-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 1
Commit
This commit does not belong to any branch on this repository, and may belong to a fork outside of the repository.
Merge pull request #26 from dwyl/a-modest-proposal
Proposal: QuiteSpace Shared Creative Working Place
- Loading branch information
Showing
1 changed file
with
320 additions
and
1 deletion.
There are no files selected for viewing
This file contains bidirectional Unicode text that may be interpreted or compiled differently than what appears below. To review, open the file in an editor that reveals hidden Unicode characters.
Learn more about bidirectional Unicode characters
| Original file line number | Diff line number | Diff line change |
|---|---|---|
| @@ -1,2 +1,321 @@ | ||
| # QuietSpace | ||
| A co-working space located at 16 Palmers Rd, London, E2 0SY, United Kingdom | ||
|
|
||
| > _Where London's most creative people go to get (["deep"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX_2a_jsGYw)) work **done**_. | ||
|  | ||
|
|
||
| ## _Why_? | ||
|
|
||
| There are _hundreds_ of co-working spaces/offices in London, | ||
| so why do we **_need_ another one**? | ||
|
|
||
| > `As a` ***creative person*** (_writer/designer/developer/videographer_)<br /> | ||
| > `I need` a **_quiet_ place** to get my **work _done_** (_without interruptions_) <br /> | ||
| > `So that` I can ***be/feel productive***. <br /> | ||
| > As the members of QuietSpace want to _share_ that environment with other like-minded creative people. | ||
| ### `QuietSpace`'s _Mission_ is to curate the most <br />_creatively productive_ working environment in London. | ||
|
|
||
| ## What? | ||
|
|
||
| ### A Co-Working Space Located at 16 Palmers Rd, London, E2 0SY | ||
|
|
||
| Map: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/16+Palmers+Rd,+London+E2+0SY/ <br /> | ||
| Contact: <a href="tel:02036090609">0203 609 0609</a> | ||
|
|
||
| #### Features | ||
|
|
||
| + A **_well-designed_ work space** with all the amenities you expect (_good internet and cell phone signal_) | ||
|
|
||
| + **Cost-effective** (_competitive_) **Membership Rates** | ||
| with excellent added-value benefits. | ||
|
|
||
| + Great **transport links** (Tube & Bus), "**Cycle Hire**" station **100m** from our door. | ||
|
|
||
| + Multiple bicycle racks (_for locking your bike_) 50m from office (_with CCTV for peace-of-mind_) | ||
|
|
||
| + Close to town if you need to go in for a client meeting, pitch an investor or lunch with a friend. | ||
|
|
||
| + Like-minded creative professionals working on highly innovative projects. We share all our knowledge openly/cooperatively so you can learn how to make any digital product from concept/design to running on customer's devices! | ||
|
|
||
| + Next to Regents Canal (_perfect for people who cycle or like running_) | ||
|
|
||
| + 4 Parks within walking distance. | ||
|
|
||
| + Great Gym (2 minutes walk) | ||
|
|
||
| + Out-door/Park Gym (_free. also 2 mins walk_) | ||
|
|
||
| + Mile End Climbing Wall (5 minutes walk): https://www.mileendwall.org.uk/ | ||
|
|
||
| + Great restaurants & cafes nearby 5mins walk. | ||
|
|
||
| + Free tea & coffee (_tell us what your favourite brand/flavour is and will make sure it's always in stock!_) | ||
|
|
||
| + Free Fresh Fruit for members. | ||
|
|
||
| + Blender and Juicer equipment so you can make your own. (_or for "cost price" you can buy made-this-moring cold-pressed organic juice or smoothies from our supplier_) | ||
|
|
||
| + Fridge and microwave oven. | ||
|
|
||
| + Registered Office for your Company with mail service. | ||
| Get your **post/parcels** delivered to the office at no extra cost. | ||
|
|
||
| #### Desk Rental Rates >> _Simple/Transparent Pricing_ | ||
|
|
||
| We aim to be _cost-effective_ while giving our members lots of added value. | ||
|
|
||
| + Monthly Subscription **£180/desk** (_hot desk + clean desk policy_) | ||
| storage lockers for food/chargers etc. (_for full-time members_) | ||
| + Pay-as-you-Go **£11/day** (_sold in blocks of 5 "credits"_) | ||
|
|
||
| > "Old" Pricing: http://www.founderlondon.com/images/workhere.jpg <br /> | ||
| > Discussion: https://github.com/foundersandcoders/london-programme/issues/42 | ||
| ### World-Class Meetup & Training Venue | ||
|
|
||
| Part of dwyl's of our mission to help everyone discover what they love doing requires us to share our knowledge through Meetups and training. | ||
