Coworking space, Chepstow

What's the ask?

Support from just 15 people could be enough to get the co-working place running: pledges are risk-free. We're confident that the project will go ahead but in the unlikely event it doesn't then you get your money back. If it does then you get priority access to the offices - making a pledge is just like paying a membership fee up front. See the Rewards section for more details.

What, why and where?

I work from home and while this is great in many ways, I miss the social interaction of an office. I've also just moved to Chepstow and would like to meet new people. 

Creating an affordable co-work space will give me and others an office that isn't a bedroom or spare room and a chance, perhaps, to make new friends over a coffee or drink after work. 

The offices in Beaufort square, in the heart of Chepstow, are ideal for a coworking space. There are three rooms that can be used as offices and a small lounge that could be used for private calls. A reception area is perfect for socialising. 

There is also a great terrace with views of the castle for social events after work like barbecues and drinks.

The office will, of course, have free tea, coffee and other drinks.

Why I'm crowdfunding

There are significant up-front costs to setting up the space. It would be great to be able to cover these without the need for a bank loan or maxing out my credit cards! 

In exchange for your kind support you will get to use the coworking space - see the "rewards" page for more details. You will also get to help (if you want) design the space and how it is run.

There's nothing to lose; if for some reason the project doesn't go ahead (very unlikely) then you will never have to hand over any money.

Help needed!

To keep the space affordable there will not be a dedicated full-time person on-site to run it. In exchange for a low-cost place to work and to help create a sense of ownership, everyone who joins will be asked to be "on-duty" for a morning or an afternoon every couple of weeks or so - to show people around and be the first point of contact should anyone have any questions.

As well as crowdfunding start-up funds I am also looking for a business partner who will help running the business on a more strategic / director level. If you know a bit about running an office then please let me know!

The coworking space and ongoing membership costs

The offices will be open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6pm, or later if there is a social event. Desks are very limited in number (about 15) so it will be necessary to book in advance.   

The space will only be open to members: those who have signed up to a minimum number of days each month. 

The cost will be about £60 for five days a month (£12 per day) or £150 for 15 days (£10 per day). I'm also open to suggestions about other plans (e.g. having a dedicated desk or a fixed amount for unlimited use) - please do ask!

The cost includes free tea, coffee and other soft drinks so if you currently work in a cafe then the net cost is much lower! If you are self-employed then the cost might be tax-deductible.

The offices (or at least one or two of them) will be open to well-behaved dogs.

The first month or two

I would like to get the coworking space up and running as soon as possible so the space may not be in its full glory during the first couple of weeks - see the photos for how it currently looks. There will, very soon, be proper new office chairs and desks and the space will be filled with plants. 

I hope that it will be very different from other, often rather sterile, coworking spaces. I'm open to artistic and practical suggestions!  I will do all I can to make the space a practical, comfortable and friendly place to work but this will be a labour of love! I've learned that it is better to get something up and running and improve it rather than trying to make it perfect before launch.

The future

Once the space is up and running yet also settled down it would be great to use it for more social events on weekday evenings and perhaps classes. I plan also to use a significant share of any profits (once initial costs have been repaid) for social projects. If you have any ideas please do let me know!