Former scuba instructor dives into setting up his own business
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A 29-year-old Newcastle entrepreneur who has worked all over the world including a spell as a diving instructor in Thailand has come back to his roots to set up an innovative co-working space business.
Hamish Rutherford has launched Floe to provide a range of inexpensive, flexible co-working in engaging/ creative underutilised locations around Newcastle.
Floes first spaces are in the heart of Newcastle. Horticulture is the first location on the top floor of the beautiful bar/ restaurant Horticulture, which has engagement 10 desks. The second space opening very soon is Dance City, where there are eight desks as well as meeting rooms and a board room available to hire on a flexible basis.
He said: “Since the pandemic there has been a huge change in how, and where, people want to work. In my research before setting up Floe I found a real gap in the market for great quality working space which really matches everyone’s diversity. I was also interested in why there was some a reluctance to return to offices and what I could offer to change that mindset.
“My business gives people a chance to enjoy three distinct types of working environment to suit your requirements. Engagement spaces are designed to promote collaboration, with music played and a relaxed welcoming atmosphere. Focus spaces aim to engage the user in a Flow state where productivity is at its highest. There is no background music, no phone calls are taken in the space, creating a quiet and calming environment. Incubation spaces are the largest of the spaces that provide facilities for every task: hot desks, meeting rooms, phone booths and private offices.
The Floe space is already proving popular with a range of people including entrepreneurs, students and freelancers. Roland Glancey, founder, Peek Home said: “We went along to a Floe Work session at Horticulture to have a directors meeting / brainstorm session for a couple of hours. We knew that we wanted to get away from our desks but we generally find working out of cafes to be tricky as we feel like we’re squatting. Floe Work at Horticulture was perfect!
“The thing that really stood out for me was the atmosphere, unlike many co-working spaces there was a really lively vibe with background music, great surroundings (lots of plants!) and the general hubbub of the restaurant prepping for the evening dinner service, plus we could get teas and coffees delivered to our table.”
As well as the space itself Hamish is placing great emphasis on creating a sense of community so everyone who works at a Floe desk is supported with their well-being, just as they would be in a large organisation.
Floe is a member of North East England Chamber of Commerce, Lynsey Fairless, Chamber relationship manager said: “We are delighted to have Hamish’s business in our membership and support its growth. The emphasis on the well-being of people using Floe is also very much in keeping with our approach which encourages everyone to look after their mental health in particular.”
At Floe they understand life is unpredictable, therefore the prices are flexible to fit around you. Either pay as you go, purchase non-expiring credits or set up rolling contract. Costs range from hot desks at £20 per day to hourly booking of £3 per hour.
In December Hamish is recruiting his first member of staff who will be responsible for growing the Floe community, brand loyalty and customer engagement.
More information is available on www.Floework.com