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The way we work has changed and so should the spaces we work in.
Home can be distracting. Offices can feel rigid. We believe there’s a better way: flexible, focused, and built around your real workday. This week, we’re exploring what it means to work differently and how a few small shifts can help you get more done, with more headspace to spare.
(P.S. Something new is coming Monday...)

How The Hub & Spoke Can Help You

In a world obsessed with speed, slowing down can feel radical - but it’s often the key to doing
more with less. When we pause, we gain clarity, focus, and the ability to work with intention
rather than reaction. Slowing down sharpens decision-making, boosts creativity, and reduces
burnout.

At The Hub & Spoke, we believe in purposeful pace - where quality coffee, calm
spaces, and conscious connection create the conditions for real progress. Whether you’re
tackling a project or just taking a mindful moment with a Spoké Bowl, slowing down here isn’t
falling behind - it’s setting yourself up for your best work yet.

Think Piece of the Week

Article:

“Article: “Quiet Please! The Remarkable Power of Silence””

A thoughtful piece on the role silence plays in boosting mental
clarity, creativity, and cognitive health - key ingredients for highfocus work environments.

 

Podcast:

WorkLife with Adam Grant “The Case for the 4 Day Week”

Adam explores how changing the structure of our workweek leads to greater productivity, wellbeing, and job satisfaction.

Book:

Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less” by Alex Pang

A brilliant look at how deliberate rest and smarter work rhythms boost creativity, focus, and output, perfect for remote workers and solo professionals.

Next Steps: What to Try This Week

  • Change Your Scenery:
    Switch up your workspace for half a day (hint: The Hub’s new zones will be ideal!)
  • Time-Block a Personal Project:
    Just 45 mins of dedicated time for that “I’ll get onto it one day” idea
  • Re-work Your 9-5 (this has been the most helpful to our team):
    Shift you hours around your energy instead of expectation
  • Build a No-Commute Commute:
    Take a 10-minute walk before starting work to signal the days beginning.
  • Rethink Your Fuel:
    Try flipping how you eat, go protein first. Starting your day or lunch with protein can steady your energy, reduce that midafternoon crash, and help you stay focused for longer.
You don’t have to do more - just more of what matters.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use,
the more you have.”
— Maya Angelou

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Change can be uncomfortable. Even when we know it’s necessary, even when we’ve chosen it, it still has a way of stirring up doubt and resistance. But here's the truth: comfort zones don’t build businesses. Growth comes from movement, from nudging the wheel just enough to find a new rhythm. This week, we’re embracing the idea that change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be
meaningful. Whether it’s a shift in your work routine or a quiet recalibration of your goals, every pivot has potential. Here at The Hub & Spoke, we’re leaning into change with purpose and inviting you to do the same.

What’s Brewing at The Hub & Spoke

We’ve got some exciting changes on the horizon. As part of our evolving mission to be
Rutland’s go-to destination for focused work and professional growth, we’ll be making some
shifts to align more closely with the needs of our business community.

We’re refining our space and services to better support our members, tenants, and
collaborators. This means our café offering will become a more integrated, purposeful part of
your workday, fuel to help you focus, not just a standalone destination.

Stay tuned, we’ll be sharing more soon. As ever, we’re building this with you, for you.

Think Piece of the Week

Article:

“Making Friends with Change”

TA thoughtful piece that reflects on how embracing change depends on
self‑trust, letting go of resistance, and viewing change as a collaborator rather than an enemy.

 

Podcast:

“Why Is Change So Hard — And How Can You Make It Stick?”

Jake and Damian dig into why change often feels so difficult and share practical frameworks to turn it into something sustainable.

Book:

“Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson

A short, quirky parable about change in life and business. Perfect for anyone navigating a shifting work landscape. Quick read, long-lasting impact.

Next Steps: What to Try This Week

Mini-habits that make a big difference:

  • Name the Change: Write down one area of your life that’s currently shifting, even if it feels small. Naming it gives you power over it.
  • Change One Tiny Habit: Switch up something simple: your morning drink, the app you check first, your walking route. Small tweaks train your brain to accept change positively.
  • Revisit a Past Leap: Think back to a time you made a bold move and it worked out. Remind yourself: you’ve done hard things before.
  • Set a ‘Let Go’ Reminder: Pick one worry you’re carrying about change, and write it on a sticky note. Then… throw it away. It’s a physical reminder you don’t have to hold everything.
  • Ask Someone: “What’s Changed for You Lately?”: Start a real conversation. Sharing change stories builds connection and reminds you that no one’s navigating this alone
You don’t have to do more - just more of what matters.

