What sets Creative Works apart isn’t just its location or facilities, but the diverse group of people who share the space. Each day, the doors open to an extraordinary variety of talent: freelancers going it alone, start-ups taking those first bold steps, and local professionals who have chosen to build their working lives in the heart of Walthamstow.
Creative Works is also home to teams who are building something new. These small businesses and start-ups bring a different energy into the space—an energy of possibility and ambition. You’ll find media companies, design agencies, tech innovators, and other enterprises carving out their futures here.
Each member contributes unique skills and individuality, yet together they create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Despite their different fields, many members share a common need: an environment designed for focused work and inspiration.
Focus & Inspiration
Creative Works offers freedom and the appeal of a supportive space without the isolation often associated with working alone. The space attracts people who thrive on independence but value the quiet companionship of a shared environment.
Rather than working from a kitchen table or café, our members find their own rhythm in the coworking space. Take Davy Lazar, a freelance film director and filmmaker: “Working from home just wasn’t cutting it,” he says. “I needed somewhere to ‘clock in’ and be productive. Here, I can just switch on and focus.” For Davy, the difference is stark: “I’m way more focused and productive. At home, there are too many distractions. Here, I can disappear into my work.”
Creative Works offers the essential ingredients for a productive day: a dedicated desk for deep focus, break-out areas where conversations can be spontaneous, and a professional structure to define the working day. The balance is subtle but powerful—adequate privacy to concentrate, yet enough human presence to feel part of something larger. For Debra Coleman of Open Frame Coaching, this distinction is key: “It provides a real separation between home and work, which has improved my focus and work-life balance. When I’m here, I’m fully focused on my work without the distractions of home, and when I’m home, I can properly switch off.”
The energy of the community also feeds individual projects. Davy has found immense value in the weekly Wednesday Write Club meetups, getting through “pages of script I’d normally take a whole day to finish.” He’s also found inspiration: “I’ve been especially inspired by Francesca and KT, who run the writers’ group. They’re both professional writers working in TV and film—it’s motivating to be around people actually doing what I want to do.”
A Shared Space for Progression
A coworking space like Creative Works serves not only as a place to work but also as a platform for growing one’s business. For Shray Vaidya, who runs his own brand and design consultancy, Creative Chimps Ltd., the connections he has built there have been invaluable, leading to new opportunities and meaningful professional relationships
Danielle Mensah, Supporter Experience Manager for the charity SolarAid, moved into Creative Works during the pandemic (in 2020), seeking an alternative to remote work: “We started with a small office, but over time expanded into a bigger space,” she says. For Danielle, the space is a big improvement. “It gets me into the right headspace, and I have access to the resources and equipment I need. Socially, it’s also a lot nicer. You see coworkers chat in the kitchen, and just feel more connected.”
Having other businesses working just a few steps away creates a shared atmosphere of progress, with the community itself becoming a resource. Danielle highlights how the space has discussions about her charity, which is crucial for fundraising. This has led to tangible success: “A member who attended a lunchtime talk we hosted later donated to our charity through their organisation. That kind of response shows the lasting impact of these community events.”
The beauty of Creative Works is that while each business is unique, they share an environment that encourages growth. The setting itself becomes a quiet partner in their journey, where ideas are exchanged, professional networks expand naturally, and the feeling of being part of an entrepreneurial collective keeps spirits high.
The Local Connection
Perhaps the strongest thread running through Creative Works is its connection to Walthamstow. Many members live locally and take pride in working where they feel rooted, and can contribute to the neighbourhood’s growing creative identity.
This local bond brings character to the space. Members often talk about the pleasure of finishing a day’s work and stepping straight into the heart of Walthamstow—whether it’s Debra walking through the nearby wetlands for a break, Danielle hosting meetings at the Colombian coffee shop Hermano’s downstairs, or Shray taking advantage of member discounts to go climbing at the Yonder Centre.
Choosing E17 over a daily commute into central London means more than convenience. It reflects a commitment to building professional lives within the community. As Debra notes, one of her main reasons for joining was to support the local creative community: “Creative Works feels like a natural extension of that—providing a hub for local creatives and small businesses.” Davy Lazar, who lives locally and co-founded a men’s community group called Yoga and Pints, acknowledges this role: “Creative Works has real ties to the community, including hosting affordable events and supporting initiatives like ours.”
Community at the Heart
The experiences of our members reveal a common theme: connection. From Shray finding new business opportunities, to Davy forming spontaneous lunch plans and creative collaborations, to Danielle receiving professional photos taken by a fellow member, the community is always the catalyst.
As this community continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: it is the members—with their diverse passions, personalities, and ambitions—who truly define Creative Works. They are the ones who transform it from a simple space into an extraordinary hub of creativity and connection in E17.
