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Huckletree Manchester sits inside the iconic Express Building in Ancoats &mdash; right in the heart of one of the city&rsquo;s most exciting neighbourhoods. Mixing industrial heritage with a new wave of creativity, it&rsquo;s where old Manchester grit meets new Manchester energy. Here&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s worth exploring within a 10&ndash;15-minute walk (or short tram ride) of your new office space:
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>☀️ Morning wake up</h4>
Fuel your day with the neighbourhood&rsquo;s best coffee, pastries, and easy breakfast spots &mdash; all just minutes from your desk.
<h5>Off the Press, your daily coffee dose</h5>
1-minute walk
Nestled inside the Huckletree building, this bright, welcoming caf&eacute; sources its beans locally from Blossom Coffee Roasters &mdash; and the brews are sublime. Expect refined espresso and silky oat lattes paired with inventive toasties, pastries, and seasonal salads.
Address: The Express Building, 9 Great Ancoats St, M4 5AD
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/offthepressmcr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Off the Press</a>
<h5>Pollen Bakery, sourdough &amp; specialty coffee</h5>
10-minute walk
Known for legendary cinnamon buns, croissants, and world-class sourdough bread. Grab a flat white by the canal before seizing the day.
Address: Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ
<a href="https://www.pollenbakery.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Pollen Bakery</a>
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<h4>🥑 Midday refuel</h4>
When it&rsquo;s time to step away from your screen, these local favourites serve up quick bites and relaxed lunch spots for you and the team.
<h5>Erst, elevated small plates</h5>
6-minute walk
A bright, airy spot offering seasonal small plates that are fresh, inventive, and perfect for a team lunch or client meet-up.
Address: 9 Murray St, Manchester M4 6HS
<a href="https://www.erst-mcr.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Erst</a>
<h5>Rudy&rsquo;s Neapolitan Pizza, local favourite</h5>
3-minute walk
Laid-back and always buzzing, Rudy&rsquo;s serves up some of Manchester&rsquo;s best authentic Neapolitan pizzas &mdash; a must-try for pizza lovers.
Address: 9 Cotton St, Manchester M4 5BF
<a href="https://www.rudyspizza.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Rudy&rsquo;s</a>
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<h4>🌙 Evening unwind</h4>
Clocked off? Head to these nearby bars and eateries for after-work drinks, sharing plates, and good conversation.
<h5>Canto, Mediterranean small plates &amp; wine</h5>
4-minute walk
A lively, modern restaurant perfect for sharing tapas and winding down after work with friends or colleagues.
Address: Cutting Room Square, 3 Blossom St, Manchester M4 5BZ
<a href="https://cantorestaurant.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Canto</a>
<h5>Seven Brothers Beerhouse, local brews</h5>
3-minute walk
Family-run Manchester brewery offering signature craft beers in a cosy taproom atmosphere &mdash; ideal for a relaxed pint.
Address: 39 Blossom St, Manchester M4 5BZ
<a href="https://www.sevenbro7hers.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Seven Brothers</a>
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<h4>🍸 Dining with clients</h4>
Need somewhere to impress? These polished yet relaxed restaurants are perfect for client lunches, dinners or team celebrations.
<h5>Elnecot, modern British dining</h5>
4-minute walk
An Ancoats favourite known for creative dishes, great wines, and a laid-back yet elevated atmosphere &mdash; ideal for evening meets.
Address: Cutting Room Square, 41 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6AJ
<a href="https://www.elnecot.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Elnecot</a>
<h5>The Edinburgh Castle Pub, historic gastropub</h5>
3-minute walk
A beautifully restored 200-year-old pub offering hearty seasonal dishes, cosy interiors, and an impressive drinks list.
Address: 17 Blossom St, Manchester M4 5AN
<a href="https://www.edinburghcastlemanchester.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit The Edinburgh Castle</a>
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<h4>🏃&zwj;➡️ Fitness and wellness</h4>
Prefer a sunrise sweat or an end-of-day stretch? These local studios and gyms will help you fit movement into your workday.
<h5>TRIB3, luxe industrial HIIT studio</h5>
15&ndash;20 minute walk or short tram
Offers immersive, high-intensity group workouts across three zones &mdash; treadmill, resistance, and intensity &mdash; with energy, music and motivation.
Address: 6 John Dalton St, Manchester, M2 6JP
<a href="https://trib3.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit TRIB3</a>
<h5>V1BE, boutique HIIT + studio classes</h5>
14-minute walk
An independent studio focused on heart rate-based HIIT, boxing, treadmill, and curated group classes &mdash; all with fresh ownership and renewed energy.
Address: 75 Mosley St, Manchester M2 3HR
<a href="https://www.v1be.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit V1BE</a>
</div>
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<h4>🌳 Walks and green space</h4>
For a breather between calls or a creative reset, wander to these nearby green corners, canal paths, and hidden outdoor spots.
<h5>Cotton Field Park, canalside calm</h5>
11-minute walk
An urban oasis right by the water in Ancoats Marina &mdash; perfect for a quick lunchtime stroll or a moment of peace between calls.
Address: Cotton St, Manchester M4 5DH
<h5>Sackville Gardens, leafy city escape</h5>
17-minute walk
Home to a statue of Alan Turing, this historic public garden has tree-lined paths, benches, and space to stretch your legs.
Address: 41 Whitworth Street, Sackville St, Manchester M1 3WA
</div>
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<h4>🌟 Special Ancoats spots</h4>
Discover the history and character that make Ancoats unique &mdash; from iconic music venues to secret installations tucked into brick walls.
<h5>Band on the Wall, legendary live music venue</h5>
3-minute walk
An iconic Manchester venue with over 200 years of music history &mdash; from jazz to indie and everything in between.
Address: 25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ
<a href="https://bandonthewall.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Band on the Wall</a>
<h5>Ancoats Peeps, hidden spy-hole artworks</h5>
A few minutes&rsquo; walk
Scattered around Ancoats are brass &ldquo;spy-holes&rdquo; embedded in walls &mdash; peer through to discover miniature artworks or glimpses of old industrial interiors. Start near Royal Mills (Jersey St / Redhill St corner) and explore the surrounding lanes.
</div>
Whether it&rsquo;s a sunrise coffee, a lunchtime pizza, or a stroll at sunset &mdash; Huckletree Manchester puts you at the heart of one of the city&rsquo;s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Explore Huckletree’s guide to the best Ancoats cafés, bars, lunch spots, fitness and secret gems near our Manchester office space. Discover what’s on your doorstep.

Ancoats Manchester Area Guide | Restaurants & Bars | Huckletree

Neighbourhood area guide: Discover what’s on your doorstep near Huckletree Manchester 

Ancoats Manchester Area Guide | Best places to eat, drink & socialise after work 

Huckletree Dublin sits in the Academy building on Pearse Street, putting you right in Dublin 2 &mdash; a dynamic area that bridges the old city and the modern tech districts. The local streets mix Georgian fa&ccedil;ades, leafy squares, canal views, caf&eacute;s and the hum of business &mdash; all within easy walking distance.
To help you get to know the area, here&rsquo;s some of the Huckletree team&rsquo;s favourite spots to explore.
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>☀️ Morning wake up</h4>
Fuel your day with excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and relaxed caf&eacute;s near your desk.
<h5>Bread 41, artisanal bakery &amp; caf&eacute;</h5>
2-minute walk
A local favourite for sourdough loaves, croissants, and standout specialty coffee. Ideal for a quiet kickstart to the workday.
Address: 41 Pearse St, Dublin 2, D02 H308, Ireland
<a href="https://bread41.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Bread 41</a>
<h5>Cloud Picker Coffee, specialty &amp; local roastery style</h5>
1-minute walk
A Dublin micro-roastery serving high-quality espresso, filter brews and light bites &mdash; a great neighbourhood coffee spot to make your local.
Address: 42 Pearse Street, The Academy, Dublin 2
<a href="https://cloudpickercoffee.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Cloud Picker</a>
</div>
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<h4>🥑 Midday refuel</h4>
For lunch breaks, client meets or team catch-ups, here are some top nearby options.
<h5>Table 45, Latin-inspired small plates &amp; flavours</h5>
9-minute walk
Bright, energetic restaurant serving vibrant fusion and tapas-style dishes. Really good for groups and shared meals.
Address: 45 Hogan Pl, Dublin 2, D02 RF34, Ireland
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/table45dublin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Table 45</a>
<h5>Il Caff&egrave; di Napoli, classic Italian in Dublin</h5>
4-minute walk
A timeless Italian spot offering all the essentials &mdash; pasta, pizza, and cozy dining in a relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 41 Westland Row, Dublin 2, D02 V085, Ireland
<a href="https://www.ilcaffedinapoli.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Il Caff&egrave; di Napoli</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>🌙 Evening unwind</h4>
Laid-back drinks, good food and just the atmosphere you need to unwind after work.
<h5>Kennedy&rsquo;s Bar &amp; Restaurant</h5>
5-minute walk
A traditional Irish pub and restaurant with comforting food and a warm ambiance &mdash; a solid choice for a relaxed evening.
Address: 30&ndash;32 Westland Row, Dublin 2, D02 DP70
<a href="https://www.kennedys.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Kennedy&rsquo;s</a>
<h5>The Carriage, cocktail &amp; evening menu</h5>
6-minute walk
A stylish restaurant with a bar and terrace, great for evening dining and a refined atmosphere.
Address: 41&ndash;47 Fenian St, Dublin 2, D02 H678, Ireland
<a href="https://www.thecarriage.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit The Carriage</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>🍸 Dining with clients</h4>
For those times you want to impress or share a memorable meal.
<h5>L&rsquo;Enoteca di Napoli, wine bar + Italian flair</h5>
9-minute walk
Enjoy fine wines and carefully curated Italian dishes in a smart and intimate space.
Address: 14 Fenian Street, Dublin, D02 V596, Ireland
<a href="https://lenotecadinapoli.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit L&rsquo;Enoteca di Napoli</a>
<h5>Library Street, contemporary social restaurant &amp; wine bar</h5>
11-minute walk
A sleek, modern wine bar and restaurant specialising in Irish seasonal food and sharing plates &mdash; perfect for client dinners or small group get-togethers.
Address: 101 Setanta Pl, Dublin 2, D02 W3Y7, Ireland
<a href="https://librarystreet.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Library Street</a>
</div>
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<h4>🏃&zwj;➡️ Fitness and wellness</h4>
From a quick pre-work session to an evening reset, there are great fitness and wellness spots nearby.
<h5>The Workshop, CrossFit &amp; coach-led studio</h5>
2-minute walk
A locally loved CrossFit gym offering coached daily sessions, functional programming, and a strong community vibe.
Address: The Workshop, Studio Pearse, Magennis Place, Dublin 2
<a href="https://theworkshopgym.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit The Workshop</a>
<h5>Power Gym at The Dean, luxury boutique gym</h5>
25-minute walk or 9-minute bike ride
A high-end boutique gym with class studios, cutting-edge equipment, and wellness features like a sauna and relaxation areas.
Address: The Dean, Dublin 2 (Power Gym is located inside)
<a href="https://powergym.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Power Gym</a>
</div>
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<h4>🌳 Walks and green space</h4>
Calm, fresh air and greenery right on your doorstep &mdash; ideal for a lunchtime stroll or a mindful break.
<h5>Pearse Square</h5>
8-minute walk
A Georgian square with landscaped gardens bordered by historic buildings &mdash; great for a quiet breather.
Address: Grand Canal Dock
<h5>St Stephen&rsquo;s Green</h5>
8-minute walk
From Pearse Street, you can head toward the riverfront walk to stroll along Dublin&rsquo;s waterways or unwind among historic gardens.
Address: St Stephen&rsquo;s Green, Dublin 2
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>🌟 Special Pearse Street spots</h4>
Gems that underline the character and energy of this part of the city.
<h5>Dublin Castle, history in the city</h5>
20-minute walk
Take a walk to a historic Viking site dating back to the early 13th century &mdash; and be sure to check out the subterranean chamber!
Address: Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2
<a href="https://www.dublincastle.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Dublin Castle</a>
<h5>National Gallery of Ireland</h5>
10-minute walk
Free entry into this three-storey gallery, open seven days a week, with some excellent exhibitions and a noteworthy permanent collection.
Address: Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Ireland
<a href="https://www.nationalgallery.ie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit the National Gallery</a>
</div>
Morning brews, midday bites and evening wanders &mdash; Huckletree Pearse Street in Dublin puts you at the heart of it all in one of the city&rsquo;s liveliest neighbourhoods.

Explore Huckletree’s guide to the best Pearse Street cafés, bars, lunch spots, fitness and secret gems near our Dublin office space.

Dublin Pearse Street Area Guide | Restaurants & Bars | Huckletree

 Neighbourhood area guide: Discover what’s on your doorstep near Pearse Street with Huckletree Dublin

Dublin Pearse Street Area Guide | Best places to eat, drink & socialise after work 

Our office space in Kensington puts you moments from London&rsquo;s museum mile and royal parks. With workspace that has everything you need for a smooth day and plenty of green spaces, cafes and coffee shops just on our doorstep, there&rsquo;s plenty of reasons to enjoy working in this leafy West London district.
To help you get to know the area, here&rsquo;s some of the Huckletree team&rsquo;s best spots to visit.

<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>☀️ Morning wake up</h4>
Start the day off right with coffee and breakfast spots near the office.
<h5>Knoops, choc &amp; coffee for the early birds</h5>
2-minute walk
Known for its exceptional hot chocolates (and great coffee), Knoops sits almost opposite the station and is perfect for a pre-stand-up pick-me-up.
Address: 80 Kensington High Street, W8 4SG
<a href="https://knoops.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Knoops</a>
<h5></h5>
<h5>LIFT Coffee, for the purists</h5>
9-minute walk
Independent roaster vibes and meticulous pours just up Kensington Church Street. Great beans, great chat, great caffeine.
Address: 133 Kensington Church St, W8 7LP
<a href="https://liftcoffee.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit LIFT Coffee</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4></h4>
<h4>🥑 Midday refuel</h4>
Our favourite choices for a quick takeaway and team lunches that hit the spot.

<h5>Whole Foods Market, salad bars &amp; hot counters</h5>
3-minute walk
From deli salads to hot veggie plates, it&rsquo;s the neighbourhood&rsquo;s all-rounder for fresh, fast lunches.
Address: The Barkers Building, 63&ndash;97 Kensington High Street, W8 5SE
<a href="https://www.wholefoodsmarket.co.uk/stores/kensington" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Whole Foods Market</a>

<h5>Joe &amp; The Juice, shakes, toasties, meetings on the move</h5>
5-minute walk
Tunacados, greens and decent coffee&mdash;handy for a brisk bite and a walking one-to-one.
Address: 44 Kensington High Street, W8 4PE
<a href="https://www.joejuice.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Joe &amp; The Juice</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4></h4>
<h4>🌙 Evening unwind</h4>
For team get-togethers after work or when you want to meet friends nearby.

<h5>The Roof Gardens, Skyline Socials (members only)</h5>
6-minute walk
An iconic 1930s garden in the sky reborn as a private members&rsquo; club&mdash;if you&rsquo;ve got access, it&rsquo;s a knockout post-work setting.
Address: 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA
<a href="https://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/the-roof-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit The Roof Gardens</a>

<h5>The Builders Arms, a classic pub just off the High Street</h5>
6-minute walk
Cosy, stylish and tucked behind Kensington Court&mdash;ideal for Thursday pints or a relaxed team debrief.
Address: 1 Kensington Court Place, W8 5BJ
<a href="https://www.thebuildersarmskensington.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit The Builders Arms</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4></h4>
<h4>🍸 Dining with clients</h4>
Whether you&rsquo;re looking to impress a client or host a polished business lunch, these are some of our go-to spots near the office.

<h5>Kitchen W8, Michelin-starred modern British</h5>
6-minute walk
Understated room, flawless service and a seasonal menu&mdash;consistently excellent for client dinners.
Address: 11&ndash;13 Abingdon Road, W8 6AH
<a href="https://kitchenw8.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Kitchen W8</a>

<h5>Krokodilos, modern Greek in genteel Lancer Square</h5>
6-minute walk
A stylish, contemporary take on Greek flavours&mdash;smart but relaxed, with plenty for sharing.
Address: 28A Kensington Church St, W8 4EP
<a href="https://krokodilos.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Krokodilos</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4></h4>
<h4>🏃&zwj;➡️ Fitness and wellness</h4>
Whether you&rsquo;re an active morning person or prefer kickstarting your evenings with a workout, there are a few great fitness and wellness options near Huckletree Kensington to get what you need.
<h5>Virgin Active, full-service club</h5>
3-minute walk
Pool, classes and a full gym floor just off the High Street&mdash;great for consistent routines.
Address: 17A Old Court Place (3rd Floor), W8 4PL
<a href="https://www.virginactive.co.uk/clubs/kensington" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Virgin Active Kensington</a>
<h5></h5>
<h5>1Rebel High Street Kensington, big-energy classes</h5>
6-minute walk
Ride, Reshape, Reformer and Reset&mdash;music-driven, coach-led sessions that hit hard.
Address: 45 Phillimore Walk, W8 7RZ
<a href="https://1rebel.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit 1Rebel Kensington</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4></h4>
<h4>🌳 Walks and green space</h4>
Whether you&rsquo;re looking for space to let your creative mind wander or just need some fresh air, the area offers great walks, green space and secret gardens to explore.
<h5></h5>
<h5>Kensington Gardens &amp; the Sunken Garden</h5>
10-minute walk
Royal parkland on your doorstep, plus the serene Sunken Garden beside Kensington Palace.
Address: Kensington Gardens / W8 4PX (Palace)
<a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plan a visit</a>
<h5></h5>
<h5>Opera Holland Park &ndash; Sensational in Summer</h5>
15-minute walk
Open-air opera in a leafy setting&mdash;perfect for culture nights with clients or the team.
Address: Ilchester Place, W8 6LU
<a href="https://operahollandpark.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Opera Holland Park</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4></h4>
<h4>🌟 Special London spots</h4>
We&rsquo;ve included a few gems to find and explore if you&rsquo;re looking for some nearby history and culture.
<h5>Japan House London, culture hub with AKIRA restaurant</h5>
2-minute walk
Design-led exhibitions, talks and retail celebrating contemporary Japan.
Address: 101&ndash;111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA
<a href="https://www.japanhouselondon.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Japan House</a>
<h5></h5>
<h5>Design Museum, world-class design &amp; architecture</h5>
12-minute walk
A landmark space next to Holland Park for blockbuster exhibitions and a brilliant shop.
Address: 224&ndash;238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG
<a href="https://designmuseum.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit the Design Museum</a>
</div>
Whether you&rsquo;re grabbing a coffee before your first call, taking a midday loop through Kensington Gardens, or wrapping the day with a client dinner, the area around 6 Wrights Lane delivers at every turn.

Explore Huckletree’s guide to the best cafés, bars, lunch spots, fitness, and secret London gems near our Kensington office space.

Kensington Area Guide | Best Restaurants & Bars | Huckletree

Neighbourhood area guide: Huckletree Kensington

Neighbourhood area guide: Discover what’s on your doorstep near Huckletree Kensington 

Huckletree Leadenhall puts you in the heart of London&rsquo;s financial district, and while this office space is brimming with amenities and services to make your day run more smoothly, one of the many perks of working at this address is right on your doorstep - access to some of London&rsquo;s best social spots, green spaces and coffee shops. To help you explore the area, we&rsquo;ve put together some of our favourite neighbourhood recommendations to get you started.
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h2></h2>
<h4>☀️ Morning wake up</h4>
Start the day off right with coffee and breakfast spots near the office.
<h3></h3>
<h5>Grind, our go-to for a morning pick-me-up</h5>
3-minute walk
Under the soaring facade of the Royal Exchange, Grind offers expertly pulled espresso and light bites to kickstart your day. 
Address: Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LP <a href="https://grind.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://grind.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Grind</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>WatchHouse, a good-looking spot for coffee and catch-ups</h5>
2-minute walk
Scandinavian design meets precision-roasted beans and seasonal pastries. Ideal for early morning meetings or a quick mid-morning bite, with a light, airy vibe. 
Address: 30 Fenchurch St, EC3M 3BD <a href="https://watchhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://watchhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit WatchHouse</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Rosslyn Coffee, one for the real purists</h5>
9-minute walk
A speciality coffee institution known for its European-roaster partnerships, meticulous brews and artisanal snacks. A popular choice for the connoisseurs in your office. 
Address: Leadenhall Market, EC3M 7AN <a href="https://rosslyncoffee.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://rosslyncoffee.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Rosslyn Coffee</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>🥑 Midday refuel</h4>
Our favourite choices for a quick takeaway and team lunches that hit the spot.
<h3></h3>
<h5>Farmer J, perfect for a healthy and quick desk lunch</h5>
5-minute walk
A favourite of the Huckletree team. You&rsquo;ve probably seen Farmer J on TikTok offering nutrient-packed trays crafted daily from scratch. It&rsquo;s the perfect healthy meal for ordering to your desk. 
Address: 80 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 4BY <a href="https://farmerj.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://farmerj.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Farmer J</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>The Ivy City Garden, a sophisticated spot for team lunches</h5>
10-minute walk
This all-day brasserie has a lush internal courtyard with a polished but relaxed setting that&rsquo;s perfect for relaxed team lunches or client check-ins. 
Address: 69 Old Broad Street, EC2M 1QS <a href="https://theivycollection.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://theivycollection.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit The Ivy</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Boom Bap Burger, for a cheeky Thursday takeaway</h5>
5-minute walk
The concept is simple. Really great burgers in a lively atmosphere, and it works. Boom Bap makes delicious burgers, including plant-based options. 
Address: Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR <a href="https://boombapburger.com/leadenhall-mkt/lm-burgers-b-sides/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://boombapburger.com/leadenhall-mkt/lm-burgers-b-sides/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Boom Bap Burger</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>🌙 Evening unwind</h4>
For team get-togethers after work or when you want to meet friends nearby - try team Huckletree&rsquo;s favourite spots near our Leadenhall office
<h3></h3>
<h5>Leadenhall Market, the reliable after-work go-to</h5>
2-minute walk
This iconic Victorian covered market is a must-visit if you work in the area. It's filled with historic pubs, modern bars and live music, and it gets especially lively on Thursday evenings. 
Address: Gracechurch Street, EC3V 1LR <a href="https://leadenhallmarket.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://leadenhallmarket.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Leadenhall Market</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Puttshack, where socials get competitive</h5>
12-minute walk
Great for active team socials and client get-togethers &ndash; this lively venue offers crazy golf, great food and cocktails. 
Address: 1 Poultry, London, EC2R 8EJ <a href="https://www.puttshack.com/uk/locations/bank/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://www.puttshack.com/uk/locations/bank/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Puttshack</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Sky Pod Bar, for drinks with a view</h5>
4-minute walk
In summer, we can't say no to this rooftop wine bar overlooking the market, making it the perfect sunset drink destination after work. 
Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF <a href="https://skygarden.london/restaurants/sky-pod-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://skygarden.london/restaurants/sky-pod-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Sky Pod Bar</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>🍸 Dining with clients</h4>
Whether you&rsquo;re looking to impress a client or host a polished business lunch, these are some of our go-to spots near the office.
<h3></h3>
<h5>Bob Bob Ricard City, just to push the button</h5>
3-minute walk
Everyone knows the &lsquo;Press for Champagne&rsquo; buttons at every table at this London institution, but Bob Bob Ricard has also achieved cult status for its interiors and menus, making it a really special visit. 
Address: Level 3, 122 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4AB <a href="https://www.bobbobricard.com/city/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://www.bobbobricard.com/city/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Bob Bob Ricard</a>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Koya City, for Japanese noodles done right</h5>
14-minute walk
This upmarket yet casual Japanese udon caf&eacute; serves expertly made noodles and broths you&rsquo;ll want to go back for again and again. 
Address: 10-12 Bloomberg Arcade, EC4N 8AR <a href="https://www.koya.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://www.koya.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Koya City</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Coq d&rsquo;Argent, where client lunches go luxe</h5>
10-minute walk
They call themselves a rooftop oasis in the city, and they couldn't be more right. Classic French brasserie cuisine meets luxe rooftop terrace with wraparound views at this spot, and clients will love it. 
Address: 1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ
 <a href="https://coqdargent.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Coq d'Argent</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h2></h2>
<h4>🏃&zwj;➡️ Fitness and wellness</h4>
Whether you&rsquo;re an active morning person or prefer kickstarting your evenings with a workout, there are a few great fitness and wellness options near Huckletree Leadenhall to get what you need.
<h3></h3>
<h5>Third Space City, luxury workouts in the city</h5>
20-minute walk
One of the top-tier wellness offerings nearby. This premium fitness club offers strength zones, HIIT studios, a 25m pool, and a sauna and spa. 
Address: 40 Mark Ln, EC3R 7AT <a href="https://thirdspace.london" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://thirdspace.london" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Third Space</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>1Rebel St. Mary Axe, where workouts hit harder</h5>
4-minute walk
If you&rsquo;re into high-energy workouts - think spin, boxing, HIIT - in a cutting-edge, music-driven space, this is the place to go. 
Address: 63 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8LE <a href="https://1rebel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://1rebel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit 1 Rebel</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>F45 Training, just 45 minutes for yourself</h5>
6-minute walk
The F stands for functional, and 45 is the length of each class at this global fitness and lifestyle community. Some of us swear by the F45 challenge! 
Address: Leadenhall Market, EC3V 0AS <a href="https://f45training.com/studio/leadenhallmarket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://f45training.com/studio/leadenhallmarket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit F45 Training</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h2></h2>
<h4>🌳 Walks and green space</h4>
Whether you&rsquo;re looking for space to let your creative mind wander or just need some fresh air, the area offers great walks, green space and secret gardens to explore.
<h3></h3>
<h5>St Dunstan in the East, a quiet pocket of calm</h5>
6-minute walk
Serene ruins of a bombed-out church turned secret garden, complete with ivy-covered walls and stone pathways. It&rsquo;s a peaceful midday escape when you need a break. 
Address: St Dunstan&rsquo;s Hill, EC3R 5DD <a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/city-gardens/find-a-garden/st-dunstan-in-the-east-church-garden" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/city-gardens/find-a-garden/st-dunstan-in-the-east-church-garden" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit St Dunstan</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Aldgate Pump, worth it for the photo op</h5>
6-minute walk
This Grade-II listed historic water pump is often overlooked, but it is steeped in local folklore, and we highly recommend checking it out. It's a great photo stop on a walk. 
Address: 65-68 Leadenhall Street, EC3A 2AD <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldgate_Pump" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldgate_Pump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Aldgate Pump</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Roman Wall Remains (2 London Wall), a great destination for a walking meeting</h5>
16-minute walk
If you love a casual walk and a bit of history, make sure you visit a fragment of the City&rsquo;s ancient boundary visible at street level. 
Address: 8-11 Crescent, EC3N 2LY
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3em;">
<h4>🌟 Special London spots</h4>
We&rsquo;ve included a few easter eggs to find and explore if you&rsquo;re looking for some nearby history and culture.
<h3></h3>
<h5>Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture, a quirky detour between meetings</h5>
3-minute walk
Tiny carved mice tussling over cheese near the Monument - one of London&rsquo;s smallest public sculptures, with a folklore-rich backstory. 
Address: 23 Eastcheap, EC3M 1DE <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/philpot-lane-mice" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/philpot-lane-mice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit the Mice Sculpture</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Hidden Roman Amphitheatre, stops the hustle with some history</h5>
15-minute walk
Unmarked beneath the art gallery lies the remains of a 3rd-century Roman amphitheatre that's worth a visit. 
Address: 23 Eastcheap, EC3M 1DE <a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit the Amphitheatre</a>
<h3></h3>
<h5>Brabant Court Georgian House, a great excuse for a walk</h5>
2-minute walk
Nearby, there's a rare surviving Georgian private residence from 1710, tucked away behind modern facades. It&rsquo;s only open occasionally during Open House events, but it's worth including it on your route if you're walking the area. 
Address: Brabant Court, EC3M 8AD
</div>

Whether you're grabbing a coffee before your first call, taking a mid-morning walk to clear your head, or winding down with colleagues at a rooftop bar, the area around 40 Leadenhall offers something for every part of your working day.
Get in touch to find out more about our <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/office-space/london/east-london/leadenhall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flexible offices</a> and <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/coworking-space/london/east-london/leadenhall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coworking space</a>, and find your new home in the heart of London&rsquo;s financial district.

