Britain’s Minister for Business, Lee Rowley MP, has praised the “passion and creativity” of Jewish small businesses after visiting WE Hub, the community’s first shared workspace.

Based in Finchley, and run by Work Avenue, WE Hub offers start-ups and small businesses the chance to hot-desk on a daily basis or rent a permanent desk or office space.

The Minister was given a tour of the building, and a chance to meet some of the entrepreneurs who use it, by Work Avenue CEO David Arden, Director of Operations and Employment Emma May and Trustee Maurice Golker.

David said: “WE Hub is bustling with ideas, inspiration and ingenuity, so it was wonderful to be able to show the Minister what it is all about.

 “He said he was very impressed with how passionate and creative our members are – especially the way they share ideas and experiences with each other – and our hope is that WE Hub can be used as an exemplar to other communities of what can be achieved.”

As part of the tour, Laura Jackson – the founder of artisan popcorn maker and WE Hub member business Popcorn Shed – told how she has been using the facility as her gourmet popcorn business develops.

 Laura described Popcorn Shed’s journey as a business from its earliest days working out of her home, through WE Hub’s hot desks and fixed desks to now, where she rents a five-person office in the building to accommodate a growing team.  

 Finally, the Minister used the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing small businesses and job seekers in the Jewish community with the Work Avenue team.

 Find out more about WE Hub by visiting theworkavenue.org.uk/wehub