|
|
||
| We have _already **successfully**_ used the space for training both | ||
| our own team members, our clients and complete strangers. | ||
|
|
||
| Our plan is to create a _public_ training calendar for QuietSpace | ||
| where people can view (_and register interest_) our specific training. | ||
|
|
||
| #### What Will We Learn? | ||
|
|
||
| We already have a "bank" of | ||
| [52+](https://github.com/search?q=org%3Adwyl+learn) | ||
| tutorials in various levels of "maturity" which we plan to create | ||
| a video introduction for. The format this will take is recording a "complete beginners workshop" see: https://github.com/dwyl/hq/issues/267 | ||
|
|
||
| We have a _rough **order**_ for the learning material: | ||
| https://github.com/dwyl/the-book/issues/69 but we expect to be "_dynamic_" and will respond to the requests/needs of the attendees/members. | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| #### Training Registration System | ||
|
|
||
| For the QuietSpace-based training we will need a | ||
| registration system/process so people can | ||
| book a space on the training for a specific day/time. | ||
| (_The **MVP** can use an | ||
| **existing "booking" tool** provided we capture all the requirements | ||
| before making a decision. as always we **prefer open source**._) | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| ### QuietSpace Timetable for Co-Working, Breaks and Meetups/Training | ||
|
|
||
| The most productive people in the world all have a well-defined Timetable for getting their work done. | ||
|
|
||
| |Start - End | Description | | ||
| |---------------|-------| | ||
| | 04:00 - 06:00 | Healthy food preparation (_upstairs available for work, expect some noise will be made downstairs_) | | ||
| | 06:00 - 07:00 | Self-guided Yoga / Pilates / Mindfulness (Downstairs), Reading or Quiet work Upstairs | | ||
| | 07:00 - 10:00 | "Early Bird's" Focus Time (_absolute silence please this is when we get our best work done_) | | ||
| | 10:00 - 10:30 | Morning break (_moderate chat/noise acceptable_) | | ||
| | 10:30 - 12:30 | Morning Focus Time (_please whisper or use "instant messaging" to communicate_) | | ||
| | 12:30 - 14:00 | Lunch Break (_moderate chat/noise acceptable though please be respectful of people working through lunch_) | | ||
| | 14:00 - 16:00 | Afternoon Focus Time (_please whisper or use "instant messaging" to communicate_) | | ||
| | 16:00 - 16:30 | Afternoon Break (_moderate chat/noise acceptable_) | | ||
| | 16:30 - 18:30 | "Final Push" Focus Time (_please whisper or use "instant messaging" to communicate_) | | ||
| | 18:30 - 19:00 | "Show & Tell", "Get Help", "Q&A", "Decompress Time" | | ||
| | 19:00 - 20:30 | Meetup, Event or Evening Training (_training space bookable by members_) | | ||
| | 20:30 - 21:00 | Tidy up the space ready for next session. | | ||
| | 21:00 - 23:00 | "Late Shift" Focus Time (_Upstairs only. please whisper or use "instant messaging" to communicate_) | | ||
| | 23:00 - 04:00 | "Night Owls Club" (_for people who work best at night. Upstairs only. Please apply for a door key. Door must be kept locked except for entry/exit. No Slumber Parties! ;-) Last person out switch off all lights/heaters and set the alarm!_) | | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| ## How? (_Proposal_) | ||
|
|
||
| Our "***metric***" for this should be a "hybrid" NPS/Productivity score. | ||
|
|
||
| > Mark will formulate exactly how to calculate this and capture the data | ||
| from all members on an on-going basis. This is one of our USPs so getting regular data/feedback is essential. | ||
|
|
||
| ### TODO | ||
|
|
||
| + [ ] **Market _Validation_** | ||
| + [ ] Create a basic survey (_using your choice of survey tool_) | ||
| with ***questions*** (_proposed_): | ||
| + [ ] Where do you get your most valuable work done? | ||
| + [ ] What time of day are you most productive? | ||
| + [ ] On a scale of 1 - 5 | ||
| (_where 1 is **disagree strongly** and 5 is **agree strongly**_) | ||
| + I work best when in a quiet environment. | ||
| + I regularly wear earphones to block out noise | ||
| when I'm trying to concentrate on my work. | ||
| + I find it difficult to get back into my work if I am interrupted. | ||
| + I like to openly discuss my work with my co-workers and pick their brains without calling a "formal" meeting. | ||
| + [ ] Collect responses to the survey by using Google Adwords | ||