Explore Huckletree’s guide to the best cafés, bars, lunch spots, fitness, and secret London gems near 40 Leadenhall. Discover what’s on your doorstep.

40 Leadenhall Area Guide | Restaurants & Bars | Huckletree

Neighbourhood guide: Discover what’s on your doorstep near Huckletree Leadenhall

Neighbourhood area guide: Discover what’s on your doorstep near Huckletree Leadenhall

<h2>Sustainable coworking in West London: How we achieved SKA Gold</h2>
If you're searching for<a href="https://www.huckletree.com/coworking-space/london/west-london/kensington" title="&nbsp;Coworking space in Kensington" rel="follow">&nbsp;coworking space in Kensington</a>,&nbsp;or a perfect location to host your next meeting or event in West London, this one&rsquo;s for you.
At Huckletree, we don&rsquo;t just design workspaces that look good - we build them to do good. When we opened&nbsp;Huckletree Kensington, we set out to create a space that would inspire bold thinking, nurture wellbeing, and minimise environmental impact. That vision has now been recognised with a&nbsp;SKA Gold rating&nbsp;- the highest certification for sustainable commercial fit-outs in the UK.
For businesses and teams looking for&nbsp;flexible workspaces in West London, this means you&rsquo;re not just choosing a beautiful base - you&rsquo;re choosing one built on purpose.




<h3>What is SKA Gold - and why should workspace seekers care?</h3>
SKA is a sustainability benchmark developed by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) to assess the environmental performance of fit-outs in commercial spaces. Unlike other certifications, SKA focuses solely on how responsibly a space is fitted out - which is particularly relevant for&nbsp;coworking spaces&nbsp;and&nbsp;hybrid offices&nbsp;like ours.

A&nbsp;SKA Gold rating&nbsp;means we&rsquo;ve achieved the highest level of sustainability across areas including materials, waste management, energy use, and indoor environmental quality. So whether you&rsquo;re booking a meeting room, coworking from our terrace or moving your team into one of our private offices, you&rsquo;re choosing a&nbsp;workspace in Kensington&nbsp;that truly walks the talk.




<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/E5vgWNeeRZOyg1kPzYo8" alt="Huckletree Kensington" width="743" height="464" style="color: #555555; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></h2>

<hr>
<h4></h4>

<h3>How we designed our sustainable workspace in Kensington</h3>
From the beginning, Huckletree Kensington was designed to reflect our values as a&nbsp;B Corp certified company&nbsp;- building for people and planet.



<h4>✅ Thoughtfully Sourced Materials</h4>
We used&nbsp;FSC-certified timber, low-VOC paints, and finishes that are recycled, recyclable or responsibly sourced - all without compromising on aesthetics. It&rsquo;s a space that feels high-end, but with a lighter footprint.


<h4>♻️ Low-Waste, Circular Mindset</h4>
Over&nbsp;90% of our construction waste was diverted from landfill, with repurposing and recycling built into the plan from day one. We avoided unnecessary strip-out and worked with sustainability-focused contractors across the project.


<h4>⚡ Smart Energy Design</h4>
Our&nbsp;energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems and controls&nbsp;are designed to minimise energy use without sacrificing comfort. Plus, we&rsquo;ve made the most of natural light to create a calming, uplifting environment.


<h4>🌿 Designed for Wellness</h4>
Great work doesn&rsquo;t happen in bland, airless boxes. Huckletree Kensington was designed with&nbsp;air quality, acoustics, biophilic design and natural light&nbsp;front and centre - creating a space that actively supports wellbeing.


<h3>What it means for teams, creators and founders</h3>
If you&rsquo;re a team, startup or entrepreneur looking for&nbsp;office space in West London, Huckletree Kensington isn&rsquo;t just a stylish postcode - it&rsquo;s a space that reflects your values.
From&nbsp;coworking desks and private studios&nbsp;to&nbsp;beautifully designed meeting rooms, everything has been created with sustainability, wellbeing and performance in mind.

<hr>
<h4>A word from our founder</h4>
&ldquo;Kensington is one of my favourite Huckletree spaces we&rsquo;ve ever created - it&rsquo;s warm, it&rsquo;s beautiful, and it has a real sense of calm strength to it. But just as important as how it looks is how we built it. As a B Corp, we have a responsibility to show that you can create exceptional environments without harming the planet. Prioritising sustainability wasn&rsquo;t a trade-off - it was part of the creative brief.&rdquo;
Gabriela Hersham, Founder &amp; CEO, Huckletree
<hr>
<h3>Looking for workspace in Kensington or West London?</h3>
Whether you&rsquo;re after a&nbsp;flexible office,&nbsp;a coworking membership for you, or&nbsp;meeting rooms for hire in Kensington, Huckletree offers a sustainable, design-led home for businesses who want to work with purpose.
<a href="https://www.huckletree.com/workspace-enquire" rel="follow" style="color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;">Book a tour</a>&nbsp;of our West London workspace today and experience Huckletree Kensington for yourself - where bold ideas meet bold environmental standards.

Learn how Huckletree Kensington achieved SKA Gold for sustainable coworking, showcasing eco‑friendly design and fit‑out standards in West London.

Sustainable Coworking in West London: How we Achieved SKA Gold

Raising the Sustainability Benchmark: SKA Gold at Huckletree Kensington

Read the full article here:
<div style="width: 100%; font-size: 26px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 0;">
<div style="display: flex; row-gap: 15px; column-gap: 15px; width: 100%; justify-content: center; margin-top: -2px; margin-bottom: 1px; flex-wrap: wrap; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.coworkingcafe.com/blog/mg-huckletree-team-up-for-new-flexible-office-hub-in-london/" style="padding: 16px 35px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; color: #fff; text-transform: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'La Nord', sans-serif; background: #000; border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid transparent; transition: all 0.5s ease; text-align: center; width: 350px; max-width: 90%; box-sizing: border-box;" onmouseover="this.style.background='#FFFFFF'; this.style.color='#000000'; this.style.borderColor='#000'; this.style.fontWeight='normal';" onmouseout="this.style.background='#000'; this.style.color='#fff'; this.style.borderColor='transparent'; this.style.fontWeight='bold';"> Read Here </a></div>
</div>

M&G & Huckletree Team Up for New Flexible Office Hub in London

<h2>Meet the B Corps: How These Huckletree Members Are Redefining Business for Good</h2>


In a world where business success is increasingly measured not just by profit margins but by positive impact, B Corp certification has emerged as the gold standard for companies committed to balancing purpose and profit. At Huckletree, we're proud to be B Corp certified since 2023, and to house a growing community of certified B Corps who are leading the charge in their respective industries.


We sat down with three of our member businesses, Energylab, Big Mamma, and High-Rise Communications, to learn about their B Corp journeys, what motivated them to pursue certification, and how it's transforming their businesses from the inside out.




&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/yyUqYiHZRwKtDUzB8EQf" alt="18.webp">


<h3 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Energylab: Pioneering Sustainability in Building Services </h3>
<div></div>

Energylab, Members of Huckletree Liverpool Street, is a forward-thinking building services and sustainability consultancy. With extensive expertise in both design and project management across diverse sectors, we are committed to integrating circular economy principles that support a fair and sustainable life for all.


When did you become a B Corp?

We became an accredited B Corp on 27th June 2022, which made us the first building services consultancy to join the movement.

What motivated Energylab to pursue B Corp certification?
Marian felt that the B Corp accreditation encapsulated the very principles that she built Energylab on and presented us with an opportunity to showcase our strengths and join a network of other likeminded businesses across the built environment sector.

How has being part of the B Corp community benefited your business beyond the certification itself?

The B impact assessment itself has given us an excellent framework by which to measure, track and improve our business operation across all five B Corp pillars. It has provided networking opportunities for us to share best practice and learn from others who are equally committed to using their business as a force for good.
 
<div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"></div>
<h3 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/szpTDV4URIWMX8KvFGIb" alt="17.webp"></h3>

<h3 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Big Mamma: Redefining Hospitality with Purpose </h3>


Big Mamma, Members of Huckletree Soho, is a team of 2,200 passionate people behind 27 unique restaurants in Europe - including Pink Mamma and the 4,500m2 food market La Felicit&agrave; in Paris, Gloria, their first trattoria in the UK, and the latest exciting venture in Belgium, Barracuda in Brussels. They work directly with 170 producers, constantly exploring new areas of Italian cuisine with each opening, from pizzas to excellent meats from across the boot. Each trattoria has its own ambiance and everything is homemade from the fresh pasta to the creamy gelato.

When did you become a B Corp?

Big Mamma has been proudly B Corp certified since 2018, actually, it was the first restaurant group in Europe to get the certification!

What motivated Big Mamma to pursue B Corp certification?

From day one, Big Mamma has been all about making a real impact. We built this group on strong values - meritocracy, excellence, entrepreneurship, and authenticity - with people and the planet always at the heart of what we do. The B Corp movement pushed us to go even further, constantly improving our social and environmental impact and rethinking hospitality for the better.

How has being part of the B Corp community benefited your business beyond the certification itself?

Being a B Corp keeps us inspired and on track to make a real difference. This certification is a daily guide that shapes everything we do, from the produce we source to how we use energy and support our employees. It's also helped us build a strong company culture, attracting people who share our values and want to be part of a business that puts people and the planet first. And at the end of the day, it all comes back to our mission: changing lives with pizza!
 


<h3><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/2LnVqoXSSSyDmqcf2uLe" alt="email banners.webp"></h3>

<h3>High-Rise Communications: Strategic Communication with Social Purpose</h3>

High-Rise Communications is a strategic communications agency based in Huckletree Ancoats, Manchester. Services include PR, reputation management, crisis communications and media training. High-Rise's clients include national and regional charities, technology-for-good platforms, healthcare organisations, hospices, social movements, social enterprises, impact investment specialists and more.

When did you become a B Corp?

We became B Corp in October 2024.

What motivated High-Rise Communications to pursue B Corp certification?

The reason why we decided to become B Corp was due to the nature of the clients we were dealing with anyway &ndash; it seemed like a bit of a gap not to be B Corp when we work with so many charities and other organisations helping to build stronger communities.

How has being part of the B Corp community benefited your business beyond the certification itself?

Beyond certification, B Corp has helped with culture and making sure all the team are contributing to and thinking about how we develop High-Rise and make it a better place to work. We're also taking part in B Corp initiatives as part of creating social value through our business model, such as a community skills share in Manchester that's coming up in a few weeks.
 



<h3>The B Corp Movement: Business as a Force for Good</h3>

These three Huckletree members represent just a small sample of the growing B Corp members within our spaces. What unites them is a shared commitment to using business as a force for positive change. From building services and sustainability consultancy to hospitality and strategic communications, these companies are proving that purpose and profit can go hand in hand.

At Huckletree, we're proud to support and celebrate our B Corp members who are leading the way in their industries. Their stories inspire us and remind us that business can be a powerful tool for creating the world we want to live in.

Together, we're building a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economic system. One business at a time.

Discover how Huckletree’s B Corp member companies are redefining business for positive impact, balancing purpose and profit with real‑world stories.

Meet the B Corps | Members Redefining Business | Huckletree

Meet the B Corps: How these Huckletree members are redefining business for good

Meet the B Corps: How These Huckletree Members Are Redefining Business for Good

<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Fighting Burnout: Insights from a Leading Anti-Burnout Expert</h2>

At Huckletree, we host regular thoughtful talks and presentations for our Members.&nbsp;

This month, we invited one of the UK's leading burnout experts to discuss the growing concern about burnout in the UK.&nbsp;

Bex Spiller, founder of the Anti-Burnout Club, says, "1 in 3 people feel burned out regularly, but many of the warning signs go unnoticed until it&rsquo;s too late.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In her fascinating session, Bex covered the hidden signs of burnout that most people miss, why they matter, and some simple yet effective strategies for people to protect their energy and build resilience.

&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">What is Burnout?</h2>

Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by long-term stress and pressure. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises it as an <a href="https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/frequently-asked-questions/burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon" style="text-decoration: none;">occupational phenomenon</a>. However, burnout can also occur alongside other life pressures, such as parenting or caregiving responsibilities.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://mentalhealth-uk.org/blog/burnout-report-2025-reveals-generational-divide-in-levels-of-stress-and-work-absence/" style="text-decoration: none;">2025 Burnout Report</a> from Mental Health UK found that many workers across the country are at high risk of burnout, with 9 in 10 British adults experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure or stress last year. Let's take a closer look at the problem of burnout and hear what our anti-burnout expert had to say.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Recognising and Preventing Burnout: Three Key Tips from Bex</h2>

Bex says, "Believe it or not, but I love stress! Stress can be so good for us. It can help us feel motivated to become the best versions of ourselves and get stuff done. What I don't love is piles and piles of stress that we have no control over. When we start to feel overwhelmed and like nothing we do makes a difference, that's when we need to focus on burnout prevention."&nbsp;
 
1. Stress and burnout are two very different things. Feeling stressed sometimes is fine, but as long as you rest, you feel refreshed. If you're feeling depleted and no amount of rest is helping, that could mean you're burning out.

2. Look at the things that make you feel most stressed right now. Are they in or out of your control? Focus on the ones that you can control and try to rebalance that aspect of your life.&nbsp;

3. The to-do list isn't going anywhere, so it's important to fit micro-moments of self-care into your days to prevent burnout. That might be mindful moments in the shower, star jumps whilst you're waiting for the kettle to boil, or something else entirely. It has to work for you.


<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">The Symptoms and Causes of Burnout</h2>

Symptoms of burnout can include:

<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Constant exhaustion
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Sleep disturbances&nbsp;
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Frequent headaches, muscle or joint pain&nbsp;
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Gastrointestinal problems and changes in appetite&nbsp;
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Frequent illness due to lowered immunity&nbsp;
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Persistent feelings of worry and anxiety&nbsp;
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Irritability&nbsp;
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Difficulty concentrating
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Decreased productivity
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Social isolation
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Increased absenteeism from work
</li>
</ul>
According to Mental Health UK, these are the top causes of stress and, therefore the biggest risk factors for burnout among British workers:&nbsp;

<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; A high or increased workload (unpaid)
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Worries about redundancy/ job security
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Regularly working unpaid overtime&nbsp;
</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Feeling isolated at work
</li>
<li style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
&bull; Working overtime or taking on a second job to cope with the increased cost of living
</li>
</ul>
Huckletree hosts regular expert-led talks on workplace and culture issues, empowering our Members to grow professionally and personally. <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/education/events" style="text-decoration: none;">Be sure not to miss our next event</a>.


<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">About Bex Spiller</h2>


Bex Spiller of the Anti-Burnout Club is a burnout expert on a mission to help individuals and teams thrive without sacrificing their wellbeing. With a TEDx talk under her belt, two books on overwhelm and burnout, and features in outlets like BBC, Sky News, and Metro, Bex is passionate about tackling burnout with science-backed strategies that actually work (not just fruit bowls and desk yoga).

She&rsquo;s worked with organisations like the NHS, Women's Aid and Macmillan to help teams spot burnout before it spirals and find balance, even in high-stress environments. Her practical advice and relatable style make her a sought-after speaker and consultant for teams looking to balance productivity with better wellbeing.&nbsp;

Bex is also the founder of the <a href="https://theantiburnoutclub.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Anti-Burnout Club</a> (ABC), a platform offering talks, workshops, free online courses and other free resources on burnout and related topics.

Expert insights on managing burnout. Tips from Huckletree’s wellbeing talk to reduce stress & improve productivity.

Fighting Burnout: An Expert’s Advice | Huckletree

<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Demystifying B Corp: A Conversation with Future Shift</h2>

In today's business landscape, sustainability isn't just a buzzword, it's becoming a core business strategy. As companies seek to demonstrate their commitment to people and planet alongside profit, B Corp certification has emerged as the gold standard. But what does the journey to certification really entail?
We sat down with the team at Future Shift, sustainability consultants who have guided over 100 businesses to successful B Corp certification, to separate fact from fiction and provide practical insights for businesses considering this transformative journey.

<h2 style="margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">Beyond the Badge, What B Corp Really Means</h2>
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that B Corp certification is purely a marketing badge," explains <a href="https://future-shift.co.uk/" rel="follow">Future Shift</a>. In reality, it's a comprehensive assessment covering governance, environment, workers, community, and customers designed to embed sustainability into your operational DNA.
Many businesses also believe they need to be perfect before they can certify. The Future Shift team stresses that it's about progress, not perfection. Certification rewards continuous improvement, and the journey itself drives meaningful change. Read about Huckletree's journey to B corp in our<a href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-impact-report-2024?_gl=1*1237q4q*_gcl_au*NzgxNTA2MTkxLjE3NDIyMTE3NDE." rel="follow"> impact report</a>

<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Timeline Expectations: How Long Does Certification Take?</h2>

What stops businesses from reaching the finish line? According to Future Shift, data collection is often the first major hurdle: "Businesses often realise they're not tracking enough detail on areas like emissions, employee engagement, or supply chains."
Beyond that, the challenges are predictable but significant: not having enough time and not enough money to pay consultancy fees. This is precisely where specialists like Future Shift step in, offering both expertise and software solutions to streamline the process.

<h2>The Business Case: Quantifying B Corp ROI</h2>
While direct financial returns can be challenging to measure, the business case for B Corp certification is becoming increasingly compelling.
"There's growing evidence that B Corps outperform their peers in resilience and reputation," Future Shift points out. "Businesses report increased customer loyalty, stronger talent attraction and retention, and greater access to investment opportunities."
The numbers back this up. Between 2023 and 2024, small and medium-sized UK B Corps saw a 23.2% increase in turnover compared to a national increase of 16.8% for SMEs. During the same period, these businesses experienced a 9.6% increase in employee headcount, compared to a national decrease of 0.5%.
In competitive markets, certification is increasingly becoming a differentiator. In sectors like retail and hospitality, B Corp certification is increasingly seen as a 'deal winner' especially in competitive tenders.

<h2 style="margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">Who's Leading the B Corp Movement?</h2>
The B Corp landscape is evolving rapidly across different sectors. "We're seeing a significant rise in certifications among service industries, particularly marketing, creative agencies, and professional services," reveals Future Shift. With 78.2% of agencies now holding a sustainability certification (up from 51.4% in 2023), B Corp is becoming a strategic advantage in these fields.
But the movement isn't limited to services, product-based industries like food, drink, and fashion are also accelerating as consumer demand for ethical, transparent supply chains increases.

<h2 style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;">The Future of B Corp</h2>
As for what's next, Future Shift predicts that "B Corp standards are becoming more rigorous, particularly around climate action, supply chain transparency, and social equity." This evolution reflects growing stakeholder expectations and the urgent need for businesses to address global challenges.
Looking ahead, "Certification is likely to demand stronger evidence of impact, not just commitments with the next evolution of the standards, relevant from January 2026 onwards."

<h2 style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;">Starting Your B Corp Journey: Three Action Steps</h2>
For businesses inspired to begin their own B Corp journey, Future Shift recommends three concrete actions:
<ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
<a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact-assessment/" rel="follow">Start with a B Impact Assessment (BIA</a>): It's free and helps you understand where you stand today.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
Define your 'why': Whether it's customer trust, talent attraction, or aligning with purpose, knowing your motivation keeps the team focused.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
Prioritise quick wins: Identify areas where you can improve fast, like creating a supplier code of conduct or enhancing employee benefits to build early momentum.
</li>
</ol>

This blog post was created in collaboration with Future Shift, sustainability consultants specialising in guiding businesses through the B Corp certification process. Visit <a href="https://future-shift.co.uk/">https://future-shift.co.uk/</a> to learn more about their services and approach.

Get practical insights into the B Corp certification journey with Future Shift, demystifying standards and value for purpose‑driven businesses.

Demystifying B Corp: A Conversation with Future Shift

<h2>A New Chapter in Our Sustainable Expansion</h2>
We&rsquo;re thrilled to announce that Huckletree Bishopsgate is now open. Located in one of London&rsquo;s most iconic new office towers, <a href="https://www.8bishopsgate.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" style="color: #000000;">8 Bishopsgate</a>. this latest addition to the Huckletree family brings 30,000 sq. ft of turnkey office space and flexible hotdesking options to the City of London.
As part of our broader sustainable expansion plan, Huckletree Bishopsgate will increase our total footprint to over 250,000 sq. ft of workspace in the UK and Ireland. This growth reflects the ever-increasing demand for agile and adaptable office space solutions in central locations. Companies today are looking for options that offer more flexibility than traditional leases, and Huckletree is here to meet that need.
<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/M6KwSR0RR8Og4PJAKusE" alt="2. Reception Zinc 2 white breakout (1).webp"></h2>
<h3>Designed for Modern Working Styles</h3>
Our Bishopsgate hub is meticulously designed to support modern working styles, with access to a range of state-of-the-art amenities. Enjoy the stunning top-floor lookout area, a beautiful terrace, on-site cafes, and over 75,000 sq. ft of amenities space. Huckletree Bishopsgate is housed in the UK&rsquo;s tallest BREEAM outstanding building, an impressive net zero carbon structure.

<h3>Our Journey of Innovation and Growth</h3>
Since opening our first workspace in 2014, Huckletree has achieved remarkable results by providing innovation-led companies with the right environment and network to foster growth and connectivity. Our unique approach has been key to our incredible success over the past decade. Members of all Huckletree spaces have access to tailored support and events designed to support professional and personal growth.
With a growing community of over 75 global ambassadors, 100+ venture partners, 4,500+ members, and 1,500+ alumni, the Huckletree ecosystem goes beyond being just a physical office space.
<h3><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/wqujLxWRQqiOj5i01mqa" alt="undefined" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></h3>
<h3>Join us at Huckletree Bishopsgate</h3>
To book your tour today, visit our website&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huckletree.com" target="_new" rel="noreferrer">www.huckletree.com/enquire</a> or call 020 8146 1216.

Huckletree expands to 8 Bishopsgate with 30,000 sq. ft of turnkey offices & flexible hotdesking in central London.

Huckletree is taking over the City of London

Huckletree Bishopsgate is now open

Huckletree is Coming to 8 Bishopsgate

Hotdesking is a flexible working arrangement that challenges conventional ideas about workspace. &nbsp;Whether it&rsquo;s just you and your laptop, or a growing team of employees, hotdesking is the ideal solution for forward-thinkers.
<h2>How Does Hot Desking Work?</h2>
Hotdesking gives you access to a shared flexible workspace, without a dedicated desk. Unlike having a dedicated desk, hotdesking offers a &lsquo;floating&rsquo; style of working, where members have the freedom to move around the office and pick and choose where they set up for the day. This is a hassle-free solution for busy entrepreneurs and freelancers looking for a cost-effective way to access a professional working address. Hotdesking is also popular with startup teams looking to stay agile as they scale up or down.
Hotdesking gives you access to distraction-free workspace in a <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/coworking-space/london" rel="follow">coworking office</a>, where you can connect with new people. Depending on your needs and working style, you might only want to use a hotdesk for several hours a week or a few days a month &ndash; or you might choose something more permanent with unlimited access to a dedicated desk.
Coworking spaces typically stay open outside of regular working hours, so you can access a hotdesk when you&rsquo;re on deadline and need a space where you can stay focused.
<h2>Different Types of Coworking Memberships</h2>
Huckletree offers a variety of <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/memberships" style="color: #3598db;">hotdesking memberships</a> tailored to suit a range of professional needs and preferences. &nbsp;
<ul>
<li>For the freelancer who wants a break from the home office: A light membership gives you hotdesk access to our coworking spaces for 10 days a month.</li>
<li>For the entrepreneur on the go: A floating membership gives you unlimited, 24/7 access to our shared hotdesk areas.</li>
<li>For the startup looking to settle down: A resident desk membership provides you with a dedicated desk in an open-plan coworking space, along with a business mailing address and access to meeting rooms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/UGOCf0kjSEOnb1kr4qrp" alt="woman sitting at a hotdesk in a Huckletree office">
<h2>What to Expect from Your Hotdesking Space</h2>
<h3>1. Cost-efficiency</h3>
Renting a workspace on flexible terms is much more cost-effective than renting a traditional office space. When you hotdesk at Huckletree, you won&rsquo;t be tied down by long-term lease agreements and you won&rsquo;t have to pay for utilities like power and Wi-Fi.
<h3>2. A formal business address</h3>
Hotdesking with Huckletree gives you the option to use a formal business address, as well as our mailroom services.
<h3>3. Full connectivity and technical support</h3>
With a hotdesk you can simply sit down, get online and get to work &ndash; with no unnecessary hassle. You&rsquo;ll get access to unlimited Wi-Fi and other handy technical amenities and printing facilities.
<h3>4. Access to private spaces when needed</h3>
You&rsquo;ll have access to private phone booths and <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/hubs/hire-meeting-rooms" style="color: #3598db;">meeting rooms</a> to liaise with clients and keep your business confidential.
<h3>5. Meet likeminded professionals</h3>
Coworking offices are highly collaborative spaces where you can meet and build relationships with fellow trailblazers and risk-takers. At Huckletree we also host regular networking events. If working from home makes you feel isolated, hotdesking in a shared space is a wonderful way to be part of a professional community.
Choose the coworking membership that works best for you and enjoy a more flexible way of working with Huckletree. You can also purchase a <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/memberships/daypass" style="color: #3598db;">day pass</a> to see if hotdesking is the right solution for you.

