Parish Cake - Winter 2018

usiness
The Hive business hub
to open in Stone Street
THE WAY people work and where has
changed in the past few years. Technology
and changes to employment laws have led
to a rapidly expanding workforce that is
more flexible and often functions remotely.
There is also a record number of new,
small companies being registered and
feedback shows they feel inadequately
supported. This is evident in areas such as
the Weald.
In 2016 Emma Wood and Stuart Smith
started looking for premises to launch a
hub to serve the business communities
bridging the Kent and Sussex border.
The aim was to create a centre offering
co-working, business support services
and a place for those running their own
businesses to be able to socialise and
network.
New Hub to
Create a Buzz
The couple formed Flexi-Hubs and
have secured premises in Stone Street,
Cranbrook, to launch The Hive.
Due to open next month, (January) it
will offer a wide range of choices including
guest hot-desking, a confidential business
booth, a meeting and presentation suite
and an Anglo-Greek eatery. The centre will
be a Smartzone providing members with
their own secure IP, hyper-fast symmetrical
service and integrated telecoms.
Emma explained: “Our aim is to create
a vibrant and friendly hub, where anyone
starting or running their own business
can come for interaction, advice, support,
funding, solutions to problems and
company. Many who work at home alone
are in need of interaction with others. It
will also be an advantage to be able to work
in a way that suits them knowing they can
connect to a superior internet service.”
The couple worked hard building
relationships with organisations including
banks, enterprise-funds, investors and
advisors to build a support network for
members. The Hive will also offer help
to sixth form students to give them
experience of a co-working environment,
and exhibit art by Wealden artists.
For more information visit www.flexihubs.
co.uk and hivehubs on Facebook and
Twitter.
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Parish Cake • Winter 2018 45