{"id":3012,"date":"2022-10-11T00:34:15","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T00:34:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.work-play.co.uk\/?p=3012"},"modified":"2022-10-11T01:03:14","modified_gmt":"2022-10-11T01:03:14","slug":"interview-with-techbehemoths-about-co-working-mission-and-values","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.work-play.co.uk\/__OLD\/interview-with-techbehemoths-about-co-working-mission-and-values\/","title":{"rendered":"Co-working mission of Work + Play – Interview with TechBehemoths"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is the interview we had about our Co-working space with TechBehemoths<\/a>, hope you will enjoy it as much as we did!<\/h2>\n

Although on TechBehemoths<\/a> mostly speak about technology, market research, business development and marketing trends, the real estate topic may have an important role in all this, without getting its deserved attention.<\/p>\n

Today TechBehemoths\u2019 founder Marcel Sobieski talked with Fred Scobey and Tobias Batkin, the founders of Work + Play London, who gladly accepted our interview invitation.<\/p>\n

Hi Fred and Tobias! It is nice to meet you in your office today. To set the mood, could you please introduce yourself?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin<\/big>: Absolutely! I\u2019m Tobias, Co-Founder of\u00a0Work + Play<\/a>, a next-generation coworking space, along with my cousin Fred. Having built up a large commercial cleaning company, I wanted to bring our experience of exceptional workspaces to people\u2019s high-streets.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/big>\u00a0And\u2026 I\u2019m Fred. Ex management consultant fleeing the City in pursuit of developing local communities and economies. I\u2019ve spent time working on theoretical business strategies and now I\u2019m focussed on making it \u2018real\u2019. Outside of W+P, exercise, travel, family, and relaxation. I\u2019m one of those people that finds down time and enjoyment through intense exercise, so any and all of that.<\/p>\n

\"work+play<\/p>\n

It took you a long way to come to this point. Do you consider yourselves now business people or business facilitators?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/big>\u00a0To be honest, I\u2019ve always felt like the term businessperson is a little generic. There\u2019s something about \u201cfacilitator\u201d that at least seems to capture one of major parts of running a business and that\u2019s making \u201cstuff\u201d happen!<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:\u00a0<\/big>My views are similar to Tob\u2019s on this and back to my point on making it \u201creal\u201d. We\u2019re in the luxurious position at W+P where we have some fantastic members building innovative businesses. I believe our job is to facilitate the next generation start-ups locally through providing spaces and communities that foster our members\u2019 growth and support where we can, their journeys more generally. This is about supporting organic conversations and the sharing of ideas in spaces where people feel happy, comfortable and can build the right mix for their own work + play balance.<\/p>\n

\"Tobias<\/p>\n

Do you think in our current times, is it possible to efficiently combine these two,\u00a0without cutting edges? Aim for profitability and have a positive impact on other businesses as well.<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/big>\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m going to give a very politician\u2019s response here and say yes, it\u2019s possible, so long as the two aren\u2019t in conflict! For me though, I\u2019d always take this back a step and say that I\u2019d never want to be involved in a business that had to do harm by nature of what it does. Neither of us are motivated by money and we\u2019re certainly not \u201cat all costs\u201d sorts of people. So for us, making sure we pursue \u201cprofit with a purpose\u201d is pretty straightforward as we wouldn\u2019t be involved with a business that did otherwise.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/big>\u00a0I agree. I would come at this from a slightly different angle. Work + Play is all about building social capital in high street locations and, understanding what locals need to support each other to foster business communities. You don\u2019t need to be a not-for-profit to add real social value. We try to do this from the grass roots up. One example is supporting aspiring local entrepreneurs and existing small businesses to launch ventures with no risk. How? So we employ a partnership model with our yoga, Pilates, exercise, puppy yoga, acupuncture and massage instructors and practitioners. We work on a quid pro quo basis whereby our partners can use our spaces (for free) without the risks associated with space rental. The way I now think about it is to target the \u201cS\u201d in \u201cESG\u201d.\u00a0 We are profit and socially focussed, for us this is the way we believe businesses should behave.<\/p>\n