What is hotdesking and what are the advantages of a hotdesking arrangement? Huckletree discusses the benefits of renting a hotdesk in a coworking space.

What is Hotdesking? | Guide to Coworking | Huckletree

What is What Is Hotdesking? The Huckletree Guide to Hotdesking

What is hotdesking?

Agile is much more than a buzzword &ndash; it&rsquo;s the key to a productive, balanced and happy workplace. Agile working embraces flexibility on all levels, leaving the old constraints of traditional working life behind.
<h2>What is Agile Working?&nbsp;</h2>
Agile working removes the limitations of the traditional 9-5 workday structure. It&rsquo;s designed to offer flexibility around working hours and location, so employees can complete their tasks when and where they feel most productive.
Agile working is activity-based rather than location-based, giving employees the freedom to decide when and where they work, which tools they use and how they collaborate with their teammates.&nbsp;
<h2>The principles of agile working</h2>
1. Flexibility &ndash; not just flexible hours and location, but also a flexible mindset to respond to a changing work environment.
2. Resilience &ndash; adapting to new concepts, work practices, tools and technologies.
3. Collaboration &ndash; employees and teams working effectively together across different locations.
4. Proactivity &ndash; anticipating changes and challenges, and finding solutions to these potential issues.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/OjsQDiPPQpGnlJEG4l8i" alt="people hotdesking at huckletree soho">
<h2>5 Benefits of Agile Working</h2>
Agile working makes life easier for employers and employees alike, with some great benefits:
1. Improves work-life balance and boosts morale
2. Attracts a wider pool of talent (and retains them)
3. Improves productivity and engagement
4. Reduces travel and office space needs, saving money in the process
5. Promotes creativity and innovation
<h2>Huckletree Offers Agile Working Environments</h2>
Huckletree's <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/memberships">coworking memberships</a> lend themselves well to the agile style of working. Are you ready to embrace the future of work? Choose the membership that works best for you and your team:
<h3>Light Membership</h3>
Access to a hotdesk 10 days per month.
<h3>Floating Membership</h3>
Everyday drop-in access to shared hotdesk zones from Monday to Friday.
<h3>Resident Desk Membership</h3>
Gives you a dedicated desk in our open-plan workspace, as well as a business mailing address and monthly meeting room credits.
Our flexible office spaces are designed with productivity and creativity in mind.

Agile working is a model that removes the limitations of standard work procedures, improving productivity while giving employees more flexibility and freedom.

What Does Agile Working Mean and How Does it Work? | Huckletree

What Does Agile Working Mean and How Does it Work?

What is agile working

If you&rsquo;ve been looking for <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/coworking-space" style="color: rgb(53, 152, 219);">coworking space</a> lately, you&rsquo;ve no doubt come across the term hotdesking quite a bit. For those unfamiliar, hotdesking is a workspace-sharing model where desks are used by different professionals at different times, based on necessity rather than a fixed assignment.
Despite Google searches for hotdesking having increased nearly 25% over the past year, it&rsquo;s more than just a buzzword; it can be a genuinely beneficial way of working for many, especially in a working landscape that is becoming increasingly hybridised.
Here&rsquo;s why hotdesking has become a game-changer for our <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/memberships" style="color: rgb(35, 111, 161);">members</a>.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/nYuL7cLQTVichAX1yq23" alt="interior of a huckletree office ">
<h2>The advantages of hotdesking</h2>
<h3>1. Inspiring collaboration</h3>
Accessing a Huckletree <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/workspace-enquire" style="color: rgb(53, 152, 219);">hotdesking membership</a> means accessing a curated network of fantastic professionals and creatives. The people that you share a desk with on any given day might hold the solution to a problem you've been wrestling with for weeks.&nbsp;
This is the essence of hotdesking&mdash;by mixing up seating arrangements and changing the way people work, it fosters an environment ripe for networking and collaboration. Fresh perspectives and impromptu brainstorming sessions become part of the daily routine.
<h3>2. Flexibility and freedom</h3>
Hotdesking means ultimate flexibility. At Huckletree, our <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/memberships/daypass" style="color: rgb(53, 152, 219);">day passes</a> give you the flexibility to choose where and when you work. Unlike traditional office space, it means that you&rsquo;re never paying for space that you don&rsquo;t use.
So, if you want to work from home one day and head to the office for a change of pace the next, you have the freedom to do so.
<h3>3. Community</h3>
Hotdesking at a coworking office is perfect for remote workers who still want to belong to a community and enjoy all the perks of having a dedicated place of work.
With weekly socials and events and expertly designed spaces in some of the UK&rsquo;s most exciting areas, hotdesking at Huckletree attracts a dynamic and vibrant community. Our goal is to help this community grow by opening doors to amazing spaces for exceptional people.
Hotdesking is more than just a seating arrangement; it&rsquo;s a mindset that embraces flexibility, creativity, and community. It's made for the modern working environment and professionals who live and breathe freedom and innovation.

<h2>Our memberships</h2>
At Huckletree, we offer <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/memberships">memberships</a> tailored to the way that successful professionals work, so you can choose an option that works best for you, whether that&rsquo;s hotdesking or having something more permanent.&nbsp;
<h3>Light memberships</h3>
Drop in at a hotdesk for 10 days each month. Available whenever you or your team require a workspace. Minimal commitment, no expiration date.
<h3>Floating memberships</h3>
Unlimited access to our shared hotdesk areas, with the flexibility to drop in any time that suits you, Monday through Friday.&nbsp;
<h3>Resident desk memberships</h3>
Settle into your own desk in our open-plan workspace, plus a business mailing address and monthly allowance of meeting room credits. &nbsp;
<a href="https://www.huckletree.com/workspace-enquire">Click here</a> to get started today.

It’s more than just a buzzword. Read this article for a rundown on how hotdesking delivers remarkable benefits to exceptional people.

What’s all the fuss about? The big 3 benefits of hotdesking

What's All the Fuss About? The Big 3 Benefits of Hotdesking

The advantages of hotdesking

<h2>How to Start a Successful Podcast</h2>
Want to speak your mind and make your voice heard? Starting your own podcast is the perfect way to share your thoughts and insights, as well as promote your business (if you have one). About <a href="https://thesocialshepherd.com/blog/podcast-statistics">32% of UK adults</a> are monthly podcast listeners, and forward-thinking creators are taking advantage of the &ldquo;audio renaissance&rdquo; by tapping into this growing audience.
&nbsp;
So, how do you start a successful podcast? The good news is, it&rsquo;s easier than you might think. And with Huckletree&rsquo;s dedicated podcasting spaces in London and Manchester, it&rsquo;s never been easier for members to make their voices heard.
&nbsp;
Here are the steps you need to follow to start a successful podcast:
<ol>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">1. Choose your niche</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">2. Identify your target audience</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">3. Confirm demand</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">4. Start promoting before launch</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">5. Stick to a schedule</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">6. Look for opportunities to collaborate</li>
</ol>

<h2>How to Start a Podcast with No Audience</h2>
How do you get your podcast out there and grow your audience? Here are a few tips:
&nbsp;
<h3>1. Choose your niche</h3>
Decide on a topic for your podcast. Talk about something you&rsquo;re knowledgeable and passionate about. Decide on your format &ndash; will you be doing solo monologues, co-host discussions or guest interviews? And what will set you apart from other podcasts covering the same topic? You should also select a popular, reliable podcast hosting platform to be your podcast&rsquo;s &ldquo;virtual home&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
<h3>2. Identify your target audience</h3>
Who is your ideal listener? Think about who you want to attract, and write up a listener persona. This is who you&rsquo;ll be speaking to when you record your podcast. Having a solid listener persona in mind will help you to tailor your content to the right audience, and market your podcast more effectively.
&nbsp;
<h3>3. Confirm demand</h3>
Make sure that your listeners want to hear what you&rsquo;ve got to say. Do some research on your target audience &ndash; what are they posting about online? What are their needs and aspirations? What topics do they want to know more about? And what topics are they tired of hearing about? Answering these questions will help you to attract (and keep) the listeners you want. Something as simple as a Facebook poll can give you the insights you need.
&nbsp;
<h3>4. Start promoting before launch</h3>
Write a clear, compelling description of your podcast and use it to promote the show before your first episode goes live. Attractive podcast artwork is also a must. (Use online tools that let you design your own podcast imagery.) Post on social media, pitch to podcast newsletters and apps, and make sure your target audience knows when to tune in to catch your first episode.
&nbsp;
<h3>5. Stick to a schedule</h3>
Make sure you post content regularly and consistently. An inconsistent podcast will lose listeners and get negative reviews. Set a schedule and stick to it, to build a loyal following of listeners.
&nbsp;
<h3>6. Look for opportunities to collaborate</h3>
Reach out to other podcasters in your niche, and pitch ideas for collaboration like feed swaps, guest spots and podcast parties. This will help you to grow your audience, and will also open doors for you to network with fellow podcasters.

&nbsp;
<img alt="A picture of a small, soundproofed studio space designed for podcasting. The room is equipped with state of the art recording equipment" width="884" height="589" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/q2WlAOXUQt29E79RIFPV">&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>How to Record a Podcast</h2>
Recording a quality podcast today is simple &ndash; all you need is a quiet space, microphone, a laptop or tablet, and some audio editing software.
&nbsp;
Dynamic microphones are ideal for podcasting because they pick up lower frequencies and have less sensitivity to background noise. A dynamic mic with a USB connection will plug directly into your laptop and is generally more affordable and practical than an XLR connection.
&nbsp;
After recording your audio, use the editing software to structure the podcast episode and optimize the audio quality. There are plenty of free and affordable editing tools available online.
&nbsp;
Of course, if you&rsquo;re new to podcasting, you might not want to invest in all the necessary tech right away. If you&rsquo;re looking for a one-stop podcasting solution that handles all the tech specs for you, Huckletree&rsquo;s podcasting studios are the answer.
&nbsp;
<h2>Huckletree&rsquo;s Cutting-Edge Podcasting Spaces</h2>
Test out your latest content in Huckletree&rsquo;s custom-built podcasting studios, available in London and Manchester. These sound-proof spaces seat two, and are fully equipped with all the tech you&rsquo;ll need to record your podcast &ndash; all you need to bring is your voice!

In the golden age of podcasting, it's never been easier to make your voice heard. Here's everything you need to do to start a successful podcast.

How to Start a Successful Podcast | Huckletree

How to Start a Successful Podcast

How to start a successful podcast

This month we sat down with Pamela Uddin and Tom Stone, Managing Partners and Co-founders of <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://reactmarketing.agency/">re:act Marketing Agency</a>. re:act is one of the fastest growing independent agencies in the UK and celebrates its fourth birthday next year. The team are also the newest members of the Huckletree Kensington hub, opening in December 2023.&nbsp;

<h4 style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;">How did re:act Marketing come about?</h4>
We met 10 years ago while we were both working at Unilever. Both of us have strong experience building international consumer brands including Dove, Simple, L&rsquo;Or&eacute;al Men Expert, Garnier and Nescaf&eacute;. We are also self starters and entrepreneurially minded. Fun fact - Pamela initially moved to London from Ireland as a contestant on The Apprentice. That&rsquo;s a story for another blog post! Given our strong brand experience and desire to create something ourselves, we set about building our own agency specialising in creative and digital content. We tested the waters first by delivering some consultancy work in 2018 - 2019 on the side. Eventually in 2020 we took the plunge and invested our savings into bringing re:act to life full time. And we haven&rsquo;t looked back since!

<h4 style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;">2020 was an interesting (and challenging!) time to start a business. Tell us about the early years at re:act.</h4>
As strange as it sounds, we always say that the pandemic gave us the time and space required to work on the business. We were less distracted and used the time to think creatively about where we wanted to take the business. We had already won our first few clients by the time the pandemic came about - we actually closed our first account during our honeymoon in 2019! The business really took off after the pandemic started to lift in 2021. We now have a team of 40+ with 15 incredible brands under our roster including Batiste, Hero, Magnum Condoms, Galderma, Fudge Professional, Childs Farm, Charles Worthington and Barking Heads and have clients based all around the world, from the UK, US, Nordics, Germany and all the way to Australia!

<h4 style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;">When you look back over the past four years, what are you most proud of?</h4>
We are proud of the culture we have instilled as a team in the business. Building an agency where people truly belong is incredibly important to us. We celebrate difference and diversity - we don&rsquo;t want people to be mini Tom&rsquo;s and Pamela&rsquo;s! The best creative ideas come from bringing different people together. Over 35% of our team represent ethnic minorities, this is against an average of 8% in the marketing agency world overall which we&rsquo;re incredibly proud of. Over 25% of our team are also proudly neurodivergent. Listening to and learning from others is a cornerstone of our culture. Everyone has something to contribute. We believe that this focus on creating a happy and strong culture helps us to produce our best work, and build authentic relationships with our clients.&nbsp;

<h4 style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;">What are your values as a company?</h4>
We have six values that we live by as a company. They show up everyday in our business and we actively demonstrate them to our team:
<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
We care about each other and our clients. We treat each other with respect and dignity.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
We own it. We take accountability and ownership for our work.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
We are courageous. As a creative agency, we take risks and are brave with our work.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
We are stronger together. We work as a team and support one another.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
We act with pace. We keep our finger on the pulse and are always learning.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
We have fun. Bringing a sense of humour and joy to work is important - life&rsquo;s too short not to!
</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;">What are the main lessons you have learned around being a founder since launching re:act four years ago?</h4>
It&rsquo;s hard to take time away from the business! As a married couple, we live and work together, and don&rsquo;t switch off from work as often as we&rsquo;d like. We love what we do, but also understand that it&rsquo;s important to take a break and allow space to reflect. We also know that re:act is bigger than the two of us. The business is in a period of rapid growth. We&rsquo;re building out our leadership team and we&rsquo;re also moving into our new work home at Huckletree Kensington next month. Watch this space - we are excited for what lies ahead!

Focus on Huckletree Kensington newest members. Read more. 

re:act Marketing: An agency with a difference.

re:act Marketing: An agency with a difference

This month, our Head of Brand, Aislinn Mahon sat down with the incredible<a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/abadesi/"> Abadesi Osunsade</a>, Founder and CEO at <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.hustlecrew.co/">Hustle Crew</a>, for a conversation around her mindset, beliefs and work that is important to her. Abadesi is an award-winning corporate leader, social entrepreneur, VC scout, startup mentor, author, podcast host and public speaker. She is also a Huckletree ambassador. You can catch her live in person on Tuesday, October 24th in Huckletree Shoreditch from 8-10am for a breakfast talk focused on Black Excellence. Tickets are going fast so grab yours now!
Hello Abadesi! You&rsquo;ve had an incredibly successful career to date and have worked with some big brand names and had impressive roles. We are curious to know what does the word &ldquo;success&rdquo; mean to you?
This is an interesting question and one that I have been thinking a lot about lately. As I move through my career, my definition of success is evolving. I view my life in seasons. When I was starting out in my 20s, I felt a need to prove myself in the workplace, and then to prove myself as an entrepreneur. What I viewed as success then ultimately led to burnout and the need to establish boundaries. Today in my 30s I view success differently. It is linked to what brings me joy rather than success in traditional capitalist terms. I don&rsquo;t let capitalism win anymore!
What are your strengths that help you succeed?
I recently took<a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/Register"> The VIA Character Strengths Survey</a> which helped me to better understand my strengths and put words around them. The big area that stood out was my capacity to be grateful, aware and thankful for the good things that happen everyday. I can see the beauty in almost everything. I can also maintain a sense of perspective and provide wise counsel. More and more I see my ability to maintain boundaries as a key strength. A woman&rsquo;s no is different to a man&rsquo;s no; it doesn&rsquo;t resonate in the same way and is often not accepted. This is why it&rsquo;s even more important for women to establish healthy boundaries.
What does Black Excellence mean to you?
Black Excellence means being audacious and surreal in what you can achieve. This relates to so many marginalised groups. It means saying &ldquo;I&rsquo;m going to shine anyway. Whether you shine a spotlight on me or not I&rsquo;ll be there!
Love that! How do you motivate yourself? For example, do you have a favourite mantra?
Yes! I really believe in the power of positive words. I have the app &ldquo;I Am&rdquo; on my phone which sends daily affirmations to help rewire our brains, build self esteem and change negative thought patterns. When I feel the need to distract myself I open the app and read a couple of powerful affirmations. A few favourites include &ldquo;Done is better than perfect&rdquo; - &ldquo;I am in control&rdquo; - &ldquo;A choice is a privilege&rdquo;.
Tell us more about what Hustle Crew is working on at the moment.
We are working with our clients on increasing the percentage of diverse people they hire in their businesses and we are also contributing to their DEI education through regular workshops and coaching. Before we work with a new client, we conduct a 10 point survey which helps them to assess where they stand when it comes to the DEI maturity stage of their organisation e.g. how far along they are as a team in recognising what needs to be done. This information helps us create a roadmap and realistic targets for our clients. We work with our clients on a long term basis, diversity is not a fast problem to solve. We&rsquo;ve seen incredible results, for instance we have been able to help one of our clients increase their diverse hires by 800% year on year.
Finally, what change would you most like to see in the world?
I wish people were more truthful and honest with each other, instead of trying to maintain the status quo by parroting problematic narratives. And that we listened to different perspectives. At Hustle Crew, we work with people to help them understand their privileges and the power that comes with that. Many people still believe that privilege is solely linked to financial wealth. Dominant groups in society like cis gender folks and able bodied folks have more power regardless of financial status. For example, most people don&rsquo;t have to explain their pronouns, or think about whether a venue is accessible to them. Everyone&rsquo;s lived experience is different. I am proud to be a changemaker, and will continue to rally for change for many decades to come.

A chat between Abadesi Osunsade and Huckletree Head of Brand 

Huckletree interviews Abadesi Osunsade

Interview with Abadesi Osunsade

At Huckletree, we are passionate about creating spaces that make people feel happy to come to work. We take great care in selecting locations which will enrich our members' work experience, rituals and overall enjoyment and happiness.&nbsp;

In early 2024, we will open our tenth hub at Liverpool Street. Centrally located within The Square Mile, this is a dynamic neighbourhood with lots on offer. Fun fact - the area is named after Lord Liverpool who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1812 to 1827! Liverpool Street is known for its rich heritage, excellent transport links, financial institutions and in more recent years, its startup culture. This combination is what makes this neighbourhood so exciting. You can sense the buzz and energy in the air as you exit the station and take it all in!

Let&rsquo;s dive into our top recommendations for making the most of your work day outside the office at Liverpool Street. Whether you&rsquo;re looking for great coffee, lunch tips, places to bring the team after work or cultural escapes for your lunch break we&rsquo;ve got you covered!&nbsp;


Top 5 Food &amp; Drink Spots

<ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.the-attendant.com/">Attendant Coffee Roasters</a> - The specialty coffee roasters have a number of locations sprawled across Central and East London, which offer office goers a great locally and ethically sourced breakfast and lunch options. Each branch is curated to reflect the local neighbourhood. If you&rsquo;re ever in the West End, their Fitrovia branch was a former Victorian loo!</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.pizzaunion.com/">Pizza Union</a> - A firm favourite with locals, Pizza Union offers an affordable and hearty lunch or dinner option. The roman style pizza&rsquo;s are freshly prepared, and the signature crispy bottom is to die for.</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.farmerj.com/">Farmer J </a>- Farmer J has risen to fame in the health food scene with their delicious fully customisable &lsquo;pick your own&rsquo; field trays. Since its inception in 2016, Farmer J has fed tourists, office goers and locals alike across London. Their ethos of good quality, nutritious food to go is clearly a hit.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.crispinlondon.com/">Crispin</a> - This all day restaurant and wine bar serves low intervention wines and small plates. Visit the charming space for a chilled catch up with friends or work colleagues. The ambience provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening.</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.queensheadshoreditch.com/">Queen&rsquo;s Head</a> - This brewpub and kitchen is definitely the place to be for &lsquo;after work drinks&rsquo;. They offer a grand selection of international beers and IPAs, along with an extensive food menu. The food offers visitors humble pub classics, along with an elevated offering of small plates.</li>
</ol>


Top 5 Things To Do On Your Lunch Break&nbsp;

<ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.spitalfields.co.uk/">Spitalfields Market</a> - Take a stroll down to the famous Old Spitalfields Market. This expansive indoor market is home to an array of different vendors, from talented artists, to fashion, to phenomenal street food. The market reflects the diverse community it is located in, its provenance reaching back to the 1600s. The success of traders attracted the likes of Huguenots, Irish weavers and more recently, a thriving Bangladeshi community.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.barbican.org.uk/">The Barbican</a> - The renowned arts centre&rsquo;s programming is extensive and eclectic, offering an access point to art and culture for visitors. The wide range of exhibits, talks, screenings are a great way to fill an evening or weekend. The Barbican estate is a Grade II listed building and consists of housing, a library and City of London Girls School.</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Explore Shoreditch - A stone&rsquo;s throw away from the Liverpool Street area is Shoreditch, another bustling district of East London. Widely regarded as a home for creatives and visionaries, Shoreditch is riddled with classic charming East London side streets, lined with boutiques and eateries.</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.bishopsgate.org.uk/">Bishopsgate Institute</a> - The cultural centre was established in the 1800s and is described as a place &ldquo;where culture, heritage and learning meet&rdquo;. The exhibits and archives showcase everyday life and also, campaigns for social and political change. Each season presents a full schedule which includes dance classes, yoga and archival tours to name but a few.</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Check out the skyline - The Liverpool Street area is well known for the plethora of high rises which decorate the skyline. Take a moment to walk down busy Bishopsgate to spot The Gherkin, Heron Tower and The Cheese Grater. Alternatively, the adjacent Brick Lane is well known for its mix of street art, and collection of award winning curry houses. The 24/7 bagel shops are very popular after nights out!</li>
</ol>

Read on to discover the best of Liverpool Street, as brought to you by Huckletree Community Manager Aishah Habiba. 

Huckletree Liverpool Street Neighbourhood Guide

Liverpool Street Neighbourhood Guide

We are big fans of reading at Huckletree, and spent our summer months recommending great titles to each other that we had devoured on the beach or at the pool. Every genre is welcome - from gripping stories that transport you into other worlds to thought-provoking non fiction that makes you think - nothing is off the cards. We love how great books can help us to escape, to dream and to wander. In a world dominated by screens, there&rsquo;s something so magical about picking up a book, and savouring the experience and weight in your hand. It&rsquo;s why we have so many libraries in our hubs and encourage book swaps, reading circles and clubs amongst our members and team.
Read on to discover six brilliant recommendations from the Huckletree team that we couldn&rsquo;t stop talking about this summer. Consider this your back to school, September reading list.

<h2>Recommended by: Aislinn Mahon, Head of Brand</h2>
The book I am recommending is&nbsp;<a href="https://susancain.net/book/quiet/" style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);" rel="follow">Quiet, The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking</a>&nbsp;by Susan Cain. This book truly changed my life. It is about the power of introverts and highlights how society is generally set up to reward and recognise extroverts, with lots of data and case studies weaved throughout. The reason I am recommending this book is because it gave me great comfort and it is a really enjoyable read. Susan Cain is a wonderful author. Sometimes I struggle with non-fiction but I couldn&rsquo;t put this down! One big learning I took from Quiet is that it&rsquo;s okay not to always be the life and soul of the party. If I were to summarise this book in one word it would be&nbsp;solace.

<h2>Recommended by: Gaby Hersham, CEO</h2>
I&rsquo;ve made a conscious effort to read more during the summer months and I&rsquo;m currently reading Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Contrary to Ais, I seem to struggle with fiction and I&rsquo;m trying to rewire my brain to appreciate simply being transported away and not to want to optimise my waking life by learning something new or reading about historical facts. This book tells a beautifully human tale of friendship between two people and the path that their friendship takes them on, into their adulthood and through their professional journeys and via both love and betrayal. I am reminded to cherish and protect my deepest friendships, in particular the platonic love I share with one of my oldest childhood friends. To summarise this book in one word? Human.

<h2>Recommended by: Lewis Charles, Business Operations Manager</h2>
The book I&rsquo;m recommending is Uproot by Jace Clayton. It explores a DJ&rsquo;s journey around the world exploring the cultural and political implications of music in the digital age. Whilst non-fiction, the book and anecdotes it houses within are incredibly personal. It looks at how music bypassing borders and cultures has helped to build understanding between communities as well as the ethics of sampling and referencing art from all corners of the globe. I discovered some amazing musicians through Uproot, but it also really highlighted to me how music can be used to express and explore our cultural heritage. One word I&rsquo;d use for this book is expansive.

<h2>Recommended by: Will Taylor, General Manager at Liverpool Street</h2>
A book I&rsquo;ve read recently that I would recommend to anyone who&rsquo;ll listen is <a href="https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/460-glitch-feminism">Glitch Feminism: A Manifesto</a> by Legacy Russell. Combining queer theory, post-humanism and musings on the post-internet era, Russell provides a framework on how we can use the idea of a glitch, an error, to rethink ourselves and perform an infinite number of identities outside of the hegemony. I find post-humanism such a fascinating theoretical approach to how we find our place within the world as it calls for a completely egalitarian view of both the human and nonhuman. Although they are quite big concepts, Russell keeps everything grounded with her own personal memoir and reference to the works of contemporary artists. One word to describe this book?&nbsp;Revolution.

<h2>Recommended by: Sian Noel-D&rsquo;Avila, General Manager Dublin</h2>
The book I am currently reading that I can&rsquo;t put down is <a href="https://www.dubraybooks.ie/product/kala-9781838958756">Kala</a>&nbsp;by Colin Walsh. It&rsquo;s a fictional story about three friends reconnecting in the West of Ireland after years apart. This thriller is gripping, pacy and plot-driven, but it will also pull on your heartstrings with nostalgic references to your first love and those intense teenage emotions that go with it. It also cleverly highlights some deeper social issues which are plaguing Ireland to this day. I am thoroughly enjoying it and highly recommend it. One word to describe this book?&nbsp;Tense.

