Our story
Launchpad’s story begins with an empty space office with a short lease, and no forthcoming tenants. East Herts District Council had the vision to create a co-working space for freelancers and start-ups to grow and thrive. Initially welcoming start-up businesses, we offered 3 months free hot-desking and access to a grant funded programme of business support. All free. There was no obligation to sign up after the free period, nor to offset against the cost of future membership. The deal was clear, simple and affordable; if the punters liked it, they stayed on.
Flexible terms, good internet, coffee, 24/7 access
And stay on they did. The internet has always been ace. We enabled access 24/7 for members. We offered flexible in/out terms with one month notice and affordable rates. One of our earlier members donated a decent coffee machine. It didn’t take long for a collaborative community of freelancers and remote workers to form and flourish. Boom. Back then, there were no other co-working spaces in town, now there are a few competitors!
Office solution catering to everyone
Since opening our doors in 2017 we have hosted fintech start-ups, video producers, digital marketeers, printers, programmers, cyber security experts, events managers, writers, sports traders, interior stylists, psychologists, market researchers, podcasters, product designers, scientists, video game designers, fashion designers, architects, accountants, and a long list of corporate and public sector consultants and ‘transponsters’. They all have one thing in common; the need not to work alone some, or all, of the time.
Productive, communal, affordable
By joining our community, you get a flexible affordable space smack bang in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford. You get piece of mind, knowing that your pennies are going straight back to your local council. By being commercial, we’re being smart. The local economy is circular. Spending locally is giving locally.
Looking forward
It’s been a privilege to have everyone on board so far, and we hope to continue to stay relevant offer a valuable service that pays for itself. We continue to learn what you need and what makes you tick, we hear what matters to small businesses and entrepreneurs. We listen and we do our best to provide a flexible and modern service offering.
If you are someone looking for flexible office space, or if you are working alone and would like to try co-working, we would love to hear from you.
