MODERN business practices have evolved to incorporate a fresh approach to working, where a traditional high street office is no longer the only option available to start-ups and agile workers.
Technology now means people can carry out their business on the move, highlighting the need for an alternative to ‘dormitory’ office rental, which is why the availability of affordable co-working desk space rental is crucial to the area.
Now the Nwes-managed Centre for Business in George Street, Grays, has embraced this new concept of “collaborative working”, expanding the range of business support it provides at the old Post Office building.
The former Thurrock Learning Shop has been incorporated into the Centre for Business and now offers individual desk space on flexible licence terms for as little as £6 a day – or £150 a month.
For several years the Thurrock Centre for Business has provided easy-in, easy-out office space, virtual tenancy and meeting facilities, as well as access to free business advice, support and mentoring.
Co-working opens up an alternative for start-ups, established businesses and homeworkers to rent space without worry. Nwes takes care of the utilities, broadband and phones, enabling users to simply plug-in-and-go.
Strategic Director at Nwes John Balch said: “The concept of collaborative working has already been a huge success for Nwes in Norwich and we’re now able to offer this service at other centres across our portfolio, including Thurrock. Our aim is to support local businesses and the availability of plug-and-go desk space allows us to do this.
“The co-working environment within the Thurrock Centre for Business provides local companies with even greater flexibility when it comes to managed workspace, we’ll be further expanding the Thurrock Nwes offer later on this year with the opening of the Old Courthouse, which is currently being renovated and converted into high specification flexible office space.”
Richard Speight, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Thurrock Council said: “This new concept offers an environment where a variety of businesses can share ideas and form relationships while maintaining their own individuality and independence.
“That has to be a good thing for business and for Grays.”
The deal also includes free use of meeting facilities on-site – and at other Nwes centres – as well as continued free access to professional and impartial business advice.

