Even with the move out of restrictions and the return to ‘normal’ working, we’re still looking at a very changed landscape – and MK Community Foundation has reacted to that with the launch of a new co-working space that not only caters for those whose working arrangements are fluid, but which also generates income to support the local community.
Here, Kaymarie Jackson and Rebecca Howlings from the foundation, explain the details behind Fairspace MK, a new flexible office space initiative that was launched last month.
What exactly is Fairspace MK?
It’s a co-working space that allows complete flexibility, owned and run by MK Community Foundation. Prices start at just £14.25 per day with the four-week package and space can be booked for as little as a single day. The price includes a desk, a storage tower for those who book a week or more,
high-speed gigabit wifi, printing facilities, an on-site kitchen and use of a meeting room. There’s also some parking, as long as it’s booked and spaces are available.
It’s a bright, vibrant space on the third floor of Acorn House with panoramic views over central Milton Keynes and it’s ideal for any small business or individual that might need space in an office for just a day or two, up to a few weeks.
We were fortunate enough to receive a grant from SEMLEP to help us furnish the space. They were very generous and we’re grateful to them for their support.
Explain more about the role of MK
Community Foundation?
MK Community Foundation is a charity that supports other not-for-profit groups and organisations in Milton Keynes, sending funding to where it is needed most. By guiding businesses, philanthropists and charities to the right giving and grants, MK Community Foundation is working to create a fairer community.
We provide a range of grant programmes to support small grassroots groups right through to larger organisations working in the voluntary, community and cultural sector who are working to make a real difference to vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged people across MK.
At the same time, we make it easier for local people to support the whole community, giving money as individuals, families and businesses, and for charities and community groups to apply for funding and support from us.
So, what prompted the new initiative?
Lockdown is easing and people no longer need to work from home, but many of us have fundamentally changed how we work and commute. We could see that those changes would mean that there would be people who would continue to work from home long term, as well as those who’ve seen a bigger shift to starting their own business but who aren’t ready to take regular office space.
Similarly, for those in the Milton Keynes area who work for companies further afield, and maybe used to commuting, they’ve seen that it’s much more efficient to cut down on travelling time.
Sometimes, even when you’re happy to work from home, you need a break. It might be a couple of days to get a big project finished, or it might be that you need to be in Milton Keynes for meetings and need a base while you’re here.
Fairspace MK is about giving people the option of having an office base with all the facilities they need, without having to commit to any kind of long-term agreement or commitment. It provides a modern environment for people to escape their home office, connect with like-minded individuals and forge new connections, or to save time commuting.
How does Fairspace MK benefit
the community?
Fairspace MK aligns with MK Community Foundation’s mission to make our community fairer, by sending the profits to local causes in need. So, anyone taking space here not only gets the benefit of the facilities but also knows that the money they are spending is being ploughed back into helping the local community.
To find out more about Fairspace MK, or to arrange a visit contact bookings@mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk or visit www.fairspacemk.co.uk
