Compare Costs
Office costs can get buried in an organisation’s ‘overheads’ budget, perceived as unavoidable items of expenditure which don’t get questioned, even in tough times like these. And remember you pay when you’re using the space and when you’re not.
First of all there’s the rent. Office space in the EH2 postcode of Edinburgh ranges from £17/sq ft up to £40! Even a tiny two person office of 200 sq ft can thus cost up to £7000 per year and of course involves a commitment to a 3 or even 5 year lease. Full time serviced offices range from £300-£450/month. Or you could always buy a city centre office building for upwards of £975,000…
Phone line rental will cost you £170-200 per year, broadband at least another £150 per year. Heat and light costs depend on how large a space you have and how hardy you are; perhaps another £300 per year.
At The Melting Pot you pick the monthly package which suits you best and your Wi-Fi broadband, phone rental, heating, light, everyday printing and the all important tea and coffee are all included. You only pay extra for phone calls and big printing jobs. If you’re away, or just less busy for a month, you can drop down a level as long as you give us enough notice.
Who should join The Melting Pot?
Our aim is to create and support a dynamic, inclusive community of “social innovators” – people who are working to enhance social, environmental and economic wellbeing. We also welcome a selection of members who share these values and whose professional services enhance and support this community.
Our members include, but are not restricted to, the following groups:
The Lone Worker
Are you working in isolation as the sole Scottish contact for a UK or international organisation? Would you be more productive and happier in a workplace with like-minded people? We’ll be able to give you secure remote access to your own IT server, as well as printing, WiFi and tea and coffee, so you can focus entirely on your job. Then if you’re feeling sociable you’ll always find someone to chat with over lunch.
The Consultant
Are you a consultant providing services that support the development of socially innovative projects and organisations? Or do your business skills and services directly support those working for more than profit? The Melting Pot provides a professional, fully serviced base where you can work effectively with like-minded individuals.
The Organisation
Do you have a number of staff and need occasional, central Edinburgh hot-desking or informal meeting spaces? Our Associate Membership packages mean you can increase staff effectiveness, motivation and outreach – and at the same time reduce your travel times and costs, and your impact on the environment.
The Activist
Are you on a board, a member of a committee or involved in a grass roots organisation? The Melting Pot offers affordable, accessible and attractive meeting spaces. You get access to professional resources and networks to help you raise your profile and build strategic alliances.
The Start-up
Are you currently exploring a socially innovative idea or project – just starting out and not sure where to go next? The Melting Pot provides a professional and fully serviced base, including peer support, resources, training and signposting to help you launch and grow your dream for a better world. You can even apply for six months’ free membership through our Assisted Places programme.
The Out-of-Towner
Do you live outwith Edinburgh but need to access central, flexible work and meeting spaces close to all public transport links? The Melting Pot offers membership options to suit any timetable and budget, and provides a central location for meetings.
The Traveller
Are you always on the move nationally and internationally, perhaps as a member of other hubs for social innovation? The Melting Pot provides a “home from home” in Edinburgh and Scotland, complete with a central, fully equipped workspace, kitchen facilities and local networks – all just two minutes from the train station.
Meeting and event space
Do you need conveniently located meeting, events and training rooms? The Melting Pot offers high quality, central, accessible spaces minutes from the train and bus stations. We also offer full in-house catering for events and meetings, as well as a professional job interview hosting service. See Events and Meeting Spaces for more information.