John Preece, The Hub Australia chief property operator, says that the similarities between coworking spaces and the hotel industry are uncanny, with amenities and great service being the differentiators.
Just as all hotels offer different levels of amenities and services, coworking spaces function in the same manner.
The Hub is working towards the upper end of the coworking market with the goal setting itself apart from other spaces and because Preece believes higher quality offerings will sustain for longer.
Curating high-quality flexible offices are more likely to withstand possible economy downtown, according to Preece.
He also says that the company emphasizes the importance of a healthy work environment by implementing plenty of natural light and providing common coworking services such as gyms and wellness areas.
The Hub is aiming for 10,000 members by 2021. It has already had steady growth, with 1000 desks in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as 550 in Brisbane. They hope to expand their footprint in central locations so spaces are accessible to a larger population of people.
Preece hopes to generate collaboration in The Hub through more than just technology. They host a variety of events to encourage networking to provide a sense of community.
“I’ve heard some [coworking companies] say they are tech companies, but we’re not a tech platform. If we were just a tech platform curating communities we’d be dead,” Preece said. “We have real people in our clubhouses talking to real people.”
For now, The Hub is not seeking out corporate clients as many other coworking firms are, but if applicable, try to provide those clients with private spaces.
Coworking is sustainable because office outfits remain the same despite the amount of members coming and going. Preece says The Hub’s main priority is to be as sustainable as possible.
