5 Of The Best Co-Working Benefits For Start-Ups

If you haven’t noticed the massive boom in co-working spaces in recent years, where have you been? Co-working spaces are everywhere. They’re popping up in towns and cities throughout the UK. Co-working space is big business. These businesses are serving the needs of start-ups the world over offering a range of benefits uniquely aligned to ambitious entrepreneurs looking for world domination.

And when you discover that mega-brands like Uber, Spotify and Indiegogo all started in one of these spaces you can understand their appeal.

Here in Manchester, home of the Enso team, barely a week goes by without an announcement of yet another co-working hub opening up. Brand leader WeWork has three sites in central Manchester with plans for yet more. Not to mention the many other independent co-working venues popping up like Whack-A-Moles on steroids!

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So what’s the deal? Why is co-working so popular? Well, here’s my take on some of the critical reasons why co-working is so useful for a start-up and indeed why I base my business in one of these trendy facilities.

#1 Lower Costs

Keeping costs low is essential, especially for a start-up. Trust me I’m an accountant I know about these things. When money’s tight co-working spaces offer all the benefits of a full-service office at a fraction of the cost. This leaves cash for marketing, R&D, a website and other, more important activities that start-ups need to prioritise. Many co-working spaces have different levels of membership so as you grow you can upgrade your office space without having to change your business address. That’s a win/win.

#2 Networking

Networking is an important business skill. Indeed, many start-ups see it as one of their primary routes to market. What better then, than to be working in an office filled with a diverse range of businesses that may need your help? There’s many a lucrative commercial partnership forged in a co-working hub with no need to even leave the building.

#3 Community
Starting a business can be lonely, at least at first. But in a co-working hub, you’re in good company. Nearly everyone will be in the same or a similar boat. That’s psychologically powerful. Knowing others have the same worries and concerns offers both comfort and motivation. There’s a supportive community in place for advice, for wisdom or even tea and sympathy when needed. That’s always a help. And seeing these fellow businesses go from strength to strength shows with hard work success is possible. There’s no reason why you can’t do the same.

#4 Convenience
Imagine having to fill up an empty office space with ‘stuff’. Desks, filing cabinets, printers, Wi-Fi routers, to name just a few. What a hassle and not to mention the cost. Instead, you sign up for space in your favourite co-working space, have a brief orientation, and you’ve launched your business. It’s all there ready for you. All you need is a phone, a laptop and a thirst for success. Now that’s convenient!

#5 Free Stuff!

We all love a freebie, and your local co-working space is bound to have something on offer. Whether it’s coffee and biscuits, some fresh fruit or maybe a beer or two after a hard day’s graft; these are all welcome and free benefits to using these spaces. Make sure you take advantage!

If you’re thinking of joining one of these modern workplaces, let me end by commending them as great places for start-ups to set up quickly and begin to thrive. I hope that I’ll bump into a few of you on my travels in Manchester.

And if you’re a startup based in a co-working space and need expert accountancy support call my team today on 0161 509 2152 or email me at adam@meetenso.co.uk and let’s talk about your company’s co-working achievements.

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Here’s What SMEs Need To Know About The Budget

March 10, 2025

Hi Everyone. Welcome to November 2024, which we enter on the back of the first Labour Budget in over 14 years. That’s why this newsletter is slightly behind the curve: I wanted to consider what impacts this fiscal event brings and how it might affect my clients. What a statement it was taking over an hour to present. It was long, detailed, radical, risky, and much-briefed to avoid the market-melting impacts of the Truss/Kwarteng budget. This meant macro impacts were marginal, with a few basis points on Gilts and temporary dips in the FTSE and the value of Sterling on international markets. Overall, it’s not too bad; we’ve seen much worse, but we must monitor these measures going forward. As the dust settled, we saw historic highs in taxation and higher borrowing levels via a fiscal rule change. But it was very much a statement of intent signalling the new government’s determination to stabilise and expand our indebted and tired economy after 14 years of Tory rule. Equally historic, it was the first Budget delivered by Rachel Reeves, the UK’s first female Chancellor. Underpinning it all was Labour’s vision for growth based on equality of opportunity, devolved power distribution, innovation, and green energy. As optimistic as the Budget seems in intent, like so much in life, it comes at a cost, and SMEs are now central to how the Chancellor will fund Labour’s economic mission. So here’s my summary and thoughts on the host of changes Reeves announced and what these might mean for you. Hold on to your hats!

How to Save Tax on Private School Fees

March 10, 2025

How to Save Tax on Private School Fees Using a Family Trust – Especially as VAT on Fees Rises Private school fees in the UK are already a significant financial commitment, and with the planned introduction of VAT on private school fees, the cost is set to rise even further. However, with careful tax planning, families can reduce this burden and save up to £5,000 per child per year using a family trust. VAT on Private School Fees – What’s Changing? The UK government has announced plans to remove the VAT exemption on private school fees, meaning that fees could increase by 20%. For many families, this could add thousands of pounds per year to their education costs. For example: • A school charging £15,000 per year will see fees rise to £18,000 with VAT added. • A school charging £25,000 per year will rise to £30,000 under the new VAT regime. This increase makes tax-efficient planning even more critical for parents looking to mitigate costs.

