich Market offer awesome New York style sandwiches.
We also have the fabulous Junkyard Market a stones throw away who are part of our Shoe Quarter family, a trendy outdoor hangout offering global street food, The bar offers a broad range; from locally brewed beer on tap and award winning wines by Harper Wells to high-end cocktails using locally sourced ingredients crafted by our in-house specialists.”