"If you don’t like something, change it. If you
can’t change it, change your attitude."
— Maya Angelou

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If your workdays have started to feel a bit mechanical, you’re not alone. When we lose sight of the bigger picture - our purpose, our
“why” - even the most productive days can feel a little flat.
At The Hub & Spoke, we believe creativity isn’t reserved for artists and designers. It’s how problems get solved, businesses evolve,
and ideas turn into action. Whether you’re mapping out a new direction or just want to feel more energised by your work, this
week is about clearing mental space, finding flow, and reconnecting with what really drives you.

What’s Brewing at The Hub & Spoke

It’s going to be a busy one in Le Tour - our largest and most popular meeting space has been
buzzing with strategy sessions, team away days, and plenty of post-meeting coffee chats.
If you’ve got a workshop, training session, or client catch-up coming up, now’s the time to get
it in the diary. Dates for October are filling fast, and we’d hate for you to miss your slot.
Need catering? We’ve got breakfast baps, brain-fuelling Spoke Bowls, and cake that could seal
a deal.
Enquire via hello@thehubandspoke.co.uk or visit our website for more details!

Think Piece of the Week

Article:

The Future of Work is Creative

This UK article explores why creativity is becoming a top skill in the workplace. As automation grows, employers are prioritising adaptability and original thinking to stay competitive. A smart read for anyone rethinking their career or team strategy.

 

Podcast:

Squiggly Careers – Ep. “Finding Flow at Work”

This recent episode from Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis explores how purpose, autonomy, and creative problem-solving shape fulfilling careers. Practical and heartfelt, with UK workplace context throughout.

Book:

Why You? How to Become an Expert in Your Field by James Taylor

This UK-based creativity coach (and keynote speaker) dives into how professionals can discover their purpose by embracing their unique story. It’s part personal branding, part mindset – a motivating read for those who want to turn passion into progress.

Next Steps: What to Try This Week

Mini-habits that make a big difference:

  • The Morning Why-Sprint
    Each morning, jot down one reason why you do what you do. No pressure, just practice finding your focus.
  • Creative Coffee Collabs
    Ask someone new to join you for coffee this week. Creative sparks fly in community.
  • Idea Parking Bay
    Use our chalkboard wall to scribble your wildest idea. Big or small. Let’s inspire each other.
  • Purpose Playlist
    Create a 3-song playlist that gets you in the zone. We’ll share ours on Insta too!]
  • Leaf Through & Launch
    Drop off a book or zine that inspired your creativity. Take one in return. It’s our “Leaf Through Library”.
You don’t have to do more - just more of what matters.

When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.
– Rumi

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As golden light returns to Oakham mornings and the first leaves crunch underfoot, autumn reminds us: small shifts can spark big
change. At The Hub & Spoke, we believe optimism works the same way; not loud or forced, but quiet, hopeful, and rooted in daily
moments. Whether it’s a chat over coffee or a new idea taking shape at your desk, progress begins gently. Our café reflects that
spirit; with thoughtful food, warm faces, and space designed for possibility.
And this week? We’re turning over a new leaf with a feel-good menu item to fuel your brighter outlook.

What’s Brewing at The Hub & Spoke
New this week: The Autumn Bowl

Packed with colour, crunch, and all the feel-good fuel you need for the season ahead. This
vibrant bowl features quinoa, creamy avocado, tenderstem broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red
cabbage, zingy pickled onions, blueberries, olives, crispy kale, roasted chickpeas,
pomegranate, and pumpkin seeds—all finished with a refreshing squeeze of lime.
It’s not just lunch—it’s a bowlful of brain-boosting optimism. Rich in fibre, healthy fats, and
mood-supporting micronutrients, this dish is designed to energise your body and lift your
outlook

Think Piece of the Week

Article:

The New Science of Optimism and Longevity by Immaculata De Vivo et al.

This piece explores how optimism supports heart health, immunity, and longer life. Crucially, it shows optimism is a skill we can build - making it a practical tool for wellbeing.

