Ben Newton

Operations Director

Patch

Space ManagementMember ExperienceCommunication

Scan to view
on your phone

Watch Recordings

Recorded sessions from Coworking Tech Week featuring Ben Newton.

45 min

Running Multiple Sites: Where Systems Help, and Where They Hurt

Space Management

Chapters

0:26How Patch Runs Neighbourhood Workspaces Across the UKBen Newton introduces Patch’s multi-site model and explains how their spaces combine coworking, events, hospitality, and local community use. This sets up the wider conversation around what changes when a workspace brand grows beyond one building.2:55What to Standardise When Running Multiple Coworking SitesBen shares how Patch decides which parts of the business need consistency across every location. The discussion covers billing, safety, data, access, finance, and the operational basics that have to work reliably as the company scales.8:54Keeping Each Coworking Space Local as the Business GrowsThis section looks at how Patch gives local teams room to shape events, partnerships, suppliers, and the day-to-day member experience. Ben explains why some decisions are better made by the people closest to the community.14:46When Reporting and Processes Start Slowing Teams DownBen talks through a practical example of reporting becoming too time-consuming for site teams. The conversation shows how operators can spot when internal processes are creating admin without improving the member experience or business decisions.18:36The Tech Stack Behind a Multi-Site Coworking OperatorBen walks through the tools Patch uses across workspace management, accounting, CRM, reporting, access control, printing, expenses, and team collaboration. This chapter gives operators a clear look at the software choices supporting a growing coworking business.23:41Helping Coworking Teams Adopt New ToolsThis part focuses on training site teams, especially people coming from hospitality rather than coworking or tech backgrounds. Ben shares how Patch uses playbooks, internal champions, onboarding, and practical support to make software adoption easier.30:10Practical AI Use Cases for Coworking OperatorsBen explains where Patch is starting to use AI behind the scenes, from local market research and strategy support to member retention signals and team productivity. The conversation stays focused on where AI can help without weakening the human side of coworking.35:22Advice for Scaling From One Coworking Space to SeveralBen shares what operators should put in place before opening more locations. This chapter covers early standardisation, useful playbooks, stronger site leadership, local decision-making, and reviewing processes before they become unnecessary overhead.38:56Where AI Hasn’t Worked So WellExample of an AI bot called Pat becoming too forceful in early communications. The chapter gives a grounded reminder that AI tone, transparency, and the boundary between automation and hospitality need careful handling.40:35Open Ops and Cost Benchmarking for Coworking SpacesBen introduces Open Ops, a project designed to help coworking operators compare costs such as cleaning, maintenance, internet, and facilities management. The discussion explains why better benchmarks could be especially useful for regional and non-city-centre spaces.

About Ben Newton

Ben Newton is Operations Director at Patch, a neighbourhood-focused coworking brand building B Corp-certified commuter hubs across the UK. With over 20 years’ experience spanning hospitality and startups, he specialises in turning ambitious concepts into scalable, high-performing operations.

At Patch, Ben leads operational strategy across a growing network of community-driven workspaces, bridging property vision with seamless day-to-day delivery. Known for his structured, people-first approach, he focuses on designing efficient systems, enabling multi-site growth, and building teams that deliver consistent, high-quality experiences.

Ben is passionate about the role of operations in shaping thriving local communities and is always open to sharing insights on scaling and operational excellence.

Talk at CTW 2026

All session times are shown in UK time [UTC+1 | BST] (Europe/London).

Tuesday, Apr 212:00 PM UK time · 45 minSpace Management

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

Discover More Speakers

Explore the full lineup of industry experts and innovators at Coworking Tech Week 2026.