While Devon has long been a popular destination for tourists during the summer holidays, it’s now also becoming a hotspot for visitors on a “workcation”.
Devon’s Work Hubs are reporting that they are being used more regularly by visitors looking for a place to work in order to extend their stay in the county.
While Devon can boast two National Parks, five National Landscapes, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the UNESCO designated North Devon Biosphere Reserve and countless attractions, it seems that Work Hubs are also an important asset for some visitors.
In recent years, the Tavistock Enterprise Hub has become a regular feature of holidays in Devon for Ben Chambers from Reading.
Ben, who is Head of Business School and Talent, Culture & Brand at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “The whole package works for us as a family. We come down and stay at Harford Bridge Caravan Site and I work part of the week in the Hub. I get to have a break and get some work done, and I don’t need to take a whole week of annual leave to come down and enjoy Devon. The other people working here are friendly and I get to pop into Tavistock for lunch and try out all the different eateries too. This summer will be our sixth trip down in two years.”
Rhiannon Spurgeon, Tavistock Enterprise Hub Manager, said: “Tavistock is a fantastic place to base yourself for exploration of the south west. Even Lands End is only a couple of hours drive from here, so day trips in any direction can take you to the moor or coast. Over the years I’ve been here, the Hub has hosted holidaymakers who needed to finish off mortgage applications, business deals and even take medical appointments over Zoom. I also have regulars who have holiday homes down here that have terrible internet coverage, so they’ll miss the traffic by coming down mid-week, work from the Hub for a day or two and then enjoy a long weekend. The workcation enables the perfect balance of getting away, without maxing out annual leave.”
At the Generator Hub in Exeter, Sam Rondon has become a regular community member. While her mum Libby was visiting her from Florida both of them needed to work, so in between spending quality time together, they also worked from the Generator Hub.
Sam said: “The Generator Hub stood out to me. The environment looked clean, bright, and inviting to all. Having been here for the past month, I can confirm that all of my wishes were met and then some! Every single person I’ve interacted with has been the most friendly and welcoming. I’m able to work my weird blend of UK and US hours with no problem and close up the office is as if it were my own home.
“I initially planned on working here temporarily until we moved home with reliable WiFi, but I’ve enjoyed making new friends and working in an environment with good energy so will look to make The Generator Hub a more permanent staple in my work life!”
Libby said: “While in the UK on holiday for a few weeks, I needed to work during my trip. What a superb experience! Generator Hub’s team are incredibly friendly, helpful and welcoming. The members using the space extended the same warmth and friendliness and made me feel really comfortable. I’ve loved sharing this co-working space with Sam and look forward to doing this again in the future. I’d highly recommend Generator Hub for anyone considering a co-working space.”
Riina Lehtoviita, Community Manager at the Generator Hub, said: “Libby has had great fun seeing where Sam works and working here at the space alongside her. It looks set to be an annual event and we’re delighted to have the mother-daughter pair working and connecting in our community space.”
Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:
“It’s great to see that Devon’s Work Hubs are making it possible for some visitors to extend their stay in the county and enjoy more of everything that Devon has to offer. We all know our county is a great place to live, work and visit, and for those visitors who can work remotely a workcation is the perfect way to balance work and leisure.”
"A fabulously stylish space which smacks of contemporary creative muses, coupled with all the comforts an office should have - coffee, tea, fridge, WiFi and a working printer. Its a warm, light space in a delightful part of the village with plenty of space in the car parks and very easy to travel to."
