Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett discusses the exciting new shared workspace opening in Manchester.
Work Avenue – the community’s leading business support organisation – has opened the first ever dedicated community shared workspace in the North of England.
WE Hub @ The Belmont, located in North Manchester, will serve the communities of Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.
Here, in an exclusive interview, Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett – who grew up in Manchester – talks about the exciting opportunities this new space will bring.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your connections to Manchester?
I was born and brought up in Manchester, where I attended both school and university. Growing up in the city gave me a deep connection to the local community which I still treasure today. Even though I eventually moved to London, I still maintain many friendships and connections in Manchester, which keeps me closely tied to the area. It remains an important part of my life and identity.
When did you become CEO of Work Avenue and what does the organisation do?
I joined Work Avenue in January 2023, after a career in education including seven years as Headteacher of Hasmonean High School for Boys.
I am proud to lead an organisation that works across the entire community helping people to earn a living, regardless of their age, education, experience, or location.
We touch the lives of more than 3,000 people each year – helping them to find jobs, learn new skills, change careers and start or grow their own businesses.
We have a whole range of services including workshops, events and free one-to-one advice from our team of experienced employment and business advisers.
We opened the community’s first Employment and Business Hub – WE Hub in Finchley – back in 2016 and are now excited to be expanding to Manchester.
Can you tell us a bit more about this new shared workspace?
WE Hub @ The Belmont will offer both hot desk and permanent desk options for small businesses, freelancers, professionals, entrepreneurs and start-ups to help them develop and grow in a cost-effective way, and ad- hoc meeting room hire at very, very affordable rates.
Based in Crumpsall, North Manchester, WE Hub @ The Belmont is a vibrant space and its layout and facilities have been designed to encourage interaction and networking – offering not only a professional workspace, but also the opportunity to create a strong network with other likeminded people.
Expert business support from our team of advisers, via online one-to-one sessions, is also included.
Finally, WE Hub @ The Belmont members will have access to WE Hub in London and vice versa – making it ideal for those who travel between the two cities.
How can readers get in touch to find out more?
If you are interested in membership at WE Hub @ The Belmont, then we would love to welcome you for a tour and share more information. Please email shosh@wehub.org.uk or call 020 8349 4048.
Membership prices from £30 per month with 50% introductory discount. To find out more about WE Hub @ The Belmont and the services Work Avenue offer, please visit Theworkavenue.org.uk/workspace/manchester