{"id":21158,"date":"2026-04-24T14:51:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T14:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/welshice.org\/?p=21158"},"modified":"2026-04-27T12:35:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T12:35:31","slug":"why-wales-needs-more-than-coworking-spaces-building-community-business-support-and-growth-through-incubators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/welshice.org\/cy\/why-wales-needs-more-than-coworking-spaces-building-community-business-support-and-growth-through-incubators\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Wales Needs More Than Coworking Spaces: Building Community, Business Support and Growth Through Incubators"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Reports show that the number of flexible workspace locations operating in Wales currently stands at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessin.wales\/cardiff-dominates-wales-coworking-market-as-flexible-workspaces-reach-131-sites\/\">131 sites<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the surface, that sounds like positive news, right?&#8230; more coworking spaces, more flexibility, more places to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there\u2019s a question sitting underneath the headlines that deserves more attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What do we actually mean when we say \u201ccoworking space\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because not all coworking spaces are created equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Problem With One Definition<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The term \u201ccoworking\u201d has become incredibly broad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, it can describe everything from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Serviced offices with shared desks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coffee shops with high-speed internet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community-led coworking spaces focused on collaboration and support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These environments offer very different levels of support, connection, and opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, the industry often fails to take note of that difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It tends to group these spaces together in reports and headlines as if they offer the same value, which is problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because when we focus purely on the number of coworking sites, we risk missing the bigger conversation about what actually helps businesses succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" data-src=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0991-edited-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A community of people coworking at Welsh ICE\" class=\"wp-image-21166 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/1707;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0991-edited-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0991-edited-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0991-edited-1-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0991-edited-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0991-edited-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0991-edited-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0991-edited-1-20x13.jpg 20w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Desk is Not a Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Physical space, good internet access and a comfortable environment are essential for entrepreneurs, yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the physical space rarely makes a difference between successful and struggling businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, the real challenges facing early-stage entrepreneurs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confidence and a sense of belonging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accountability and momentum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to support networks and trusted connections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awareness of opportunities, events and learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A culture of collaboration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people start businesses alone, often while balancing work, family responsibilities, caring commitments, or financial pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To these people, coworking is not just a possibility of using an office desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is access to a <a href=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/community-stories\/\">community that provides support, connections, and opportunities for growth<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Difference Between Working Spaces and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some locations are mainly focused on providing workspace<strong> <\/strong>and office space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are places offering desks, offices, meeting rooms and flexible workspace options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not a problem, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flexible workspaces play an important role, but they are only part of the picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there is a growing need for spaces that go beyond real estate and actively build entrepreneurial communities and business support ecosystems, while also connecting people into the wider regional network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These locations offer not just access to office furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They facilitate interaction, collaboration and meaningful business connections between their members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They bring entrepreneurs together to learn from each other, exchange ideas and build partnerships that support long-term business growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For entrepreneurs living in areas other than Cardiff, accessing such locations is not a convenient luxury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is an opportunity for gaining access to the network and information necessary for thriving in the current economic climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the economically underdeveloped regions of Wales, where entrepreneurs struggle to gain access to investors and other players of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, community led locations can serve as a crucial connection point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These communities are often not hard to reach; they are simply disconnected from mainstream business support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Real Value of the Incubator<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between a workspace and an incubator is not always visible, but it is significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One provides physical space. The other creates value through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Curated connections between businesses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Events and learning opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Informal peer mentoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business support and signposting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introductions to partners and funders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confidence building environments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term relationships and community<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These aren\u2019t \u201cextras\u201d, they are often the difference between survival and failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-src=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Business-Support-Fair-edited-1.jpg\" alt=\"Man talking to Welsh ICE at a Business Support Fair demonstrating the coworking community in action\" class=\"wp-image-21163 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Business-Support-Fair-edited-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Business-Support-Fair-edited-1-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Business-Support-Fair-edited-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Business-Support-Fair-edited-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Business-Support-Fair-edited-1-20x11.jpg 20w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Wales Needs More Incubators Rather Than Workspaces<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wales does not necessarily need more coworking spaces simply for the sake of volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What