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Oct 2022

Business

Relaxed, stylish and welcoming: Wizu brings fresh approach to Harrogate business scene

Published: 31 Oct 2022, 13:04 GMT

Updated: 31 Oct 2022, 14:50 GMT

by Vicky Carr

Wizu Workspace has taken over four floors of Royal House, occupying a prime position on the corner of Station Parade and York Place.

This article is sponsored by Wizu Workspace.

Wizu Workspace, the North's most exciting flexible workspace provider, has opened its doors at the iconic Royal House, one of Harrogate's most prestigious addresses.

The spacious period building is the ideal place for any local business looking to grow. The stunning workspace offers private offices, co-working membership, meeting rooms and event space - all available on a flexible basis.

Wizu have created a comfortable, friendly environment that combines modern and traditional elements - perfect for growing small and large businesses alike.

Meet the Wizu team

When you walk through the doors at Royal House, the first people you'll meet are Kitty Lewis and Grace Franklin, full-time hosts at the Harrogate site.

They'll make you feel instantly at home: Kitty's approach is to focus on customer service and creating a warm welcome. She said:

"I've always worked in hospitality, and that's how I see Wizu. We look after our members and give them the best workday we can - every day.

"Most of our staff come from a hospitality background, which shows in our customer loyalty and retention."

Among those is Jamie Lea, who brings ten years’ experience in five-star hotels (including The Dorchester in London) to his role as community manager. He said:

"I wanted something where I could use my hospitality experience. So I've swapped bedroom guests for office members! I'm still running events and the reception desk, but we deliver service differently to a hotel – it's much more informal and relaxed."

A culture of service

Tom Almas, managing director and co-founder, believes that workspace - when done well - can inspire people to enhance their productivity and creativity:

"Many business owners are stuck in soul-destroying, uninspiring workspace, which leads to dull, repetitive workdays for them and their teams.

"At Wizu, we do things differently. We don't tie people into long leases. We create bright, beautifully-designed workspaces, so our members can stay productive, creative and energised – and go further as individuals and businesses as a result."

A relaxed and friendly atmosphere

The team work hard to make their members feel at home.

Music quietly plays in the kitchen and co-working space, which Kitty says has "a relaxed coffee shop vibe." For those who want a quiet space to concentrate, there are private working pods to escape to and get work done.

This approach - to give its members more than an office - is core to Wizu's design philosophy.

They've also created a community where members collaborate and often work together. Kitty said:

"What's interesting is that our members have set the tone themselves. It's great to see them chatting and helping each other out."

Demand for space has been huge

Wizu offer several membership packages, such as '50 hours for £60' in the co-working space. Private offices are priced at £300 + VAT per desk/month. Virtual office packages start from £40 plus VAT/month.

The fees are all-inclusive: there is no need to arrange broadband or cover heating bills. Even the furniture is included.

This flexible, inclusive package is clearly needed in Harrogate: since it opened its doors in the spring, demand has exceeded all expectations.

Over 65% of all offices have been sold, with interest in the co-working space and meeting rooms far higher than anyone predicted.

John Guggenheim, co-founder, said:

"The rising trend of businesses looking to work flexibly, coupled with our knowledge of the North, made Harrogate a perfect fit for us.

"We're delighted with how we've been welcomed, and we look forward to playing our part in growing Harrogate's dynamic economy."

This beautiful building, with its quality interiors, professional team and flexible terms, is a fantastic addition to the Harrogate business scene.