| to target people who are searching for "London Co-Working" direct them to the survey. | ||
| + [ ] Use Google Analytics to track response/dropout rate. | ||
| + [ ] ***Membership Registration/Management*** System (_can be a [**spreadsheet**](https://github.com/dwyl/html-form-send-email-via-google-script-without-server) for MVP with a view to using our [CRM](https://github.com/dwyl/hq/issues/161) after MVP_) | ||
| but ideally would link to the ***payment processing***/verification so it's clear who has paid. | ||
|
|
||
| + [ ] Monthly/Pay-as-you-Go **Payment Collection** System (_e.g: GoCardless_) | ||
|
|
||
| + [ ] **Desk allocation** system (_so people can **reserve** a **specific desk** | ||
| if they want to and we **know** when we're "**full**"_) | ||
|
|
||
| + [ ] **Check-in** system when people arrive (_also useful for fire safety_) | ||
|
|
||
| + [ ] Anonymous ***feedback*** system so people can complain if they feel the need to? | ||
| see: https://github.com/dwyl/hq/issues/183 | ||
|
|
||
| > Making the QuietSpace Co-working space a success | ||
| is an _integral_ part of dwyl's wider mission. | ||
| Having a productive place for our London-based team | ||
| to work is _essential_ for in-person collaboration. | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| ### Number of Desks | ||
|
|
||
| + Upstairs: 16 Seats, 2 Standing Desks | ||
| + Downstairs: 12 Seats, 2 Standing Desks | ||
|
|
||
| ### _Potential_ Revenue at "_Full Capacity_" | ||
|
|
||
| 32 Places @ £180/month = **£5,760** | ||
|
|
||
| This will cover our costs and could pay for an | ||
| [***Office Manager***](https://github.com/dwyl/quietspace/issues/25) | ||
|
|
||
| > _**initially** the **actual** occupancy will be lower, | ||
| but if we **focus on our "One Metric that Matters" (OMTM)** | ||
| we will easily get to full membership + waiting list_. | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| Which means that we _could_ either accumulate a surplus and spend it | ||
| on making the space nicer for everyone, or we can lower prices once | ||
| we reach full capacity. | ||
|
|
||
| Either way, I don't think lowering the prices _now_ is a good idea | ||
| because it _de-values_ the place and signals "_we'll take anyone_" ... | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| ### Constraints/Blockers | ||
|
|
||
| + Bathroom (Toilet) Facilities ... | ||
| (_possible mitigation in suggestions below_) | ||
| + Locker/Storage space | ||
| + Lots of junk lying around upstairs and [downstairs]() | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| ### _Fixed_ Overheads (_Costs we have to Cover_) | ||
|
|
||
| We calculate our pricing based on our need to cover ***Fixed Overheads***: | ||
| + Rent: £2500 (_please input exact number_) | ||
| + Rates: £500 | ||
| + Electricity: £200/month | ||
| + Cleaning: £100/month | ||
| + Internet: £100/month | ||
| + Insurance: £50/month | ||
| + "Free" Tea & Coffee: £50/month (_please define a monthly budget_) | ||
|
|
||
| Total _Fixed_ Costs: £3,600 | ||
|
|
||
| > _**Question**: should we **budget** for an **Office Manager**? (part time?)_ <br /> | ||
| _please discuss_: https://github.com/dwyl/quietspace/issues/25 | ||
|
|
||
| ### Office Manager | ||
|
|
||
| > There is still an _open_ discussion on the _need_ for an "Office Manager" | ||
| please see: https://github.com/dwyl/quietspace/issues/25 | ||
|
|
||
| The Office Manager (_or **two** people who "job share"_) | ||
| is responsible for ensuring the wellbeing and _thriving_ of members. | ||
|
|
||
|  | ||
|
|
||
| People cannot reach the full (_creative_) potential if their | ||
| "_basic needs_" aren't met. | ||
|
|
||
| #### Responsibilities | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| + Opening the Office (_if no members with keys open the space first_) | ||
| + Member Relations | ||
| + Inducting all new members with: | ||
| + "Welcome Pack" (_this can be via email_) | ||
| + Health & Fire Safety Briefing | ||
| + Photo for our "Members Directory" | ||
| + Scan new member's ID (_e.g driver's license or passport_) | ||
| for Enhanced Disclosure purposes | ||
| (_we need to know exactly who we are working with_). | ||
| + Encourage them to connect with LinkedIn so people can see their skills. | ||
| + Ensuring _existing_ members are well looked after & needs are met. | ||
| + Coffee/Tea/Milk/Alternatives | ||
