I've recently been talking to serial entrepreneur James Layfield (whose very first business was an airport lounge concept at JFK Terminal 4) about his latest project. He describes Central as a brand-new kind of workspace, which will include a stationery shop, printing and copying facilities and a cafe, as well as various kinds of seating and deskspace.

James is keen to tailor Central to the needs and preferences of workshifters and so is asking for feedback on every element of the design - furniture, lighting, layout and so on - before opening in central London in April.

My comment, based on my own experience of workhubs and coworking spaces, was that there should be clear signage to direct first-time visitors walking in off the street, who might otherwise turn tail and leave. I'd also like friendly and approachable staff available at all times to welcome new customers, establish their needs, and then start the membership process, take orders for food and drinks, offer advice etc.

My only complaint about coworking is that some people talk very loudly on the phone - often unconsciously but also sometimes definitely to try and impress!  So I'd be interested to know how Central will juggle the phone calls that business people on the move invariably have to make with the peace and quiet that others need for concentration.

I'm not a regular user of workhubs, but as a Jelly organiser I'm always interested to hear people's opinions of working next to strangers.  Yes, it provides great opportunities to make new contacts, but what are the downsides?  Are you able to focus on work or do you use coworking as an enjoyable way of getting a bit of light admin done in a sociable atmosphere?  And if you run a workhub, are there any complaints that regularly crop up, and if so, how do you deal with them?

Photo Credit: Nathanael Boehm