In the latest development in Prescot’s economic renaissance two entrepreneurs are set to open the town’s first co-working hub for small businesses and sole traders. Tony McDonough reports

Entrepreneurs Francesca Manca and Kelly Roskell will open Prescot’s first co-working hub for sole traders, hybrid workers and small businesses.

Clockwork Studios will be based in the former Lloyds Bank building in Eccleston Street. It will be run as a social enterprise where profits will be reinvested to help small businesses in Prescot access advice and support.

Francesca, a marketing consultant, and Kelly, an accountant already run multiple businesses. With 20 years experience, Francesca is the founder of Underwing Ltd and Shaping Your Future CIC.

Kelly is director of accountancy firm The Success Plan. She offers more than 15 years of accountancy experience and knowledge of community interest companies.

Named after Prescot’s famous watchmaking history, Clockwork will have individual and dedicated desks and private full office rental. It can be reserved via an online system for one day, one month, three months or annual memberships. Rates start from £15.

Facilities will also include meeting rooms and event space, free WiFi, printing and scanning and access to a kitchen area with tea, coffee and snacks. Members will also receive discounts and promotions with local businesses.

It is a further example of the economic renaissance taking place in the Knowsley town. Key to its revival has been the £38m Shakespeare North Playhouse that opened its doors earlier this year. Long before it opened, the project has been a catalyst for a number of new businesses opening in Prescot.

Francesca and Kelly are keen to make the space as sustainable as possible by furnishing and styling with second hand and repurposed furniture and features. For example, the former Lloyds bank counter is being upcycled and transformed into the new reception desk.

Clockwork will host free regular events with experts on a variety of business topics such as setting up a business, accountancy, pensions, investment, funding, branding, PR, marketing, mental health and diversity in the workplace.

This new venture is being supported by Knowsley Chamber of Commerce, Liverpool John Moores University, Livv Housing Group and Evolving Mindset.

Kelly said: “Prescot has a fantastic business community with a real ‘hands on’ approach to supporting each other and collaboration.

“We wanted to provide a hub that embraces that community focus and gives business owners somewhere to find the support they need to take their business to the next level.

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“Whether that is through a quick 30 minute chat about how to register their business or through a programme of building a cash flow, writing a business plan or how to find clients.”

Francesca Manca added: “Prescot prides itself on hard work and ambition but starting and growing a business isn’t always easy.

“From our own experience, we believe that success comes from the support of a community and by learning from those who have walked the entrepreneur’s path and can share their insight into what works and what doesn’t. We want Clockwork Studios to be a space for growth for all.”

Lesley Martin-Wright, chief executive of Knowsley Chamber of Commerce, will have staff based at Clockwork. She said “Knowsley Chamber is thrilled to have a presence right within the heart of Prescot and its thriving business community.”

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