Podcast:

The Business of Endurance Podcast – Episode: “Reframing Setbacks”

In this episode, Richard discusses how elite athletes and entrepreneurs alike use micro-reflection to cultivate optimism. Key takeaway: Resilience isn’t bouncing back- it’s bouncing forward with perspective.

Book:

The Power of Purpose by Richard Wright

Wright explores how optimism is often born from purpose – not the other way around. Backed by neuroscience on prefrontal cortex activation, he shows how goal-directed behaviour rewires us for hope. Perfect for professionals seeking more than just productivity

Next Steps: What to Try This Week

  • Positivity Pacing: Swap doomscrolling for a five-minute morning gratitude list. Boosts dopamine, sets a hopeful tone.
  • Bright Side Breaks: Step outside mid-morning. Sunlight increases serotonin, improves mood and focus – especially as days shorten.
  • Curated Connections: Make one new café or coworking intro this week. Optimism thrives in community (and coffee).
  • Future-You Friday:Schedule one small goal for next week today. It gives your brain something positive to anticipate.
  • Swap & Smile: Bring in a book or magazine to swap on our “Leaf Through Library” shelf - optimism loves a surprise!

 

You don’t have to do more - just more of what matters.

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”

 L.M. Montgomery

Home>Archive by category 'Category: Uncategorized'

As September rolls in like a new peloton stage, it’s the perfect moment to reset, refocus, and re-establish some rhythm. Whether
the summer scattered your work habits or you’re just feeling ready to recalibrate, we’re here to help you find your flow again—
without sacrificing flavour, flexibility, or your sanity. At The Hub & Spoke, we believe that productivity doesn’t have to be
punishing. And our membership programme? It’s designed for real life. Real people. Real coffee. Real results.

What’s Brewing at The Hub & Spoke
Membership Perks = Autumn Wins

This season, give yourself the gift of structure without the grind. Our members enjoy:
Flexible hot-desking or a desk to call your own
Discounts in the café (your matcha addiction just got more affordable)
Priority booking on meeting rooms & events
A real community to work, chat, and grow with
Whether you're in need of a weekday work reset or looking to completely break up with the
home office, our memberships are made to fit your life - not the other way around.
Come in, take a tour, and let us show you how a membership can help you stay on track this
autumn

Think Piece of the Week

Article: Help! It turns out breaks make you productive - The Guardian
Article:

"Help! It turns out breaks make you productive"- The Guardian

Instead of pushing through, aligning work with our brain’s natural rhythms - working in focused 90-minute intervals, taking movement or walking breaks and embracing afternoon rest - can boost creativity, productivity and reduce stress.

Podcast: Feel Better, Live More - “How to Make New Habits Stick”
Podcast:

Feel Better, Live More - "How to make new habits stick?"

A conversation with Charles Duhigg on habits, small wins, and mastering communication. Learn how connection, curiosity, and keystone habits unlock productivity, stronger relationships, and meaningful conversations.

Book: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan & Al Switzler
Book:

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan & Al Switzle

A guide to handling high-stakes conversations with calm and clarity, offering tools to navigate meetings, delicate chats, and team tensions with confidence.

Next Steps: What to Try This Week

Mini-habits that make a big difference:

  • Block your focus time: Use a tool like Motion or Google Calendar’s focus blocks to defend your deep work hours. Then bring that focus to our hot desks and see how much more you tick off.
  • Automate the small stuff: Try Zapier or IFTTT to cut out repetitive admin. Free up your brainpower for the big stuff and enjoy an extra coffee break guilt-free.
  • Upgrade your meetings: Book one of our rooms, connect via Zoom/Teams on our big screens, and run your next strategy session like a pro (no “can you hear me now?” moments).
  • Fuel your brain: Swap your third coffee for matcha or one of our protein-packed Spoke Bowls. Your future self (and your inbox) will thank you.
You don’t have to do more - just more of what matters.

Nothing will work unless you do.
— Maya Angelou

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Ever notice how the rhythm shifts at this time of year? The school bags are packed, the holidays are winding down, and there’s a
quiet sense of “back to it.” It’s a natural moment to reset: to refocus, to plan, and to give yourself and your team the space to
finish the quarter strong. A well-timed team meeting or strategy session now could make all the difference come year-end.

What’s Brewing at The Hub & Spoke
We’re Hiring!

