THE BUSINESS OF
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
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t is no surprise that by 2030, Colliers forecasts that co-working spaces will occupy 30 percent of the office market, with multinational enterprises being the major occupants. While not as technologically advanced as our northern counterparts, Hong Kong remains a thriving city for anyone wanting to start their entrepreneur ambitions, and hence the boom in the co-work industry. How exactly then, can a co-work space help elevate these businesses to a greater level? Over at theDesk, it is all about bringing people together. Growing A Community The co-working and events space company humbly opened its first site in the heritage-rich Sai Wan neighbourhood in May 2016. Unlike most of the big players, theDesk is a Hong Kong company founded by locals – CEO Thomas Hui and CIO Adrian Yap. They saw the added-value of relationships built by proximity, and thus the importance of building an inclusive community for the benefit of both the members and the neighbourhood. theDesk actively established collaborations and shared neighbourhood stories through online platforms, working closely with neighbouring F&Bs, artists, non-profit organizations and hotel groups. The 8,000-square-foot space was recognised at the DFA Design for Asia Awards and also brought the Sai Wan community closer. Befriending A Giant Not only does theDesk team take the time to understand each and every business or individual in the spaces, they also facilitate introductions to help open doors for potential collaborations. This ethos struck a chord with Hysan Property Development. Within a year of operating, theDesk became the first co-working company to lock in a collaboration with the biggest portfolio landlord in the prime district of Causeway Bay, where theDesk opened two new sites at One Hysan Avenue in December 2017 and Leighton Centre in March 2018. The former is a 5,000sq ft bright and boutique space, while the latter is a versatile 15,000sq ft space. With a minimalistic design intention to steer away from the gimmicks of whatever is popular now, both spaces have secured 80 percent occupancy as of June. The Human Connections The building blocks are simple for theDesk. The industryagnostic company strives to create a sustainable and transparent business made accessible to all types of businesses. It has since attracted a diverse range of professional and mature businesses. Microsoft, Loreal Group, Founder Institute and Good Concept Group have conducted events or expanded their business operations with theDesk. The established loyalty and trust between members and theDesk are reasons why the company has kept a healthy retention rate of 89% since opening. Future expansion plans are on the way – locally, and regionally in China and Southeast Asia. People are what make a space into a place, and this community is only about to grow bigger and closer.
To learn more or arrange a visit, go to www.thedesk.com.hk or email info@thedesk.com.hk.