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Co-working spaces key to helping entrepreneurs expand networks, Scale Messaging co-founders say

Caitlin ParoczaiThe West Australian
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Will Chan and Adrian J Stewart, co-founders of Scale Messaging, at co-working space WeWork.
Camera IconWill Chan and Adrian J Stewart, co-founders of Scale Messaging, at co-working space WeWork. Credit: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian

Perth-based entrepreneurs and small businesses should consider co-working spaces to expand their networks and collaborate with other startups.

That is according to Adrian J. Stewart and Will Chan, who founded their company Scale Messaging after meeting at co-working space WeWork in Perth’s CBD in 2020.

“We were playing ping-pong ... we got talking and we realised we were both seeing the same problem with businesses not communicating their true value to their customers,” Mr Stewart said.

He said his company — which helps businesses improve their website conversion rate through clearer messaging — had enjoyed significant growth since launching in July last year, and was planning on running online and face-to-face workshops in Perth for local companies.

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Will Chan and Adrian J Stewart at co-working space WeWork.
Camera IconWill Chan and Adrian J Stewart at co-working space WeWork. Credit: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian

Both Mr Stewart and Mr Chan had relocated from the Eastern States to Perth, and said utilising a co-working space had helped them form connections in a new city.

“Most of the time when I say I’m working at a co-working space, people think I’m just sharing a desk with someone,” Mr Chan said.

“It’s more than a desk, it’s networking and meeting like-minded people. I don’t think people are seeing that side of it.”

Mr Stewart said Perth was lagging behind the east coast and other cities across the globe when it came to the number of businesses using co-working spaces.

He noted this was largely because Perth’s economy was dominated by the resources sector.

“More small businesses are beginning to see the benefits, but versus other cities that have a more diverse economy ... I think they’re more progressed with the concept of co-working,” Mr Stewart said.

“It’s definitely still in its infancy here. It’s about having more awareness and advocacy for these types of spaces.”

A report published last year by Rubberdesk found demand for co-working spaces in Australia had surged as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The report found Sydney was the most expensive city to lease a co-working space, followed by Melbourne and then Perth.

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