Running Multiple Sites: Where Systems Help, and Where They Hurt
Ben Newton will share a practical, operator-level view of what it really takes to run six sites across the UK without losing what makes each one work. Drawing on real experience, he will explore the constant tension between centralisation and local autonomy, looking at where standardised systems create clarity and scale, and where they can quietly damage the character, responsiveness, and effectiveness of an individual site.
This session will focus on the decisions operators wrestle with every day: what should be standardised, what should stay in the hands of the local team, and how to recognise when you have drawn that line in the wrong place. Ben will talk openly about the lessons learned, including mistakes, adjustments, and the thinking behind the systems they use today. He will also touch on where technology and AI are starting to play a more useful role in improving systems, visibility, and operational support across multiple locations.
What you'll learn:
- Learn where to standardise systems and where to preserve local autonomy
- Hear real lessons from managing six coworking sites across the UK
- Understand how technology and AI can improve visibility across multiple locations
- Recognise the signs that your centralisation/local balance needs adjusting