The relaxed yet professional nature and the strategic design of today’s coworking spaces makes them a real resource when it comes to knowledge sharing, industry insights, networking opportunities and creative collaborations. With a little curiosity and some chat amongst your fellow deskmates, you’ll soon find that coworking spaces are hubs of innovation and connection.

Image caption: gteic @ An Tearmann coworking hub, Co. Donegal

Opportunities by proximity

Innovative and dynamic, a coworking space is a hotbed of opportunity for those savvy enough to get to know the worker at a neighbouring desk. You could be side by side with the very developer who knows the best payment solution to add to your burgeoning app; or within arm’s reach of a graphic designer who can provide a quick quote for your urgent funding application.

The real perk of a coworking environment is that knowledge flows freely. Whether it’s informal discussions, workshops or skill-sharing sessions, a wealth of valuable insights is yours for the taking. Something as simple as picking someone’s brain as the kettle boils could be what kickstarts a whole new avenue for your business.

Specialists in international holidays on horse-back, Eqqus Journeys’ Irish branch operates from Culture Corkworking hub in Cork City. “There’s a great network here at Culture, and I’m sure it’s the same for other coworking spaces,” says Branch Manager, Iris Lapprand.

“It’s a great team of people from different walks of life, working in different industries. And on a more practical level, moving the business to Ireland meant we needed things like an accountant and a solicitor, and we found those through people at Culture. It’s great to get personal recommendations from people you actually know.”

With multiple industries under one roof, it's the generous sharing of knowledge that leads to meaningful business connections and inspires future collaborations.

Image caption: RDI Hub, Killorglin, Co. Kerry

Communal spaces start conversations

For networking and collaboration to organically take off, the factors involved are environmental as much as anything.

The communal spaces that a coworking hub offers can naturally spark conversation. From relaxed breakout spaces, lounges and lunch rooms to comfortable open-plan areas; any space that’s conducive to chat and relaxed communication will make fostering connections come easily. And of course when you need the more formal set up like a meeting room or conference space, that’s there too.

Telemarketing business Forward Emphasis International is based at the Inishowen Innovation Hub in Buncrana, Co. Donegal. Its CEO, Paula Kennedy Garcia appreciates “the vibe of the place and how it’s designed. It’s built on innovation, it’s agile, it’s nimble. So it really tees up with everything we’re trying to achieve as a business.”

Think a coworking environment is right for you? The welcoming atmosphere of the hubs within Ireland’s 367-strong National Hub Network allows for spontaneous conversation, creativity and innovation.

Image caption: Paula Kennedy Garcia and a colleague at Inishowen Innovation Hub, Co. Donegal

A pool of professionals

The flexibility of a coworking space draws people of all different backgrounds, which means lots of perspectives at your disposal and insights you may not otherwise have had access to. Engaging with your fellow coworkers can keep you in the loop regarding best practices or opportunities you weren’t aware of, eventually enhancing your own business acumen. With a pool of professionals in your midst, you’ve countless expertise to benefit and learn from.

“It’s great to get feedback from people,” says Iris, “if you’re wondering ‘how do I deal with this? How do I do that? What do you think of this?’, there’s always a feeling of community and being able to work together towards different things. We’ve shared some great insights about our different jobs and different responsibilities here with the other hub members.”

Having an array of professionals in one space can help expand your business network, surround you with invaluable industry experts and even some potential clients.

Image caption: PorterShed coworking hub, Co. Galway

Collaborate and innovate – online and in person

“Business today is really boundary-less”, says Paula Kennedy Garcia. “It doesn’t matter if you’re based in Donegal or New York, you can service customers from all around the world.”

With coworking hubs boasting high-speed connectivity, video conferencing facilities and breakout spaces for brainstorming sessions, collaboration – whether in person or online – has never been easier.

The hubs’ excellent facilities mean collaboration with colleagues who work remotely offsite is seamless, while comfortable and purpose-built spaces to collaborate with colleagues, contemporaries or clients in person are right there at your disposal too.

Find your ideal coworking hub today, search the National Hub Network