We’re on the lookout for a friendly, hard-working café assistant to join our team. If you
know someone who loves good coffee, good people, and being part of a buzzing
community, send them our way!
Meeting Room Reminder
End of quarter is nearly here – which makes this the perfect time to bring your team
together, set priorities, and plan ahead. Our meeting rooms are filling fast, so get yours
booked early and give your business the space it needs to think clearly and act decisively.

Think Piece of the Week

Article:

"The Back to Work Economy: Why September is the New January" - The Guardian

A timely look at how the end of summer is becoming the real reset point for businesses, with productivity spikes, hiring surges, and new routines all kicking in as people return from holidays.

Podcast:

Focus on This - “How to End the Quarter Well”

Practical advice on reviewing what worked, resetting priorities, and finishing strong so you enter Q4 with sharper focus, renewed momentum, and a sense of closure on the quarter just passed.

Book:

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

A reminder that less really can be more—focusing energy on what matters most rather than spreading yourself too thin, helping you reclaim control, clarity, and impact in everyday decisions.

Next Steps: What to Try This Wee

Mini-habits that make a big difference:

  • Reset your space: Clear your desk at the end of the day – it gives you a fresh start every morning.
  • Back-to-school mindset: Try tackling your day in lessons (90-minute focus blocks) with short breaks in between.
  • Plan your quarter in one page: Boil down your top 3 priorities before September lands.

 

You don’t have to do more - just more of what matters.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting
started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small
manageable ones, and starting on the first one.
– Mark Twain

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Ever notice how work feels lighter when you’re doing something that plays to your strengths? This week’s reminder: lean into
what you’re good at and enjoy. Not every task will light you up, but when you intentionally carve out time to do the things that
energise you, the rest feels easier. Sometimes “finding you” is less about discovery, and more about remembering what already
makes you thrive.

What’s Brewing at The Hub & Spoke
Smoothies are stealing the spotlight!

Our new summer smoothie range has been a hit – refreshing, energising, and packed
with goodness.
Did you know? Research shows that people who regularly drink fruit and veg
smoothies report higher daily energy and focus levels, with one study suggesting it
can even boost productivity by up to 20%. (Turns out your five-a-day could be your
secret workday weapon.)

Think Piece of the Week

Changing your workspace sparks focus, creativity, and fresh business momentum.:

Book:

StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath

This bestselling guide helps you identify and develop your unique strengths. Instead of fixing weaknesses, it shows how doubling down on what you’re already good at creates greater impact. A practical tool for both personal and professional growth.

Podcast:

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos – “How to Find Your True Calling”

This episode explores why purpose and joy are linked, and how small shifts in what you
prioritise daily can lead to longterm fulfilment. Listeners say it’s both eye-opening and energising.

Article:

How to DoWhat You Love ” — Paul Graham

Paul Graham reframes ‘do what you love’ as a long-term pursuit. Shape your current role or
balance two jobs, guided by passion and sustainability, to build meaningful, energising work.

Next Steps: What to Try This Week

Mini-habits that make a big difference:

  • Swap your scroll for a stretch: Instead of checking your phone first thing, spend 3 minutes stretching. Your body (and inbox patience) will thank you.
  • Change your work soundtrack: If you usually play background music, try a lo-fi focus playlist or ambient nature sounds to see how it shifts your mood and concentration.
  • Block a “strength hour”: Choose one hour this week to do something you love or excel at – no distractions, no admin. Watch how it recharges your energy.

 

You don’t have to do more - just more of what matters.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way
to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the
only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs

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As summer edges out, it’s time to lean into new rhythms. Whether you’re looking to reset your workflow, escape the home-office blues, or simply reconnect with your business goals, The Hub & Spoke is here to keep you focused, fuelled, and flying.

What’s Brewing at The Hub & Spoke
Matcha: Your New Midday Superpower

Move over, double espresso - there’s a new green hero in town. Matcha isn’t just a trend; it’s packed with antioxidants, boosts focus and provides a clean, calm energy boost without the post-coffee crash. Come try one in the café- iced or hot.

Think Piece of the Week

Changing your workspace sparks focus, creativity, and fresh business momentum.:

Book:

Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

A fascinating (and slightly alarming) deep dive into why we’re losing our ability to concentrate and what we can do about it. Spoiler: it's not just your phone's fault.