\"co-working<\/p>\n

Work + Play. What is this? What is the philosophy behind it? Its real values?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0Work + Play is a new take on coworking. One where we provide an environment designed to facilitate work but also has wellness sewn into its DNA. For example, all our members gain access to a proper desk, with monitor and chair and as mentioned, we run free Yoga, Pilates and Strength and Conditioning classes. For individuals there\u2019s an ability to gain access to a vibrant local community, on fully flexible terms. For businesses, it\u2019s an opportunity to get an office that\u2019s modelled on the best city centre offices but for a fraction of the cost. More than this though, we want to provide shared local spaces on the high street where people can work, can start their businesses, can meet people\u2014a real community focal point. We\u2019re both locals who spent much of our time as kids on the local high street and we feel that they can and should continue to be a big part of local community life.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0I think that\u2019s a strong summary. I can\u2019t escape the consultant\u2019s curse and try and summarise values into bullets. For me we exist because, No space truly combines work & play. We are also borne form the idea that People waste too much of their lives commuting and that our high streets are the shared spaces of every local community and ground zero for business.<\/p>\n

\"Work+Play<\/p>\n

Our own previous startup ideas always came from our own needs, to solve a pain that we had. Then we\u00a0shared and scaled it to the market. Does W+P have a similar path?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0Absolutely. I think many of the best business ideas come from people wanting to solve problems they have a personal interest in; it\u2019s logical I think, to get involved in something you understand well, as opposed to a complete stab in the dark! At my commercial cleaning company, following covid, we could see the shift in attitudes towards the physical location of work\u2014it was clear that we would never go back but equally that there was no infrastructure to support the new work from home crowd. From this, came the original idea to launch W+P.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0We designed the space coming out the pandemic in one of the most densely populated residential markets in the world. Comfort in a home office for the vast majority is a pipe dream. We set our to provide this comfort for existing freelance and corporate clientele but also solve this problem for the emergent work from home community that was so heavily impacted in their remote working conditions by COVID.<\/p>\n

\"Great<\/p>\n

I did a bit of research on office spaces in London. Coming\u00a0from Berlin, I see this\u00a0market as\u00a0different. No doubt you did your due diligence as well. What honestly sets you apart from your local competitors, which are so many?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0To be blunt, we\u2019re the workspace that provides a genuine \u201cWork\u201dspace. I find many other coworking spaces only want to upsell to private offices or fixed desks, which means they deliberately keep the coworking experience from being too comfortable and enjoyable. At Work + Play, we\u2019re saying that the coworking market has now had its coming of age moment, so we can and should give people what they want; a local workspace they can genuinely work in, that provides flexible memberships.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0I agree it\u2019s a bit of dirty secret. we believe for local high-street model should create \u201ccoworking that works\u201d where spaces have the UX that provides all of perks and comfort of the high-street on your doorstep.<\/p>\n

\"Yoga<\/p>\n

Besides the nice\u00a0working environment you are offering, how do you contribute or facilitate your teams and\u00a0W+P community?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span>\u00a0<\/big>There are simply too many ways to list, so I\u2019ll focus on the best bits! First and foremost, by having a local person front of house to foster and nurture the community elements (we just happen to have the most perfect person for that, our Raquel). The second is to ensure you design the space to allow for and encourage, those watercooler moments where people can meet and bond. This is one of the main reasons we invested in the best coffee machine money can buy\u2014it produces a perfect flat white out of a tap! Finally, organising social events and regular good comms\u2014make the newsletter engaging and have a laugh\u2014if you\u2019re having fun (and we have a lot of fun running W+P), then those around you will too.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0We\u2019re also working on a package of supporting materials and partnerships that help freelancers and start ups succeed.\u00a0 A good example is our recent\u00a0 affiliation with Hub Spot. Whilst there is no commercial benefit to W+P we\u2019ve been able to secure up to 40% off all plans for W+P members. It\u2019s still early days, but we intent to flesh this package of support out to meet the growing needs of our user base.<\/p>\n

