Ennis Chamber Launches Co-Working Space in its Town Centre Offices
Ennis Chamber has converted the first floor of its premises at 54 O’Connell Street to accommodate four dedicated co-working spaces, in response to demand for such facilities in Ennis town Centre.
CEO of Ennis Chamber, Margaret O’Brien said, “A number of start-ups and sole traders made contact with the Chamber over the past year enquiring about availability of co-working space in Ennis. We had nowhere to send them and then thought, why not convert our boardroom which encompassed the whole first floor, to co-working space, which is what we have done.
First co- worker on board
The room has been redecorated and refurbished and we welcomed out first co-worker two weeks ago, Ciara McGuane, founder of award-winning teacher training platform Rahoo, that provides Department of Education approved courses to teachers.
Ciara had been approached by a third level institute in Limerick with an offer of incubation space. Keen to keep this exceptional start-up in Ennis, the Chamber was delighted to offer Ciara a dedicated desk in its new co-working facility.
Ciara McGuane commented, “I started Rahoo in September 2017, it’s an online training platform for teachers – predominantly primary school teachers. I lived in London, for almost a decade, but was keen to move back home to improve my quality of life. When I started my own business. I was really disappointed to discover there wasn’t a hot desking or co-working space in Ennis.
Keen to keep her business base in Ennis, not least because the Kilnamona native is mother to a toddler, Ciara was shocked to discover the lack of infrastructure for start-ups in Ennis. “I contacted Ennis Chamber to see if they could help find something suitable. Margaret O’Brien was extremely helpful and proactive, she made phone calls to estate agents and spoke to owners of empty office spaces, but there was no interest in providing co-working space, a model that really suits start-ups and sole traders.
“I was delighted when she called to say the Chamber Executive supported the idea of converting the Chamber Boardroom to dedicated co-working space to meet this need.”
Having taken up her offer a couple of weeks ago, she has settled in and is really enjoy working in the heart of town. “It’s great to look out over the shops with their traditional facades and to soak up the energy of being in a town centre.”
Margaret O’Brien commented, “The space available is simple, clean and well serviced. We have a new intercom system in place, co-workers can access high speed Wi-Fi, they have their own desk and shelf space, and a front door key for flexible access. In addition, there’s a water cooler and coffee making facilities.
We want to encourage a creative and supportive environment, without the hassle of rates or servicing costs and that’s why we have opted for a monthly desk rate.
President’s Support
Gwen Culligan, President Ennis Chamber said, “I am delighted to support this great initiative, so too are the members of Ennis Chamber Executive. It’s one of many exciting new initiatives brought forward for consideration in recent months. The introduction of co-working space underpins a move to re-energise and introduce positive change to Ennis Chamber.”
For further information and enquiries about available space contact: Margaret O’Brien, Ennis Chamber, 065 6842988