The Trump Effect: Implications for UK Trade & Crypto

March 10, 2025

Hi everyone. I hope this newsletter finds you in the finest of form. It’s February 2025, and the festive season is a distant memory. The new year is in full swing, and what a year it’s already been. “May you live in interesting times” is an English idiom often said to be a translation of an old Chinese curse. The irony lies in the notion of “interesting,” as it usually alludes to times typically marked by difficulty and turmoil. And ‘interesting times’ is possibly an understatement regarding the new incumbent of the White House. Whatever your thoughts on the greatness of this development or otherwise, let’s agree that the ‘interesting times’ arrived very quickly and will continue for quite some time. Well, at least four years, but the repercussions could be around for much longer. It’s early days, but we must consider what some of DT’s directives might mean for investors and UK SMEs. The US may be far from us, but its reach and, by extension, DT’s influence is practically unlimited. So, having a working knowledge of the issues is better than being blown around haplessly by the winds of fate. So, baton down the hatches, everyone; we’re in for a wild ride.

Top New Year Business Resolutions To Thrive In 2025

March 10, 2025

Happy New Year everyone. I hope your festivities passed as you hoped. Whether it was to either rest and recharge or become a social butterfly attending many parties and gatherings. However, it panned out for you; I hope you had a ‘good-un’! And now as 2025 dawns, it’s time to shake off the yuletide detritus, pack away the decorations and sell your unwanted presents on eBay! You might feel a little sad. It’s all over, you sigh. Don’t worry; that’s normal, but it’s time to trim our sails for the coming year and dive headlong into the promise of what’s to come. Many will commit to positively changing their lives at the start of the year. These so-called resolutions often founder within a few days. But don’t worry, that’s normal, too. You’re not alone in seeing these aspirations turn to dust as they rub against ‘real life’. But for those who follow through and keep to your commitments, I salute you. But maybe you could do the same exercise for your business. Every new year is brimming with opportunities for business growth, refreshed strategies, and new ideas, and always looking for opportunities to have a laugh along the way. As we know, the Trump administration is taking the reins in the US, which means the stage is set for an exciting ride for all of us. There’ll be opportunities and challenges galore. So, how can we get our business match fit for what’s to come? Here are some industry-tested pointers to help you take on the New Year and emerge as a winner. Let’s get into it!

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Wrapping Up 2024 And A Look Back Ahead To 2025

By Adam Nurbhai • December 16, 2024

Hi Everyone, Welcome to my final newsletter of 2024—and what a year it’s been! Reflecting on the past 12 months, it’s clear that 2024 has been a highly consequential year, even in an age when we’ve had quite a few once-in-a-generation events. It’s been a whirlwind for me, from attending thrilling sporting events like the Olympics to commenting on major financial shakeups and adding new services to the Enso brand . We saw the internet go down and an unexpected Oasis reunion (not to mention their remarkable ability to part me from my money). On the same note, we’ve had a change of government with all the financial ramifications of that democratic choice already playing out. On the business front, my predictions about AI transforming every aspect of our lives were spot on. This technology now influences how we engage with commerce, government, and entertainment. However, I see this technology making the management of your business finances increasingly insightful and responsive, which is precisely why I started Enso in 2018. Of course, we have the upcoming inauguration of an orange-tinged POTUS on January 20, 2025, which promises to bring even more twists to an already unpredictable landscape. But before we face 2025, let’s focus on the festive season. The holidays are an insane period for many of my client’s businesses. So, to help out and as a follow-up to the success of my TikTok gift list for 2023 , here are my prime picks for this Christmas. It might save you some time and effort, especially if you find gift buying a chore. You’re welcome!

Manchester's Feelin' Supersonic

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Oasis reunite for 2025 mega-gigs in Manchester, boosting the city’s culture, economy, and global status as a thriving hub for business and innovation

Cybersecurity Tips For SMEs: Protecting Your Business In The Digital Age

By Adam Nurbhai • August 1, 2024

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Change Is Coming Now Labour's At The Helm: What Small Businesses Need To Know

By Adam Nurbhai • July 10, 2024

Hi, everyone. My apologies for the late arrival of this newsletter. There's been a lot going on, and I decided to wait until the gennylec was over and see where we stand as the new government gets going. It's early days, but we're getting some indications of what's in the pipeline. There's plenty of commentary about expected moves from the new Cabinet for me to make some of my landmark predictions and comments about what the future holds for UK businesses. Of course, the result didn't surprise anyone, including the beleaguered Rishi Sunak or most of the Tory party. The only outstanding questions were about scale and impact. So now we know: It was a historic result for Labour. The Liberal Democrats, after Ed Davey's action-packed campaign, are relevant again. Finally, Reform has a few seats in The Commons, with Nigel Farage set to make his vociferous mark on the lower chamber for good or ill. We know there will be changes to the UK's financial landscape, and small business owners must pay close attention to what this means for them. Let's break down the key points and how they might impact your business.

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Effective Strategies To Outshine Your Business Competitors

By Adam Nurbhai • June 10, 2024

Discover proven strategies to outperform business competitors by leveraging your USP, enhancing customer experience, and staying adaptable.

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Essential Summer Planning Tips For SMEs

By Adam Nurbhai • May 1, 2024

Get your SME summer-ready with tips on holiday planning, seasonal staffing, cash flow, process upgrades & continuity to thrive through the busy months