| (_ensure we are always stocked with member's favourites_) | ||
| + Sate of repair for all fixtures/fittings, lighting bathroom | ||
| + WiFi (_monthly signal and speed tests to ensure quality_) | ||
| + Security & Safety are regularly checked | ||
| + Door Entry System is checked | ||
| + Fire Alarm tests (_quarterly test all sensors and alarm_) | ||
| + Responding to _new_ member applications/registrations (_promptly_) | ||
| + Ensuring that people in QS have reserved their desk for the day and have | ||
| checked-in so we know they are in the space (_both for fire safety and billing_). | ||
| + Resolving any Member Disputes (_hopefully these won't happen | ||
| but the person we hire needs to understand that it's possible that they | ||
| may need to "mediate" a "so-and-so is never cleans their desk | ||
| and makes lots of noise..." claim ..._) | ||
| + Revocation of Membership | ||
| (_we need clear membership criteria and a "3 strikes" rule enforcement._) | ||
| + Receiving Post/Parcels on behalf of members | ||
| + Opening, Scanning and Emailing post for members who want this option. | ||
| + Fowarding or Returning-to-Sender | ||
| for addressees who are no longer (_paying_) members. | ||
| + Ensuring that all accounts for QS are up-to-date (_bills/rates paid_) | ||
| + Periodic check for "_better deal_" on Fixed Overheads e.g: faster internet, | ||
| better insurance or alternative (green) energy supplier. | ||
| + Maintaining the QS website? | ||
| + Marketing the space to potential new members? | ||
|
|
||
| #### Remuneration | ||
|
|
||
| We expect the Office Manager to be paid (_around_) **£11/h** (_£23k/year_) <br /> | ||
| (_i.e: not a "fortune" but well above | ||
| ["London Living Wage"](https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/policy-change/strategic-work-item/london-living-wage/) | ||
| and a good step up for a lot of really good | ||
| people who are currently stuck in "Zero Hour Contract" jobs._) | ||
|
|
||
| > _**Note**: this compensation is a "**base**" and we will gladly | ||
| discuss "**performance related pay**" for outstanding results. | ||
| e.g: percentage of income over full occupancy and/or additional member services_. | ||
|
|
||
| ### Suggestion Improvements (_for discussion_) | ||
|
|
||
| + [ ] Leave door to F&C and QuietSpace open during the day so _both_ Toilets | ||
| can be used by members. | ||
| + [ ] A Green lightbulb outside the bathroom linked to the bathroom light so people | ||
| can see from a glace if it's free. This can bee hooked up using IoT | ||
| + [ ] Oil diffusers (_pleasant smell_) | ||
| + [ ] Whiteboards (_fixed to the wall?_) | ||
| + [ ] "Free" Fresh Fruit? | ||
| + [ ] Bring a friend (_first day is free but they need to register | ||
| with valid email address/phone number for insurace purposes_) | ||
| + [ ] "Sign-up your friends as memebers" _10% discount_ applied to both members? | ||
| + [ ] Cost _Decreases_ For Everyone as Membership Increases? | ||
| + [ ] Lockers? (_with actual locks ... please open issue to discuss_) | ||
| + [ ] Desk Numbering? | ||
| + [ ] QR Codes on Desks so people "Check-in" for the day? | ||
| + [ ] ***Meetups***? Can we hold meetups in the space e.g. 19:00 - 20:30? crucially will they add value to the members and wider community? | ||
| + [ ] Register for VAT? https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration-thresholds we don't | ||
| need to. is there any point in collecting paying VAT...? | ||
|
|
||
| ### Value-Added Services for Small One-Person-Companies | ||
|
|
||
| + [ ] Registered Address for Freelancers/Ltd Co. (_included in membership_) | ||
| + [ ] Mail forwarding for people who are working remotely but still want a fixe address | ||
| for the company/invoices etc. | ||
| + [ ] Mail opening, scanning and email service. (_most "registered office" providers have this service_) | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| ## Inspiration | ||
|
|
||
| + https://secondhome.io dwyl-er [@hyprstack](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-mendes-30491820/ "Mario Mendes") | ||
| works at "SecondHome" and has offered to give us a tour. | ||
| + https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-coworking-space-in-London | ||
| + https://99designs.co.uk/blog/business-en-gb/best-co-working-spaces-london/ | ||
| + http://www.creativeboom.com/features/10-creative-co-working-studios-in-london-for-designers-and-freelancers/ |