The Digital Forum opened its newest space this week, the Central Connect Café, and the launch evening turned into one of those occasions you remember. It was a coming-together of our community, our partners, and the people who've quietly made it happen behind the scenes.
A Café Built Around Our Community
The Central Connect Café sits in the heart of the Digital Forum's hot desking area on Queen Street, a relaxed refreshment space for tenants, members, and visitors. The idea was simple from the start: somewhere good to grab a coffee, catch up with someone, or take five minutes between meetings without leaving the building. It's the latest piece of the puzzle in a year that has already seen the Digital Forum become one of Colchester's most-talked-about new spaces.
A Partnership Worth Celebrating
The launch coincided with the monthly InColchester Networking Event, which brought together business owners, community partners, and local stakeholders for a genuinely warm evening. Peter, Managing Director of Transport Made Simple (TMS), spoke about how TMS has grown across Essex over recent years and shared the story behind the café, including the thinking that shaped the new refreshment area at the Digital Hub. It was a reminder that the best ideas tend to come from people who know their community well.
A Tour Through Queen Street
For many of the guests, it was their first proper look around the Digital Forum since its doors opened earlier this year. Our Deputy CEO Parris Andrews led guided tours of the building, taking people through the rooftop views, the co-working spaces, the conference rooms, and the offices. The response was exactly the kind you hope for: quiet impressed nods, lots of questions, and more than a few people asking how soon they could move in.
Thank You to the BID Team
A huge thank you to Colchester BID, who brought the atmosphere and entertainment that turned the evening into a proper celebration. It was great to see them right at the heart of the launch.
What Comes Next
The Central Connect Café is now open and ready to welcome you. Whether you're a Digital Forum tenant, a hot-desker, or just someone passing by on Queen Street, the doors are open and the kettle is on. The café is also rolling out loyalty cards, with a stamp for every drink and the 11th on the house. Paying hot-deskers earn two stamps per drink, so the rewards land twice as quickly. If you haven't been inside the Forum yet, drop in and see for yourself.
Want to Join the Digital Forum Co-Working Community?
Find out more here - https://www.digitalforum.uk/hot-desking/
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