New coworking community opens its doors in Buxton, inviting locals to discover a new way to work

A new dedicated coworking space is set to open in Buxton this August, offering remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs and working parents a place to work, connect and belong.

CoCo (The Coworking Collective) will open the doors to its new home at 7 Terrace Road, upstairs at The Source, from Monday 3rd August, giving local people the chance to experience the space free of charge while the finishing touches are completed ahead of its official launch in September.

Founded by local entrepreneur Bethan Hewitt, CoCo has been created as a response to the growing number of people who work remotely, run their own businesses or freelance across the High Peak. It offers a flexible space where people can focus on their work, connect with like-minded people and become part of a supportive community. 

The space will offer open coworking desks, private offices, call pods, meeting spaces, and a  communal area, along with complementary tea, coffee and cake. Members will also have access to training sessions, workshops, lunch-and-learns and social events, creating a vibrant hub where work, wellbeing and community come together.

Bethan commented: "Working from home or running a business can be incredibly rewarding and really work for your life stage, but it can also be isolating. I wanted to create somewhere people can find focus when they need it, alongside encouragement, fresh ideas and people who genuinely understand the journey they're on.

"Whether you're building a business, working remotely, studying or simply escaping the kitchen table for a few hours, I hope CoCo becomes somewhere people feel welcomed, supported and inspired."

As a mother of five, owner of two businesses and a people experience partner at a cybersecurity company, Bethan understands first-hand the realities of balancing work, business and family life.

The timing of CoCo's soft launch has been chosen to give local parents, freelancers and remote workers the opportunity to make use of the space for free during the summer holidays.

Community member and founder of customer experience consultancy CX Heroes, Jenni Mackay, said: "When you work for yourself, it can be hard to find uninterrupted time to really focus, especially with children at home. Meeting up each week has given me dedicated time to work on my business, but it's also become so much more than that. We've supported each other through business challenges, collaborated on projects and celebrated each other's successes. I can't wait to see that community finally have a home of its own.”

Before CoCo had a permanent home, Bethan had already begun bringing local people together for weekly coworking sessions across Buxton while she searched for the perfect premises, with venues including Buxton Brewery's Tap House, The Serpentine Café, Buxton Pottery Painting and The Palace Hotel. More recently, members of that growing community have even picked up paintbrushes to help prepare the new space ahead of opening.

"Before we had a building, we already had a community," Bethan said. "Seeing people come together to help bring CoCo to life has been incredibly special."

Throughout August, local people are invited to  come and explore, use the space, and become part of the community before CoCo officially launches in September. Memberships, day passes and flexible pricing options will be announced ahead of the full launch.

To follow the journey, keep up to date with opening details and book your desk, search CoCo – The Coworking Collective on Facebook or follow @coco_thecoworkingcollective on Instagram.