Wales needs is greater access to spaces that genuinely help people <a href=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/ice-start\/\">start, survive, thrive and grow<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This matters particularly in communities where entrepreneurship is still developing, or where people may not naturally see business ownership as something available to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A welcoming, community-focused space can become a gateway into confidence, skills, partnerships and sustainable business growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When done well, these spaces become more than offices, they become local infrastructure for growth, support and connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What This Looks Like in Practice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Welsh ICE, we see what happens when a coworking space becomes more than square footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People don\u2019t just rent desk space; they find collaborators, build confidence, and access opportunities they wouldn\u2019t find alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A partnership forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A new client appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A funding conversation starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But often the impact is much quieter than that\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s somebody staying in business because they no longer feel isolated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across Welsh ICE, we\u2019ve supported more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, with 77% of businesses still trading beyond three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve contributed more than \u00a353 million in economic value to Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the real impact sits in the connections, support and confidence built within the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Funding Gap We Rarely Talk About<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wales is not short of investment into buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But buildings alone do not create entrepreneurial ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A beautifully renovated space without activation can still sit quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An empty building with fast internet does not automatically create connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What incubators need isn\u2019t just capital, but revenue funding to build community, support programmes, and connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Funding that supports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Community building<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Events and learning programmes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outreach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partnership development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Founder support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because incubators succeed through people: not just property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Rise of \u201cInvisible Infrastructure\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest misconceptions about entrepreneurial communities is that their value can be difficult to measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can count desks, occupancy, and square footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it is harder to count trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harder to count introductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harder to count confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harder to count the moment somebody decides not to give up because they met the right person in the right room at the right time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what I often think of as invisible infrastructure &#8211; the relationships, networks and sense of belonging that quietly sit underneath business growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike physical infrastructure, it cannot always be photographed or measured easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it shapes whether people stay engaged, whether partnerships form, and whether founders feel they belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These things are easy to overlook because they do not always appear in headline statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But they are frequently the reason spaces matter in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A More Useful Conversation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After almost 14 years of running a coworking\/incubator space &#8211; and as the pioneers of coworking &#8211; The rise in coworking across Wales is not a bad thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flexible workspace matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choice matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessibility matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But perhaps the more useful conversation isn\u2019t:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHow many coworking spaces do we have?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe it\u2019s better to ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat kind of spaces are we building &#8211; and what outcomes do they create?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the future of coworking is unlikely to be defined by square footage alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It will be shaped by the spaces that create connection, reduce isolation, and help people build sustainable businesses; and perhaps that\u2019s the real opportunity for Wales\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not just to create more spaces, but to create more places where entrepreneurship genuinely feels possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reports show that the number of flexible workspace locations operating in Wales currently stands at 131 sites. On the surface, that sounds like positive news, right?&#8230; more coworking spaces, more flexibility, more places to work. But there\u2019s a question sitting underneath the headlines that deserves more attention: What do we actually mean when we say &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/cy\/why-wales-needs-more-than-coworking-spaces-building-community-business-support-and-growth-through-incubators\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":21159,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[89,65,84],"class_list":["post-21158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","tag-community","tag-coworking","tag-resilient-entrepreneurial-communities"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why Wales Needs More Than Coworking Spaces: Building Community, Business Support and Growth Through Incubators % - Welsh ICE<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Welsh ICE CEO, Lesley Williams, looks at why coworking is not just about office space, but more about community, incubation and connections.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/why-wales-needs-more-than-coworking-spaces-building-community-business-support-and-growth-through-incubators\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"cy_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Building Community, Business Support and Growth Through Incubators\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Welsh ICE CEO, Lesley Williams, looks at why coworking is not just about office space, but more about community, incubation and connections.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/why-wales-needs-more-than-coworking-spaces-building-community-business-support-and-growth-through-incubators\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Welsh ICE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-04-24T14:51:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-27T12:35:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ICE-Hub-Launch-Event-142-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Lesley Williams\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Lesley Williams\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/why-wales-needs-more-than-coworking-spaces-building-community-business-support-and-growth-through-incubators\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/welshice.org\/why-wales-needs-more-than-coworking-spaces-building-community-business-support-and-growth-through-incubators\/\",\"name\":\"Why Wales Needs More Than Coworking Spaces: Building Community, Business Support and Growth Through Incubators % - 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