Hull announced as the co-working capital of the UK

East Yorkshire has been put on the business map as Hull is declared the best place for co-working in the UK, with an innovative new initiative to support workers to pursue their dream career without compromising on connectivity, culture, or cost of living.

The brand-new and unique Work Hull Work Happy initiative officially launched yesterday and will connect workers with local businesses offering co-working space. Access to these diverse and accessible spaces, coupled with the best high-speed broadband in the country, will position the city as a hub for remote working in the UK – and retain the best professional talent in the area.

Emma Hardy, MP for West Hull and Hessle, is one of the movement’s key supporters. She said: “Nobody should feel forced to leave the place they love to get the job they want, and the launch of this project will help to put Hull on the map as the co-working capital of the UK.

“Hull is the best place in the UK for remote working. Its amazing reputation as the best-connected city outside of London makes it an ideal location for start-ups, graduates, and experienced professionals alike. From a lower cost of living to an amazing cultural scene, working remotely in Hull provides an amazing quality of life while continuing your career anywhere.

“Co-working also provides a whole host of benefits beyond salaries for workers, including supporting mental wellbeing, making new business connections and developing professionally as well. Being able to work remotely for any company while enjoying the wonderful life that can be enjoyed in Hull will firmly place the city at the forefront of modern working.”

The Work Hull Work Happy initiative launched with a special event at the former HSBC bank in central Hull, which recently underwent a refurbishment by local company The 55 Group. The launch saw speeches from the founders and key backers of the initiative, attended by key business VIPs from across the region. The venue is one of many buildings in the city which will host co-working spaces for individuals and businesses.

The unique initiative connects home-based workers with local businesses, providing affordable spaces to work productively. With ‘work from home’ culture causing concerns for mental and physical health, co-working supports mental wellbeing as well as enabling workers to make new business connections, network, and continue their professional development.

Gerard Toplass, group executive chairman of The 55 Group, said: “Some say that Hull is the end of the line, but we know it’s just the start of the journey. The pandemic changed everything when it comes to how, why and where we work – and people can enjoy an excellent quality of life by co-working in Hull.

“Remote working opportunities can bring high-quality jobs to regions of the UK where they weren’t previously available, boosting local economies, retaining the best talent and providing excellent quality of life for people.”

Businesses and organisations that have committed their support to date include HullBID, Prince’s Quay, Moodbeam, C4Di, Garness Jones, Quickline, Hammonds of Hull, Public First, Hull What’s On and Northern Powerhouse.

Speaking at the official launch, Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor of the exchequer and MP for Leeds West, said: “I was delighted to attend the official launch of Work Hull Work Happy, marking the commencement of this exciting initiative. The exciting potential for so much growth in cities like Hull shows how we can build a stronger economy across all parts of the UK.”