\"Networking<\/p>\n

Speaking about this, what kind of guests\/coworkers\/ are ideal for Work + Play? For whom is it more specifically?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0As with all businesses, there are certain types of customer that we attract more than others but the big thing for us is that everyone is local. We have so many types of businesses and people that it wouldn\u2019t be fair to focus on some over others! The fact is, we have many members who are seasoned co-workers and many others who have only now, post covid decided to give it a go. That\u2019s the point! Coworking should be for everyone, whatever your job\/sector.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0\u00a0We have recently acquired a number of SME clients that are joining Work + Play<\/a> to cut costs whilst improving employee experiences in the office. We\u2019re excited about these guys as they\u2019re companies that in years gone by, would have had their own offices, but have integrated seamlessly with the community, which provides a great springboard for those in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.<\/p>\n

It might\u00a0be a little too early, but do you have some success stories already born\u00a0at\u00a0W+P?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0We\u2019ve only been open for 9 months so it\u2019s a little early for anything too spectacular. What I would say is that we have some incredible businesses based here, that I know we\u2019ll all be reading about for years to come.<\/p>\n

Fred Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0One that does spring to mind is Richard Remmington (Remi) \/ SalesRook. They\u2019re a CRM \/ whatsapp integration platform that have smashed their MMR targets and are on track for a multi-million valuation at the next round. On top of this, Remi has been such a positive and welcoming force in the community, supporting others with business challenges and us personally with referrals.<\/p>\n

\"Events<\/p>\n

What is your perspective on WeWork’s business, culture and influence, before Adam Neumann stepped down in\u00a02019?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0I have mixed feelings about WeWork. Putting aside my misgivings about its business model, it brought coworking<\/a> to the attention of people and businesses who would never have otherwise considered it. This is a trend we\u2019re very much looking to capitalise on at Work + Play.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0The other side is that its failure, might give people the wrong impression of the industry as a whole. Largely they shone a light on coworking and educated a broad range of people and businesses to the opportunities in the market, so that\u2019s only a good thing. As for the other side, potentially a conversation best left for the pub.<\/p>\n

He launches Flow, a new real estate business, that touches both living spaces and crypto. What do you think about this? Is this a new trend or rather an opportunity,\u00a0or worse? Are you considering expanding your services beyond working spaces?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin<\/big>:<\/span>\u00a0Haha, well for now we\u2019re happy with being part of the new working landscape and gladly leave residential to others! I think in the same way that Neumann recognised the opportunities in the flexible workspace market, he\u2019s now seeing something similar with residential. For commercial, the leases that underpinned the office market weren\u2019t reflective of an ever-increasing section of the economy; businesses that didn\u2019t want to or couldn\u2019t sign long leases. In residential, the issue, at least in major cities like London and New York, is that the rental stock is poor and buying is hard\/expensive. I think this is the opportunity that Adam sees. As with WeWork though, the proof\u2019s in the pudding (as my mum says): execution is everything.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span>\u00a0<\/big>As Tobias says, it is early days\u2026 However we\u2019re seeing green shoots in commercial real estate models and agreements that support a core offering of coworking. At this stage, it\u2019s more a watch this space, but we will have more to report soon.<\/p>\n

It is hard to predict, but what are your realistic plans for the future?\u00a0Say next 2-4 years.<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0Realistically, in the next 5 years, we want to ensure we\u2019ve got good coverage in Zone 2. We have no plans to go further into London. We expect to have 10 premises within 5 years. Ideally, we\u2019d be opening in places like Clapham, Peckham, West Hampstead; areas with strong concentrations of Work from Homers, as well as a sizeable small business community.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0Looking further afield, there are also opportunities in other UK markets where there is growing demand for coworking. We\u2019re keeping a close eye on Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff and Edinburgh.<\/p>\n