<h2>Recommended by Patrick Keogh, Head of Curation and Events</h2>
I&rsquo;m currently reading <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/mar/29/biography-of-x-by-catherine-lacey-review-who-is-this-mysterious-artist" style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">Biography of X</a> by Catherine Lacey. Presented as a work of non-fiction compiled by the widow of a mercurial artist who goes by the name of X, the story is strange, seductive and intriguing. Meditating on complex issues of identity, art, love, the imagined versus the real, the novel is set against the backdrop of an alternative America &mdash; one divided across the Northern and Southern territories. Crossing limits and the exploration of boundaries are at the heart of this tantalising puzzle of a book which is not only brilliantly written but also does that rare thing: make you think. One word to describe this book? Thought-provoking.

Every month we share what's on Huckletree's team mind. What've been reading this month. 

Huckletree September Reading List 

Your September reading list 

Huckletree's new home for innovation will lean into West London's long history as a place for enormous creative energy
This week, we are delighted to announce the launch of Huckletree Kensington, a lovingly curated space which will champion West London&rsquo;s reputation as a longstanding destination for culture, intellectual entertainment and transformative technology.
Our team is incredibly passionate about creating spaces that make people feel happy to come to work. This feels important now more than ever. The location of our hubs, as well as the buildings themselves, are core to our expansion strategy and decision making process. We take great care in selecting areas which will enrich our members' work experience, rituals and overall enjoyment and happiness. We also think of how we can add value to our surroundings, and become a home for innovation in the neighbourhoods we move into.
Huckletree Kensington will be our 10th hub to open in our 10th anniversary year - a special moment for us to mark a decade in business. We love the buzz, the energy and the creativity of this iconic neighbourhood, which is surrounded by incredible architecture and history - not to mention the plethora of great caf&eacute;s, shops and cultural institutions nearby. Once the centre of London's artistic map and a site of enormous creative energy, Kensington remains the spiritual hub of the Capital's music industry, a scene for the media-arty-bohemian set, as well as being home to The Design Museum, a world-class cultural destination which anchors the western end of Kensington High Street. Huckletree has long been obsessed with the role culture plays in our lives - and how embracing a creative approach, and developing a more open mindset can help with our everyday decision making and problem solving, regardless of what industry we work in.
While London has seen huge transformation in recent years with the once cultural hotspots of Kensington replaced with high-end retailers, smart restaurants and multi-million pound residential properties, there is still a thriving heart to this area which fills us with enormous excitement. Our decision to open here was driven in part by a desire to unearth and connect the hidden pockets of creative talent and big thinking within the Borough. We think this will make for an incredibly interesting and diverse group of companies working under the same roof.
Our doors will open in early 2024, and our team are hard at work behind the scenes building a beautiful, engaging workspace that people will love coming into and being a part of. We&rsquo;re excited to expand our footprint, and to become the home of innovation in Kensington. Watch this space!

Huckletree Kensington

Today we share the news that <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/huckletree-ltd/">we have achieved B Corp accreditation</a> - a proud moment for our business and a moment to reflect on our journey to where we are today.
Our belief has always been that you can&rsquo;t change the world alone. When we opened our first Huckletree space ten years ago we felt then what we know now; that brave outcomes and new innovation can only happen when rooted in community, and with an unwavering sense of togetherness.
But we were up against it. Workspace providers have historically valued net income as the ultimate business metric of success, and in those days, ESG frameworks like B Corp on the occupier side of the real estate industry were a very nascent idea. In 2014, the very concept of reusing and sharing office space was at odds with the office as an own-able symbol of hierarchy and power.
We&rsquo;ve been on our own journey. Aside from our first building being awarded a Silver rating from SKA for its sustainability, at the beginning of Huckletree we namely thought about impact through the prism of our members; whether that meant giving community groups access to our spaces or giving those who were underrepresented or underinvested in, an opportunity. While our intentions may have been in the right place, we weren&rsquo;t thinking big or brave enough.
CHANGE IS HERE
We welcome ripping up the rulebook of old business, and that includes ripping up our own. We are excited by the change in businesses being launched today, away from the growth at all costs model, towards a model that prioritises transparency across operations and accountability to community, people and planet (Vs. only shareholders) and leadership at all times, not just when it is convenient.
In the last 2 years we have focused on stabilising the business post pandemic, building incredible spaces and experiences as workers return to the offices with higher expectations than ever before, expanding our programmes to reach more entrepreneurs and businesses globally, scaling our business with 2 new hubs already opened and 4 more in the pipeline for 2023- 4, and continuing on our journey <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/huckletree-ltd/">post B Corp certification</a>.
While we have an ambitious year of action ahead of us, I&rsquo;m proud that every function of Huckletree is now being assessed through the prism of impact, alongside departmental metrics. With the release of our Impact Report, our intention is to build a living reference and everyday playbook. We want to understand the impact we have, as both a business and culture of passionate people, on our members, our ecosystem, and the world around us every day.
This is a new era of Huckletree, and thanks to the work we put into building solid foundations and a connected ecosystem, we&rsquo;re keenly taking the challenge on.
Huckletree&rsquo;s first Impact Report can be downloaded&nbsp;<a href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-impact-report-2023">here</a>.
Onwards,
Gaby

Celebrate Huckletree’s B Corp certification and explore the organisation’s first Impact Report on sustainability and community goals.

Announcing our B Corp certification and first Impact Report

Announcing Huckletree Liverpool St - our sixth London hub and our eight in total - bringing ambitious scaleups and global innovation teams together in the world&rsquo;s financial capital.
Today we announce the opening of our sixth London hub in Liverpool St in a deal signed with British Land, one of the largest property development and investment companies in the UK. Opening in autumn 2023, Huckletree Liverpool Street is set to become the destination for teams seeking primely positioned, innovative and sustainable workspace in a thriving central location. Located at 199 Bishopsgate, the hub will span four floors and will offer highly sought-after amenities including a plant-powered coffee shop, a dedicated wellness space and an entire hospitality floor, with meeting rooms, event spaces and a members&rsquo; bar. This is a pivotal moment for our business as we continue to expand our footprint across the UK and Ireland, with an intention to grow to 225,000 sqft by the end of this year.
The financial capital of the world
The Huckletree leadership team spend countless hours carefully selecting the location of our workspaces. Liverpool St and the surrounding area is widely regarded as the financial capital of the world. It is home to over 500 banks, financial firms, and insurance institutions, among them top-tier names such as Ernst and Young, Lloyds, BT, Aviva, and the prestigious London Stock Exchange. In recent years, this vibrant district has also become home to incredible fintech startups and scaleups keen to disrupt the world of finance, making it more accessible, streamlined and efficient. With the current &pound;1.5 billion redevelopment of Liverpool St, the area is destined for further growth and transformation, making it an attractive destination for ambitious companies keen to be located in the central business district.
Workspace for how we live today
As our portfolio of hubs continues to grow and evolve, we continue to bring a fresh and bold approach to workspace experience, helping people feel happy to come to work everyday. The design aesthetic at Liverpool St is standout and playful. Like all of our hubs, it is designed to inspire creativity, productivity, emotional well-being and happiness. Our use of colour creates moods and emotional reactions, which support healthier and more productive teams.
The space, alongside our membership options, is also designed for evolved styles of working. Our range of private studios and customisable enterprise suites are perfect for companies looking for flexibility alongside a space to call their own. Ergonomic, comfortable workstations and soundproof booths for confidential calls and focus work feature alongside communal work zones and breakout space. Our state of the art range of meeting rooms and event space is equipped with seamless technology systems for hybrid work gatherings and distributed teams. Our club membership is a great option for those who do not need a private office, and wish to work from a collaborative community with access to the great amenities. Our caf&eacute; will allow teams to meet in more casual surroundings, and bring guests into the space. The wellness area will offer our members the chance to pause and take a break from their busy work day, and our engaging programming schedule will bring people together on a regular basis through roundtables, workshops and social gatherings.
Conscious of our impact
As Huckletree grows our footprint, being environmentally conscious increasingly plays a significant role in every decision we make as a business, and we actively choose to bring our new hubs including Liverpool St to life in the most sustainable ways we can. We look closely at a building&rsquo;s sustainability certification, and are proud to share that 199 Bishopsgate is rated BREEAM excellent. We work closely with architects and contractors for our fit-out projects who have a demonstrable track record of commitment to sustainability, and were proud to partner with award winning, B Corp accredited design company Modus for our interior renovations. We are working towards a SKA Silver accreditation for the fit-out of our Liverpool Street hub.
In good company
Our mission since day 1 has always been to create the most exciting innovation ecosystem throughout the UK &amp; Ireland. The members who work from our hubs work alongside the most exciting community of disruptive companies, entrepreneurs and global teams who are leading the way in our industries. As we prepare to open the doors of Huckletree Liverpool Street in a couple of months, we are excited to welcome a new curated group of innovation businesses into our ecosystem.
With a prime location, sustainable design, and highly sought-after amenities, Huckletree Liverpool Street is destined to become the top choice for ambitious businesses seeking a central, collaborative, and dynamic workspace in London. Get in touch today to book an exploratory call with our team, or spread the word if there&rsquo;s someone in your network looking for a new workspace. We&rsquo;d love to hear from you.
Let&rsquo;s grow together.

Premium workspace in Liverpool Street. Coworking, private offices and enterprise suites by Huckletree

Huckletree Liverpool Street newest workspace hub

Announcing our Liverpool Street Hub

We sat down with Jaime and Tobie Morgan Hitchcock, brothers and founders of the fastest-growing database to exist, SurrealDB, to chat about their experience raising their $6m seed round. This groundbreaking startup is part of the founding community at our Oxford Circus hub, designed for innovators building the future of Web, Tech and Digital. We&rsquo;re thrilled to have welcomed them. Read on to discover insights from these two brilliant founders about what it&rsquo;s really like to raise your seed round.&nbsp;

HKT - So tell us a bit about yourselves and SurrealDB&hellip;
Jaime
We&rsquo;re brothers, Tobie and I, and we've worked together for some seventeen years now. Together, we conceptualised SurrealDB back in 2015 when we were working on a complicated SaaS product using lots of different back ends. We thought there had to be a simpler, all-in-one tool that does it all. But there wasn't. So, in 2016 and 2017 we started building it.
In 2018 we put it into production internally and knew that it would be bigger than anything we would build on top of it. So, we rewrote it in the rust language. In August of 2022, we did a public open beta. It went crazy. It's now the fastest-growing database of all time. We had an amazing seed round, found a VC that we really clicked with, and closed on $6m at the end of last year.
The trajectory is strong and yeah, we&rsquo;ve had an amazing few months.
&nbsp;
HKT - That&rsquo;s incredible. We&rsquo;d love to hear more about what the experience of raising your seed round was like for you as founders. Can you share with us some insights on that?
&nbsp;
Tobie
We took quite a different route to the average startup &mdash; which typically looks like building your MVP, getting pre-seed funding, angel financing, building some more, getting your seed, and something like that. For us, we had to take a different route as building a database requires years of research. I sometimes wonder if we&rsquo;d be in the same position had gone incrementally with those early stages.
We may have unconventionally gone about this, but it meant we could spend seven years building and iterating our database internally without the financing. And now that it&rsquo;s ready, our approach has enabled us to grow as the fastest online database so far. And you know, has led us to raise a brilliant seed round.
&nbsp;
Jaime
To add to what Tobie said, SurrealDB is not an MVP. We have companies all the way from Series A to Series F using it in pre and post-production, we've got FTSE companies using it for their billion-dollar companies with thousands of users and staff&hellip; and we're still in beta.
The main thing for a seed round is to speak to as many people as possible. We didn't just go with the first offer that made sense. The average relationship with a VC lasts longer than the average marriage. You want it to be a very good relationship. You&rsquo;re going to be spending a lot of time with your VCs, you know, they&rsquo;ll be sitting on your board down the line. You want to be friends with them.
So we had a lot of meetings, a lot of people were very interested, but we took our time.
&nbsp;
Tobie
Coming back to that point, in a two week period, I think we met close to 85 VCs. We had zoom calls with VCs from Europe all the way to the West Coast of North America, so our calls were spanning seven in the morning through to midnight. It&rsquo;s important to meet as many people as possible, not only to get as much interest in your round possible, but also to find the right person for you.
We spoke with some great people. And I think we were fortunate to be in a position where all of those VCs came to us. We spent so much time working on the product beforehand, it wasn't like it was a small product with potential &mdash; it was already in use and demonstrating its power. That put us in a very different position to the traditional route of going solo from the beginning.
&nbsp;
Jaime
Another piece of advice we can talk to is the importance of growing a community. There are other databases out there. We have the fastest growing out there not just because it&rsquo;s an amazing product, but already, we&rsquo;ve grown a great community.
We've got 3100 people on our Discord channel and 17,200 Plus GitHub stars. We make sure we&rsquo;re relatable and we reply to nearly all the comments we can on our socials, even as this community grows larger.
We help people out on our channels, we follow people back, we engage. If people spend time and money using SurrealDB, we've got to show that time and love back. You never know who&rsquo;s going to be the next top engineer or CTO at a major company wanting to use your product.
&nbsp;
Tobie
And that's from a customer perspective. From a VC perspective, we were fortunate in that we had some very big funds talking to us, but we also took the time to speak to every single person that came through our inbox - the angels and small European funds all the way up to the top twenty funds in the world.
&nbsp;
Jaime
Yeah, and because we spoke to every single person, even those top funds who actually either didn't put in an offer in or we didn't go with, they said we still want to chat to us about our Series A. We&rsquo;ve already got amazing interest in our next round, because we kept communicating with them and even if we didn't go with them. We're still chatting, you know, it's very important to keep relations going whether with VCs or anybody.
&nbsp;
Tobie
And one thing we&rsquo;ve noticed as we're new to the venture capital world, is that there&rsquo;s a lot of cross-pollination. Everybody's worked at a different fund or knows someone from a different fund, they push deals to each other. You can't treat someone differently because they all know each other.
&nbsp;
Jaime
Our last ever call with a VC, he called and said, &ldquo;congratulations on your X number of term sheets&rdquo;. We never met the guy before.
What we also haven&rsquo;t done that&rsquo;s the norm is going with lots of VCs and angels. We followed the advice of making sure we had lots of people at the table fighting for it. But we went with one VC for the full amount of our round, because at the end of the day we trusted them, we went with what was best for us.
&nbsp;
Tobie
This also makes it easier for our board composition down the line, and makes it easier for our future rounds as we won&rsquo;t have to get a whole bunch of signatures.
There are obviously still pros to going with a variety of VCs as they can bring different areas of expertise. But when you&rsquo;re going with a VC like FirstMark, they have that knowledge already, we don&rsquo;t need to add it into the mix.
&nbsp;
Jaime
Our top advice is to just go with whatever you feel. If another startup has gone down a particular route that doesn&rsquo;t feel right to you, don&rsquo;t do it that way. Because at the end of the day, I always trust my gut. And if I've got a certain feeling, and it's not feeling right, I'm just not gonna go with it.
We&rsquo;re living proof that you can buck the trends and take a very human approach and still come out on top of your goals.
Thank you so much Jaime and Tobie for sharing your insights about raising your seed round. It&rsquo;s been brilliant chatting, and we&rsquo;re so pleased to welcome you to our Oxford Circus hub.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;re especially looking forward to the SurrealDB team launching their TECH+TUNES series at Huckletree. It&rsquo;s set to be a tech networking event &ndash; with a difference! Featuring TEDx style talks, live music and lots of time to network, the tech and tunes series promises fun, inclusive &amp; informative evenings that are not to be missed, merging the world of tech and startups and creating a powerful ecosystem of opportunities. Tickets are limited, so don&rsquo;t delay in grabbing yours <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/techtunes-tech-networking-live-music-launch-event-tickets-620836246927?aff=ebdsoporgprofile." rel="follow">here.</a>

The Founders Story - Raising a Seed Fund

<h3 style="text-align: center;">When we see people as fundamentally generous and kind, our instinct or likelihood to forge deeper, more meaningful relationships, increases.</h3>
Have you ever embarked on a conversation and thought, &ldquo;how do I gain from this?&rdquo;, or built a relationship on the value you can personally elicit? Come on, don&rsquo;t lie - we all have. We&rsquo;ve all accepted a work meeting on the basis that it might further our career or land us a big deal. But how does transacting with our fellow human beings actually make us feel? Aside from the initial dopamine hit of &ldquo;gaining something&rdquo;, does taking from someone else ever feel as good as giving? I think we know the answer.&nbsp;
In Rutger Bregman&rsquo;s brilliant book, Humankind, he argues that our motivations as a species are inherently good, and that this idea has important implications for our world. I agree that when we see people as fundamentally generous and kind, our instinct or likelihood to forge deeper, more meaningful relationships, increases. My belief is that when building relationships, we should leave business at the door - always. By walking into conversations open-minded and developing relationships for the hell of it, we give ourselves a better chance of discovering real connection, deeper fulfi lment and, dare I say it, a new level of happiness.
I returned from a festival a couple of days ago with a huge sense of joy. I spent time with family and friends with no agenda, other than to hang out - eat, drink, talk and see what happened. There was serendipity in bumping into other people I knew and making new friends - sharing moments together. There was nothing transactional to be gained &ndash; no career enhancement, no deals, no investment raise, no client acquisition. And it felt good. By discarding the idea of having to acquire something, we break down the barriers to meeting brilliant new people, gorgeous and generous people who change the way we think about the world, those who might just change our lives.
There&rsquo;s a reason why in times of crisis, pain, or celebration, we reach for poems, songs, and writing that capture the human inside of us. All of what we are. Human connection has never mattered more, and as Amanda Gorman brilliantly demonstrates in her poem, In Th is Place (an American Lyric), &ldquo;there&rsquo;s a poet in every American / who rewrites this nation, who tells / a story worthy of being told on this minnow of an earth / to breathe hope into a palimpsest of time.&rdquo; A Great Gathering has the potential to connect people, places and ideas without agenda. What could be more special than that?

Sometimes, leave business at the door. Want to make connections in business? Don't talk about business. 

The Power Of Conversation | Huckletree Blog

Sometimes, leave business at the door

The working world can be predictable. Experiences inside Huckletree are not. No formulas, no cue cards - we celebrate the wonky, weird, uncomfortable, beautiful, vibrant moments that come from chance and togetherness.
In this practical guide, we&rsquo;re mapping out how places of work can be inherently social, joyful and authentic when you&rsquo;re creative with how you curate experiences. These ideas can be applied to gathering your team, clients, partners, and audience (get creative with who you gather). See this as our practical guide for how we shape destinations of work, purpose and play.

Garage sessions 
No, not band practice, but a collective of peers solving the greatest challenges currently faced. Our own garage session, aptly named &ldquo;Steve&rsquo;s Garage&rdquo; is a gathering of founders in the ecosystem to discuss and solve challenges faced by founders today. Once the core challenges have been established, we build out workshops, labs, hackathons and interventions to address them.

Hack your programme with curveballs 
Hold space each month for an experiential activation that&rsquo;s a little left-fi eld. (Most) people love to be surprised, they hate mundanity. Build out a programme that&rsquo;s eclectic with DJ sets, live sessions, book club takeovers, morning raves, food tasting sessions. And the beat goes on.

Intentional gathering 
Be intentional with the way you gather people, and watch the outcomes. Curated roundtables, themed breakfasts, hosted dinners. It&rsquo;s magical tuning into the discussions that happen when you bring brilliant minds together in one room. At our Ambassador dinners we write a question on a piece of card and lay it on people&rsquo;s placemats, this sets the tone for the evening.

Kaleidoscopic perspectives 
A soapbox for brilliant minds in the world. Bring people in for talks and panels that don&rsquo;t just know their s***, they live it. Inspirational talks from brilliant, impactful people does so much to fi ll the inspiration cup. Remember, value happens at the intersection. Encourage healthy tension, diff ering or divergent perspectives and people who don&rsquo;t share the same story.

Wellness, for the soul 
Don&rsquo;t get us wrong, we love yoga and it will always be a part of our wellness programme. But, it&rsquo;s not a holistic wellness off ering. Wellness needs to be more interesting, more stimulating, and ultimately, it needs to open you up to emotional freedom. Call in expert guides to lead sessions and facilitate an opening of the mind. Think pop-up poetry nights to enliven the soul, nutrition workshops, and breathwork sessions.
30% screen time 70% experiential 
Desk time is out. Collaboration time is in. People are getting their solo work done at home, workspaces should be designed around collaboration and experiences. Think open fl oors for standups, breakout zones for team brainstorming, and space for purpose-led lunches and wellbeing activities. At the core of all this is serendipity, designing spaces or programming moments that bring people together throughout the day.

Read our practical guide where we’re mapping out how places of work can be inherently social, joyful and authentic when you’re creative with how you curate experiences

The Future of Working & The Workspace | Huckletree

Imagining the workspaces of the future, now. 

Imagining the workspaces of the future, now

At the end of 2022, we announced the launch of Huckletree Oxford Street - a hub for the future of Web, and the future of everything. This space will be the first of its kind in London, a physical hub for creators and adjacent industries in this third iteration of the Web, in the world&rsquo;s hub for Web3 thinking - London. This workspace for new worlds is attracting strong interest, with top brands already joining.
We are for the innovation community, so we have always looked at the wider macro picture and stayed across the most significant, culture-shifting trends changing the face of business and the sector, whether it be GovTech or the disruption taking place in Health. When Web3 innovation started to surge, we couldn&rsquo;t ignore it. We want this to be the go-to destination for the most ambitious brands and businesses in across the complete Web3 spectrum - from creators to digital assets into the Metaverse - whether on the brand, operator or the investor side.
In this article, I&rsquo;m diving into why we&rsquo;re opening a Web3 hub, and, the considerations we&rsquo;ve made around launching a physical space for this elusive yet incredibly promising sector.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Recognising early potential and an appetite to gather
The emergence of Web3, as we've come to learn, has not been overnight. For the past decade, there have been significant in-roads made, and this has been built by a passionate community of new thinkers, creators, developers and, in an ideological sense, those that want to build democratically and differently. We shouldn't underestimate the role that Web3 will play in evolving our lives into a more futuristic version of what they are today - a world where value will be created and enjoyed proportionately.
Speaking for a moment on the recent market downturn in the cryptocurrency space &mdash; we belive that the underlying technology of Web3 is more robust than this cryptocrash would have us believe. Web3 technology has the potential to revolutionise industries and create new business models, enabling decentralised systems that are more transparent, secure, and efficient. Web3 is already changing the face of most industries around us, from healthcare, medicine and finance to real estate, education, and right the way across the creator economy.
In saying all of that, Web3 is an embryonic industry - there's still so much room to build structure, network, and unlock the right access to talent and capital - and we want to support Web3 innovation during these critical early moments of innovation by creating a space in the physical world, where investors, creatives and entrepreneurs working in this industry can come together, to work, collaborate, invest.
Our intention is to support the burgeoning community of businesses operating in Web3, NFT and Metaverse as much as we can, both during this phase of hyper-experimentation and as the technology starts to enter into a more mature period. We're creating a space for Web3 innovation to flourish, for ideas to freeflow and for entrepreneurs to find the right backers.
We've seen the appetite to gather in physical places for the Web3 community, take the NFT major event in New York in 2022, which was claimed to the Superbowl of NFTs, the Open Protocol events at Slush in Helsinki in November and the opening of the NFT factory in Paris last October. Where there is community, there is a need to gather, exchange and actively collaborate. This is one of the staying principles core to us and human history, irrespective of what technology you're using.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Building an inclusive third iteration
Fighting for equality in the spaces where we operate has always been core to our DNA. We want to play our part in building a truly inclusive third iteration of the web. Unfortunately, inclusivity and access in the metaverse and Web3 are big issues. Many of the blockchain technologies are built and funded by an elite group of people, and as this report from cryptocurrency marketplace&nbsp;<a href="https://indianexpress.com/about/gemini/">Gemini</a>, women make up just 26 per cent of Web3 investors today.
Web3 needs to do more than simply mirror the inequities we face in our physical world and we want to contribute to finding solutions to making web3 truly inclusive. Whether this be by dedicating our Alpha Accelerator programme for underrepresented founders to Web3, by organising inclusive meetups, influencing change within our own community of Web3 innovators, or having a fully inclusive on-site team, we&rsquo;re dedicated to driving the needle on this mission.
&lrm;&nbsp;
The role of education and importance of humility in the Web3 space
We&rsquo;re not experts in Web3, in fact most people working directly in it claim not to be either, but what we do know is how to build an ecosystem and a workspace designed for future working. We&rsquo;ve surrounded ourselves with independent thinkers and leaders operating in Web3 to share, learn, immerse and to inform how we operate a Web3 workspace. Our advisory council is made up of eight Web3 minds, including digital fashion entrepreneurs, NFT creators, investors, and consultants advising luxury household names on their metaverse direction.
We recognise the importance that this physical space doesn&rsquo;t create further siloes or perpetuate foreign language. We believe there is a need to bridge connections and unlock new opportunities and dealflow, whether that be introducing traditional creatives into how to design in the metaverse, or to upskill corporate brands on how they can unlock blockchain technology or NFT tokens for their customer campaigns or back-ops functions. Education is vital and we want to be the go-to classroom in London.
So, what&rsquo;s on? Alongside our advisory council, we&rsquo;ll be running drop in ask me anything sessions with crypto experts, host preview / demos of new innovations, run skills workshops, talent circles, and also our own accelerator programme to support underepresented founders get access to early stage investment.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Join the Web3 revolution -
Huckletree&nbsp;has become an active player in the Web3 revolution. The&nbsp;advent of this hub for Web3 creators and businesses operating in the metaverse - in one of the global&nbsp;economic centres of Web3 - is a milestone that opens up huge possibilities for the future of this space.
We&rsquo;re touring the space now. Head <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/hubs/oxford-circus" rel="follow">here</a> to enquire about membership, book your tour, or get involved with London&rsquo;s first physical <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/blog/post/why-were-opening-a-web3-hub" rel="follow">Web3 workspace</a>.

