Member Focus: Finsbury Business Centre set up Affordable Workplace CIC

The Finsbury Business Centre (FBC) is a flexible work-space hub in Clerkenwell hosting a variety of diverse and interesting businesses, with offices, meeting rooms, events and co-working spaces. Alongside their existing tenants, they’ve recently set up a new Community Interest Company (CIC) initiative, which offers affordable workplaces to local charities and social enterprises for a reduced rent. 

So, in tune with Covid-19’s revival of local spirit, they decided to bring footfall back by reaching out to charities and “ethical businesses with social value”, offering them lower rental costs. 

Recent new tenants include Mer-IT who refurbish IT equipment and redistribute them to those in need and Migrateful who run cookery classes led by migrant chefs who are struggling to integrate and access employment, due to legal and linguistic barriers.

FBC are committed to contributing to a fairer, more inclusive economy, providing workspaces that are genuinely accessible and affordable to local people, businesses and organisations. Initially, they will focus on delivering services and their associated benefits in Clerkenwell (EC1), however intend to expand to other areas as demand for this business model increases. The aim is to enable micro and small businesses to start–up, grow and remain in the local area, with particular focus on creative industries and supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.