What makes colony different?

What separates Colony from other co-working spaces is its focus on community, with dedicated staff and a schedule of events that include culture-led happenings and creative group activities. Here you won’t find some standard cubicle infused flat plan, but rather a mix of focus areas, meeting rooms, collaboration and breakout spaces, relaxation rooms, screening rooms, podcast suites, lounges, kitchens, cafes and outdoor terraces. Colony schedules events throughout the year which aren’t limited to your standard social gathering, but rather film nights, art exhibitions, painting sessions, jewellery making, and virtual reality experiences. To further boost productivity, they provide a wide range of wellbeing activities as well, such as free Yoga classes, meditation sessions and wellness & fitness events. In the age of COVID and enforced isolation, all of these activities are designed with the intention to bring us closer together as a community not just for work, but to hopefully build lasting friendships as well.

The Colony app allows members to easily view and control their membership details, search for skills within the community, communicate with each other, and order their favourite coffee, all from the convenience of their own phone.

Reason for starting

Manchester is a city that breeds creativity and entrepreneurship and is the fastest growing city in the UK outside of London, with many people embarking on their own startup adventures. Founded over five years ago with the specific intention of providing an inspiring, and creative workspace for freelancers, entrepreneurs and digital nomads. The workspace takes pride in having helped and watched many startups blossom into large, profitable businesses under their roofs.

Plans for the future

With over 2,000 members, Colony continues to refine and develop new facilities and community engagement initiatives to add value for its existing members. As mentioned, they are excited to open their sixth venue, Colony Fabrica, in May of this year, and are looking at expanding to other UK cities in the near future.

Prices

Colony membership starts from £200+VAT per month, which includes access to all Colony venues, events, perks, and benefits. Day passes are also available for those who prefer to drop in periodically, and private offices and team spaces are designed to suit teams of two to 60 people. Colony also offers a Colony Card, which provides discounts and special offers at local restaurants, cafes, bars, night clubs, and gyms.

So, if you’re up in Manchester and fancy trying it out, simply email info@colonyworkco.work and quote ‘Startups Magazine’ to book a free day pass!