LAST September saw the launch of Nest Space, a creative co-working studio in Bournemouth town centre, just a stone’s throw from Bournemouth pier.

Fast forward to summer 2014, nearly one year on, and things have changed slightly.

Dorset’s first co-working space has enabled entrepreneurs, freelancers and start-ups to grow their businesses by working in an energetic, collaborative atmosphere with people from a wide range of creative disciplines.

The success of Nest Space physical studio demonstrated the need for a wider network of creatives, so the Nest Network – an online membership platform – was launched to further support the region’s digital professionals.

With a monthly subscription of £10 and no long-term commit-ment, business people can grow their network instantly, talk to other members, meet up at monthly events hosted by Nest Space and, as an introductory offer, get to spend a free day in the co-working studio when they join.

David Stroud, co-director said: “We are giving digital professionals and entrepreneurs a solid foundation to allow them to collaborate, accelerate and innovate. There are some unbelievably talented people in the Nest network and new collaborations and projects are popping up almost on a daily basis.”

The only co-working space and network in Bournemouth, Nest’s members are diverse – including concept artists, illustrators, photographers, screenwriters, copywriters, web developers, online marketers, game developers, app developers and film-makers.

The future of Nest Space, and the Nest Network – already more than 50 members strong since its launch less than three months ago – is to continue to grow and connect the south coast’s digital professionals who want to grow their businesses in the area.

David added: “We make a point of getting to know each and every person that joins our network, as they all get a free day in our studio to meet some of our other members in person.

“We then introduce people who need work doing with skilled professionals who can do an amazing job.

“Everybody benefits, and the region is benefitting, too.