Flex That Worx

Running a coworking space is not easy!

It involves signing long leases in a market that behaves month to month. It’s about managing rising expectations, rising costs and a future that feels harder to predict every year.

In this episode of Flex That Worx, we sit down with Claire Carpenter, who has seen coworking evolve from handwritten membership forms and direct hustling to integrated platforms, AI conversations and operators scaling to multiple locations.

Practical Takeaways for Operators

• Protect your own energy as a leader
• Ensure your tech stack is saving you time & adding value
• Audit your pricing against rising operational costs
• Define your core audience clearly

This isn’t a hype-filled future of work discussion. It’s a grounded conversation about what leadership actually looks like when you’re the one carrying the risk.

We talk about sustaining yourself over the long haul, navigating a growing transactional member base, designing community into your strategy and using technology properly, not just collecting subscriptions.

If you’re building a workspace you want to still be proud of in ten years time, this episode will feel very real.

• Connect with Claire and learn more about her work at Claire Carpenter Coaching here

Thanks for tuning in to Flex That Worx!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow or subscribe where-ever you get your podcasts so you don't miss our next episode.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!

You can be busy with tours and still feel stuck. People come in, they like the space, they compliment the atmosphere and then they leave until you hear later that they have chosen not to become a member. A reason we hear often from coworking operators is price.

In this episode of Flex That Worx, we break down this frustration properly instead of rushing to fix it with discounts & how marketing is a key part to understanding who you actually serve best. 

We talk about:

• What happens when marketing starts with platforms instead of people
• The difference between speaking to a remote worker paying from their own pocket and speaking to an employer deciding where their team should work
• How the message changes when you understand who is actually holding the budget

We also get into the practical marketing side such as how your website might be quietly blocking bookings, mission statements that overshadow the transaction and can result in nobody hearing or joining you on that mission & how social media can feel busy but not providing the value you need from it.

There is a pressure to be everywhere for coworking spaces when it comes to marketing, we discuss how important clarity and consistency are over high volume of different activities.

At the end of the episode, we speak about retention. Even at high occupancy, members always have alternatives. Working from home, trying somewhere new or changing routines. Marketing does not stop when desks are filled, it can become a lever to reinforcing value.

If you are questioning where to focus your marketing next, this episode brings it back to something simple.

Thanks for tuning in to Flex That Worx!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow or subscribe where-ever you get your podcasts so you don't miss our next episode.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!

Marketing a coworking space is rarely the main job on the list for an operator but it is often the one that determines whether a space grows, stalls or quietly struggles.

In this episode of Flex That Worx, we’re joined by Jack Regan from Trend 7 Media for an honest conversation about what actually works when it comes to coworking marketing. Trend 7 Media is a Content Marketing Agency for B2B Tech brands and they have experience helping spaces in the coworking industry with their marketing.

We talk about why marketing needs to start with clarity around what your space stands for, how real member stories consistently outperform polished campaigns and why community impact often happens well beyond the walls of your workspace.

The conversation also explores practical realities, from driving enquiries in the first 30 days, to staying visible when you’re already close to capacity and avoiding the trap of endless planning that never turns into action.

This episode is for coworking and flexible workspace operators who want marketing that feels manageable, human and aligned with how their space actually works.

Key themes discussed in this episode for coworking & flexible workspace operators:

• Why clarity on goals shapes better marketing decisions
• How member stories create trust and connection
• What community impact looks like in everyday practice
• How consistency builds momentum without chasing perfection

Thanks for tuning in to Flex That Worx!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow or subscribe where-ever you get your podcasts so you don't miss our next episode.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!

Coworking spaces and gyms tend to be discussed in very different circles but when you stand back and look at both models, they are more alike than we think. 

A few similarities we noticed are they both sell memberships, depend on retention and they only work if people actually show up.

In this week’s episode of Flex That Worx, Anne-Marie and Graham dig into why gyms have become very good at understanding routine, habit, and real human behaviour and what coworking operators can take from that. 

The conversation explores why people keep showing up to spaces that fit into their lives, even when those spaces are not perfect. It challenges the idea that better equipment, better coffee, or more events are what drive engagement, and instead looks at timing, accessibility, confidence, and clarity of purpose.

They also unpack the challenges operators need to manage such as intimidating first days for new members, over-engineered onboarding, serving very different people in the same space, and the mistake of assuming community can be manufactured on demand.

This is not about turning coworking spaces into gyms. It is about learning from an industry that understands where it sits in people’s lives, and designs around that reality.

Key takeaways for coworking and flexible workspace operators:

• If your space does not fit into someone’s routine, no amount of fancy equipment will fix that
• Accessibility and opening hours often matter more than amenities
• Over-structured onboarding can create pressure rather than confidence
• One space can successfully serve different audiences at different times
• Community is an outcome of environment
• Existing members still need support even if they have been there for years 

Thanks for tuning in to Flex That Worx!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow or subscribe where-ever you get your podcasts so you don't miss our next episode.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!

Coworking spaces have traditionally been designed around desks, meetings, and laptop-based work. But a growing group of workers do not fit neatly into that model.

In this episode of Flex That Worx, Anne-Marie Murphy and Graham Clarke explore whether coworking spaces are truly set up to support creators, people whose work depends on content, visibility, and personal branding.

Creators work differently from traditional freelancers or remote employees. They often need a quiet space at short notice, spaces suitable for filming or recording, and access to equipment that is difficult to justify or maintain at home. Many coworking spaces were never designed with this type of work in mind, which can unintentionally create friction for both operators and members.

This episode looks at what it would actually mean to serve creators well, without overengineering your space or compromising your existing business model. The conversation covers practical considerations around layout, sound, equipment, membership structures, and how operators can assess whether this audience makes sense for their location.

