As a small business owner, I’m always looking for ways to improve how I work. My name is Emily, and I run Aperol Clickz, a digital marketing business that specialises in Google Ads and Social Media Ads. I usually work from home or cafes, which, while convenient, come with their own set of challenges—namely distractions and, let’s be honest, a bit of loneliness. So when I was offered a desk at Bad Company, a shared working space in Hastings, in exchange for writing about my experience, I thought, why not?

The Deal

The deal was: I’d get to spend two days a week in the shared space, and while I was there, I’d make new connections with others in the space and be connected with fresh clients. In return, I’d write about how this change impacted my business. I mean, that was the deal, but life had other plans. Upon taking up this deal, I was 4 weeks away from my wedding, and as any recently married woman can tell you, in those final weeks weddings are like full-time jobs. The last-minute chaos meant my time at Bad Company was cut short by two weeks.

So, did I leave with a roster of new clients? No. But was it a waste of time? Absolutely not. Let me tell you why.

The Vibe

From the moment I set up my laptop at Bad Company, I was hit with a wave of productivity. That studious hum of people immersed in their work, boy I’d missed that! Don’t get me wrong, there’s lots of friendly conversations, but the overall vibe encouraged deep concentration. It was impossible to procrastinate with everyone around me so dialed in.

At home, I would find myself distracted by the laundry or garden (or more often than not, the fridge lol), but at Bad Company, I found myself working longer hours and ticking off more tasks. My increase in productivity was exactly the return on investment I needed. That alone sold me on the idea of staying on beyond the experiment.

The People

Although I didn’t walk away with new clients, I did have some great conversations with people working in a variety of industries. The community vibe was welcoming, and even though I couldn’t attend the ‘Baddies’ group lunch due to a meeting clash, Toasted Sandwich Tuesdays (yes, that’s a thing!) was an absolute vibe, and I appreciated the effort they put into fostering a sense of camaraderie. It’s clear that this space isn’t just about work; it’s about building relationships too.

The Lessons

Bad Company showed me the value of intentional workdays in a dedicated space. As an extroverted introvert, I thrive in an environment surrounded by others. While I’ve always appreciated the flexibility of working from home, being back in a buzzing, professional setting like Bad Company reminded me how motivating it is to be around like-minded people. It also reinforced the importance of maintaining boundaries between work and personal life—something that’s easier said than done when your office is also your living room.

The Space

Bad Company is ideally located in central Hastings (don’t worry, it’s in the cool quirky part), making it easy to pop out for a meeting or grab a coffee. The space itself is thoughtfully designed to balance functionality with creativity. From the easy-to-use app for booking desks to the unique meeting spaces, like the converted safe room covered top to bottom with local artwork. Everything about the space is designed to make your workday a little smoother and more enjoyable.

The Outcome

Despite my social experiment not going exactly as planned, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Bad Company. It’s perfect for solo professionals, small teams, or anyone looking to shake up their routine and reignite their passion for work. Whether you’re there to boost productivity or connect with others, it’s a space that delivers on both fronts.

So, while I didn’t gain new clients, I gained clarity on how and where I work best. If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just in need of a change, give Bad Company a try. Who knows? It might just go wrong—in all the right ways.

Plus, you’ll be in my bad company.

A Social Experiment Gone Wrong (But So Right)