Why we're opening a Web3 hub 

<h4>In the time of the Great Gathering, we want everyone to show up &mdash; both physically and mentally. That means being aware of the wide spectrum of individual differences and how small changes can either hamper people or bring out their best. Creating an environment where people are empowered to do things their way, most of the time, means that they can save their energy so that when you do gather, it's with intention, sparking creativity and innovation.</h4>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Here are seven tips for building that environment, developed with psychotherapist Ruth Millman, who teaches organisations to be autism aware, enabling the widest range of people to thrive at work.
<h3>1. Be truly flexible.</h3>
While most companies are now including WFH options and some moving to four-day weeks, few have achieved a real &ldquo;work anywhere, anytime&rdquo; model that moulds to individuals&rsquo; preferences for both location and hours. To get there, it helps to take a step back and ask big-picture questions around what you&rsquo;re trying to achieve as an organisation, as well as to trust people to make decisions around their own productivity. &ldquo;Letting someone skip the Friday afternoon meeting because they will be exhausted by that point and getting home early and resting will help them to function better the next week,&rdquo; says Ruth.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>2. Be creative in finding out people&rsquo;s needs and preferences.</h3>
Have regular check-ins with members of your team specifically addressing their comfort at work but also consider using tools like surveys and personas to get a deeper understanding of what they really want and need. For people with autism, ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence, Ruth suggests finding out their sensory profile and considering environmental adaptations that will enable them to do their best work.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>3. Be self-reflective.</h3>
&ldquo;An experience of many individuals who are from minority groups is that when they do highlight an issue or support they need, the other party becomes defensive, and they are shut down,&rdquo; says Ruth. As well as practising your ability to accept feedback, be proactive in examining your unconscious biases, behaviours and communication style with an attitude of lifelong learning. &ldquo;Having an open and responsive approach will benefit the whole workforce,&rdquo; adds Ruth.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>4. Give people a place to rest from group settings.</h3>
Every introvert will relate to the experience of leaving a party to spend a bit too long in the peace of a bathroom cubicle. For neurodivergent individuals, that sense of overwhelm in social scenarios can be amplified. As well as the usual quiet booths and rooms, consider making a designated calm space that anyone can retreat to. Openly communicating that such a space is available can help to make people feel seen and included.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>5. Swap notes after meetings.</h3>
&ldquo;So much of neurotypical communication is done non-verbally, and often in an unclear or ambiguous way,&rdquo; explains Ruth. &ldquo;This can be problematic for everybody but particularly problematic for neurodivergent individuals.&rdquo; Others can struggle with verbal memory and working memory. To check you&rsquo;re all on the same page, make notes and share them even after short meetings.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>6. Value virtual gatherings too.</h3>
It can be natural to assume that the hybrid work model means doing focused labour at home and coming into the office for meetings, but there&rsquo;s more to our working lives than this binary. Studies have found some perhaps unexpected benefits to virtual meetings &mdash; they tend to allow more fair participation through the &ldquo;hand raise&rdquo; function, stopping certain people from dominating, while those who are less comfortable with public speaking can contribute through the chat window. Consider the goals of a gathering and individuals involved when choosing whether it should be in-person, virtual or hybrid.

<a node="[object Object]" class="RichText__a-sc-1bchiqq-0 bqBdlP" href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-the-great-gathering-zine">Download your copy of The Great Gathering Zine</a> to find out how you can lead, steer and inspire your teams when together and apart. Happy Gathering.&nbsp;
<a href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-the-great-gathering-zine" rel="follow"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/eXBgdtE3S3m7i3IURMGE" alt="countdown to.webp" /></a>

The "I" in Gathering 

The I in Gathering

Knowing how to bring teams together for one day or over the course of a month to focus them, empower them, ground them, is the difference between companies where culture is authentically lived versus one that's parroted. This comes back to time, not just place. We need to value our time more, the time of the planet, our customers, our people, and to reflect on how many seconds/minutes/hours we used intentionally to build either our companies, our connections or ourselves in any given day.
Creating the space and formula for this to thrive takes great leaders. The ones open to experimentation, to unconventional approaches, to new perspectives.
We&rsquo;re speaking to great leaders from within the Huckletree ecosystem that are fully embracing the concept of The Great Gathering to get their insights around gathering teams in 2023.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Maria Dillon, Head of People at Tines (Huckletree D2 members)
&ldquo;We recently ran a hackathon, half a day where the team fully immersed themselves in our product. We were all in groups, and made it a competition, so it was fun and engaging. We came up with new and imaginative ways to use our product. The results blew our minds. Even the people who typically aren&rsquo;t that immersed in the product now have so many ideas and market opportunities, it&rsquo;s sparked a whole revolution for Tines.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
Tom Butcher, General Manager, Lad Bible (D2 Members)
&ldquo;Our team is so eclectic that we could never impose a one-size-fits-all scenario for hybrid working. We started with one day a week in the workspace. On this day, I&rsquo;d try to get coffee in with all my direct reports, bring breakfast or coffees in for the team, have lunch together, and often go out for a drink, too - it was a lot to pack in. So, we moved to two days in the office, Wednesday and Thursday, which is working really well.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
Edward Williams, Managing Director, Candy Kittens (Huckletree Ambassador)
&ldquo;On average, our team are spending 10 days per month in the office. They split these days however they like, but we run one compulsory office day per month, which we&rsquo;ve named Monthly Mischief. We make sure our team get some real value in being together rather than simply being in the same room and cracking on with stuff they do WFH.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
Explore The Great Gathering &gt;&gt; <a href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-the-great-gathering-zine">https://hs.huckletree.com/download-the-great-gathering-zine</a>

Insights from leaders on The Great Gathering 

TGG insights from leaders

<h3>This November, we're celebrating five years of big ideas, fruitful collaborations and industry-defining innovations from our flagship Irish hub on Pearse St. This is a celebration of the incredible teams, leaders and people that have come on the journey with us. It has been a privilege to celebrate the highs and an honour to support you in navigating the lows.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
When we started out in Ireland five years ago, we wanted to create a space where some of the world's most exciting high-growth tech companies could share learnings, expand their networks and build a vibrant culture for their teams. Since then, we have supported over 200 teams on their growth journey. Current members include renowned FinTech challenger Starling Bank, and Irish tech legends Tines, NewsWhip and Kinzen. We're also supported by an incredible network of ambassadors, including Dee Coakley, Pete Townsend and Edel Coen.
Over the last five years, we've been the architects behind connection in Dublin. Creating collaborative spaces for bold minds to come together and brave ideas to flourish. This is a role we take very seriously. We believe now more than ever that workspaces like ours should be places of intent and gathering, measured by the opportunities created, not by the number of hours used. The future of work is going to look less like individual businesses slogging it out and more like ecosystems of talent coming together intentionally, solving problems, sharing knowledge and making collective impact.
&lrm;&nbsp;
With half a decade under our belts, we're taking a look back at some of the incredible wins made by our community and looking ahead to the future with optimism as we navigate this ever-changing world together.
2017 -
We open our doors at the iconic Academy building in November 2017, with 3 stellar founding members: Silicon Valley Bank, Kontainers and Datadog. The Academy has long been a fixture of Dublin&rsquo;s innovation scene. Frequented by luminaries WB Yeats and James Joyce in the 1800s and transformed into Twitter&rsquo;s EMEA headquarters in the 2000s. The budding Huckletree community of ambitious international leaders reignited it&rsquo;s innovative spirit.
2018 -
We reach full occupancy by March 2018!
Alpha Programme launches in Ireland for the first time, supporting underrepresented founders in Dublin. Frontline x Huckletree Summer Party brought together leaders in the tech ecosystem in Dublin on our rooftop. And, Fairer Funding Now event held at Huckletree featured a panel of industry leaders from VC / startups discussing the importance of backing women founders - incl. Elkstone, Frontline Ventures, Soapbox Labs. This year embodied our mission to support home-grown innovation and bringing brilliant minds together.
2019 -
The Huckletree D2 community proves itself as a great launchpad for US companies as founding member Datadog became the fourth cloud software company to debut this year and reach a $10 billion valuation. Our Braver Together campaign hits the streets of Dublin, featuring Dublin members and ambassadors including Edel Coen, Head of Deal Flow at Molten VC.
2020 - 2021 -
The pandemic hits, but innovation never sleeps. Founding member Kontainers were acquired by Descartes! In 2021, some incredible new members joined the D2 community, including Tines, Project Foundry, and Social Talent.
2022 -
Tines raise a colossal $55m as part of an extended Series-B. Kinzen is acquired by Spotify. We continue to strengthen our pioneering ambassador community in Ireland with latest ambassadors Dee Coakley (Co-Founder and CEO of Boundless), Pete Townsend (Managing Director at Techstars and early-stage startup advisor), Aimee Louise Carton (Director, Concentrix). Great new members join, including NewsWhip, Genesis, and Axonista. Huckletree West London members, Butternut Box, launch their Ireland operations, and Techstars host first Irish accelerator at Huckletree with a focus on Web 3.0..
&lrm;&nbsp;
Here's to the communities we have built together, everything you've achieved so far and whatever comes next! Happy 5 years, Huckletree D2!

Huckletree D2 turns five!

Huckletree D2 turns five

The history of the modern office is the history of people trying to fix the modern office. When Frank Lloyd Wright&rsquo;s Larkin Administration Building opened in 1906, it presented the first take on the open-plan office, organised like a white-collar production line with rows of desks and few walls thought to maximise output.
For the rest of the 20th century, office designers tweaked this model, trying to address the flaws &mdash; there was no privacy, no quiet, yet simultaneously little actual human interaction and connection. But little could change when the prevailing view was that &lsquo;real work&rsquo; was what you did at your desk, under the manager&rsquo;s gaze, and everything else was a distraction. Even the biggest change &mdash; the 1964 arrival of the office cubicle, or &lsquo;Action Office&rsquo;, by the brand Herman Miller &mdash; was not the major disrupter that its inventor Robert Propst intended. He&rsquo;d wanted the desks arranged at 120-degree angles, like honeycomb, less linear and more open to serendipity.
It&rsquo;s only recently, since the 2000s, that companies have started aiming for something different, focusing on creating various &ldquo;zones&rdquo; with varied functions that people could fluidly move between &mdash; an idea that had been presaged in 1950s Germany by a movement known as b&uuml;rolandschaft, or &ldquo;office landscaping&rdquo;. It&rsquo;s fortuitous that this change happened when it did, familiarising us with concepts such as hot desks, break-out spaces, booths and quiet zones, as it&rsquo;s hard to picture the pandemic-driven shifts to remote and hybrid work happening without it. These interior design changes gave us a chance to get to know our own preferences better, empowering us with the information to make choices about where, when and how we wanted to work.
And so what does this mean for the workplace of the future? Some trends are already starting to emerge. First and most obviously, the physical workspace is being reconfigured to provide people with what they most miss at home: the opportunity to gather with others in ways that spark ideas, breakthroughs, creativity and fundamentally, connection. Desks are being further subtracted, and collaboration areas added. Flexible and modular floor space is also on the rise, with rolling dividers and mobile furniture allowing open areas to be adapted to groups of various sizes.
There&rsquo;s also a dimension of not just physical design but experiential design. The annual Design Forecast from architecture firm Gensler says the top-performing companies are increasingly building the workplace into a &ldquo;destination&rdquo; that people are drawn to come in to experience. This means programming and curating how people come together, creating moments where they can grow their professional relationships as well as feeling stimulated and supported.
This is a time of change and experimentation. Not every idea for the future of work will stick, but every one is a chance to test, measure, learn and evolve. And in doing so, to jointly write a future where people work less but achieve more than ever before.

<a node="[object Object]" class="RichText__a-sc-1bchiqq-0 bqBdlP" href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-the-great-gathering-zine">Download your copy of The Great Gathering Zine</a>&nbsp;to find out how you can lead, steer and inspire your teams when together and apart. Happy Gathering.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<a href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-the-great-gathering-zine?hs_preview=yJCkdAxF-80534774287" rel="follow"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/eXBgdtE3S3m7i3IURMGE" alt="countdown to.webp" /></a>

Redesigning the workspace

<h3>Huckletree Ambassador, founder of CoolPlanet and AVA, Norman Crowley is what you can safely call a serial entrepreneur. In his ventures, he&rsquo;s developed particularly progressive approaches to team building and development. Here&rsquo;s how&hellip;</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Have you always been progressive with team development?
I was pretty awful at it for a long time. It&rsquo;s only since the pandemic that I&rsquo;ve developed more out there approaches. We made some fundamental changes in our thinking. We used to say &ldquo;rule number one: look after the planet, rule number two: make money, rule number three: look after the people&rdquo;. We&rsquo;ve now completely flipped that and rule number one is to look after our people and we&rsquo;ve put a very conscious structure in place.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Tell us about that&hellip;
It&rsquo;s a three-level system. Level one is technical training which covers basic things like using excel and all that. This is fully automated using LinkedIn learning. The second layer, we jokingly call how not to be an a**hole, and is all about how to be more effective at interacting with other humans. We work with a group called Positive who use the fundamentals of psychology.
The third layer, Light, is the most unique, and covers spiritual training. We really encourage people to explore themselves. Through breath work, yoga, meditation. And this layer, Light, has really revolutionised the business. Other brands are picking up on it, too. Accenture have just started using it, and Pizza Hut.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Love that. How do you reflect this in the way you bring the team together for business?
We approach meetings in a slightly unusual way. For the first five minutes, no matter what, and internal or external, we spend that time connecting with the people. And that&rsquo;s not just a &ldquo;Hi, how are you?&rdquo;, it&rsquo;s a genuine moment to figure out how that person&rsquo;s day has been, how they really are, are they struggling? We&rsquo;ve found the conversation after this just flows.
&lrm;&nbsp;
What are some lessons you&rsquo;ve learnt along the way?
There are thousands, but it all comes down to remembering we&rsquo;re all human. Companies, essentially, are a collective of imperfect humans coming together to work towards incredible things. The goal isn&rsquo;t to build a company with a mission, it&rsquo;s to bring people together and make them better and happier humans. Then, the organisation thrives.
&lrm;&nbsp;
And any other wisdom you want to give leaders in bringing people together?
It&rsquo;s such a huge area, but I think accept first that you are a flawed human as the leader of the organisation. Acknowledge that&rsquo;s the way it is. And then I think for the leader, and for everyone else in the organisation, you have to spend your time getting to know yourself and unpacking your own s*** all the time. We&rsquo;re currently building a sabbatical programme where if our people are in the business for more than four years, we pay for our people to disappear for three-six months on a structured exploration of themselves. Getting to know yourself in this way means you can really show up to the organisation and your team.&nbsp;
&lrm;&nbsp;
Coming together with purpose is going to be the new super-skill in 2023 for all business leaders, creatives and entrepreneurs. <a href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-the-great-gathering-zine" rel="follow">Download your copy of The Great Gathering Zine</a> to find out how you can lead, steer and inspire your teams when together and apart. Happy Gathering.
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 The Future of Progressive Team Building - In conversation with Norman Crowley

Norman Crowley - Progressive team building

Has there ever been a gathering more legendary than Woodstock? The 1969 event was a pivotal moment not just for music but for the counterculture movement, and became quickly known for bringing together an unprecedented 400,000 people, at least double the expected crowd, with no violence or conflict and nothing but a shared spirit of peace, love and cooperation.
It was also a hotbed of innovation. It introduced the world to what are now common music festival features &mdash; multi-day camping, the &lsquo;crafts village&rsquo;, the &lsquo;freak-out tent&rsquo; for people on bad trips. A food shortage saw the whole surrounding town spring into action to feed the crowd with whatever they had on hand, which was turned into mass free meals like vegetable stews and breakfast oats. And musicians were pushed to greatness, with moments such as opening act Richie Havens&rsquo; iconic performance of &lsquo;Freedom&rsquo;, entirely improvised after he was called back for four encores and ran out of material.
And the impact of this one gathering didn&rsquo;t end on that dairy farm in New York State. Its visibility helped to spread the ideals of the counterculture, influencing society at every level. Some have argued they are even entwined in the rise of Silicon Valley, whose originators were driven by the view that technology could be a tool for liberation through personal computing and knowledge sharing. Engineers, hippies and hobbyists of the area came together intellectually through the legendary magazine The Whole Earth Catalog, which was like a paper precursor to the internet, and physically through organisations like the Homebrew Computer Club, where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak debuted their prototype for the Apple-1.
Extraordinary things happen when we come together with a shared vision, or even just with a shared question for what else could be possible. Some of the biggest innovations have come from unprecedented moments of cooperation. We mapped the genome through the world&rsquo;s largest collaborative biological work, the Human Genome Project, involving 20 university and research centres across three continents. We explored the stars through the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint effort between NASA and the European Space Agency that often involved teaming it up with other telescopes. And we developed a Covid vaccine in just one year, a feat that would have been impossible without open science, industry partnerships and the community-mindedness of study participants (even if patent rows also impeded distribution).
Now, as we transition from pandemic-enforced remote working to flexible and hybrid models, it is clear that the impulse to gather is a key driver. Polls frequently show between 70 and 90% of people are keen on a partial return to work, but few mention wanting to sit at the same desk all day; far more talk about missing the connection, support and ineffable spark that comes from being physically present with their peers. And that link between spontaneous interaction and innovative spirit is backed up by data &mdash; in one study by MIT and UCLA researchers using smartphone geolocation data, companies whose members most frequently bumped into their peers, in- and outside the workplace, had the most patent citations.
The lesson from history is for managers to embrace this innate social impulse. Time in open-ended conversation is never wasted, nor is spending the time to curate these gatherings&nbsp; &mdash; rather, it&rsquo;s the key to real productivity.

<a href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-the-great-gathering-zine" rel="follow">Download your copy of The Great Gathering Zine</a> to find out how you can lead, steer and inspire your teams when together and apart. Happy Gathering.
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The Gathering, Regrouped

When I think back to some of the most memorable moments in my 8-year tenure as CEO, the ones that jump to the front of my mind are clear as day: when we toured our first members in our Manchester hub; our opening event for Huckletree West in the summer of 2017; the end-of-year Ambassador dinner where I looked around at 70 entrepreneurs and investors who had become true friends of the company; and our first all-company Town Hall in person with the team post-pandemic. Were we celebrating? Not always. Were we changing the world? Perhaps, in our own way. But what I remember was that we showed up - in sync and in step - holding space for one another's ideas, and demonstrating presence, empathy and collaboration in the room. The content behind those moments wasn't overly memorable, but the feeling was. The sense of nowness, impact and purpose was palpable. That I remember. There were no &lsquo;video off&rsquo; moments or mute buttons. We were present, with all of our minds, bodies and ideas.
I&rsquo;ve been reflecting on what it takes to make a team or make a business work. Yes, you need infrastructure, runway, talent, vision. However, designing the right conditions for those elements to thread together, and be practised on a daily basis (and of course, be scalable) is a whole piece of work they leave out of the textbooks. We&rsquo;ve been told that solving the move to working &lsquo;hybrid&rsquo; is going to be the great challenge of the decade for leaders and thinkers. What is missed from the textbooks and the news articles is not the debate over the place where we work, but the attention, or rather, intention, that we put behind the moments when we come together.
We believe at Huckletree that the art of gathering is going to be the new super-skill of progressive business leaders for 2023 and beyond. Knowing how to bring teams together for one day or over the course of a month to focus them, empower them, ground them, will be the difference between companies where culture is authentically lived versus one that&rsquo;s parroted. This comes back to time, not just place. We need to value our time more; the time of the planet, our customers, our people, and to reflect on how many seconds / minutes / hours we used intentionally to build either our companies, our connections or ourselves in any given day.
Every output needs an input, which means what fills a room, a meeting room or a conversation is far more important than what it looks like. I&rsquo;m less interested in whether a 4-day work week works or doesn't, and more interested in what people do with their time and energy through their work week, on their terms, as well as in their time off. Perhaps this is the great reset we all need, and perhaps communities like ours can be a new testing ground for a braver way of being and building.
In these pages, you'll learn about the future of progressive team building, how to take care of the individual in gatherings, and even how sometimes, when you leave business at the door, you walk away with so much more value.
If you&rsquo;ve got this far and are reading this, firstly, thank you. Your time is precious. Secondly, I hope this encourages you to think about the place, time and conditions of how your team gather. Perhaps we can all flip this work narrative and do things differently to what we&rsquo;ve known before.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Happy gathering.
Gaby Hersham,
CEO and Co-Founder, Huckletree

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The Great Gathering, a letter from our CEO, Gabriela Hersham

The Great Gathering opening letter

<h2 class="p1" style="text-align: left;">&ldquo;The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible&rdquo; - Toni Cade Bambara</h2>
Here we examine some of the key themes explored in <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/education/sustainability-summit" rel="follow">Earthrise Summit&rsquo;s</a> &ldquo;The Role of Art in Humanising our Cities&rdquo;, moderated by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-gallie-58422542/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Gail Gallie</a> (Project Everyone) and featuring panellists <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-ashton-0553a/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Karen Ashton</a> (Art Car Boot Fair Projects), <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-slotover-89361118/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Matthew Slotover</a> (Frieze), <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-ulrich-obrist-1b83b0ba/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Hans-Ulrich Obrist</a> (Serpentine Gallery) and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazpaldi/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Boaz Paldi</a> (UN).
<h3 class="p1">Art &amp; urban prosperity</h3>
Art plays a crucial role in reflecting and forming a city&rsquo;s culture, in uniting and creating understanding among different social groups, and in creating connections and dialogues between cities around the world. Its impact on urban economic prosperity also can&rsquo;t be underestimated. Matthew Slotover referenced the financial turmoil in Korea In 1997. Modelling itself on the arts scene in London, the city of Seoul began investing heavily in the arts as a means of elevating itself out of this financial situation. The impact is that today, art is everywhere you look and in every format in Seoul, and has achieved truly global reach with the likes of K-Pop and Korean cinema.&nbsp;
The irony is that in the UK, funding for the arts is on the decline. We must recognise the role art plays in our urban economic prosperity, not just its ability to deliver messages en masse in a palatable way. This is not a new concept. Hans-Ulrich Obrist was keen to point out the visionary artist Barbara Steveni, who conceived The Artist Placement Group (APG) in the 60s, which sought to reposition the role of the artist away from galleries and studios into business and public institutions. This ideological shift would put the focus of art further onto social structures, issues and relationships, thus achieving a far greater and wider impact. The climate crisis demands that the world pivots, and a programme like this would help our structures do exactly that.
<h3 class="p1">Art as activism</h3>
As much as the climate emergency isn&rsquo;t and shouldn&rsquo;t be a political issue, the sad truth is that it is. We find ourselves in a situation where significant portions of the global population still don&rsquo;t believe it&rsquo;s even a problem and those who do, can&rsquo;t agree on a unified approach or solution. Forums like COP and Davos do a great deal of good in the world but generally progress is too slow and fails to get universal buy-in - just look at India, China and the US refusing to join the pledge at COP26 to phase out coal, the three of which account for over 70% of global coal consumption. The world is at an impasse when it comes to the climate crisis.&nbsp;
Art has a huge role to play in breaching this impasse; it has a unique ability to navigate delicate topics and bring on board those who may be hostile or ambivalent to a cause, in a way that no lobbyist or activist ever could. Gail Gallie shared two anecdotes that demonstrate this perfectly. In 2015, the UN launched its Global Goals campaign to draw attention to issues around poverty, injustice and climate change. The topics tackled were controversial with the Chinese government but by working with Chinese artist, Liu Bolin (who painted himself into a backdrop of 193 UN flags), the campaign was able to penetrate and have impact in this critical region. More recently and closer to home, Es Devlin&rsquo;s 2021 installation of 400 trees at London&rsquo;s Somerset House directly contravened the enlightenment principles on which the building was conceived, the idea being that any trees in the courtyard would end up blocking the view of this supreme man-made structure. This perception of human dominance over the natural world is exactly what the Forest for Change campaign sought to address, and to demonstrate a vision of a better world in an incredibly accessible way.
The key takeaway from this session was that we will only solve the climate crisis through unity, and that art can and already does play an enormous role in making our cities a better place for those that live there, while having the unique ability to reach audiences that climate campaigners can&rsquo;t. Art institutions are essentially a place of organised public belonging and art has a great responsibility going forwards to be accessible to everyone. While this sentiment is sometimes at odds with &lsquo;high art&rsquo; agendas, the future of art is the future of human gathering.&nbsp;

Examine some of the themes explored in our Earthrise Summit panel discussion on the role art plays in humanising our cities. Visit the Huckletree blog to read the full article. 

Art, Cities & Sustainability | Huckletree

The Role of Art in Humanising our Cities

<h3>The world is calling for human-centric leaders equipped to navigate times of uncertainty through building and maintaining strong cultures and establishing growth mindsets where innovation is prioritised. At Huckletree, we believe that investing in your people is mission-critical, and so we partnered up with <a href="https://www.withinpeople.com/" rel="follow">Within People</a> to deliver this year's Hundreds Club, with a focus on Leadership and Culture.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Participants are building the leadership capacity necessary to enable people to step into and lead innovative change in their organisations. Graduating from the programme will mean knowing how to lead a culture where innovation and creativity thrive in a human-centric, 21st century way, unlearning the leadership ways of the past and embracing the leadership qualities required of us today.
At this point, we're halfway through the eight-week programme and already beginning to see deep change and awakenings happening amongst the group. For the past four weeks, 20 forward-thinking leaders from across the Huckletree ecosystem in the UK and Ireland have been immersed in learning led by Within People Partner, Anique Coffee.
Among the twenty eclectic minds taking part in this Hundreds Leadership and Culture track, there are C-suite and director-level representatives from Starling Bank, Butternut Box, Hammock, Hello Launch, JBH, PUBLIC, and Earnest Research. An added bonus of the programme is helping our members connect with their peers across our hubs, and build relationships in an open sharing environment.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Below, I'm sharing my observations about what the group has learned so far.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Week one focused on understanding our strengths and stretches as leaders around Within People&rsquo;s eight essential leadership qualities:
Vulnerability - Lose the armour. You don't need all the answers.
Conviction - Have integrity and follow through on promises.
Courage - Accept there will be fear and work with it.
Creativity - Give space to ideas. Work with the unknown.
Curiosity - Listen to learn. Ask questions rather than jumping to solutions.
Empathy - Hold perspective without judgement.
Patience - Don&rsquo;t rush to solve problems. Patience unleashes presence.
Love - Remember, we're hardwired for connection.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Week two centred around culture and its impact on creativity and innovation. As a group, we spoke about the importance of being clear about our purpose and values and living them day-to-day. It was agreed that operationalising our values into behaviours can be really challenging.
The importance of storytelling and bringing our people on a journey was discussed at length this week. It can be really tough to set out a clear and inspiring picture of the future and a shared vision for growth that everyone can move towards when times are uncertain and no two days are the same, but we need to see the big picture.
Culture has the power to both block and unlock innovation within a company. If there's no clear mission and purpose behind financial targets, these lack purpose and meaning and will be hard to inspire teams to take initiative around how to move toward them.
&lrm;&nbsp;
During week three, we broke off into peer groups and learned how to be mentors to one another. Discussions centred around the leadership qualities that we found challenging and the areas where we wanted to grow:
<ul>
<li>Consistency. It's key, but it can be really hard to follow through in times of uncertainty when we're stepping into the unknown. You need to balance the art of being vulnerable and displaying confidence to your team.</li>
<li>When we're trying to nail day-to-day processes, it's challenging to make room for creativity, especially in revenue-generating roles like sales.</li>
<li>How can we be patient with ourselves in times of change when we&rsquo;re not in our comfort zones? Being truly kind to ourselves and moving at a realistic pace can be challenging.</li>
</ul>
&lrm;&nbsp;
This week's session focused on blame culture, which can really hold us back from motivating others and ourselves from growth and development. As part of our conversations, we learned that:
<ul>
<li>When we move into blame, we aren&rsquo;t listening to the other person or for the story behind what has happened. You lose the opportunity to actually solve the problem because the anger gets in the way.</li>
<li>In the workplace, blame can often be subtle. There can often be an underlying tone of fear in the organisation. As leaders, we can challenge ourselves by being direct and honest with our people and seek to understand rather than assign blame. If we can stay in &ldquo;understanding / listening mode&rdquo; for longer, we will see behaviours change.</li>
<li>In the drama triangle, there are three roles people can play and shift in and out of - the victim, the persecutor and the rescuer. Most of the group identified most strongly with the rescuer role, which can be common in leadership roles where we often struggle with patience and do not always set others up for success because it takes too long &ldquo;let me get this done for you quickly&rdquo;. This can be typical of start-up environments where there is an emphasis on output and productivity and &ldquo;get sh*t done&rdquo;. The space for people to learn is often not prioritised.</li>
</ul>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Within People are stellar partners for this programme. They're a team of growth strategists working globally to help leaders use culture to grow more purposeful and equitable organizations. <a href="https://www.withinpeople.com/">Discover more about what they do.</a>

The Hundreds Club: Building the next generation of human-centric leaders

<h1>&ldquo;Planet City radically reverses our endless sprawl. Across generations, we retreat into one hyper-dense metropolis housing the entire population of Earth&rdquo; &lrm;&nbsp; </h1>
Dubbed a &ldquo;sci-fi safari&rdquo; by TED Talk, Liam Young's Planet City is an imaginary city that houses the entire globe's population in a speculative, highly innovative urban space, allowing the rest of the world to rewild. An intention to give back to lands once colonised and destroyed by human presence. &lrm;&nbsp;
Planet City provides a visual on the advancement of technology and how it could shape our cities. Within the metropolis, Young designs in 121,307 km&sup2; of hydroelectric canals, 2,357 algae farms and 26,975,567 autonomous tractors. The way he presents this speculative vision, from swaying Trojan horses and stacks of concrete sprawls to millions of lit-up windows and mass falling from the sky, has a dystopian eeriness to it. &lrm;&nbsp;
Planet City provokes us to consider the huge impact our actions have on our fragile environment and what tomorrow will become if we persist in ignoring the warning signs. When viewing or contemplating the ideas presented within Young's Planet City, you're confronted with imagining what we really want our future to be. Is it Planet City? Though a spectacular vision, do we really want it to get that far? Probably not. &lrm;&nbsp;
When looking at the plans for <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/04fcb9d4-5907-45b0-9388-f84b34bc4bea?accessToken=zwAAAYJZ9xJ_kc8E_LnUWQdFsNOTiPhLNLxL6g.MEUCIBo0tscXkshbAeMM1T6lldlyOZvFIE_x-M7J00aZJjvGAiEAqq7HbzCsVcAXAif-R5dZ_Uo842eZ1_kXk8XBkGwbzDo&amp;segmentId=e95a9ae7-622c-6235-5f87-51e412b47e97&amp;shareType=enterprise">Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Project NEOM</a>, it's difficult to shake Planet City from your mind. A self-proclaimed &ldquo;revolution in civilisation&rdquo;, project NEOM will span 170,000m. A tunnel of a city cutting through the desert with 500m high mirrored walls. Comparable to Planet City in that the project, designed to house 9 million people, is an extreme approach to creating a metropolis that can cope with the extremes.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/CadxWBxxSuuCHQLbGT1F" alt="undefined" />Liam Young's Planet City 
&lrm;&nbsp;&lrm;&nbsp;
We wouldn't be the first to compare NEOM to projects that shouldn't have been actualised. <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/04fcb9d4-5907-45b0-9388-f84b34bc4bea?accessToken=zwAAAYJZ9xJ_kc8E_LnUWQdFsNOTiPhLNLxL6g.MEUCIBo0tscXkshbAeMM1T6lldlyOZvFIE_x-M7J00aZJjvGAiEAqq7HbzCsVcAXAif-R5dZ_Uo842eZ1_kXk8XBkGwbzDo&amp;segmentId=e95a9ae7-622c-6235-5f87-51e412b47e97&amp;shareType=enterprise" rel="follow">Edwin Heathcote very recently wrote in the Financial Times</a> comparing the project to a satirical design made by Italian architects in the 60s. Northcote writes, "it was architectural satire on modernism's lack of a relationship with context&rdquo;. NEOM not only demonstrates a lack of context but a complete disregard for it. The project will strip indigenous people of their homes, before even considering who this city is for - which 9 million people are going to flock to live in an isolated city in the middle of a desert? It claims to be an environmental solution yet will generate an enormous carbon footprint in its development and will then rely on Saudi oil. &lrm;&nbsp;
The future isn't in building more grandiose projects. The future is in being resourceful. It's in taking stock of our existing cities and getting creative with the myriad ways we can repurpose, redevelop, and reuse. The future is in being human-centric. Who are we developing cities for? Before we look to actualising the extreme and provocative projects (and we should take a moment to consider whether we should even get to that place), we need to solve the challenges that already exist in the urban spaces we live in today. &lrm;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.huckletree.com/education/sustainability-summit" rel="follow">Earthrise Summit</a> 2022 will cover this pertinent, complex debate and so much more. Join Liam Young alongside a line-up of 50 speakers from across the globe, including well-renowned architects Jan Gehl and David Chipperfield, to discuss how to drive action towards a more sustainable, more equitable urban future.

Comparing Planet City to Project NEOM - the city that should never happen

Comparing Planet City to Project NEOM

<h3>We believe in the future of ideas, so we&rsquo;re making space just for that. Today, we announce the opening of our fifth London hub on central London&rsquo;s iconic Oxford Street - a workspace for new worlds, bringing together Web3, creatives and investors in one place. You&rsquo;ll find Web3 builders working alongside Metaverse pioneers, avant-garde designers, animators, digital disruptors and a passionate investor community - each gathering together within our flagship workspace designed for the new creator economy.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
The <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/hubs/oxford-street" rel="follow">Oxford Street hub</a> will facilitate collaboration between those more traditional brands and the emerging powerhouses of the Web3 world. We're designing the space to be one that can evolve alongside businesses as their needs shift in evolving digital and workspace landscapes, whether that be a central workspace for teams to come together, spaces to demo product, non-tech zones to decompress or opportunities to drive deal flow.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Oxford Street will be home to a vibrant mix of companies across Web3 and connecting industries. While people most typically associate Web3 with cryptocurrency startups, this new frontier of the business world has become an innovative and successful home for many creative companies. Our mission is to ensure creative companies, such as those working in the spaces of visual design, video game creation and fashion design, will be represented in the make-up of Oxford Street members. From healthcare and medicine to finance, real estate, education and all the way through the creator economy, this will be home to a broad group of industries that now operate in the Web3 space.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/pmXhIN1RQ2a3BAZwJcaf" alt="undefined" />
&lrm; &lrm;&nbsp;
In our mission to stay close to our end users as we develop the <a href="https://hs.huckletree.com/download-oxford-street-brochure" title="Oxford Street brochure download " rel="follow" style="color: #000000;">Oxford Street hub</a>, we have established an expert advisory board to guide and counsel us every step of the way. This incredible advisory board has 12 members, including David Haynes, Founder of FOV Ventures backing founders building the metaverse, Jack Smyth from BrandTech Consulting who leads on Unilever and Chanel&rsquo;s web3 strategies, to Ella Shen, investor at Forward Partners, and Daniella Loftus, Founder of This Outfit Does Not Exist. The board will ensure the Oxford St hub will breed innovation and be a tailored and suited home for some of the UK&rsquo;s most exciting businesses to flourish.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Gabriela Hersham, CEO and co-founder said, &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been following the <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/blog/post/what-we-can-learn-from-the-humility-from-the-web3-community" title="Learning from the Web3 community " rel="follow" style="color: #000000;">Web3 community</a> for some time now and can already see the transformative impact that both the metaverse is having on every industry around us. Our intention is to support the burgeoning community of Web3 creators as much as we can, both during this early phase of hyper-experimentation and as the technology (and the metaverse) starts to grow into a more mature period. In saying that, there is still so much room to build. These early stages of innovation are so critical, not only for the wellbeing of employees as they scale, but to the growth and stability of the business.
"As we were designing this project, we were cognisant to not simply copy and paste the co-working model that's been built before. We&rsquo;ve brought on board an advisory group of experts who are a diverse mix of founders, investors and people who are hugely passionate in this space, to help us bring this to life, with community at the heart of it. We&rsquo;re also looking at ways we can make Web3 concepts more inclusive and accessible across every industry, and plan to invite more traditional businesses in to either base themselves from the hub, or simply learn, skill up and immerse themselves. We&rsquo;re putting our own team through an internal Web3 School accelerator because we believe so much in its potential. This is about opening doors both ways, and we&rsquo;re so excited by what that collaboration will create."
&lrm;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/nI5X2iW6RXqd79qS5PXf" alt="undefined" />
&lrm; &lrm;&nbsp;
Ashumi Sanghvi, Founder, Mad Global and advisory board member, said: &ldquo;The space that Huckletree is opening is the first of its kind for businesses and creators like us. In providing our community with a brick-and-mortar base where we can work from, make industry connections and develop our business is a positive reflection of the growing maturity of the Web3 industry. There are more and more physical meetups and events happening all around the world, especially in London, Paris and New York - I&rsquo;m excited to see how a space like this can help to push the physical realm and physical possibilities of Web3 to be a place where new, old, imagined and physical can converge.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
Let's build the future of web, work - and everything in between. <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/hubs/oxford-street" rel="follow" style="color: #000000;">Get an early tour of the space here.</a>

Huckletree to open flexible co-working space built for the future of Web on central London's Oxford Street

Huckletree opening coworking space on London's Oxford Street

Announcing Oxford Street - A hub for the future of ideas

Oxford Street Announcement 

The emergence of Web 3 has been met with a whirlwind of responses. Ranging from dubious curiosity to energising possibility, it&rsquo;s been a mixed debate for sure. Why? It&rsquo;s new. People don&rsquo;t know enough about it yet. But that&rsquo;s actually one of the most exciting things about this space. The fact that even people that are immersed day to day in the development of all things Web3 are so unsure about where the future is heading is refreshing. And, we can learn a lot from the shared humility of that community.
&lrm;&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve recently attended a few Web3 talks and networking events, and I always leave so refreshed by the curiosity of the room. I walked into the Proof of People NFT festival recently and felt the energy of a child&rsquo;s playground - curious, open, inquisitive, free. I hadn&rsquo;t felt that at other industry events, not that I can remember, anyway. Everyone is so open to learning, so open to hearing alternative directions, so open to the possibility of being wrong.
&lrm;&nbsp;
This uncertainty propels people to think more imaginatively, more bravely. We&rsquo;d really be missing a trick if we didn&rsquo;t take an element of that and apply it to other areas. We&rsquo;re often so familiar with the industries we operate within, we can sometimes limit ourselves to the confines of our thinking. Imagine if the next time you attended a brainstorm session, a strategy day, or even a full-day summit, you entered the room not heightened by an anxious pressure of having to have answers, to know things, to articulate an idea perfectly, but instead you attended with an openness.
&lrm;&nbsp;
If you brought humility to that space, how much more do you think you&rsquo;d learn and discover? How many more genuine conversations do you think you&rsquo;d have? How many more ideas do you think you&rsquo;d leave with? I know the answer because I&rsquo;ve seen it in action.
&lrm;&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s striking to observe, is that this uncertainty hasn&rsquo;t disenchanted investors. Web3 has become the most sought-after investment of 2022, with <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/433195">VCs investing &pound;33b</a> in blockchain and crypto in 2021 and are on pace to double that for 2022. And perhaps it&rsquo;s that undeniable air of potential, of open experimentation that could lead to so many possibilities that&rsquo;s attracting so much funding.
&lrm;&nbsp;
My challenge to you is to observe the behaviour of the Web3 community and see where you can thread it into your collaborative, creative approach. And then, watch as this shift in mindset and approach rewards you in a myriad of ways.

Learning from the Web3 community | Huckletree

What we can learn from the Web3 community's humility 

What we can learn from the humility from the Web3 community

In December 1968, William Anders took a photograph which changed everything. A photograph in which the Earth seems to be rising above the moon's horizon. A selfie of our home planet. The photograph is called Earthrise. The irony, of course, is that it took a trip to into space for us to realise that the most remarkable, colourful, abundant, oasis-like planet in our universe is the one on which we live. The one we have spent centuries destroying: Earth.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Fast forward to November 2021, more than 50 years post this iconic photograph being published. COP26 was happening in Glasgow, the last chance saloon for our leaders to pull together and make an unbreakable plan for saving the planet. And yet, despite the rhetoric, agreements and pledges, nothing changed. The mountain to climb is bigger than ever. Around this time, the Booker Prize-winning writer, Ben Okri, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/12/artists-climate-crisis-write-creativity-imagination" rel="follow">wrote an extraordinary piece</a> in the Guardian about the climate crisis. In the article, Okri calls on artists to set us on a brave and visionary new course, and "redream... for us a future that is possible." He writes: "We have to be strong dreamers. We have to ask unthinkable questions...We can&rsquo;t just ask the shallow questions anymore. Our whys ought to go to the core of what we are. Then we ought to set about changing us. We ought to remake ourselves." Okri's article is incredibly powerful, honest - and true. Civilisation in all its complexity and brilliance has taken us down the wrong road, and we are on the verge of losing the very thing that sustains us, the thing that gives us life - planet earth.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Reading this article alongside looking at the William Anders photograph left me with mixed emotions - frustration, anger, despair, as well as chinks of hope and optimism that a new future, despite everything, is still possible and definitely worth fighting for. It also left me with questions. The biggest one being: how, with all our knowledge and data, could we have allowed ourselves to arrive at such a perilous moment?
&lrm;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.huckletree.com/education/sustainability-summit" rel="follow">Earthrise Summit</a> is our attempt (albeit small) to wake up our members and broader community to the enormity of what's coming: to inspire co-creation and encourage meaningful action. This year our focus is on cities and the built environment - human-created spaces of immense complexity, much like the climate crisis. We believe if we can figure out how to fix our cities, we can figure out how to fix the mess we've created over the past 200 years by choosing petrochemicals to fuel much of our energy and material needs. Despite everything, I believe, like Ben Okri, that we can still imagine a different future, a better future. But solutions and a different approach to how we live are mission-critical. We can't afford to wait a single day more. <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/education/sustainability-summit" rel="follow">Join us on 28th September.</a>

Huckletree Earthrise is a summit like no other. Earthrise Summit’s mission is to bring entrepreneurship, urgency and action to the climate crisis.

Earthrise Sustainability Summit Mission | Huckletree

The Earthrise Summit Mission

<h3>We're taking an extra 11,500 sq ft in the iconic Express Building in the heart of Manchester's Ancoats, where we already have three floors. Our community in the Northern home of creative thinking is thriving, and after opening in autumn 2019, our year-on-year occupancy at Ancoats grew from 24% in June 2020 to 67% in June 2021 and 92% in June 2022. So, it's time to make room.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Already home to visionaries such as community-driven marketplace, Depop, and online food retailer and Musclefood, the extra 11,500 sq ft will not only give these brands the opportunity to scale their teams, it will also invite bold new ecosystem players to join and connect with the community.&nbsp;
&lrm;&nbsp;
&ldquo;We are proud that our first expansion announcement of the year is in Manchester, making it now the largest hub in our portfolio. This is not only testament to the strength of the businesses launching or scaling in the Northern region, but it is also a good indication that working dynamically and feeling a part of a wider ecosystem have fast become a norm for Mancunian workers.
Over the last two years we&rsquo;ve seen that businesses are looking for more than just an affordable alternative to traditional rented office or a break from working from home. Our meticulous approach to sector curation and innovation means that we have the tools, services and the space itself to provide for every business stage, from startups to more established firms, as they navigate the nuances that come with hybrid working and growing a business right now in this economic climate.&rdquo; - CEO and Co-founder, Gabriela Hersham
&lrm;&nbsp;
&ldquo;Here at MuscleFood we value our culture at the core of our business and we found a perfect alignment with the values that Huckletree holds dear. Fantastic facilities set within an iconic landmark building in Manchester, we were instantly made to feel right at home by the friendly Huckletree team who go out of their way every day to provide a great member experience.
&ldquo;We wanted to change how we worked as a team, with a focus on flexible working, and the set up at Huckletree is perfect for this new era. There&rsquo;s a real buzz of creativity when you walk through the doors with like-minded companies all under one roof, and lots of opportunities for networking and collaboration. And with a host of great member events throughout the month, with an emphasis on wellness, Huckletree excel in providing so much more than just a physical office space.&lsquo;&rsquo; - Nick Preston, CEO of Musclefood
&lrm;&nbsp;
Due to open in November, we&rsquo;re touring the space already - <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/hubs/ancoats">get in touch with us</a>.

Workspace ecosystem Huckletree announces Manchester expansion, bringing their Ancoats hub to 40,000 sq ft 

Workspace ecosystem Huckletree announces Manchester expansion 

We’re growing our Manchester home

Manchester is Growing

Gamification and personalisation are emerging as the next frontier of banking, and Huckletree Shoreditch members<a href="https://www.quirk.money/"> Quirk</a> are right at the forefront of this, empowering Gen Z to build their wealth early, their way.
Content Manager, Chlo, sat down with Nikos Melachrinos and Nafeesa Jafferjee to discover more about their journey.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: Tell us about yourselves and your journeys as entrepreneurs
Nikos:&nbsp;I&rsquo;m Nikos, co-founder and CEO of Quirk. I&rsquo;m originally Greek. I spent time in the US doing an Economics degree and working in banking before I transitioned into Tech. I did a stint in San Francisco in a legal tech startup which I helped scale and eventually, we got acquired. After that, I moved to the UK where I went to grad school and did a Design degree at the Royal College of Art, where I met Nafeesa.
Nafeesa:&nbsp;I&rsquo;m Nafeesa, originally from Sri Lanka but also moved to the US where I studied Public Policy. I also moved to San Francisco for a role in marketing and taught myself coding and transitioned into UX design. I then began helping startups build their MVP and take it to market. From there, I went on to join an ad tech startup. But I craved something more creative and entrepreneurial, so I moved to London to study for an MA in Service Design at the Royal College of Art.
&lrm; <img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/qHrtAMOvTIuMOUrxMEPD" alt="undefined" />
Chlo: Sounds like you both have solid backgrounds to lead you to entrepreneurship. What have been some of your key lessons?
Nikos:&nbsp;For me, the biggest learning curve was experiencing the hypergrowth phase of a startup. Coupled with having a lot of responsibility early on and seeing first-hand how to scale a business fast. Alongside building products in a customer-centric way, those were the elements that really stayed with me and have helped me with Quirk. Mentally, I think the biggest thing for me was being able to tell myself, &ldquo;oh, I know how to do this&rdquo; and kind of having a formula for starting and growing a company.
Nafeesa:&nbsp;For me, building MVPs was an exercise that became very familiar. Making sure that we're solving the right problem with limited resources became second nature. Understanding what's the first thing that we can get out there that can have a big impact and kind of doing that in repeat definitely drilled some important decision-making processes in.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: Amazing. So tell us more about Quirk.
Nikos:&nbsp;We're creating financial freedom by making financial education, and the best financial tools accessible and personalised. We've built a personal finance app, which is specifically targeting Gen Z and combines personality testing and money management. Quirk helps people learn about how to manage and grow their finances. The first thing that we launched was the personality tests in 2021, which was a very interesting way to get people to think and engage with their finances. The whole activity gave us a lot of insight into how we then went into actually building an app that helps people engage with their financial data.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: I actually took the personality test, and I&rsquo;m an Explorer! It&rsquo;s amazing how accurate it was. I really love this gamification element to money management. I could have done with Quirk when I was the age Gen Z is now. So I saw that you recently raised your pre-seed round. Tell us about that.
Nafeesa:&nbsp;It was a really interesting process. It was the first time fundraising for both of us, and we were doing it in the middle of a pandemic. So we had to build our network and pitch to investors completely remote. We&rsquo;ve only recently met our investors in person. In the end, it was really about finding the right people, and they then unlocked the doors to other people who were interested. It was a combination of talking to both early-stage funds as well as angels and people who really believed in the core cause and problem, and the people we ended up having on board really believed in us as well and actively problem-solved with us. Which was exactly what we were looking for.
Nikos:&nbsp;It definitely took a lot of hustle. Because it was right at the start of the pandemic when we were having these conversations. Investors were understandably freaking out. So it might have taken a little longer than we expected, but it helped us find the right people who believed in us most. So it worked out in the end.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: That&rsquo;s so crucial. I&rsquo;m glad you found that. So the Fintech world is getting increasingly competitive. How are you competing?
Nafeesa:&nbsp;So I think for us, it&rsquo;s the educational element. A lot of our users don&rsquo;t come to us to just save, invest or bank. They come to really figure out what to do with their money. This is something that we&rsquo;ve rarely seen. Plus, with the financial psychology personality piece paired with the financial data enables us to really tailor what we can tell people about how to save or spend their money in a fun, engaging way.

<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/FgnJrK7xSqZHdqUWL0g8" alt="undefined" />
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: So important at that age to get that level of financial literacy
Nikos:&nbsp;For sure. And to add to that, you never really get a formal financial education in the UK. And it also varies from person to person - some people don&rsquo;t get to have these kinds of conversations with their parents until much later. So we see the educational piece as super foundational before we get into adding extra layers such as investing or crypto.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: Exciting. Yeah, that&rsquo;s vital. So you&rsquo;ve spoken a few times about the money personality test. How did you develop this?
Nafeesa:&nbsp;The trigger point was reading about a study that came out of Cambridge University. A group of computational psychologists were looking at how you spend your money affects your well-being. We did a whole academic process where we surveyed a representative group across the UK, combining standard personality and psychometric tests, but adding money questions looking at how risk averse and spendthrift you are, for example. From that, we created a 25-set questionnaire, which is effectively our own and it's psychometrically valid. With now over 40,000 people having taken our personality test, we've been able to improve the results because we&rsquo;ve gotten a lot of feedback on the accuracy of the results.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: So tell me about your big plans for the next year. Any key milestones coming up?
Nikos:&nbsp;We&rsquo;re really excited about what we&rsquo;re working on at the moment, which includes expanding the feature set so we can allow our users to do more with their money, from investing to credit score tracking, all within our app.&nbsp;
Nafeesa:&nbsp;On the product side, we also want to make our educational content even more dynamic, there are a lot of things happening in the economy, and we want to make sure we can include that in Quirk.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/wop1H9YnRyqD8D4qqxQJ" alt="undefined" />
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: Exciting times ahead. And what brought you to Huckletree?
Nikos:&nbsp;We started out by subletting a private office which got kind of lonely, so we started exploring the shared workspace world. We sampled a few other places, and then one of our angels mentioned Huckletree because one of their portfolio companies, Erase All Kittens, is a member here. When we visited the space we immediately felt a genuine community of people who want to be here to make connections. It&rsquo;s not just about the free beer and yoga classes. And in our first few months, it&rsquo;s really come through. We&rsquo;ve met many other founders and are already collaborating with some.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: We take our role as ecosystem connectors very seriously. So do you have a highlight moment from being in the Huckletree ecosystem?
Nafeesa:&nbsp;I actually got invited to speak on a panel for a visiting group of executives from Korea who want to learn about Fintech. So we will have a two-hour session telling them about what we&rsquo;re building. And they&rsquo;re looking to invest. We&rsquo;d never have this opportunity otherwise.
Another key moment was being invited to the Huckletree Fintech dinner, which was a really beautifully curated evening with other founders and investors in Fintech.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: That&rsquo;s incredible. Congratulations! It&rsquo;s been such a pleasure to interview you both. Thank you.
Nikos:&nbsp;No worries, and thank you, it&rsquo;s been great to chat.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Interested in gamifying your finances? Quirk may be built with Gen Z in mind, but I certainly enjoyed it. Gen Z or not, you can<a href="https://www.quirk.money/"> download Quirk here.</a>
Join a community of brave minds at Huckletree. <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/" rel="follow">Explore more.</a>

Interview with Huckletree members and Fintech brand, Quirk 

Meet Quirk - The Fintech startup empowering Gen Z's financial freedom with gamification 

