Small businesses focus on collaboration

25th November 2014

A new study by Cork Chamber member Regus reveals that the vast majority of small company owners believe collaborative work environments, where many firms co-locate, are better for business than traditional leased premises.

In the poll, which canvassed the opinions of business owners across Ireland, small firms report that collaborative workplaces provide better value for money (90%), create valuable business connections (80%) and help them scale their businesses rapidly (76%). Over three fifths (63%) believe co-location inspires innovation.

Karen Lawlor, Country Manager for Ireland at Regus, comments: “Deciding where to work is a fundamental question facing every small business. The ideal workplace should enable each member of the workforce to get their job done in the most productive way possible, working where, when and how it suits them. Fortunately, today’s business owners have a multitude of practical options available to them, in stark contrast to previous generations.

“Co-locating with other businesses is an increasingly popular solution and our research highlights that cost reduction and scalability are the primary drivers, but the secondary benefits are proving equally compelling. This corroborates our own customer feedback – that that working under the same roof (or even in the same office) as other firms breeds dynamism, entrepreneurship and valuable opportunities to learn from others.”

Start-ups in particular are reaping the benefits of collaboration as a more practical alternative to the traditional option of working from home.

Regus is the global workspace provider with centres in Dublin and Cork. Its customers include Google, MasterCard and Toshiba as well as thousands of SMEs.

www.regus.ie

(ENDS)

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