Business owners from a wide range of cutting-edge Swindon and Wiltshire companies gathered yesterday at The Workshed to share the vision for the brand-new business incubation hub, based in Brunel’s former Carriage Works in Swindon. The place was buzzing as visitors from start-ups and established firms rubbed shoulders and took advantage of the half-day free co-working pass to try out the super-fast broadband and other facilities.
Although the fabric of The Workshed buildings is stunning, the main focus is squarely on the people who will inhabit 150 co-working desk spaces and offices. Centre Manager Jol Rose shared his desire to build a vibrant community of solopreneurs, owners and employees of fast-growth, digital and disruptive technology companies, alongside innovators from all kinds of industries. He says “Many organisations have adopted remote working in the last decade, so The Workshed combats the isolation of working from home. It’s a friendly place where people can share ideas, collaborate and grow together”. Jol is planning monthly events to bring the best innovative ideas and technology insights to a wider audience. He adds “When people discuss their work, somebody else has a ‘Eureka’ moment and applies it to solve a problem in an entirely different discipline. That’s what we’re trying to encourage.”
There was a cutting-edge demonstration of geospatial augmented reality tools by Tim Hughes, CEO of The Carto Group, which is one of the first occupants of The Workshed. He wowed visitors with software which brought to life a basic wooden architectural model of the 7-acre Carriage Works site, with futuristic holograms and 3D imagery in glorious technicolour! Tim Hughes used to work for Halcrow’s worldwide headquarters in Wroughton. He was involved in urban planning in the Middle East for several years and specialises in the construction industry and The Carto Group has an impressive client roster. Tim explains “I’ve been following this development’s progress for two years and I’ve completely bought into The Workshed vision. Swindon needs this Tech hub very badly if we’re to stake our claim as being part of the UK’s ‘Silicon Valley’!” Tim is collaborating with high-profile companies to bring people to The Workshed and get them involved.
Swindon Borough Councillor Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for The Town Centre has worked for three years to bring the business incubation hub to Swindon and said “It’s great to see the realisation of a dream bringing disused buildings back to life and I am proud the Council has played such an important role in using the town’s heritage to help kick-start regeneration in the town centre. Brunel was a pioneer in his day and we want to encourage 21st Century innovators by giving them a base for digital and creative industries. We’re hoping to attract a pool of talent that will benefit all Swindon businesses.”
The Workshed’s eclectic mix of old and new marries 21st Century facilities with Swindon’s engineering and manufacturing heritage. For example, 200-year-old wooden floorboards have been recycled into 20-foot high sliding doors, which contrast with geometric pinewood ply staircases leading up to an airy mezzanine space. Rough stone walls, aluminium ducting and expansive skylights add to the industrial heritage atmosphere, while a large communal kitchen/lounge area has colourful furnishings. Shower facilities are also available. See www.theworkshed.co.uk A far cry from many bland office interiors that pepper town centres these days, most of the offices were snapped up even before the centre opened on 1st June. Only one remains unoccupied.