For coworking and flexible workspace operators thinking about future demand, this episode offers a grounded, realistic look at an audience that is already present in many local markets.

Thanks for tuning in to Flex That Worx!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow or subscribe where-ever you get your podcasts so you don't miss our next episode.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!

In this Flex Rewind episode of Flex That Worx, we take a closer look at why niche coworking and flexible workspace models are gaining momentum, and why clear positioning is becoming critical for operators.

Graham Clarke, Anne-Marie Murphy and Joe Averill discuss how flexible work has evolved beyond its early roots in freelancer-led coworking and traditional serviced offices. As remote and hybrid working have reshaped demand, many operators now sit somewhere between the two models, combining flexibility with a more defined workplace experience.

As competition increases, the conversation turns to the importance of focus. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, successful spaces are making deliberate choices about who they are built for, and just as importantly, who they are not.

From professionally oriented environments serving legal and financial firms to tightly curated tech communities, niche strategies are emerging as a way to stand out and protect culture.

This is a grounded discussion for coworking and flexible workspace operators thinking about positioning, community fit, and long-term sustainability in a crowded market. If you are refining your proposition or questioning how narrow your focus should be, this episode offers practical insight from lived experience.

To get the full breakdown of insights, listen to the full episode here

Thanks for tuning in to Flex That Worx!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow or subscribe where-ever you get your podcasts so you don't miss our next episode.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!

As the coworking & flexible workspace industry continues to mature, success in 2026 will come from getting the fundamentals right.

In this Flex Rewind episode of Flex That Worx, Anne-Marie and Graham break down what operators should be focusing on this year in 2026. From setting meaningful goals and tracking the right KPIs, to reducing manual work and making your space easier to find and join, this conversation is all about clarity and simplicity.

They explore why defining your niche matters more than ever, how technology and AI can free teams to focus on higher-value work, and what the continued mainstreaming of coworking means for operators of all sizes.

A practical, forward-looking episode for coworking and flexible workspace operators who want to build strong foundations and succeed in 2026 with confidence.

Thanks for tuning in to Flex That Worx!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow or subscribe where-ever you get your podcasts so you don't miss our next episode.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!

What happens when a coworking space is designed around real human needs, not trends or templates?

In this episode of Flex That Worx, we sit down with Suzanne Murdock, MD & Co-Founder of The Hub Newry and Coach & Mentor for Micro Business Leaders + Coworking & Flex Space Operators.

The Hub Newry is a long-standing coworking space provider based in Newry, Northern Ireland. Suzanne shares how personal experience, starting over, and building a business shaped her approach to coworking from the very beginning.

This conversation explores what it really takes to create workspaces that last. From intentional onboarding and member alignment, to balancing flexibility with structure and using technology to protect human connection rather than replace it.

This episode is for operators who care about sustainability, retention, and impact, not just filling desks.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why belonging is the foundation of successful coworking
• How long-term relationships outperform short-term growth
• The role of onboarding in protecting culture
• Where technology fits in people-first workspace operations

To learn more about Suzanne & The Hub Newry, visit: 

• Powering Productivity Podcast
• Blog
• Suzanne’s LinkedIn
• The Hub Newry Insta
• The Hub Newry Newsletter
• Suzanne’s free download - ’The Quiet Reset'

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!

In this episode of Flex That Worx, Anne-Marie and Graham reflect on the defining developments of 2025 for coworking and flexible workspaces. Drawing on conversations from industry events including Coworking Europe in Berlin, operator interviews across regions and our own insights at Baseworx, they unpack how the market is maturing and what that means for operators.

Topics include the growing professionalisation of the sector, the practical benefits of technology and AI, and why community remains the core driver of member retention. 

Anne-Marie and Graham share direct, actionable advice for auditing your space, reducing administrative load, and designing experiences that turn visitors into long term members. The episode finishes with focused guidance for setting clear goals as you plan for 2026.

What you will learn

• How the customer profile for coworking has shifted
• How affordable tech can free your time for community work
• Practical ways to audit your offering and operations
• Why behaviour-led design improves member fit and retention
• Steps to strengthen operational resilience before you scale
  
  

Listen now to get pragmatic next steps for your space and a clear view of priorities for the year ahead.

Thanks for tuning in to Flex That Worx!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow or subscribe where-ever you get your podcasts so you don't miss our next episode.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!

In this episode of Flex That Worx, we are delighted to speak with Ashley Proctor, Founder of the Creative Blueprint, Founding Executive Director at Coworking Canada & Co-Founder of The Coworking IDEA Project!

Ashley has spent years helping shape community driven coworking across Canada and beyond. Ashley shares her perspective on how coworking has grown from small, creative studios into a wider movement focused on people first working environments.

We explore how collaboration, flexibility and shared ownership are becoming core expectations in modern workspaces. Ashley also reflects on her experience with community led events such as Coworking Canada Unconference, where participants guide the conversation and help shape the topics that matter most.

This episode is a grounding reminder that coworking is evolving quickly and that operators who keep the human experience at the centre will be best placed to thrive.

Key Takeaways for Operators

• Community shaped environments create stronger engagement
• Spaces grow faster when they support a wide mix of people and workstyles
• Flexible, people centred design is becoming essential in modern work
• Shared learning and collaboration help operators stay resilient in a changing landscape
• Coworking continues to influence how people expect to work, connect and grow

Thanks for tuning in to Flex That Worx!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow or subscribe where-ever you get your podcasts so you don't miss our next episode.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn! 

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Graham
• Anne-Marie

Watch the full episode on our YouTube, explore free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co.

This is Flex That Worx powered by Baseworx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful!