Episode Summary
In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Bernie welcomes back Gareth Jones, the founder of Town Square, for what feels like his five-hundredth appearance (and we’re glad to have him back!).
Gareth gets honest about the surge in applications they’ve been seeing—over 500 people have applied for roles at their London locations in the last few months alone.
This sudden wave of interest got him thinking, so they’re holding workshops at their Islington space to give people a proper look at what a career in coworking actually means.
We dig into why so many people are eyeing coworking jobs now, what it takes to stand out when applying, and why Gareth insists on hiring local talent who know their communities.
We also explore how coworking spaces, like the best restaurants, create a buzz of connection and belonging—skills Gareth says come naturally to those who’ve worked in hospitality.
Whether you’re curious about the ins and outs of building a career in coworking or you’re just here for a fresh perspective on how these spaces are becoming modern-day community hubs, Gareth’s stories and insights paint a vivid picture of what’s possible when coworking spaces focus on people first.
Detailed Episode Breakdown
[00:27] - Bernie Welcomes Gareth Jones, Founder of Town SquareBernie introduces Gareth and mentions his long-standing connection with the show.
Gareth begins by discussing his experience developing coworking spaces across the UK and the importance of partnering with local communities to establish and grow these spaces.
[01:02] - The Surge in Job Applications for Coworking RolesGareth reveals that over 500 people applied for jobs in Town Square’s London locations this summer—a surge they had never seen before.
In response, Town Square has initiated free workshops to educate job seekers about career opportunities in the coworking sector, broadening awareness and access to these roles.
[03:12] - Coworking and Hospitality: Drawing ParallelsBernie and Gareth chat about how working in coworking spaces mirrors the hospitality industry, especially regarding service and community interaction.
Gareth explains how they often seek candidates with hospitality backgrounds due to their transferable skills, which are valuable in managing the dynamic environment of coworking spaces.
[05:12] - Who’s Applying for Coworking Jobs?Gareth examines the diverse backgrounds of the applicants, ranging from hospitality managers to entrepreneurs and even salespeople.
He notes that many are drawn to coworking for its community focus and potential for career growth as they seek more stable and meaningful roles.
[06:41] - Overqualified Candidates Seeking StabilityGareth highlights a trend of overqualified candidates applying for entry-level positions, such as community coordinators.
He attributes this to the current economic climate, where stability and values-based roles are becoming increasingly important for professionals, regardless of their previous seniority or salary levels.
[10:18] - Local Hiring: The Key to Authentic Community ManagementGareth emphasises the importance of hiring locally and integrating proximity as a crucial factor in their recruitment process.
Understanding the local community, he argues, significantly boosts the credibility and effectiveness of community managers in engaging members and developing a sense of belonging.
[12:11] - Strategies for Effective Recruitment in CoworkingResponding to Bernie’s question, Gareth discusses finding the right talent.
He shares his strategy of avoiding traditional job platforms, which often attract candidates lacking genuine interest.
Instead, he focuses on leveraging local networks and encouraging team referrals to find the right fit.
[17:02] - Scaling Town Square Without Compromising AuthenticityGareth speaks about the complexities of expanding Town Square while staying true to its community-first ethos.
He shares their decision to avoid signing new leases and instead partner with local organisations to build sustainable, community-driven coworking environments.
He underscores the importance of adapting while keeping the mission focused on community wealth-building rather than profit-driven expansion.
[19:32] - ‘Clickday’: When a Coworking Space Comes to LifeGareth introduces the concept of ‘Clickday’—when a coworking space reaches its peak energy and activity - when everything ‘clicks’ for the first time.
He explains how they aim to increase the frequency of these days, highlighting the patience and persistence needed to build thriving coworking communities, particularly in smaller towns and regions.
[24:26] - Upcoming Workshop on October 30th: A Sneak PeekGareth promotes an upcoming workshop aimed at job seekers interested in coworking careers.
He provides an overview of the event, which will explore the history of coworking, typical job roles, and practical application tips.
The workshop is designed to bridge the gap for those unfamiliar with the coworking sector, offering insights into career pathways within the industry.
[25:00] - The Future of Coworking as Community HubsBernie and Gareth discuss the growing role of coworking spaces as community hubs, filling the void left by traditional gathering places like pubs and community centres.
Gareth explains how coworking is a critical driver for local economic growth, providing a space for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and meaningful connections.
Links & Resources
* Coworking Careers Day Event
* Town Square Spaces Website
* What if Everyone Could Walk to Work?
* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn
* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist
* Register your space for European Coworking Day, May 2025
* Get your pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025
* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group
* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn
* Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn
One more thing
Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.
Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.
It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com
