A year on from the launch of their first flexible working space in Birmingham, x+why shares their thoughts on why the vibrant and industry-leading community is booming at number 6 Brindleyplace.
In a past life, the area where Brindleyplace sits was a centre for industrial trade and commerce powered on its proximity to Birmingham’s vast network of canals. The power is back and better business is booming like never before.
Foundry, x+why’s first flexible workspace to launch in Birmingham, opened in May 2022 bringing with it energy, connectivity and capacity for the brilliant businesses of Birmingham. Florence, Story Comms and East Village PR are but a few examples of the vibrant and industry-leading community working at number 6 Brindleyplace.
Inspired by the area’s dynamic history, Foundry is centred on reinvention, filled with repurposed furnishings and light that pours into an evergreen atrium. The space looks ahead to Birmingham’s future, reawakening as a centre of modern business and commerce.
When asked about what makes Foundry stand out from the crowd, Foundry’s Community Manager Jonathan Dulson said
“We’re not only a flexible working space, we’re different, we offer a relaxed and inspiring workspace, full of greenery and positive vibes. It’s not JUST an office, we really are something far more, but you’ll have to drop in to truly experience it for yourselves.”
Stepping into Foundry, you do have to take a minute to soak it all in. There is plenty to discover – a barista coffee station, a bar with drinks on tap, a healthy snack shop, wellbeing suites including a classroom and a tech-enabled gym and a mother and baby room.
In all four directions from the central atrium, incredible companies are supercharging better business. As with all x+why spaces, a tree grows in the middle of it all, but moreso than any other site so far, Foundry has vast space in which to grow – 47000 sqft to be exact. In fact, a whopping 42% of the building is communal space, lending itself naturally to strong community spirit and open forum for collaboration, discussion and inspiration. Hidden around the building you’ll find 23 private video call booths and 22 meeting rooms, for larger heads-together gatherings there are two purpose-built Mission Rooms.
On a Birmingham map of broad canals, the NEC, the ICC, Utilita Arena and Broad Street to name a few, push a pin in Brindleyplace for modern business and commerce at the centre of it all. Foundry offers green workspaces that support communities of businesses, employees and leaders who believe that business should be used as a force for good.
Foundry member, Tara Attfield-Tomes of East Village PR, sums it up well
“As a business that has people and positive impact at the heart of what we do… we’ve found somewhere really unique with x+why; as well as having the B Corp seal of approval, we’re surrounded by other great businesses who all care about doing business in a better way. It’s such a brilliant community and one that, at times, feels more like a movement!”.
Foundry currently has private offices, enterprise suites, and flexible co-working spaces available.
Article originally published within BBP Media Midlands January edition.