Quirk interview

<h3>What a phenomenal week it's been in the Huckletree ecosystem. We've got a lot to share, so sit back and soak in the news. Here's this week, wrapped 🤘</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp; 🦄&nbsp;&ldquo;Soonicorns&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/seon-tech/" data-attribute-index="0" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:10173953" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">SEON Fraud Fighters</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sundaytech/" data-attribute-index="2" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:72113210" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">sunday</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/tines-io/" data-attribute-index="4" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:28657864" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Tines</a>&nbsp;make the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/siftedeu/" data-attribute-index="6" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:35444591" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Sifted</a> Europe&rsquo;s Rising 100 list, the ultimate list for B2Bs with the potential for unicorn status. <a href="https://sifted.eu/intelligence/reports" rel="follow">Download the report</a><a href="https://sifted.eu/intelligence/reports" rel="follow">&lrm;.</a>
&lrm;&nbsp; 🪲&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAB9i16cBcnclqs8kofs2BBFnDht0RDlB5ZQ" data-attribute-index="8" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAB9i16cBcnclqs8kofs2BBFnDht0RDlB5ZQ" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Clara Best</a>, Founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/saved-food-ltd/" data-attribute-index="10" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:68787371" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Saved Food</a>, Huckletree West member and Alpha Alumni was featured in The Times over the weekend. A massive win! <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eating-insects-my-creepy-crawly-breakfast-bowl-wkznjcvlh" rel="follow">Read the article.</a>
&lrm;&nbsp; 🙌&nbsp;Alpha graduate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/mykor/" data-attribute-index="12" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:66668192" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Mykor</a>&nbsp;has been funded by an Innovate UK Smart Grant in collaboration with the University of Bath to propel the development of their carbon-negative building insulation material. The Smart Grant is notoriously competitive, awarding only 5% to 10% of the applications. Congrats!!&nbsp;
&lrm;&nbsp; 🐮&nbsp;Huckletree West member The Collective Dairy celebrated their 11th birthday, happy birthday!! 🎈
&lrm;&nbsp; 🤑&nbsp;Soho members&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/creandum/" data-attribute-index="18" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:112817" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">CREANDUM</a>&nbsp;backs &lsquo;the Tesla of sustainable food&rsquo;, Berlin-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-eaden/" data-attribute-index="20" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:86287654" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">PROJECT EADEN</a>, in &euro;8M round
&lrm;&nbsp; 👩&zwj;💻&nbsp;Huckletree Soho member&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAO1R-cBaIheSSkOZMWYJEuu0lwgx5ejaws" data-attribute-index="22" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAO1R-cBaIheSSkOZMWYJEuu0lwgx5ejaws" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Claire Trachet</a> releases a report finding that women are leaving the technology sector because of difficulty achieving promotion or being taken seriously by investors, according to new data. <a href="https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2022/06/overlooked-women-leaving-technology-sector/" rel="follow">Read more.</a>
&lrm;&nbsp; 🚀&nbsp;The Alpha Urban Futures (ninth Alpha cohort) finish their time on the programme this week and investor introductions are still being made off the back of last week&rsquo;s Demo Day. The cohort and programme team hit up Circolo Popolare (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-mamma/" data-attribute-index="24" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:6964817" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Big Mamma Group</a>) to celebrate.
&lrm;&nbsp; 🦄&nbsp;Huckletree co-founder and COO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAPWO8IBFhamj1WzbFFGPhDgEQfaIUoFO5o" data-attribute-index="26" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAPWO8IBFhamj1WzbFFGPhDgEQfaIUoFO5o" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Andrew Lynch</a>&nbsp;comments in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-times/" data-attribute-index="28" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:10208" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">The Times</a> on the state of play for potential Irish Unicorns. <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/all-pointing-the-right-way-for-unicorns-of-the-future-0bmfhsz6c" rel="follow">Read the article.</a>
&lrm;&nbsp; 👘&nbsp;Huckletree Ancoats members&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/depop/" data-attribute-index="30" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:2347595" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Depop</a>&nbsp;collaborate with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/electronic-arts/" data-attribute-index="32" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:1449" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Electronic Arts (EA)</a>'s The Sims to bring thrifting culture to the incredibly established game. This is super cool! <a href="https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/the-sims-depop-high-school-years/" rel="follow">Read the article.</a>
&lrm;&nbsp; 💸&nbsp;Huckletree Ambassador&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAoRGxcB3qdZ4tjPPTmFIR6ZUNtccIIOyiQ" data-attribute-index="34" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAoRGxcB3qdZ4tjPPTmFIR6ZUNtccIIOyiQ" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Emilie Bellet</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/vestpod/" data-attribute-index="36" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:10974539" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Vestpod</a>&nbsp;host The Manchester Pod panel discussion &ldquo;Let's Talk About Pensions&rdquo; at Huckletree Ancoats
&lrm;&nbsp; Wow. What a week. Are you a brave and ambitious ecosystem player looking to immerse yourself in a community of like-minded go-getters? <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/workspace-enquire" rel="follow">Join us</a>

Ecosystem News | Huckletree

This week, wrapped (01/07)

Sifted Intelligence&rsquo;s <a href="https://sifted.eu/intelligence/reports">Europe&rsquo;s Rising 100</a> (the ultimate B2B list) has named Huckletree members <a href="https://seon.io/">SEON</a> and <a href="https://sundayapp.com/">Sunday</a> (Soho Members), and <a href="https://www.tines.com/">Tines</a> (D2 member) as 3 of the 100 high-flying business-to-business companies with the potential to become one of Europe&rsquo;s next unicorns ($1bn plus startups), or what Sifted have dubbed&hellip; &ldquo;soonicorns&rdquo;.
&lrm;&nbsp;
In the report foreword, Andreas Weiskam nods to the tough new reality that startups are facing, &ldquo;but the best will emerge stronger&rdquo; says Sapphire Ventures partner and co-founder.
And it&rsquo;s true. The changing market conditions are going to impact startups across the continent (and have fully already begun to), but there&rsquo;s also an opportunity here to embrace a new form of sustainable growth, leading to stronger, more resilient businesses emerging.
The Europe&rsquo;s Rising 100 list is compiled of VC-backed B2Bs, the vast majority of which are valued at over $100m with the potential for $1bn valuations. Finalists were chosen based on factors including market potential, investor profile, competitive landscape, team strength and tech innovation.
And we&rsquo;re proud to have three of these startups in the Huckletree ecosystem.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>SEON</h3>
Security // FinTech
Founded in 2017, <a href="https://seon.io/">SEON</a> strives to help online businesses reduce the cost, time, and challenges faced due to fraud. They support everyone from global financial leaders to small eCommerce startups, and their solution simplifies fraud management, opening up more room for businesses to focus on growing.
📍&nbsp;Budapest (HQ)
🌐&nbsp;Member of Huckletree Soho
💸&nbsp;Total funding: $108m
🤑 Valuation (confidential)
👥&nbsp;200 - 500
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>Tines</h3>
Security // Enterprise software
Founded in 2018, Tines have made it their mission to be the trusted leader in no-code automation. In security, and beyond, human creativity is wasted on executing repetitive manual procedures. Tines exist to empower people at&nbsp;the frontlines to robustly automate their work, without&nbsp;code.
📍&nbsp;Dublin, Ireland
🌐&nbsp;Member of Huckletree D2
💸&nbsp;Total funding: $41m
🤑&nbsp;Valuation: $300m
👥&nbsp; 50 - 200
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>Sunday</h3>
FinTech // Food
Founded in 2021, rising stars <a href="https://sundayapp.com/">Sunday</a> have created the fastest way to pay in restaurants. Through the Sunday App, restaurant-goers can view the menu, split the bill, tip, and pay. The company was founded by restaurateurs Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux (also founders of Big Mamma Group, also Huckletree members), and Christine De Wendel who was previously the head of France at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zalando.fr/">Zalando</a> and the COO of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.manomano.fr/">ManoMano</a>.
📍Paris, France
🌐&nbsp;Member of Huckletree Soho
👥&nbsp;200-500
💸&nbsp;Total funding: $124m
🤑&nbsp;Valuation $500m
&lrm;&nbsp;
Keep an eye on these Huckletree members.
Download Sifted&rsquo;s Europe&rsquo;s Rising 100 list <a href="https://sifted.eu/intelligence/reports">here.</a>

Huckletree members SEON, Sunday, and Tines make Sifted Europe's Rising 100 list - the ultimate list for B2B businesses

Huckletree members make Sifted Europe's Rising 100 

“Soonicorns” SEON, Sunday & Tines make Sifted Europe’s Rising 100

SEON, Sunday, and Tines make Sifted Europe's Top 100

<h3>If you&rsquo;re a Huckletree member and frequent the Vinny Vending machines as much as I do, you&rsquo;re likely to be familiar with Peak. That colourful little can holding a mind-boosting, nootropic tonic. I was lucky to sit down with Louie Syred, co-founder and Director to chat about his journey as an entrepreneur.</h3>
As we sit down to begin the interview, Louie says to me &ldquo;do you mind if I just take a moment?&rdquo;, &ldquo;please, go for it&rdquo; I reply. Then, Louie sits back in his chair and closes his eyes for about 20 seconds. When he opens them again, I can&rsquo;t help but be intrigued, and so here we begin our interview.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: I&rsquo;d love to know more about the moment you took there, was it a mini-meditation?
Louie:&nbsp;Yeah, so in taking that moment, I feel a lot clearer and confident. I imagine breathing in energy, clarity and focus, and breathing out any nervousness. Then I have a blank slate to work with and can navigate the pathways in my mind as clearly as possible.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: I love that. We need to make more space for and normalise processes like this. Especially in a work environment. So, Peak Moods. Tell us more about that.
Louie:&nbsp;In a nutshell, we create the first of their kind mood-enhancing drinks to put you in the right state of mind. We use natural nootropics which are brain-boosting ingredients found in plants and minerals that positively influence the way you feel.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: And where did the idea come from?
Louie:&nbsp;It was born from two places. For me, my mental performance is dependent on my state of mind and the way I feel. For someone with ADHD, that&rsquo;s a rollercoaster. I&rsquo;m not saying Peak is the cure-all, but it is a convenient and healthy way to adapt your mood.
<h3>But, for us, it&rsquo;s bigger than being a drink. Peak is about being in control of the way you feel.</h3>
We&rsquo;re on a mission to empower people to take control of their mental wellness. Drinks are the first chapter in that.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/QdOE8dFSSuice3bebMCr" alt="undefined" />
&lrm; &lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: And what brought you to this mission?
Louie: Previously I was a Creative Director and a minor shareholder founder for a CBD startup. I learned a lot on the job. We did some great stuff, and got a lot wrong. I had some control, but the business wasn&rsquo;t mine. I knew I wanted to create less products with more impact for people like me. So I knew I wanted to do my own thing, but I didn&rsquo;t know what it was.
Then, one Summer&rsquo;s Day I bumped into Ben Whales, a fellow naughty school boy from back in the day [separately, Louie had told me of how he&rsquo;d been kicked out of school, and only through his natural skills as a negotiator, had managed to work out a deal with the head teacher so he could return to do his GCSEs], and it turned out he was living two streets away from me. He was Finance Director at Goodwood, but a very creative finance person. I was really inspired by the way he looked at things, nothing seemed too big.
<h3>I suppose without realising it, he was the Yin to my Yang.</h3>
We met a couple more times, and then he said to me: &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a lot of pressure around drinking, and I think there&rsquo;s a better way. I&rsquo;ve found a formula I&rsquo;d love to create, and I&rsquo;ve had a lot of business ideas, but I&rsquo;m telling you this one&rdquo;.
&hellip; For me, that was like a red flag to a bull. Already, I&rsquo;m like&hellip; I&rsquo;m in. How soon can I jump ship?
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chloe: And what were those early days like?
Louie: So we were getting it off the ground during Covid, and would meet in our office in Brighton at 5am for strategy and creative sessions. It was always about the mission and the vision for us. We probably spent an unhealthy amount of time on that.
We actually launched as an alcohol alternative, Ben&rsquo;s original idea. Based on the data, one in four people were teetotal. But all the alcohol alternative brands were focusing on the designated driver and not the people actively making it a choice.
We tried to launch as a direct-to-consumer brand, really naively but partly because we wanted Peak to live digitally. We wanted to do everything differently, but we had to learn not to always go against the grain, and so I began to listen to the people telling me they wanted to see it out in the world&hellip; in shops, bars and restaurants.
In those days I was calling twenty establishments a day and just hard-selling the product, this was in the middle of Covid, so it was difficult. We had friction in the bar scene, but health food shops really took to it.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: So when did you decide to pivot the brand towards mood-enhancing drinks?
Louie: So, we were members of a workspace in Brighton, and we discovered that a lot of people were drinking Peak in the daytime. They&rsquo;d be coming up to our studio and saying &ldquo;mate, I have a big meeting, I need a Peak&rdquo;. People were replacing their coffee with it, and we had to listen.
That&rsquo;s the number one rule and people always talk about it, but it&rsquo;s true. Listen to your customer, they&rsquo;ll tell you all the answers. Launch too early, when you&rsquo;re still embarrassed about your product, and then just listen, with no preconceptions. Put your assumptions aside and learn from them.
So it wasn&rsquo;t a huge pivot. Same name, same identity. But the purpose shifted, and that was crucial. Fast forward and Peak is in soft launch and we have our first product which is called Rise for mental clarity, and we have a second coming out in September called Unwind for mindful calm, both of which are designed to support your circadian rhythms.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: And how&rsquo;s this new direction feeling?
Louie:&nbsp;It feels right. One in two young adults suffer from stress and anxiety daily, and both coffee and alcohol exacerbate it. So we&rsquo;re stuck in this perpetual loop of drinking coffee to boost our productivity, but then needing alcohol to destress. It&rsquo;s a breeding ground for addiction, or at the very least, very unhealthy habits. Peak is a remedy to that, to help you feel your absolute best.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/g251kyflTwaPnqoP5bU6" alt="undefined" />
&lrm;&nbsp;
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: I&rsquo;m curious about your ethos and your outlook on life as an entrepreneur. Tell us about that.
Louie: I set my sights on what I want to achieve, but I also focus on the moment. The end goal is an accumulation of each moment, so it&rsquo;s fundamental that we&rsquo;re present in that. With Peak, for example, we&rsquo;re creating a drinks brand, yes, but we&rsquo;re not uber focusing on that one thing - we&rsquo;re very present in the journey and because of that, we&rsquo;ve been able to realise the potential for it to be something greater.
This is such a strange time where mindfulness is being commoditised, and I&rsquo;m not here to commoditise it but I&rsquo;m very interested in how we can bring these elements of Eastern philosophy into our lives. I&rsquo;ve realised that a lot of the stuff that we talk about with Peak, and a lot of the ingredients that we use have existed for thousands of years in cultures much more knowing than us. Green tea promotes Alpha brainwaves and that&rsquo;s why the monks drink it to support meditation, you know? We need to be tapping into these things, it&rsquo;s been on our shelf this whole time.
I&rsquo;ve been practising a lot more gratitude recently, as well. We don&rsquo;t do enough of that. We have all these reasons to be super grateful and it&rsquo;s so aligned with having more control over how you feel. I have my bad days, for sure, but overall, this outlook has had quite a profound effect on my life.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chloe: I&rsquo;ve seen you talking about habit hacking on your Instagram recently. Can you tell us a bit about that?
Louie:&nbsp;It started from a place of frustration around not understanding why a bad day happens. And so I wanted to start tracking my days and my habits so that I could analyse what I do differently on the good days so I can bring in more of that. Both to tap into more productivity, and so I can understand how I can more easily switch off.
There&rsquo;s a phrase &ldquo;action is clarity&rdquo; so inaction, then, is just fog.
So I&rsquo;ve been documenting what I do, writing it down in a table template I literally just made in my iPhone notes, and sharing this process on my social media. I&rsquo;ve had so many people messaging me asking for the template. It just shows how many people want to claim back their moods and emotions. I&rsquo;m trying to build my own personal brand around the Peak ethos and really embody it. So if I&rsquo;ve helped even five people with this, I&rsquo;ll be happy, I get a lot out of that.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: And what effect has this had so far?
Louie:&nbsp;I feel more in tune with my focus, productivity, motivation, mood, and rest. All things I&rsquo;m interested in, and eventually, I&rsquo;d like to make a drink or a product that supports all of these. But what it&rsquo;s really done, is enable me to go into a day with more intention around my habits and how I get the most out of my time. It&rsquo;s so easy to roll into a day and just hope things will work out, essentially, planning to fail. And this is coming from someone who has always seen themselves as disorganised, but you&rsquo;re not born organised, it&rsquo;s a skill - you can learn.
Understand what energises and drains you. What things in a day trigger your motivation? What triggers mean that you won&rsquo;t be able to unwind in the evening? Turn the positives into non-negotiables, time block so you&rsquo;re not just working from a to-do list but have time set aside for the hard-hitting tasks, and turn off distractions - this all leads to freeing up time, and so why wouldn&rsquo;t you do it?
<h3>Documenting and understanding these habits has meant I can design my most optimised day. Because of that, I&rsquo;m more present and happier, I&rsquo;m in my peak state of mind.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: I&rsquo;m definitely going to be giving habit-hacking a go. Any final pieces of wisdom or parting advice you want to share?
Louie:&nbsp;Be relentlessly you. That&rsquo;s how you can be different without even trying and people will relate with you so much more. It&rsquo;s easy to comprehend and hard to execute, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. I have a quote on my lock screen on my phone, &ldquo;speak your truth without fear of judgement or of being ignored&rdquo;, and it reminds me not to care too much. If you&rsquo;re an entrepreneur, chances are you care about fine details and are hyper-aware.
<h3>You need to learn when to care what people think, and when not to, and I call that being compassionately detached.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Chlo: What a perfect place to end the interview. Thank you so much, Louie.
Louie:&nbsp;Absolutely, no worries.
&lrm;&nbsp; <a href="https://peakmoods.com/">Find out more about Peak.</a>

Huckletree interview with Louie Syred, co-founder of Peak.

Interview with Louie Syred, co-founder of Peak.

Master of Moods. Interview with Louie Syred, co-founder of Peak.

Master of Moods: Interview with Peak cofounder Louie Syred

<h3>Welcome to the first edition of Their World. Where Content Manager, Chloe, is meeting with entrepreneurs from the Huckletree ecosystem and beyond in their favourite places. </h3>
For the first in the series, she meets with Erika De Santi, Co-founder of<a href="https://www.weroad.travel/"> WeRoad</a> and member of Huckletree Shoreditch. Erika chooses Finsbury Square, opposite Huckletree Shoreditch in the heart of vibrant East London, as her meeting place. Erika and Chloe speak about the importance of lunch culture, experiences that push comfort zones, scaling in a pandemic, and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.
&lrm;&nbsp;
So, Erika, tell us a bit about why you chose Finsbury Square as a place that represents your world?
&ldquo;Finsbury Square marks that sentimental moment of &ldquo;we&rsquo;ve made it&rdquo; as it&rsquo;s the home of our UK expansion. This is where we scaled our team and trained an entire cohort of travel coordinators. Emotionally, it connects with the rise of the UK WeRoad community&rdquo;
Erika speaks of how the WeRoad team often take lunch together in the square, something that she misses from her Italian home, where community lunch breaks are sacred. Culturally, it&rsquo;s a moment for the team to come together and take a moment&rsquo;s refresh, to catch up on things besides work.
&ldquo;Sometimes I&rsquo;ll find myself sitting at my desk with my lunch in an effort to optimise, but then I&rsquo;m like&hellip; no, this is a moment where I can take a break and share the moment with my team. Lunch culture extends beyond this in Italy, too, it&rsquo;s actually very common to take business meetings over lunch, much more than in the UK.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
Amazing, love that. We need more lunch culture in our lives. Now, tell us about the WeRoad mission.
&ldquo;First and foremost, WeRoad creates life-changing backpacking experiences across the world for small groups of 25 - 35 and 35 - 45-year-olds. You discover local culture and food, but most importantly you discover much more about yourself, and the people around you.&rdquo;
Right now, WeRoad is focusing on building the largest travel community in Europe. WeRoad started their journey in Italy, before expanding to Spain just before Covid (we&rsquo;ll get to that later), expanding most recently to the UK.
&ldquo;An amazing thing about the UK is the diversity of the travel groups. In Italy and Spain, it&rsquo;s mainly people native to those countries, but when we travel with a group from the UK, it&rsquo;s so multicultural.&rdquo;
From Columbia and Peru to Vietnam, Iceland and South Africa, their destinations are certainly lust-worthy. WeRoad approaches their experiences with passionate attention to detail, fully curating the entire trip. They don&rsquo;t work with travel agencies to re-sell their trips, and if they want to collaborate with a local partner they&rsquo;ll contact them directly. Something that makes the experience much more personal for everyone, from the locals to the WeRoaders. They&rsquo;re the antithesis of a package holiday, providing an experience that&rsquo;s entirely enriching.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>During a WeRoad trip, you&rsquo;re fully immersed in this experience with other people. You&rsquo;re sharing cars, sometimes dorm rooms, and having meals together, so the entire experience pushes you out of your comfort zone and enables you to truly connect with the group.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
&ldquo;These days, our generation is so lonely. We&rsquo;re in such a frenetic rhythm every single day. We don&rsquo;t have time to invest in getting to know people, which is really sad. Something that my co-founders and I are very passionate about is fighting loneliness. It&rsquo;s so difficult to make meaningful friends after a certain age.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
And what brought you to WeRoad?
&ldquo;I was actually in quite a dull moment. The company I had been working for previously had just been acquired by a competitor, and so I was working on a side project in co-living. But everything seemed a little slow and nothing was really clicking - and I really wanted something with momentum. Then, my previous boss connected me with Paolo (WeRoad founder) as he was working on something similar to me.&rdquo;
We love a good network power story. Erika tells us that at this point, Paolo had launched the MVP but was working on the project with just one other co-founder, Fabio, and so asked her to come on board as a Project Manager. Immediately, Erika threw herself into the project, coming in as WeRoader number two. And from there, it exploded.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>WeRoad went from bootstrap to &pound;2.5m in revenue in year one with 2300 explorers heading off on their adventures.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
&ldquo;As human beings, Paolo and I both love to challenge ourselves. So we went for capital so we could boost even more growth. For year two, we set ourselves a target of 5,000 passengers, but quickly we realised we were going to surpass it and upped it to 8,000. We closed that second year on 9,000 passengers and &pound;9m in revenue&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
So this was just before Covid hit, right? How did WeRoad survive that?
&ldquo;It was challenging, but at the same time, it was rewarding - it really made us understand the power of our community. They kept us together as a business, yes, but they also kept us together morally. Our 400+ WeRoad travel coordinators were organising these brilliant virtual dinners, cooking classes, and training sessions - it was so great to see the community so alive. One of their Italian mamas even hosted a class!&rdquo;
This was all lovely, Erika says, but it doesn&rsquo;t sustain a business. At the time of Covid, talent retention was a top priority for the WeRoad. Financially, they understood that they could survive for a few months, but they had to strategise for further down the line. So they tested out projects that they hadn&rsquo;t had time to try before Covid, launching an e-commerce platform selling merchandise and a gift card portal.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>&ldquo;We sold 700k gift cards in April 2020. We found this insane. We sold gift cards to hotels in a pandemic! And 60% of those were new customers, meaning we managed to acquire new customers in this period. We were blown away.&rdquo;</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
WeRoad were then wave makers when the market began to open again. Italy and Spain (their key markets at the time) may have been the first to be locked down, but they were also the first to open up again, and 2021 became one of their record years - hitting 10k passengers on native trips.
I think we can safely say that transcends survival.
&lrm;&nbsp;
I&rsquo;d love to know, what have been the profound moments in your life which have led you to be an entrepreneur?
&ldquo;I actually didn&rsquo;t know I had it in me until I started working on WeRoad. It was the first project I&rsquo;d worked on that had traction and I could really shape. I always saw myself as a creative, as an interior designer or an artist.&rdquo;
Erika has two things in common with fellow entrepreneurs - she hates doing the same thing for too long, and the idea of a corporate career bores her. What WeRoad has enabled Erika to do, is to jump from project to project, and market to market with a 360 view of everything. Right now, she&rsquo;s heavily focused on the International Expansion and is based here in London as she oversees the UK expansion.
&ldquo;That was my profound moment. Realising that I can do a job that's creative and be an entrepreneur at the same time. I&rsquo;m super curious, I don&rsquo;t think I&rsquo;d fit into a corporate role defined by boundaries.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
I&rsquo;d love to get some insight from you for those who are creative, but perhaps don&rsquo;t see themselves having entrepreneurial capabilities even if the desire is there. What advice would you give them?
&ldquo;Easy - three things: Get s** done, learn on the ground, and be aware of every moment you&rsquo;re in and whether it reflects the future that you&rsquo;re hungry for&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
I have one more question for you. What has been your favourite moment about being part of the Huckletree community?
&ldquo;I have two, actually. One great memory was when we hosted our selection events and boot camps in the Auditorium for our travel coordinators. My second is the moment we walked through the door to our studio with the whole team and all our boxes.&rdquo;
&lrm; &lrm;&nbsp;
Yes! A real &ldquo;we&rsquo;re home&rdquo; moment. That&rsquo;s a wrap on the interview. Thanks so much, Erika!
&ldquo;Absolutely my pleasure&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
You can find out more about WeRoad<a href="https://www.weroad.travel/"> here</a>.
Want to join a community of brave minds?<a href="https://www.huckletree.com/"> Join us</a>.

