In the UK, workers are finally returning to the office and slowly transitioning to another new normal. While some companies are turning to remote work models, others have incorporated hybrid work arrangements.
However, one noticeable hole in Londonโs business scene is Googleโs Campus London, which opened in 2012. Over the summer, the company announced it would be moving its startup community online, finding that they can still service these companies without a physical space.
While there is some truth to this sentiment, now is the time for large organizations to prioritize collaborating with companies of all sectors and sizes in order to address societal and economic challenges.
Early-stage startups and smaller businesses have had trouble securing funding from investors over the past year due to the lack of networking opportunities when operating remotely.
This type of collaboration is most effective when done in person and a physical office can help nurture such connection through architecture, design, and amenities.
For instance, at the Plexal coworking space in Londonโs Olympic Park, companies across various sectors have successfully collaborated on projects thanks to having access to networking events, mentoring sessions, roundtable discussions, and more.
Additionally, Plexal uses a pilot program that allows members to run pilots, purchase from them, or even introduce them to partners that could use their services.
