Charity office space welcomes first customers

12th May 2009 - CAN Mezzanine, serviced office providers for the third sector, welcomes the first customers to its new north London office this week. The third site for CAN Mezzanine is already at 20% occupancy.

Institute for Learning, the professional body for teachers, trainers and assessors in further education has taken an entire floor. My Heart Log, the online community for people recovering from cardiac surgery and  Co-op systems, third sector IT and systems providers have also taken space.

CAN Mezzanine bought its third site in East Rd, Old St in November 2009 with the support of sector institutions Triodos Bank (its biggest loan last financial year) and Charity Bank (also CAN Mezzanine customers). Space is sold per desk and the price includes meeting rooms, conference facilities, serviced kitchens, reception, back office support, discount services, events and networking. Customers have the flexibility to increase or decrease their desk space, which is critical for organisations looking to box their costs.

Toni Fazaeli, chief executive at the Institute for Learning, said, "We like the flexibility and the space at CAN Mezzanine, as well as the idea of supporting a social enterprise whose values chime with our own. The process has been really straightforward so far, and we are looking forward to settling into our new home."

Living with like-minded organisations is an important factor for CAN Mezzanine customers particularly in the current economic climate with greater pressure on resources. Almost 70% of customers collaborate on work, funding applications or sharing resources. 

Established only six months ago, My Heart Log's Chief Executive, Mimi Okumagba didn't want to be isolated while his organisation grows. "Surrounded by social enterprises and charities to network with, I can learn and grow with them. I'm holding some important meetings with some important people, I need to make an impression. CAN Mezzanine give me that edge."

CAN Mezzanine Old Street has space for 480 charity professionals. With 20 meeting rooms including three conference rooms, there are regular tours throughout the day. Contact Claire Farry on c.farry@can-online.org.uk  or fill in our customers enquiry form to make a tour booking.

There is also limited space available in our SE1 offices in London Bridge and Southwark.

Notes to editors

CAN Mezzanine is a registered charity, trading as a social enterprise. Registered charity number 1104911.
CAN Mezzanine Old Street was financed by £10.5m from sector banks Triodos and Charity Bank back in November 2009.
The building will house an estimated 70 organisations with 475 desks over five floors.
The extensive high-spec refurbishment has been done by JD Interiors.
Prices start from £333 per month + VAT per desk.

http://www.can-online.org.uk/

Institute for Learning - http://www.ifl.ac.uk/

My Heart Log - http://www.myheartlog.com/

Co-Operative Systems - http://www.coopsys.net/