\"Kitchen<\/p>\n

What could be a disruptive move, a pivot if you wish, that could set you apart from your competitors in the next few years?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0The most disruptive move would simply be our success. We\u2019ve taken an existing business model, that relies on upselling and overselling and said instead that we will offer people what they want, at the price they\u2019re prepared to pay. Miles cheaper than private offices and fixed desks but also miles better too! If that\u2019s not disruptive then I don\u2019t know what is!<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span>\u00a0<\/big>I think we can support growing trends in virtual reality and social broadcasting. Bringing this to life we\u2019re talking twitch rooms, oculus and podcasting studios.<\/p>\n

I have a lot more questions, but for the sake of time and intrigue, I will ask you just three more. If you would meet Jeff Bezos next week, in what circumstances would you want that to happen and most importantly, what would you ask him, or talk about?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0Haha, well it\u2019s unlikely I\u2019ll meet him as I haven\u2019t been to many night clubs recently or been riding topless on a horse! However, should our paths collide then I\u2019d hope it\u2019s because he\u2019s seen our amazing space (and not seen my comment above) and decided to invest!<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0Oh, and lastly, \u201cwhere did you buy that gilet\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

To continue this topic, if having such an opportunity, what one person would you want to meet (dead or alive)? And what would you talk about?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0Wow, so many options. To be honest though, there\u2019s only one for me: Jimi Hendrix. I\u2019m a guitarist, he\u2019s the reason I play guitar, he\u2019s always been an inspiration and frankly to meet him would be beyond amazing!<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0For me it would be Elon Musk, clich\u00e9 I know\u2026. But it would be more to inspire some more DOGECOIN related tweets and sit back for the price action.<\/p>\n

And this is more complex, but I know you have the experience and vision to answer – how do you see humanity and our lives in 2030? This is just 8 years from now. Both from a social, economic, and cultural way.<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span>\u00a0<\/big>Well, I see 2030 as being the moment that the transitions we\u2019re seeing and experiencing now, become or have become fully established parts of our lives. I think there will be a renewed focus on local\u2014we\u2019re seeing this from an environmental perspective, we\u2019re now seeing it from a social one too. It seems natural therefore, that the economics of local will be fully fledged by that time. I think the post war period was defined by globalisation but the next 50 years will be defined by something quite different. We\u2019re seeing it in energy security, we\u2019re seeing the vulnerabilities of a fully globalised world and I do think there will therefore be a continued appetite to focus on what\u2019s closest, which will redefine much of how we live.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0For me in a sentence: the jury is out on whether we will all be living behind VR lenses (I hope not), what I am hopeful for is that the rejuvenation of local communities creates human value and opportunity. I see the 15 minute city https:\/\/www.15minutecity.com\/ becoming a reality and with ever expanding globalisation will come a need to join human connectivity with hyper localisation.<\/p>\n

\"Excersise<\/p>\n

Fred, Tobias, the talk is very interesting and time passes quickly when we are having fun, but we have to conclude this interview for now. What advice would you give to our readers? Or what good piece of advice did you get at the right time in the past?<\/h2>\n

Tobias Batkin:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0\u201cGo where your money buys the best\u201d\u2014this is true for personal purchases as much as for businesses. When choosing partners, suppliers or just buying something\u2014make sure you\u2019re valued by the other side.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey:<\/span><\/big>\u00a0Wherever you work, make sure you\u2019re getting real human value. Whilst the pendulum continues to swing and the new normal of WFH \/ Office \/ Nomad dust begins to settle, use happiness, connectedness, and community in your decision criteria and you\u2019re unlikely to go wrong.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Marcel<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I hope our today guests inspired you a little and made you consider some new topics and opportunities. If you find that interesting as well, reach out to them at any time on LinkedIn, or, simply give them a visit in their Work + Play office in Finsbury Park London.<\/p>\n

Fred Scobey on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n

Until the next time!<\/p>\n

Source : TechBehemoths Interview with Fred Scobey and Tobias Batkin, the founders of Work + Play London<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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