At 2-Work, we’re all about creating spaces that help businesses thrive. And behind it all? Two incredible women leading the way: Gal and Janth, our brilliant directors.
As a female-led business, and ahead of International Women’s Day, we thought this was the perfect moment to shine a light on their journey. How they built and grew 2-Work, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and their advice for women looking to do the same.
So, between running workspaces, growing the 2-Work community, and making big plans for the future, we managed to steal a few minutes of their time to chat about it all.
Here’s what they had to say!
So, what led you to start 2-Work?
Gal: During the pandemic, I was on furlough from a corporate travel company, having previously spent 11 years as a Director in the flex space sector. Meanwhile, Janth was working for a luxury student accommodation brand, bringing with her 12 years of experience as a Director in the flex space sector across the UK.
At the time, we were exploring the idea of launching a flex advisory business together when a mutual acquaintance introduced us to the 2-Work brand. While the brand existed, there were no locations in the pipeline, so we joined the Board of Directors and, from there, built what is now 2-Work and 2-Flex.
Were there any challenges in getting started, particularly as female founders in the industry?
Janth: Opening a flex space during lockdown restrictions was a risk, but we’d spotted a gap in the market and knew there was real potential to make it work. When we discovered Bank House, which was perfectly located in the central core of the city, everything started falling into place. Alongside a 3,500sq ft coworking lounge, it was perfect to accommodate our requirements.
Gal: I wouldn’t say there was anything specific to our gender, the challenges in our industry are always around supply and demand. There are a high number of operators in the Leeds market and setting yourselves apart can be difficult. What we excel in is the customer journey!
Janth: Yes, hiring the right team to ensure our members are receiving the care and attention they deserve was paramount to the foundations of 2-Work. We hired from hospitality and that has proven to be our secret sauce. Does it make a difference that we are women? I don’t think so. I think we obsess over all details of service delivery and attention to detail but that isn’t gender specific.
How have you found the process of building and growing 2-Work?
Gal: Well, anyone in this sector will tell you it’s a bumpy ride. We come across hurdles all the time and are often offered buildings which won’t suit our brand or client demand needs, so we find ourselves saying no, a lot!
But finding and working with the right partners is essential and we are fortunate that we have built, and continue to build on those relationships which are helping us grow and develop our brand.
Janth: Like the tricky second album, finding the next location was difficult because we are particular about what that space has to deliver for our members – new and existing. We took on Wakefield and then had been working in the background on many more which, as it happens, all look to be coming to fruition!
What have been some of the biggest challenges in running a business like 2-Work?
Gal: You’d expect me to say competition here but in-fact that’s always a good thing. The presence of our competitors confirms there’s demand and where there is demand, we can help with the supply so that’s not the issue.
I’d say it’s little support from the government on helping businesses grow. Not only are the energy rates uncontrollable but business rates and how they are applied is very difficult to navigate.
Janth: I’d agree with Gal here, also that and the fact that seasonality plays a part in regard to enquiries so we can experience peaks and troughs in this area which negatively impacts when you have space to fill.
What are you most proud of when you look at what 2-Work has become?
Gal: Wow, I don’t think there is enough time to go through them all. I’d say the team we have built feel like a family. We look out for one another and ensure we have a lot of fun along the way. Being shortlisted for a Yorkshire Property Business of the Year Award this year was fabulous and again, testament to all the work our team do. Holding our own in a very competitive market and working with my best mate for me, are probably the highlights!
Janth: The fact that we have obtained our growth organically, literally just G & I networking and pushing doors open. Our speed to occupancy in our locations has also been a proud moment for me as you never truly know until you open the doors but we have, and continue to exceed expectations which is a great feeling. Also, internal promotions. It’s a pleasure to watch our team develop and grow with us, no greater feeling than that!
What’s next for 2-Work?
Gal: I think for me it’s about continuing a steady growth into new territories whilst maintaining our standards and personal touch. I think we would always look to offer something a little different in the market and keep our competitors on their toes.
Janth: World domination! No? Ok, I’ll settle for a few more locations working with the best team in the business. It’s important to keep our personality throughout our growth and we can’t do that if we get too big too quickly so as we have said, steady as we go and attracting and retaining happy members is the biggest goal of all.
Are there any particular lessons you’ve learned as female founders in a traditionally male-dominated industry?
Gal: Yes, don’t take no for an answer. Janth & I, for anyone who knows us, we’re a little double act. We can be humorous but never mistake that for not being engaged, enthusiastic and down right passionate about what we do. We have had eyes rolled at us in meetings, but we have also been selected as chosen operators on spaces that we know our competition have been bidding for and that is primarily down to our personality and not taking ourselves too seriously yet getting the job done.
Janth: I think we are seen as the ultimate multi-taskers. We can juggle all manner of things and we work collaboratively and without any kind of ego getting in the way. We are underestimated and that is when our secret superpower comes out – because we don’t give up!
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Gal: What’s stopping you? Don’t be afraid of rejection, be fierce and be bold and if someone says no, move on. Resilience is key. As women, we tend to juggle more – kids, homes, life in general and therefore think we can’t do it.
We rise to the occasion and we are candid, honest to a fault and deliver with heart. I think that’s what makes us women stand out. We understand our competitors and how they pitch and operate and we do things a bit different. If you have never seen us pitch, you should. It’s pretty spectacular!
Janth: In all honesty, I think as women we need 38 hours a day. We pack so much into our lives we can often talk ourselves out of doing things we are passionate about. Find your tribe. Find like minded women – be it friends or a local network and support each other. We rally harder for each other as women and I think that’s a magic ingredient in starting a business.
Trust in yourself. You are unstoppable.
