The diversity of success: different kinds of businesses that thrive at Work.Life

Case studies
Estimated read time: 4 mins
Last updated: 24/09/2025
Diverse business professionals collaborating in Work.Life flexible workspace showing creative studios, consultants and recruitment agencies working together in modern coworking environment

From solo entrepreneurs scaling their creative studios to established research companies seeking fresh environments, Work.Life attracts an incredible diversity of businesses. But what unites them all? The need for flexible, community-driven workspaces that adapt to their unique requirements and fuel their growth ambitions.

Drawing from real member stories, here’s a look at the different types of businesses that call Work.Life home – and why they’ve chosen to grow with us.

Creative studios and content agencies

The players: Companies like Big Bolder Films, a content creation studio that transformed from a living room operation to a thriving three-person creative powerhouse.

Why they thrive here:
Creative businesses need spaces that inspire innovation whilst providing the professional foundation to win new clients. Big Bolder Films experienced 200% team growth after joining Work.Life Bermondsey, moving beyond the limitations of home-based work to an environment that supports both creative collaboration and client meetings.

“We saw Work.Life first and honestly, you guys beat the competition on community, friendliness, cost and overall vibe,” explains Ben Neeves, founder of Big Bolder Films.

What they need:

  • Professional spaces for client presentations and pitches
  • Collaborative environments for creative brainstorming
  • Meeting rooms for production planning
  • Flexibility to accommodate project-based workflows
  • Community connections for referrals and partnerships

Business consulting firms

The players: Organisations like Roretti, a consultancy helping businesses rediscover their purpose and drive meaningful change.

Why they thrive here:
After years of remote work, consulting firms are discovering that physical spaces transform how they collaborate with both team members and clients. Roretti’s move to Work.Life St Cross Street became “a game changer,” enabling face-to-face collaboration that strengthens relationships and turns plans into action.

“Do it! It feels like a nice to have, but it really will make your company feel stronger,” advises Sanjay, Managing Director of Roretti.

What they need:

  • Event spaces for workshops and client sessions
  • Flexible layouts that support different meeting types
  • Prime locations with excellent transport links
  • Professional environments that reflect their expertise
  • Access to a community of like-minded businesses

Recruitment and executive search agencies

The players: From boutique firms like STOIX (executive search and interim management) to specialised agencies like RRA (media, advertising, and marketing recruitment) and industry-focused companies like Applica (energy sector resourcing).

Why they thrive here:
Recruitment is fundamentally a relationship business. These companies need professional meeting spaces for client discussions and candidate interviews, plus the networking opportunities that come from being part of a diverse business community.

STOIX chose Work.Life St Cross Street because “it was ideal so we went for it” – appreciating the light, space, and seamless working experience. Meanwhile, Applica has grown from 4 flex members to occupying the largest office in Work.Life Manchester, scaling from £1M to nearly £20M turnover.

What they need:

  • Private meeting rooms for confidential conversations
  • Central locations accessible to clients and candidates
  • Professional spaces that build credibility
  • Flexible booking systems for unpredictable schedules
  • Community connections for business development

Research and insights companies

The players: Established firms like Ninth Seat, a 29-person market research company working with major brands including Unilever, Dyson, and Merlin Entertainments.

Why they thrive here:
Research companies value the collaborative atmosphere and professional credibility that flexible workspaces provide. After 40 years in the same Angel office, Ninth Seat chose Work.Life Old Street for its community, B Corp alignment, and ability to create the collaborative buzz they couldn’t achieve working in isolation.

“We want people to want to come into the office, not through a mandate, but by being an inspiring place to work,” explains Tim Gowing, Partner at Ninth Seat.

What they need:

  • Collaborative spaces for team discussions and analysis
  • Professional meeting rooms for client presentations
  • Access to a diverse community for networking and learning
  • Flexible spaces that accommodate both focused work and group sessions
  • Inspiring environments that attract and retain talent

Scaling startups and growth companies

The pattern: Many Work.Life members start small and grow significantly within our spaces. Big Bolder Films tripled their team size, Applica expanded internationally, and numerous companies have scaled from coworking to private offices as their needs evolved.

Why they thrive here:
Growing businesses need flexible workspaces that can adapt to their changing requirements without the commitment of traditional leases. The flexibility to start with coworking memberships and scale to larger private offices provides the perfect growth pathway.

What they need:

  • Scalable solutions that grow with their business
  • Professional environments that support client acquisition
  • Community connections for partnerships and referrals
  • Cost-effective alternatives to traditional office leases
  • Access to amenities and services that support team wellbeing

What unites them all

Despite their diverse industries and sizes, these businesses share common values and needs:

Community over competition: They appreciate being part of a collaborative environment where businesses support each other rather than simply occupying the same building.

Flexibility without compromise: They need workspace solutions that adapt to their changing needs whilst maintaining professional standards.

Values alignment: Many are drawn to Work.Life’s B Corp status and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Location matters: Whether it’s Soho’s creative energy, Old Street’s tech hub atmosphere, or Manchester’s vibrant business scene, they value being at the heart of their industry ecosystem.

Professional credibility: They need spaces that enhance their brand and help them win business, not just provide desks.

The Work.Life advantage

What makes these diverse businesses successful at Work.Life isn’t just the physical space – it’s the ecosystem we’ve created:

  • Flexible solutions: From hot desks to private offices accommodating 28+ people
  • Prime locations: Central, well-connected spaces in London, Manchester, and Reading
  • Professional amenities: Everything from high-quality meeting rooms to reliable tech infrastructure
  • Vibrant community: Regular events, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing
  • Sustainable values: B Corp certification and commitment to doing business responsibly

Your business could be next

Whether you’re a creative studio outgrowing your living room, a consulting firm seeking stronger collaboration, a recruitment agency needing professional credibility, or a research company wanting to inspire your team, Work.Life provides the foundation for your success.

The diversity of businesses thriving in our spaces proves that great workspaces aren’t one-size-fits-all – they’re communities where different industries, perspectives, and ambitions come together to create something bigger than the sum of their parts.

Ready to join this thriving community? Book a tour and discover how Work.Life can support your business growth, whatever industry you’re in.

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