We set out to create a co-working space but it is so much more
Back in 2016 – with a small baby and too little sleep – an idea for a local co-working centre was born. I had worked from home for several years before my son arrived and my husband was looking for a second office outside of London for his business. He couldn’t find the right space and I was struggling with no boundaries between home and work. One evening – perhaps slightly delirious as new parents – we decided we could find a solution that would work for both of us but also provide a business hub for our hometown.
Problem solving
So we started planning. Having always worked in small businesses and start-ups, we focused on setting up a place that would solve all of the problems that we had faced over the years.
The central idea was to build a centre that would provide the flexibility that these ventures required. It needed to be somewhere that would be lovely to work in and feel more like a private members club than a traditional office. It would have fixed costs so that members to focus completely on their business whilst we took care of everything else.
Something for Everyone
The space would also be an option for larger businesses looking to establish a satellite office. We needed to give them a turnkey experience to minimise the work load for their teams and provide everything that is needed for them to move in and be operational straight away.
For home workers, the self-employed and start-ups, we wanted to deliver an option that would let them get away from working at their kitchen table sometimes without the cost of a permanent space. They could book as a hot desker and then change what space they used as their business evolved.
The idea becomes a reality
With the help of a local commercial estate agent and hours spent scrolling through the internet, we found Delta House. It didn’t look quite as it does now. Instead, it was suffering from tatty 1960’s decor and indoor water features when it rained. We set about making plans to redesign the space and envisioned somewhere light, with a feeling of space. We wanted to get rid of the rabbit warren of corridors and create an environment that would encourage interaction between members. Our mantra was “Privacy without isolation and professionalism without austerity”.
In October 2018, the existing tenants moved on and we began an ambitious 19 month program to take the building back to its bones and rebuild it into our vision of Freshmill. On the 30th June 2019, with the help of every family member, friend and the team who had developed the site, we finished the final details and were ready to open. Turning out the lights that night as we left was a moment of pride, disbelief and excitement. I can remember feeling so excited and relieved that tomorrow the first members were moving in and we were going live.
Everything we needed…and more
Now, nearly 6 years on, we have watched two ventures start as a one person at a hot desk to bloom into a business that have eventually moved on into their own self-managed space. This is exactly what we wanted to achieve. We have enabled these businesses to focus on innovation and growth whilst we sorted everything else for them. When they moved on, we were proud of the small role we had played.
This is why we don’t charge exit fees and we don’t do long term fixed leases. If someone is leaving, it should be because they have outgrown us. If people are leaving for other reasons, we should be asking why and looking at what hasn’t worked for them. This is how we have built Freshmill. Yes – Freshmill is a workspace, but it is also somewhere where you can have a chat over a superb cup of coffee; and we even do cake days! Our members know they will get a smile and recognition when they come in as our team delivers warmness and efficiency in equal measures.
It is also evolving as more members join and we learn with them. I feel proud that Chris and I set out to solve a problem and have created a space that answers this but also delivers so much more. It is a business hub; an escape when you need to get your head down but also a space where businesses can innovate and accelerate their development. It’s somewhere where aspirations are discussed by the coffee bar and plans brought into fruition in the meeting spaces. Why not pop down for a coffee to have a look for yourself. We might even save you some cake.
Best wishes
Freshmill for businesses of all sizes
Freshmill at Delta House provides a collaborative, comfortable and convenient workspace for professionals and businesses both big and small. Freshmill offers the flexibility, facilities and services to help inspire and evolve your work and business; whether you’re looking for a workspace closer to home, a local hub for your team or a dedicated workspace to call your own.
Office Space
Coworking
Meeting Rooms
Virtual Office
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you are a member with a Dedicated Desk or a private office, you will be given keys and alarm codes to access the offices 24/7. However, if you book a hot desk for the day or hold a Flexi-pass, your access is office hours – 9.00am -5.30pm. If you have a virtual office and wish to collect your post, you may do this Monday-Friday, 9,00-5pm.
You can find us on Bridge Road in Haywards Heath. Click here for a map and directions.
Yes, we have Carparking on site. When arriving at Freshmill you are welcome to park in any of the available spaces around the office building except for those marked ‘RESERVED’.
If there are no spaces available in this area, we have an overflow carpark situated over the road from the office. The entrance to this is located just to the right of JYW House and if you drive through the gap in the fence there are plenty more spaces there marked for Freshmill visitors.
We also require you to put a parking permit in your vehicle for the duration of your stay which can be acquired from the Concierge desk once you enter the building. The cost of a permit is £3.50(+vat).
When you arrive at Freshmill please press the intercom buzzer and the concierge will let you in and ask you up to the first floor. You will be asked to sign in and if it is your first visit you will be given a quick tour of our facilities and shown the different areas where you can sit. Our concierge is available all day should you have and queries.
There is a kitchen on each of the three floors and all have facilities including a freshly ground coffee machine, selection of teas, kettle, toaster, sink, filtered water, microwave and fridge for your use.
Well behaved dogs are welcomed at Freshmill in the private offices and meeting rooms. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate them in the communal areas and therefore they are not allowed if you have a Dedicated Desk, Flexi-pass or have booked a Hotdesk for the day.
The bathrooms and kitchens are cleaned at lunchtimes and all communal areas are cleaned in the evenings after 5.30pm.
There are plenty of options. You are a 10-minute walk from Waitrose and Sainsburys just by Haywards Heath Station. A van from local bakery ‘Truffles’ also visits us daily at lunch time providing rolls/sandwiches and soups (listen out for the ‘Ice-cream van style’ chimes!). There are also Deliveroo as well as Go Gourmet (a local caterer who will deliver to the offices). The Concierge desk will help you with any of these options if you require their help.
In short, I am afraid the answer is no. We only provide cow’s milk, but you are very welcome to bring your own and store it in one of the fridges provided.
In the mornings there is a member of staff on site from 8am but they are busy setting up the various different parts of the building. Therefore there is no guarantee they will hear the door buzzer! Consequently, we ask you to arrive from 8.45am onwards when we can be certain someone will be at the desk to let you in.
When you make your online meeting room booking there is a box marked ‘add note’. If you click on this you can specify your requirements and the concierge on duty will be able to carry these out – be it offering guests tea and coffee before the meeting, ordering in lunch or holding guests outside until a specific time.
Yes, we have air conditioning throughout the building which makes working at Freshmill in the Summer an absolute pleasure!
I am afraid we do not have disability access.
We currently do not offer a post-forwarding service for virtual offices.
The telephones are manned from 9-5pm on weekdays and the concierge will endeavour to help you with any requests. If you call outside of these hours we have a telephone answering service whereby you can leave a message and we will respond as soon as we can.
Yes, we do annual PAT testing on all our electrical appliances in the building. It is also an additional service we offer to our private offices should they require it.
Yes, we conduct annual Fire Risk Assessments and continually update our Health and Safety policy.