FROM hot desk to company HQ, a new shared working space has opened its doors in Kirkby Lonsdale.

Herdwork was set up by Cumbrian couple Zoe and Matt Spence to meet the needs of businesses and freelancers, by recognising there is no longer a "one-size-fits-all solution" to places of work.

The husband and wife team are offering a stylish, creatively designed venue at Underley Business Centre, set in 5,000 acres of countryside on the 14th century Underley Estate, beside the River Lune.

The building has been renovated and offers flexible office accommodation, including part-time, hot desk, dedicated desk, private office, day access and bookable meeting rooms. There is also an open-plan lounge, a kitchen and a courtyard.

Herdwork Kirkby Lonsdale is a sister site to the couple's Herdwork Lake District venue at Low Cleabarrow Business Centre, near Windermere.

The venture began for Zoe and Matt when they grew tired of the "polarising differences" between their businesses' city-based offices in Manchester and London, and their rural offices in the Lake District.

Zoe said: “What started as a journey to create a better office space in Cumbria has established our mission to give rural Britain the workspaces and co-working its businesses deserve.

"Herdwork is a new way of working, offering flexible access to distinctly different workspaces in rural locations that make people and organisations more productive for more of the time.”

She added: "We want to help people escape the confines of the city and join the reverse commute.

"We believe it’s time to stop the young talent exodus from rural Britain and offer a solution to work-life balance.

" You can live and work in the countryside - and you can do it in a workspace that rivals those in Manchester and London.”

Local freelances and business owners are invited to Herdwork Kirkby Lonsdale's launch event at Wednesday, November 20, 2019, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. There will be bubbles, beer, mulled wine and festive nibbles to celebrate.

For more, email hello@herdwork.co.uk or visit www.herdwork.co.uk