Podcast:

Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal – “How to Make Work Feel Less Like Work”

Practical ideas from one of YouTube’s most thoughtful productivity creators. Expect honest talk on habits, motivation, and building a workweek you actually enjoy.

Article:

How Entrepreneurs Can Get The Most Out Of A Coworking Space – Forbes

Explores how shared workspaces aren’t just cost-effective- they’re creative catalysts and powerful networking engines.

Next Steps: What to Try This Week

  • Claim your free hot-desk trial and try a new rhythm.
  • Book a professional meeting space - perfect for September planning.
  • Order a matcha and skip the afternoon slump.
  • Strike up a conversation- you never know what a new connection could lead to.

 

You don’t have to do more - just more of what matters.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
—Vincent van Gogh

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This week we’re celebrating the official launch of our flexible membership programme - designed to give Rutland’s remote workers, freelancers, and small business owners a place to focus, connect, and thrive. Plus, we’ve curated a practical toolkit on boundaries, burnout, and doing better with less.

What’s Brewing at The Hub & Spoke
Memberships Now Live

Tired of working from your kitchen table? Our new membership options are designed around how you actually work — whether you're in once a week or need a full-time desk and a home for your team.

Three tiers. Flexible access. Café perks. Quiet spaces when you need them.

Book a free trial day and try the vibe before you decide.

Think Piece of the Week

This month we’re diving into how to do less, better. If your schedule feels full but your energy doesn’t, these are for you:

Book:

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg

McKeown
Learn how to separate what matters from what’s just noise — and build focus into your daily life.

Podcast:

The Mel Robbins Podcast –Burnout: Why You’re Feeling It and How to Fix It

A practical, honest discussion on how burnout really shows up and how to protect your energy before it’s gone.

Article:

The Power of Focus:Doing Less, Achieving More -Lajos Kovacs

True productivity isn’t doing more - it’s doing less, better. Focus, eliminate distractions, and prioritise high-impact tasks to scale your success with clarity and intention.

Next Steps: Try One Small Shift This Week

  • Block one focused work session at The Hub - no phone, no inbox. Just the big stuff.
  • Before saying yes to something new, ask: does this move me forward or just fill my calendar?
  • Trial a work/life boundary - a set finish time, a tech-free lunch, or one day per week offline after 6pm.
  • Invite a local collaborator to hot desk for the day with you - on us.

 

You don’t have to do more - just more of what matters.

“You have to decide what your highest prioritiesare and have the courage-pleasantly, smilingly,non-apologetically - to say ‘no’ to other things.”
— Stephen CoveyBenefits

Home>Archive by category 'Category: Uncategorized'

This week we’re diving into smarter productivity, AI tools that empower, not overwhelm and practical ideas formaking work feel less like work. There’s also news on flexible working, finance and wellbeing that could reshapesmall-scale growth.

What’s Brewing at The Hub & Spoke

Fresh breakfast menu alert! Try our new Hub Avo! Avo‑on‑toast with poached eggs and chilli flakes - great fuel for early-morning focus sessions.

Reminder: Private office space now available-drop in for a tour if you’re considering a next-level workspace upgrade.

Think Piece of the Month

Article: AI Chat Assistants: The New Secret Weapon for Small Business Productivity

A look at how AI tools are being adopted to reduce admin overhead and streamline customer service-small investments, big returns.

Article: Four-Day Weeks GainGround Among UK SMEs

Trial results show boosted wellbeing, sustained performance, and improved retention-relevant for small teams and hybrid operators.

Podcast: “How do businessleaders think about productivity?”

Explores leadership perspectives on productivity: what drives impact, how focus and culture interact, and key habits for modern organisations.

MonthNext Steps

Try One Small Shift This Month

MonthFeeling inspired? Here are a few easy ways to put these ideas into motion:

 

  • Try one AI tool for scheduling or writing-start small, like using ChatGPT or Motion to map your week.
  • Review your payment terms-are they as clear, fair, and firm as they should be? It could protect your cash flow.
  • Experiment with a compressed week- can you batch deep work into 4 days and gain back some headspace?
  • Reach out to a local collaborator-co-host an event, run a promo together, or simply share ideas over coffee.
  • You don’t need to overhaul your business-just a small adjustment can shift your momentum.

 

“It’s not always that we need to do more butrather that we need to focus on less.”
—Nathan W. Morris