Start-ups flock to digital hub

Radio producer Frances Byrnes, 351 Design and IT troubleshooter ACR Consulting have joined Electric Works in Sheffield which gives freelancers 24-hour access to a workspace with wi-fi, meeting areas and membership of the Electric Works creative community.

Four new start-up companies – Translytx, Logicatronics, Casamore and Faradion – and business performance specialists Caudata have all subscribed to the Electric Works virtual office services, giving them an address, phone answering and flexible use of office space.

The Electric Works club has also become the business home of Steve Faulkner from Distinctive Magic who performs around the world.

Electric Works manager Louise Jamieson said: "Part of the Electric Works ethos is to foster new and growing talent and the arrival of such diverse businesses en masse shows how the variety of flexible services suits their differing needs.

"We have continued to expand the number, type and size of organisation moving into Electric Works despite the recession, reflecting the marked shift towards workspace that offers something extra, such as 24/7 access, a high standard of facilities and – most importantly – the ability to collaborate with like-minded teams working in complementary disciplines."

Sheffield City Council bought Electric Works for 13m in 2009. The building, which features a helter skelter, was completed in 2008.