Meet The Member: Paul from GD Associates on Finding a Professional Home in Witney

Here at The Hub, we’re proud of the vibrant community of professionals and businesses that choose to work with us. To give you a better insight into life at our co-working space, we’re sitting down with some of our members for a chat.

This week, we’re talking to Paul from GD Associates, a graphic design agency with over two decades of experience. Paul has been hot-desking at The Hub since April, and we were keen to hear his story and find out how he’s settling in.

Hi Paul, thanks for chatting with us today. To start, can you tell us a bit about GD Associates?

"Of course. GD Associates is a graphic design agency that I've been running for over 23 years now. We cover a wide range of projects, so no two days are the same. We handle everything from creating corporate IDs and websites to designing brochures, managing publishing projects, and developing advertising and direct mail campaigns. Essentially, if it needs designing or printing, we can do it."

Before you joined us at The Hub, where were you working from?

"It’s been a bit of a journey! We originally had a dedicated office in Chipping Norton for many years. However, a couple of years ago, we decided we no longer needed that traditional setup. I’ve lived here in Witney for 19 years, so I really wanted to find a workspace closer to home."

What were the key things you were looking for in a workspace?

"The main challenge was finding the right environment. While the idea of a local flexible space was great, the previous place just didn't really work for me. When you’re trying to run a business, you need a space that is reliable, professional, and allows you to focus without unnecessary distractions."

So, what led you to look for a different solution and how did you find out about The Hub?

"It happened quite organically, actually. While I was at the other space, we arranged to have our business post delivered to Hexagon Business Centres. Through that, I got to know some of the staff at the front desk. I was always impressed by their friendly and professional approach. When I heard that new hot-desking facilities were going to be available at The Hub this year, it felt like a natural and obvious choice to investigate."

What were your first impressions, and what made The Hub stand out?

"My first impression was that it was a well-run, professional, and welcoming environment. The most important factor for me was the atmosphere, and that’s what really made The Hub stand out. Having already experienced the team's positive attitude, I was confident it would be a well-managed and supportive place to work.”

Can you describe a typical workday for you here?

"A typical day involves settling in at a hot desk and getting straight into my design work. The facilities here make it seamless. I can grab a great coffee from The Edge Deli to kickstart the morning, and the space itself is perfect for focusing. The Wi-Fi is reliable, which is crucial for my work, and there are different areas to use, whether I need quiet concentration or a more relaxed lounge space for a break."

How has the environment at The Hub influenced your work or productivity?

"It’s had a very positive influence. Being in a professional, purposeful environment definitely helps with focus and productivity. It creates a clear and valuable separation between home life and work life, which can be difficult to achieve otherwise. The general buzz of having other motivated people working around you helps to keep you on track."

Have you had a chance to connect with other businesses at The Hub?

"Yes, there’s a great mix of people here and a real sense of community. You naturally strike up conversations with others in the kitchen or lounge areas. It’s great for networking in a relaxed way and just makes for a more pleasant and sociable working day compared to being isolated."

And how have you found the practical side of things, like the location in Witney?

"The location is perfect for me. Being so close to home has drastically improved my work-life balance. The commute is a breeze, and having amenities like free on-site parking is a huge bonus – it just removes any stress from the start and end of the day."

Looking back, what has been the most significant benefit for you personally since joining?

"For me, it’s the combination of flexibility and professionalism. I have a high-quality, professional base to work from every day without the commitment and overheads of a traditional office lease. It gives my business a professional image and gives me a productive space to call my own. It’s simply a friendly, well-equipped, and hassle-free place to get work done."

Finally, what advice would you give to someone who is considering a co-working space?

"I’d say to definitely give it a try, but to choose your space carefully. Look for one that is well-managed and has a genuine sense of community. The right environment can make all the difference to your productivity and overall enjoyment of your work. For me, The Hub has ticked all the right boxes."

A huge thank you to Paul for sharing his experience with us. If you’d like to learn more about his work, you can visit https://www.gdassociates.net

Interested in discovering how The Hub at Hexagon could work for you? Book a tour today and experience our community for yourself.