As another year draws to a close, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on what has shaped life at Creative Works.
2025 has not been an easy year for many local people, with rising costs and increasing pressure on public services affecting how we live and work. Yet within the walls of Creative Works, there has been a steady sense of togetherness. A settled core of founding members has been joined by new faces who share the same community values. Together, they have created a working environment that feels both dependable and alive with possibility.
A Year of Stability in a Changing World
Managing Director and Founder, Alexis Michaelides, reflects on the year gone by, the moments that stood out, and what lies ahead.
Alexis describes 2025 as a year of welcome balance. Creative Works has enjoyed the reassurance of a long-standing community while also benefiting from new members bringing fresh energy and ideas. This mix has helped the space remain grounded without becoming static.
The biggest challenge has been responding with care to a difficult year beyond the coworking space. Rising living costs and strain on health, education, and social care have affected many members directly. According to Alexis, creating a place that feels safe, calm, and supportive has been a priority (and one that staff and members alike have taken seriously).
From a broader perspective, coworking is becoming increasingly integrated into the working life of many individuals. While some larger operators are moving towards heavily automated spaces with minimal on-site staff, Creative Works has chosen a different path. Investment has been made in semi-private studio spaces to reflect changing working preferences, while keeping people, not systems, at the heart of the space.
Moments That Made the Year
Every year brings its highlights, and 2025 has been no exception. The much-loved Eat My Shorts animated film nights once again sold out, proving that shared cultural moments still matter. Meanwhile, the Write Club continues to thrive, a quiet success story built on consistency and mutual encouragement.
In October, we said a temporary goodbye to Elena Giroli, our long-standing Sales and Community Manager, as she went on maternity leave. We all celebrated the birth of Elena’s baby boy. At the same time, we were delighted to welcome Lauren Kirk, who is stepping in to cover Elena’s role during her leave.
When asked about her time at Creative Works so far, Lauren says:
“It has been incredibly special, largely because of the generosity and collaborative nature of our members. The small acts of care that I witness whilst working in and amongst the shared workspace stand out most, whether that is helping bring in packages left outside, sharing surplus foodie bits with the community, passing along trusted recommendations for local services like plumbers or childcare and members showing genuine curiosity in getting to know the new faces and who their neighbours in the workspace might be. There is a real sense of people looking out for one another.”
One of the proudest achievements this year has been the partnership with Fluo Technology. Fluo has provided 45 days of meaningful work experience for BCE software development students, alongside the creation of an e-commerce platform raising funds for selected charities. The platform will sell T-shirts designed by BCE art students, blending creativity, learning, and social purpose in a way that reflects the best of what Creative Works stands for.
On a more personal note, Alexis highlights the craftsmanship of NM Robotics, which produced trophies using a 3D printer for BCE’s 25-year celebrations. There has also been excitement around Wise Monkey’s upcoming RPG game, which has offered valuable experience for Game Design students and made imaginative use of the Dolby Atmos studio to bring unusual characters to life.
Trophies made using 3D printing by NM Robotics
Looking Ahead with Optimism
While reflection is important, our focus is already shifting to what lies ahead. Creative Works recognises that personal recommendations are the most powerful way to grow a genuine community. With this in mind, we are introducing a new member referral scheme to strengthen our community further. We will share details of this in the New Year. In 2026, we would like to collaborate with our members to share their stories and highlight their businesses across our weekly newsletters, social media channels, and community blog.
We’re also pleased to update that this week, we completed a major upgrade to our internet connection. Its capacity is now ten times larger than before, delivering faster speeds during busy periods, improved performance for creative and technical work, greater stability and reliability, and future-proofing the space for years to come.
Looking ahead to 2026, Lauren is excited to see more of our existing members expand into creator studios as they require additional space and private areas. She is also looking forward to seeing members share their work and projects through the monthly Creative Works lunch talks, building even stronger connections within the community.
As the festive season arrives, we extend our sincere thanks to the Creative Works community for your continued support, and we wish everyone a relaxing and well-deserved break. The year ahead promises continued collaboration, creativity, and shared success.
Main Image: Alexis Michaelides, Creative Works Founder & MD
