This week marks one year of Alys Stewart (Together We Balance) starting her own business, and we’re happy to say she’s doing extremely well! Alys moved into Cotton Court six months into her new venture and her business has only gone up since working here! Here’s what Alys has to say about her experience at Cotton Court:
My decision to move to Cotton Court was prompted by the lack of parking at my previous office and the competitive rates offered in comparison to other hot desk/desk share providers. I have spent the last 6 months working from here and can honestly say that I got far more than a free parking space and a cost effective desk. Some of the extras are what I would expect from any good office solution provider – for example pleasant and friendly reception staff, use of kitchen facilities and meeting rooms when available. There are, however, some unexpected benefits, the main one of these being the positive impact on my business of sharing the space with other small business owners in various stages of growth. I regularly get to network with these business owners for free, whether that’s while taking a few minutes break at my desk, while making a drink in the kitchen or at a social event. I have been able to discuss my challenges, receive actionable support and advice and have had access to other’s larger networks – all the sorts of things you would expect from an organised networking event without the additional cost, both in terms of money and time. I have also been able to assist others with their general bookkeeping queries, the sort of things that you wouldn’t bother your Accountant with but would have otherwise spent some time googling without the added security of knowing that the advice was correct. Finally, the staff at Cotton Court are more than receptionists, they have an understanding of the needs of small business owners and are a good port of call for all sorts of queries, either by dealing directly when it’s about photography or marketing support or indirectly by pointing you in the direction of someone who can help; their flexibility in dealing with last minute meeting room space is also much appreciated! I know that I will be with Cotton Court for a while as my business grows.
Alys has also added a new element to her business and is using the facilities at Cotton Court to deliver a series of workshops! To find out more or to book onto her latest session click here