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Proposal: QuiteSpace Shared Creative Working Place #26

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# 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**_.

![quiet-please-wall-art](https://cloud.githubusercontent.com/assets/194400/23511482/1cbe7720-ff55-11e6-8f21-82753e5dab6a.jpg)

## _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_)
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I don't have a view on these prices at the moment (except that the day rate seems too cheap for me given we're going to have to invest in developing a booking tool so we don't have 70 people 'dropping in' on the same day)

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if we have 70 members we'll have "good problems" to solve.
But I get your point. The desk booking thing is a 1-day MVP.

storage lockers for food/chargers etc. (_for full-time members_)
+ Pay-as-you-Go **£11/day** (_sold in blocks of 5 "credits"_)
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@nelsonic What has led you to this day rate?

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@nelsonic nelsonic Mar 2, 2017

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good question. it seems "more affordable" than £15/day.
as far as I'm aware there aren't any people on "Pay-as-you-Go" right now...
a related question is: do we even want to do "Pay-as-you-Go" ?
Or do we want to do "One Price" for simplicity...?

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@sohilpandya sohilpandya Mar 2, 2017

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I think we should think about how we can structure the pricing better so that we have more long term tenants.

If we go down the route of credits then a strategy such as:
1 credit: £20;
5 Credit: £80;
10 Credit: 150

But then if someone is paying for 10 credits they may as well rent for the month. 😕

What are the thoughts on a having a monthly and weekly pricing but no pay as you go? Is there enough of a market for us to go after the people looking for a desk for a day?

Have we done any research on whether the £180 is the perfect price for this co-working space or is it too little/too much?

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@nelsonic nelsonic Mar 2, 2017

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We should test the numbers. ✅
Everything in this PR is a "proposal". 👍
From research £200 is cheap for London.
What we want is a "market clearing price" (i.e. a no-brainer) so that we get many applicants. we can then chose the "best" (most creative / best fit) people...


> "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_) |
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The proposal we have from Emma Is for yoga 08h30 - 09h30, but this shouldn't be a blocker as it's not a certainty.

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Ines, this is self-directed yoga/pilates following a YouTube video the way I have been doing.
If Emma is able to come to the space that's awesome. but we cannot put "Emma's Yoga" in the timetable as a "thing" because then people Expect it and complain when Emma is no longer available.

again this is a proposal. if you have a better suggestion, please just update the doc directly. thanks! ❤️

| 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!_) |

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I'm worried that we are setting very high expectations to start out with especially the morning Yoga sessions. 🏃‍♀️

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👍 We should differentiate between what will happen from day one and what is planned!

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@nelsonic nelsonic Mar 2, 2017

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@iteles if we don't set a tone by having a timetable then chaos will continue ...
I think having a timetable is attractive for people who want/need structure for their work!

@sohilpandya "High expectations" are usually a very good thing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmalion_effect

This hour is meant to be Self-directed ...
I already do Yoga at this time on our veranda at home.
Please remove it from the timetable if you're "worried"... 😕

My idea was to structure exercise/mindfulness into the space's timetable for a reason: it's aspirational!
People want to exercise. if we make the time available to them and they take it up, that's awesome!
the reality is: most people will not get up to come to an office to do yoga.
it's like offering free lobster at Everest Basecamp even if people really like the idea there still won't be many "takers" ... 😉
But if anyone does want to do it they are more than welcome to use the space for this purpose.

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Failed expectations are one of the biggest sources of frustration and disappointment

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@markwilliamfirth agreed. 👍
The expectation I want to set is: to have "best possible place to work". 🥇
Right now QS is definitely not the best place to get creative work done in London. 😞

I'm happy for you or anyone else to cut out anything from this readme/PR. ✂️
and add what ever you think is important/priority for making this thing work in 3 months. 📆

as discussed, I didn't write this PR because I think I'm "best" suited for this task. 🙃
I just wanted to get this ball rolling :shipit:
so we can have sort out our office space both for dwyl and for QuietSpace Ltd. ❤️ ✅
I know you will do a great job of sorting QS. 🚀
So I've "un-watched" the repo 🔕
and will only reply when mentioned/assigned to an issue. 🤙
Thank you for sorting this for us! 🦄


## 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

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Aren't we missing the decibel meter from this list?

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Please add it in. I'm not relying on it being created before we can launch this.

> 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

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This may have been discussed during the initial meeting but what's the combination of this with dwyl members? Is 32 the full number of places available? Ie. if the space were to get 32 reservations a day what is the suggestion for existing dwyl members using the space?

There is no.14 upstairs...

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@Cleop if we get 32 good applicants and they all pay the standard rate we can afford to get more space i.e. it becomes a profitable biz. right now we have plenty of space.
I'd say we should aim to get at least 20 people to join in the next 3 months.
20 paying members is our "break even" point where all fixed overheads are covered. 👍

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Thanks for clarifying 👍

### _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_.

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This figure includes the desks that will be used by dwyl. Which makes sense, but we need to be aware that 8-12 of these places will not be bringing in revenue.

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@iteles please amend the figures as required. I just wanted to get something down so we can start plugging the "leak"... the space is costing us (i.e. you and me) "real money" until we are at capacity, we need to get on this ASAP!

Right now 4-6 dwyl people are using desks. because most are "WFH".
We need dwyl people to register for the space so they are members.
we need everyone to reserve their desk/space so the system starts getting "dog-fooded".
.then if we find that there are 32+ people paying to use the space we can expand!!


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.

![image](https://cloud.githubusercontent.com/assets/194400/23541687/de0bf28c-ffe0-11e6-8de4-d4163eed8981.png)

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_) **£9/h** (_£18k/year_) <br />
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@Jbarget Jbarget Mar 3, 2017

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The link says the London living wage is £9.75/hour, i think saying "well above London Living wage" isn't correct and potentially misleading

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@Jbarget well spotted. I'm living in the past. thanks. Updated to £11/h. ✅
which for most minimum-wage zero-hours employees will be a good "bump".
(if the person does an outstanding job there's no reason they cannot be paid more)

(_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?
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How long would this 10% discount be for? Ie. a month? This sounds almost infinite at the current wording. Also would there be a limit if it was infinite e.g. 10% discount can only be applied once per member?

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10% discount is a suggestion.
my idea is that the 10% is permanent.
if someone brings 10 friends and they stay, they get their desk for free.
we want to encourage that kind of community "bring your friends" mindset.
it makes recruiting new members much easier.

We need to open an issue to discuss each suggestion...

+ [ ] 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/