Workbench, a Cardiff-based co-working space, is celebrating its 10th anniversary – having been one of the first offices of its kind to open in the Welsh capital.
Long before the co-working boom and remote-working revolution that was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Workbench was ahead of the curve – providing small teams and freelancers with practical, affordable spaces designed to help them thrive.
Founder of Workbench, Jason Gill, said: “From day one, we recognised a growing need for flexibility in the way people and businesses work. The company offered co-working memberships, virtual offices, and serviced spaces years before these became the new normal and mainstream options.
“As remote and hybrid work models surged in a post-COVID society, our established approach rooted in accessibility, community, and human connection proved prescient.”
Facilities include hot-desking, private offices, meeting rooms, PO box and registered address services as well as virtual office packages – all designed for small businesses, start-ups, and individuals seeking a professional home without the expenses of traditional offices.
Unlike larger corporate office chains, Workbench remains an independent, family-run business, providing a more personal experience for tenants and taking a more hands-on approach to management. This has allowed Workbench to stay close to its tenants and responsive to their needs – from offering flexible contracts and cost-effective solutions to creating an atmosphere that encourages connection and productivity.
Mr Gill added: “We opened Workbench to give small businesses with modest budgets a professional base and a place where they could grow, and where we could grow alongside them. Seeing so many of our tenants evolve and succeed over the past decade has been the most rewarding part of the journey.”
Workbench’s longest-standing tenant, Intelligent IT, has been at Workbench for almost eight years. Paul Owen, Director at Intelligent IT said: “When we first moved into Workbench in 2018, we were looking for a space that reflected who we are as a business – professional, approachable, and connected to our clients across South Wales. Jason and his team were immediately welcoming and have supported us every step of the way, from helping with deliveries to accommodating visiting customers.
“Over the years, we’ve transformed from a traditional IT support provider into a strategic Managed Service Provider, and Workbench has evolved alongside us. It’s a genuinely friendly, supportive environment that’s played a real part in our growth.”
As Workbench enters its second decade, it continues to attract entrepreneurs and professionals who value the balance between flexibility and face-to-face interaction. Whether working from home is not an option or a small business needs an affordable base with room for growth, Workbench offers the perfect solution.