Interview with co-founder of WeRoad and Huckletree member, Erika De Santi

Interview with co-founder of WeRoad, Erika De Santi 

Their World with Erika De Santi, co-founder of WeRoad

Their World with Erika De Santi

<h3>Alpha Urban Futures came to a close yesterday with the Alpha Demo Day. Each of the six startups pitched to a zoom room of over forty of the UK and Ireland&rsquo;s most renowned investors, including Felix Capital, Forward Partners, Planet A Ventures, Backed VC and Wakeup Capital. And, we&rsquo;ve already begun making connections.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
We chose Urban Futures as the theme for this cohort. Why? We know that our cities are defining the future of our planet, and we need to innovate fast to find solutions to some enormous challenges that we're facing. So when deciding on this theme, we found ourselves asking questions like how do we rethink our cities to create real sustainable impact but on a global scale? How do we plan the urban landscape to increase equity for marginalised communities? How do we reduce carbon emissions within our cities, even at the rate they're scaling?
So, we knew we wanted to find and support the startups using all their creativity to build new solutions, services and products that are solving these very real problems.
We found our cohort after a lengthy application process, and it truly is remarkable what these startups are setting out to do. From GreenTech and micro-mobility solutions to solving our city&rsquo;s accessibility challenges, having spent the last twelve weeks working closely with these founding teams, I can&rsquo;t help but have a little more faith in our urban future.
Also, reflecting on the impact of The Alpha Accelerator to date. This cohort has marked the ninth edition of the accelerator for founders from underrepresented backgrounds. Alpha started as a passion project in 2017 on the ground floor of our Shoreditch Hub, and at the heart of the mission was supporting first-time entrepreneurs in the critical early stages of that journey. Any founders reading this will know how hard it is to start a business for the first time.
At the time, it felt like we were trying to piece together a highly complex jigsaw puzzle, and I didn&rsquo;t know what would come next. But we believed, and still do believe, that with the right network, support, and guidance, these entrepreneurs could succeed. They could launch with greater speed, intensity, and ambition.
Five years later, I&rsquo;m proud to say that Alpha has become a cornerstone of what we do at Huckletree. It&rsquo;s no longer that passion project on the ground floor of our Shoreditch Hub. It&rsquo;s a programme that has seen 55 startups from various industries graduate from the programme and raise over &pound;35M in collective seed funding. There have also been notable exits, and over 250 jobs have been created.
What we're most proud of are the eighty-three underrepresented founders we've supported throughout the integral first few months of their journey. We're proud of what they've achieved and how they're dedicated to making an impact and giving back to the community. And, I'm not shy to say that I'm really proud of the minor role that Huckletree has played in that journey.
&lrm;&nbsp;
To find out more about the Alpha programme, <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/education/alpha">click here</a>.
If you're an investor interested in finding out more about this year's Urban Futures cohort, email <a href="mailto:sarah@huckletree.com">sarah@huckletree.com</a>

The ninth cohort of Huckletree's Alpha accelerator comes to a close, CEO and cofounder Gabriela Hersham reflects 

Huckletree Alpha Accelerator nine comes to a close

Reflecting on Alpha 9

If you&rsquo;ve read our <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/blog/post/what-were-learning-about-social-value">recent blog on social value</a>, you&rsquo;ll know that making an impact is at the forefront of our minds. And we&rsquo;re certainly not alone on this mission. We&rsquo;re zooming in on some members from the Huckletree Ancoats community in the business of doing good.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>Foodstuff</h3>
<a href="https://wearefoodstuff.co.uk/">Foodstuff</a> - kind of like Deliveroo, but with a conscience. They deliver only from independent &ldquo;tried and tasted&rdquo; restaurants and offer lower fees for their vendors, meaning more impact for smaller, local businesses. You can be confident that all riders are being paid fairly, as Foodstuff commits to the Living Wage. With all their riders on bikes, they also operate a zero-emission model.
Earlier this year, Foodstuff secured &pound;1.1m in investment in a Seed Round led by Base Investments UK. Currently operating in Cambridge, Manchester, Oxford, Bath, Bristol and Edinburgh, they plan to use the cash to expand their operations to more cities and turbo-charge the development of their mobile app.
Watch this space!
&lrm;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/pkQrMJFiSOqKx9SQYAx7" alt="foodstuff-rider.jpeg" width="537" height="537" />
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>The Joy Club</h3>
This one&rsquo;s got Social Value at the very heart. Inspired by her Granny Jean&rsquo;s joyful retirement experience, Hannah Thomson created <a href="https://thejoyclub.com/">The Joy Club</a> after a decade spent in the tech industry. The Joy Club is an online activities club that inspires a joyful retirement. Curating online events and exciting content for people to connect every day of the week, they&rsquo;re tackling one of the biggest challenges of retirement - loneliness. And with 9 million retirees signed up as members, they&rsquo;re already making a huge impact.
&pound;1.1m definitely seems to be the magic number, as The Joy Club also raised this amount in a round earlier this year. Among those backing The Joy Club are Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen, <a href="https://www.calmstorm.vc/">Calm/Storm Ventures</a> and <a href="https://www.alma-angels.com/">Alma Angels</a>.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>Stand4 Socks</h3>
Who knew socks could make so much impact? With every pair of socks purchased, <a href="https://www.stand4socks.com/">Stand4 Socks</a> gives away one pair of thick, antibacterial socks to a homeless person. Socks are the most requested item at homeless shelters, as they are rarely donated. So far, they&rsquo;ve given away over 223,603 socks. They&rsquo;re also doing their bit for the planet by delivering all their socks in compostable mailers.
Stand 4 Socks have turned heads with their efforts to do good, with <a href="https://virginradio.co.uk/entertainment/24821/stephen-fry-on-retelling-famous-myths-and-stand4-socks-for-the-homeless">Stephen Fry commenting</a> on the impact they&rsquo;re making. They&rsquo;ve recently launched &ldquo;Stand for Ukraine&rdquo;, a range supporting refugees fleeing war.
<a href="https://www.stand4socks.com/">Get some socks.</a>
&lrm;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/FEqfuzWCSLKIAQxKZ13X" alt="undefined" width="596" height="396" />
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>Vivify Venues</h3>
<a href="https://www.vivifyvenues.com/">Vivify Venues</a> are doubling down on local impact. They create an easy-to-use solution for communities to book local venues to come together and provide a revenue stream for underfunded schools. Now that&rsquo;s impact. Vivify&rsquo;s team give a damn about the schools and communities they represent, and the long-term investors that back them have the same mission.
Long-time believers in Vivify and multi-family investment office <a href="https://www.aretecp.co.uk/">Arete Capital Partners</a> backed Vivify for a second time earlier this year. After signing up more than 70 schools and supporting thousands of grassroots teams to book local facilities, Arete supported Vivify in an investment round that landed them &pound;1m.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Huckletree Ancoats is an ecosystem curated around creative and consumer-led businesses. Are you doing something extraordinary in this space? <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/hubs/ancoats">Join us.</a>

Workspace provider Huckletree is home to a community of businesses who put social value at the heart of their mission. Visit Huckletree to find out more.

Manchester businesses making social impact | Huckletree Ancoats

Community with a conscience: Ancoats members are in the business of doing good 

Ancoats members in the business of doing good

<h3>The theme for this year&rsquo;s World Refugee Day is safe spaces.&nbsp;And so, we're opening our spaces for good.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
We want Huckletree to be a place where anyone can belong. Where people doing brave things can collaborate and build exciting and impactful ventures. We want to create an environment that makes people feel safe and free to show up as their most authentic selves.
In light of World Refugee Day, we&rsquo;re opening up our event and meeting spaces to fundraising, aid or charity groups to use pro-bono*. We&rsquo;re committed to creating safe spaces for community groups to come together, raise funds and drive outcomes for good.
Next steps? If you&rsquo;re a charity, aid or not-for-profit organisation, <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/pro-bono-events-space" rel="follow">please apply here</a> and we will assess your application.
&lrm;&nbsp;
With this year&rsquo;s theme in mind, we asked members of the Huckletree team to reflect on and share what a safe space means for them&hellip;
&lrm;&nbsp;
&ldquo;A safe space is a place of liberated expression - where I can be fully, authentically me. It&rsquo;s a place where I feel empowered to challenge perspectives (both those of others and my own) without judgement. Finally, it&rsquo;s a place where I feel a sense of connection and community with the people around me.&rdquo;
&ldquo;A&nbsp;safe space could be a physical or metaphorical place where people can confidently be themselves and feel welcome and accepted in an often-intolerant world.&rdquo;
&ldquo;A safe space is one without fear, intimidation or instability. Where people can stand in their worth.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
What does a safe space mean for you?

Share this with the charities, not-for-profits, and aid groups doing brave work to make our world a safer space for all.

<a href="https://www.huckletree.com/pro-bono-events-space" rel="follow">Apply here.&nbsp;</a>

<h6>*All pro-bono arrangements will be subject to availability.</h6>

Workspace provider, Huckletree, are opening up their spaces pro bono for charities, aid groups, and not for profits. Visit Huckletree to find out more.

Pro Bono Event Space for Charities & Non-Profits | Huckletree

Opening our spaces for good

<h3>Strap yourselves in, this week's been a big one for the Huckletree community. Here's this week, wrapped 👏</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp; 🗺&nbsp;Jaguar Land Rover announced that drivers will be able to integrate mapping startup and ambassador brand&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/what3words/" data-attribute-index="0" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:3221725" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">what3words</a>&nbsp;into its navigation system
&lrm;&nbsp; 🙌&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAMbULgBm9lAwH8C62C7ACUgtDGg324r-rw" data-attribute-index="2" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAMbULgBm9lAwH8C62C7ACUgtDGg324r-rw" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Abadesi Osunsade</a>&nbsp;(Huckletree Ambassador),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAWSniYBLDg3Glx_y50BvY8moC6p7AsNztE" data-attribute-index="4" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAWSniYBLDg3Glx_y50BvY8moC6p7AsNztE" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Anne Boden</a>&nbsp;(D2 member) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAXUa2oBDzEouSBfNnijFOVbQUV1DUr4AsI" data-attribute-index="6" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAXUa2oBDzEouSBfNnijFOVbQUV1DUr4AsI" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">June Angelides MBE</a>&nbsp;(Huckletree Ambassador) all received the InspiringFifty Europe 2022 award, which recognises the top fifty women excelling in tech careers across Europe.
&lrm;&nbsp; 🎮&nbsp;Founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/int-night/" data-attribute-index="8" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:27128701" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">INTERIOR/NIGHT</a> launches new game 'As Dusk Falls' being published by Xbox games studios - announced at the Xbox Bethesda showcase 2022. <a href="https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/92873/comma-connects-with-silicon-valley-bank" rel="follow">Read more here.</a>
&lrm;&nbsp; 🥇&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAABS-cEBvHZVR6J8vmpWj0jkHNql5ZfvFh4" data-attribute-index="10" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAABS-cEBvHZVR6J8vmpWj0jkHNql5ZfvFh4" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Jenny T.</a>, Shoreditch Member and founder of Wearisma has been awarded the Tech Pioneer of the Year Award by&nbsp;Campaign Magazine UK
&lrm;&nbsp; 🤑&nbsp;Online learning platform and D2 members&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-talent/" data-attribute-index="12" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:1613174" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">SocialTalent</a> seek funding to scale. <a href="https://www.businesspost.ie/tech/online-learning-platform-socialtalent-targets-multimillion-euro-financing/" rel="follow">Read more here.</a>
&lrm;&nbsp; 🚀&nbsp;Unlock Digital, an initiative from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAB1WCEBFJgpJ4s-GJzF16CXN-f-c-sZCw4" data-attribute-index="14" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAB1WCEBFJgpJ4s-GJzF16CXN-f-c-sZCw4" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Daniel Korski</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAKvWdoBeKG02gmH2Yl1RN5WjnHNiUJXOhQ" data-attribute-index="16" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAKvWdoBeKG02gmH2Yl1RN5WjnHNiUJXOhQ" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Wol Kolade</a>&nbsp;CBE, was launched as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-tech-week/" data-attribute-index="18" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:10364025" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">London Tech Week</a>&nbsp;at our PUBLIC Hall hub. Their mission is to provide young people in London access to the experience, tools and resources to enhance their digital skills and empower them to have successful careers.
&lrm;&nbsp;&lrm;&nbsp; 🤝&nbsp;Huckletree D2 members,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/usecomma/" data-attribute-index="20" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:40914442" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Comma</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-valley-bank/" data-attribute-index="22" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:492307" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Silicon Valley Bank</a>&nbsp;announced an integration to help businesses within the innovation economy access the best of Open Banking by making payroll and invoice payments more efficient. &gt;&gt; <a href="https://lnkd.in/e7mq575n" data-attribute-index="28">https://lnkd.in/e7mq575n</a>
&lrm; &lrm;&nbsp; 👑&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/borrowjunee/" data-attribute-index="24" data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniCompany:74190253" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">junee</a>&nbsp;released the Huckletree Shoreditch impact report for their reusable lunch containers, revealing the community had avoided using 290 single-use containers (the height of nine queens!!)
&lrm;&nbsp;&lrm;&nbsp; 🤔&nbsp;Partisan Studio hosted a roundtable at Huckletree Ancoats looking at the relationship between nature and work. This relationship has special significance for the built environment because it&rsquo;s helping to inform how people plan the workspaces of the future.

Ambitious? Brave? Impact-led? <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/workspace-enquire" rel="follow">Join us.&nbsp;</a>

Highlights from the Huckletree workspace community for the week ending 17th June 

Highlights from the Huckletree community this week

This week, wrapped (17.06)

<h3>The moment Norman Crowley logged in to deliver his fireside for the Alpha cohort, we knew what kind of a ride we were in for. Across the wall behind him, a mural reads, &ldquo;we don&rsquo;t f*** the customer&rdquo;. The precedent was set.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Norman is what you can safely call a serial entrepreneur. Since the age of sixteen, Norman has built a phenomenal track record for turning ideas into multi-million dollar companies - from the world&rsquo;s largest mining company to a gaming company. In his fireside, Norman imparts key insights into what he&rsquo;s learned about becoming a successful venture builder.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>Inspiration first, money second. See what happens.</h3>
With his venture, AVA classics, Norman has been working with world-renowned car designer, Peter Brock, on a sustainable Land Rover design. This model was voted by GQ as one of the greatest e-cars on the planet, The Croxford Defender.
&ldquo;When we build these cars, it&rsquo;s not to make money, they&rsquo;re built to inspire people. We encountered a man called Stuart Croxford, who lost his leg age 28 driving over an IED in Afghanistan, which sadly, is a common occurrence. The thing that blew us away about Stuart was that within a year of losing his leg, he completed an Ironman. Not one for injured veterans, a full Ironman! And he almost beat the record for an able-bodied man cycling from Land&rsquo;s End to John O&rsquo;Groats&hellip;
&hellip; it really made me understand that there are no brave people in this world - bravery is made. It comes from experience. This is why we collaborated with Stuart on the Croxford Defender.&rdquo;
So that project was never to make money, it was to inspire, Norman reiterates. But off the back of this (and those who understand the importance of investing in brilliant storytelling will be unsurprised by this), Norman was approached by one of the biggest mining companies in the world.
&ldquo;They came to me and said &ldquo;Hey, you know a lot about energy and cars, right? We want to convert all 100,000 + of our vehicles to electric.&rdquo; And just like that, I&rsquo;d landed a &pound;450mil opportunity.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>Rule number one: Cool the planet. Rule number two: Mind your people. Rule number three: Make money.</h3>
For the first ten years of CoolPlanet, only rules number one and three existed. Since, Norman has baked rule number two: mind your people, into the mix. Why? They want to develop their people at a deeper level.
They now have three levels of development: technical knowledge, interaction and communication, and finally - spiritual training.
Technical training simply covers things like how to be good at excel or coding. Interaction and communication training is a deep training that teaches people not to be a****** (Norman&rsquo;s words, not ours), and to be braver in the way that they communicate in the company. They want new joiners to feel as open to speaking up about something as people who have been with the company for ten years to get that spectrum of voices and opinions.
&ldquo;Alan, one of our Chief Execs and I will have a full-blown barmy on an all-hands in front of 400 people. Not because it&rsquo;s personal, but because it&rsquo;s honest. We&rsquo;re getting to the truth. That&rsquo;s an important part of communication for us. This way, other people can see that it&rsquo;s okay to challenge.&rdquo;
The third level of training is the most out there, but perhaps the most crucial to sustainable personal development, and one that&rsquo;s emerging in the workplace - spiritual training. Yes, we&rsquo;re talking yoga, pilates, and meditation - but CoolPlanet takes this further.
They&rsquo;ve done everything from Psilocybin trips (in countries where that&rsquo;s legal) to Solos. Wondering what a solo is? It&rsquo;s the first we&rsquo;d heard of it too. A solo is where you go out into the wilderness with a trained ex-army guy who makes sure you don&rsquo;t die (yep) - and he gives you a tent and 10 litres of water and says &ldquo;see you in four days&rdquo;, and off you go into the hills without any food or company, just water.
&ldquo;&hellip; you learn a lot about yourself on these Solos. The biggest thing I learned, is that the voice in your head, the one that tells you it&rsquo;s stupid to be so ambitious, isn&rsquo;t actually yours. It&rsquo;s actually stuff that was said to you when you were much, much younger. After a couple of days of being hungry and wandering 200 acres of forest in the cold, you finally hear who said that to you. You hear them saying it to you. And once I heard that I laughed my ass off.&rdquo;
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>The drive behind entrepreneurs doesn&rsquo;t always come from a positive place</h3>
Norman has a theory - that all the most successful entrepreneurs are fuelled by pain. That at some point, whether they were four, ten or twenty, they were told that they&rsquo;d never amount to anything. Everyone who&rsquo;s ever been successful has had their ass kicked at some point.
&ldquo;In order to work seven days a week and put up with all the s**. You need fuel, right? And the fuel is pain. I&rsquo;ve never met an entrepreneur who does it because they were cuddled as a child.&rdquo;*
Sometimes, this works, but sometimes it leads to entrepreneurs never stepping away. It will ruin marriages, families, and mental health. It&rsquo;s a key reason why CoolPlanet integrates spiritual practice into their team development, to empower people to understand their pain, and fundamentally, how to use it for a positive outcome.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>To be successful in anything is to overcome fear</h3>
To make it as an entrepreneur, or in any of your endeavours, you have to overcome fear. Medical rationale backs this, it&rsquo;s pretty clear. To do a big pitch, you have to get over the fear of walking into the room, you have to get over the fear of failing.
&ldquo;To quote Matt Damon in the Martian, you can science the s** out of anything, including fear. If you visualise yourself rocking back and forth in the corner at a party, you&rsquo;re not going to be much fun. If you visualise yourself as the life and soul, however, you&rsquo;ll have a very different time.&rdquo;*
It&rsquo;s the same with walking into a pitch. You&rsquo;ve got to visualise yourself landing that partnership, that client, that fundraise.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>Diet. Exercise. Meditation. Sleep.</h3>
Norman is self-proclaimed to be &ldquo;riddled with anxiety&rdquo;. How does he deal with this? With anchors. A big one for him is a spiritual practice.
&ldquo;For me, meditation is a superpower, it&rsquo;s a focus tool, a confidence builder. If you go deep with meditation that imposter syndrome shrinks. There are thousands of peer-reviewed studies on it - your frontal lobe gets bigger.&rdquo;
But at the end of the day, we&rsquo;re all human. We need a good diet, the right amount of sleep, exercise, and water - those are your foundations before you can thrive. Then, find your anchor. Find a yoga practice, meditation, running, or writing. What is that extra layer you need to flourish?
&lrm;&nbsp;
Norman&rsquo;s fireside was an incredibly enriching and honest account of his journey. We may not be signing up to a Solo any time soon, but here&rsquo;s to finding the foundations you need to thrive.

Fireside Chat with Norman Crowley | Huckletree

We don't f*** the customer: Insights from a fireside with Norman Crowley

Norman Crowley Fireside Insights

<h3>Let&rsquo;s talk skills. One of the greatest challenges of the next era of work is cultivating the best-in-class skills force to take on the most complex problems in our ecosystem and environment.</h3>
On the one hand, we look to Government to fund and back the acceleration of tech talent (there are high hopes for the UK&rsquo;s proposed <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/099615dd-4576-4950-87a7-9899af4bf6e3">lifelong learning schemes</a> to boost the UK&rsquo;s low productivity and funding that will help colleges offer more technical courses), we enrol in EduTech platforms to up-skill ourselves after hours, or we learn by immersion and osmosis on the job.
If how developing skills for the future is on your mind, check out the below:
<ul>
<li>Research published by Google in conjunction with Am&aacute;rach has found that 62 per cent of Irish SMEs are less than halfway on their digital transformation journey. Meaning the Irish market needs a huge digital up-skill. D2 members, <a href="https://www.socialtalent.com/" rel="follow">SocialTalent</a>, are tackling this challenge. They&rsquo;re an online learning platform that helps companies find, develop and retain employees, and are looking to raise up to &euro;25 million in financing to fund further growth. You can read more on that <a href="https://bit.ly/3zwPMzF" rel="follow">in the press</a>. </li>
<li>PUBLIC Hall members, <a href="https://aonia.mailchimpsites.com/" rel="follow">Aonia</a>, offer a platform that connects you to art &amp; culture organisations producing excellent digital content, online events and courses. Their team selects and showcases online talks, workshops, book clubs and virtual tours from hundreds of museums, libraries, garden organisations, art fairs and literature festivals, so that you can discover and enjoy online art &amp; culture. Fact: their name is inspired by Aonia / eɪˈoʊniə - the area in ancient Greece sacred to the mythological Muses, the inspirational goddesses of the arts. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.hyperisland.com/about" rel="follow">Hyper Island</a> creates learning experiences for individuals and organisations that helps them shape the future. They call this The Hyper Island Way&trade;. Empowering people to claim their future, they offer programmes from short courses all the way through to Masters level. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.huckletree.com/impact" rel="follow">The Hundreds Club</a> - a careers accelerator (led by us) designed to support rising stars. This selective 6-week programme will help you to learn and grow through tailored workshops, dedicated mentoring and peer-to-peer networking. Our promise is to give each participant the tools, guidance and support to tackle the challenges you have in your role and build a better understanding of the gaps you have in your knowledge.</li>
</ul>

Receive more insights like this by signing up for the <a href="https://www.huckletree.com/newsletter-sign-up" rel="follow">monthly Huckletree newsletter.</a>&nbsp;

Cultivating Your Skills | Huckletree

Will tech (still) save us?

<h3>From intern to director in just three years, now that&rsquo;s some impressive ladder climbing. Kevwe, Community Associate at PUBLIC Hall, our hub curated around GovTech, sits down with Ryan Shea, Director at leading European government-focused technology company PUBLIC, to chat about what he&rsquo;s learned about leadership over the years.&nbsp;</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: First off, tell us a bit about your background.
Ryan: Before coming to PUBLIC, I spent five years in strategy consulting for Deloitte in the States. I discovered PUBLIC when I came to London to do my MBA, and it hit all the right points for what I wanted to do next. It was this confluence of government, finance, and strategy. So, I sent a cold LinkedIn message to a current employee at PUBLIC saying, &ldquo;Hey, I&rsquo;d love to have a coffee&rdquo;. A couple of interviews later, I walked out with a one day a week job while I was still in school. And then the rest is history. I was employee number eight - my claim to fame on the roster.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: So coming in as employee number eight, did that mean you were given leadership automatically?
Ryan: Not at all - I came in as an intern just once a week alongside my MBA. But, this industry pulls you in and eventually, I spent my summer here. During my internship, I did a lot of research and then supported the development of our Ventures function. This function took ideas and learnings from the research and insights from our interactions with tech companies, leading to a discovery that there was a huge need in the market to bridge the gap between public and private innovation.&nbsp;
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: To you, what&rsquo;s the difference between management and leadership?
Ryan: There are a couple of components to it. It&rsquo;s essential to engage in your team&rsquo;s projects. So even if the project centres around a topic I&rsquo;m removed from, I&rsquo;ll always be active in my team&rsquo;s projects and chip in with value. Being an active listener is crucial. Finding those areas where you can add value instils confidence in your team and empowers them to work autonomously.
Management, to me, is something else. It&rsquo;s a project plan, a checklist of items. Have you done this? Yes or no. Proper leadership creates teams that can scale and work autonomously, where you've empowered the layers beneath you to make the right decisions so that you don't need to be in the room for every conversation.
&lrm;&nbsp;
<h3>You have to find a balance. It&rsquo;s vital that no team member ever feels alone on an island, so it&rsquo;s important also to make yourself available for people to put their hand up and say, &ldquo;help, I&rsquo;ve never encountered this problem before&rdquo;.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: &nbsp;As a leader, what feelings are you trying to inspire in your team? You said confidence, autonomy. Any others?
Ryan: I want a bit of swagger in my team. I grew up playing sports, and I feel very grateful for the lessons that environment exposed me to. It doesn't mean putting other people down, and it doesn't mean putting yourself on a pedestal. It means having quiet confidence. Swagger gives you the muscle relaxation to be able to play at your highest level.
Daniel and Alex (PUBLIC founders) do an excellent job embodying swagger, and I think that's been a huge reason we have such low turnover in the team. They both bring a lot of energy, have high standards, and expect high performance levels, but it's not in that task mastering kind of way - it's in a swagger-first way. They believe in us, give us the shot, and put us in the room. And they do this in a brilliant way that doesn&rsquo;t compound pressure.
<h3>When you&rsquo;re in a room with the prime minister, you don&rsquo;t need more pressure. Being given that opportunity empowers us to perform - you&rsquo;re not going to disregard that kind of opportunity.</h3>
&lrm;&nbsp;
Another critical element is purpose. If you're just showing up here for yourself, you're not going to be a great teammate.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: &nbsp;What qualities would you say makes a great leader?
Ryan: A degree of selflessness. I think you have to prove to this group of people that you're worthy of their trust and respect. All the leaders I've ever respected have embodied that they're giving back as much as they're asking. And when that transaction is happening fluidly, then that's where you start to get a high level of trust and performance.
Emotional intelligence is essential. I've certainly found that my team has grown as I've risen in the organisation. My daily life has become much more about measuring how the team feels. Are people in a good place? If we're not in a good place, what do we need to be doing to get to a good place? How do we get from a good place to a great place? Enabling others and delivering through others becomes the job, which requires a lot of emotional intelligence.
A support network is one of the greatest assets a leader can have these days. You can read all the books and articles in the world, but sometimes it&rsquo;s best to learn from another&rsquo;s experience. I&rsquo;ll plug Huckletree here. For us, being part of a workspace curated around GovTech is fundamental. It means we can have meaningful daily interactions with people focusing on similar challenges from different angles without leaving the building.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: What things have you found about yourself by leading people?
Ryan: It might be the pandemic, but I&rsquo;ve mellowed out more. Now, I can look at a situation I previously would have found stressful and find a resolution. When faced with challenging situations, I have a lot of confidence in both my team and myself, which has allowed me to mellow out.
<h3>I&rsquo;ve discovered that I need to work on applying more intellectual focus on the most critical problems instead of getting stuck into every little minor thing.</h3>
The fact I want to be involved in everything shows I care, but there are only so many hours in a day, and I should spend those driving real value for the business.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: What books / content have you consumed that&rsquo;s made you a better leader?
Ryan: I grew up playing tennis, so the Inner Game by Timothy Gallwey resonated with me. You can learn a lot about emotional management and how to deal with high-pressure situations from it. Another great one on emotional management is Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. I&rsquo;m learning a lot about engaging with multiple parties to get the best outcome.
Matthew Syed&rsquo;s Rebel Ideas emphasises the importance of having diverse teams and diverse perspectives for complex problem-solving, something that intuitively we all understand but the studies and mathematical proofs he uses to prove the point are really compelling.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: What key attributes make a team member stand out to someone who&rsquo;s senior leadership?
Ryan: I think effort and attention to detail are table stakes, but when you see high levels of those, that always catches one&rsquo;s eye. Commitment to bringing different ideas is definitely one. We have something at PUBLIC called the Idea Bank, which happens every two weeks where we bring learnings, from creative ways of making a presentation to having an idea about a tech product. It's an outlet for people to be able to express creatively and bring ideas that could be commercially valuable. I&rsquo;ve always found that to be a great way of measuring who&rsquo;s thinking strategically, and who has what it takes to get to that next level.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: What advice do you have for someone looking to climb the leadership ladder?
Ryan: So two key things: First, have a mnemonic to hold yourself to account for day to day excellence. My favourite mnemonic is one I&rsquo;ve taken from the Ohio State Buckeyes football team: if you want to impress someone, go + 2 for the day. Finish the things people ask you to do, then find two ways to go above and beyond. If you can consistently do that, you&rsquo;re going to be successful.&nbsp;
The second thing is always to think about what this business needs strategically. What are the opportunities? What&rsquo;s the next big thing? If you can do both of these things - high level accountability and thinking about the direction of your business, there&rsquo;s no way you can&rsquo;t be successful.
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: Great answer. Last question, what general leadership / career advice do you have?
Ryan: Constantly audit yourself for what you find interesting. You won&rsquo;t always get to do something exciting every day, you can&rsquo;t always ask that of your career, but I think you should have a North Star for the things you find important. Professional happiness accounts for personal happiness at the end of the day. It&rsquo;s important to check in regularly and see how they align.&nbsp;
&lrm;&nbsp;
Kevwe: That&rsquo;s a wrap. Thanks for such an insightful conversation.&nbsp;
Ryan: It&rsquo;s my pleasure.&nbsp;
&lrm;&nbsp;
PUBLIC&rsquo;s mission is to help public sector bodies transform the services they offer in order to create a better society for everyone. In 2019, we joined forces to put London&rsquo;s first GovTech workspace on the map. Perfectly placed in the heart of Whitehall, PUBLIC Hall is an ecosystem curated for GovTech startups, scale-ups and investors.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.huckletree.com/hubs/westminster" rel="follow">Discover Public Hall.</a>