2017 London base

[iteles]

As mentioned in #178, we are planning to be a remote-first organisation, but in 2016 we will still need to have a London base of operations.

We could stay where we currently are on Palmers Road, but we should have a look around and see what else is available.

Step 1: Determine our requirements.
Step 2: Research.

Does anyone have thoughts on what you would like our requirements for a London base to be? Linked to #145

[nelsonic]

2016? (long day?) 😉

[Jbarget]

@iteles @nelsonic at the basic level im thinking there are 2 options:
These are just the pros and cons that come into my head, please add if you can think of more

1. working within a co-working space and hiring desks

Pros

• usually on a monthly rolling contract so costs of rent are easily adjustable as to how much space is needed
• potential connections through other people working in the space
• maintenance and deep cleaning is not our responsibility
• probably a wider choice of location
• potential onsite facilities (gym?)

Cons

• no 'ownership' of the space
• noise could be an issue, although we can be noisy too :)

2. having a DWYL dedicated office with just DWYLites

Pros

• We can make it our home away from home (decorations, facilities, social events)
• We could host events/meetups which could be good publicity
• Security in knowing we have desk space for a length of time

Cons

• upkeep/maintenance (which seems to be a lot of the main issues at the moment)
• if DWYL is going remote then a long term contract would mean wasted £££ if the desks arent being used by DWYLites

[iteles]

@Jbarget Thanks for this!!

If you have a list of requirements for a DWYL work space in 2017 (you've been so excellent at helping maintain a semblance of order in the one we're in now!), that would also be super useful ❤️

[Jbarget]

@iteles i can list a bunch of desirable features of a workspace (i dont really have any requirements)

[iteles]

@Jbarget That would be perfect ❤️

[Jbarget]

In order:

1. As much natural light as possible
2. Standing desks
3. Monitors
4. Nice furniture
5. Recycling
6. Easy access to electricity
7. Greenery/decorations

All of the above would be superseded by cleanliness.

[nelsonic]

@Jbarget https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-factor_theory 😉

[ghost]

Does anyone have any thoughts on location?

[Jbarget]

@markwilliamfirth I have dont have a preference for a particular location, my only criteria would be relative to where I live, W9. My current cycle takes 45-50 minutes each way. If It was more than that I would be less motivated to come in (mainly in the winter)

[ghost]

If we decide to move to another location I think an office close to good underground and/or bus connections might be an advantage in terms of people travelling in and travelling to visit client sites. Currently there is quite a walk to Bethnal Green / Mile End and it only connects us to the Central line.

A more central location might also be advantageous for those from W and E postcodes to have short commutes?

[nelsonic]

@markwilliamfirth we need to gather all the requirements for our location ...
a central location is a good idea but need to be balanced with cost...
we need to make QS work really well, then we can think about alternatives. 👍

[nelsonic]

@markwilliamfirth was there a task created to capture this work?

[ghost]

This task is closed in favour of #180

Issue will be reopened if this becomes a requirement in future, however it is not currently a requirement or priority