Monday, 16th August saw the official opening of the Military Coworking Hub at HMNB Clyde.
HMNB Clyde is one of two coworking hubs that will operate at military bases across Scotland, and the first of two hubs to open on Naval bases in the UK, with the second opening on 6th September at the Royal Marines base in Chivenor.
The Military Coworking Network (MCN) has been built for and by the partners of serving military personnel as a solution to the problems and challenges they commonly face.
Being part of the Armed Forces Community, where the needs, responsibilities, and duties of military personnel must always come first and foremost, means many compromises and sacrifices - personal and professional - are made by their spouses. The MCN and specifically their network of coworking hubs, gives them back their independence and identity, and allows them to create, sustain and advance their own careers alongside military life.
Grand Opening
The Grand Opening ceremony of the coworking hub at HMNB Clyde was attended by Commander Stu Currie from Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde as well as representatives from the Naval Families Federation, Vicky Brindley, Families Engagement Officer and Wendy Quinn, Devolved Administrations Families Engagement Officer and Partner Employment Policy Lead.
Commander Currie, who officially declared the hub “open” said:
“It was my great pleasure to officially open the Military Coworking Hub at the Drumfork Community Centre this morning. This fantastic facility is designed to provide the non-serving members of the Clyde Military Community (spouses, partners, and children) an opportunity to work, study and connect in a space outside of the home.
This is a particularly important initiative for non-serving partners of serving military personnel to achieve their full career potential and maintain independent, professional lives whilst continuing to support their serving partners.
“I would like to recognise the efforts of the volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure this stylish contemporary space is ready to support the Clyde Community – a massive well done to you all and my best wishes for the success of the Military Coworking Hub.”
Speaking on behalf of the Naval Families Federation, Wendy Quinn added:
“We are thrilled to see the reopening of the Military Coworking Hub here at HMNB Clyde. The Military Coworking Network plays a vital role in making our non-serving partners feel valued and respected.
"Having a central hub on base - particularly ones so stylish - where they can come together to work, study and network gives them the opportunity to create independent lives and allows them to thrive within their own community.
“This is a fantastic initiative, and it gets the full support of the Naval Families Federation.”
There was a lot of positivity and excitement around the hub from current and future members as well, both at the event and across the social media space, with many people expressing a keen interest to join or even signing up on the day.
One of the attendees, Julia Barr, commented:
“This is a brilliant, new facility for military spouses who want a functional, contemporary office space to work in. I find myself happier and more productive when my work and home life are clearly separated.
“Living about an hour away from my employer’s nearest office means that I cannot commute there every day, but the coworking hub fulfils the element of home and work life separation that I need to be at my best, whilst still having the distinct advantage of being much closer to home, so allowing me greater flexibility.”
About the Clyde Hub
The Clyde Hub offers a very stylish and contemporary office space with secure WI-FI as well as access to a printer. It has 7 hot desks in total. There is a communal kitchen with unlimited tea and coffee on tap, as well as communal toilets. There is also onsite parking.
Annabel Dwyer, Project Director of the Military Coworking Network, concluded:
“The Military Coworking Network initiative is a tri-service effort. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Naval, Army and RAF Families Federations for their continued support and commitment. A special recognition goes to the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund who have supported and funded us, and the Royal Air Forces Association, who are working very hard with us to deliver this project.
"I would also like to extend my thanks to all our Hub Volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Find out how you can become a member of our coworking hub at HMNB Clyde here
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