Republic of Work CEO discusses working life after opening new hub in Tipperary

When your Board meeting can be chased by a quick paddleboard, and when blue sky thinking means actual wide-open skies on your doorstep, you know you’re doing something right.

With high speed connections, great rail and bus routes and all the structural resources necessary for running a business, working remotely in Tipperary frees up time for the ultimate work life balance.

Frank Brennan knows all about the benefits of remote working.

He is the CEO of Republic of Work which brings a totally modern take to how we put in our days, providing co-working spaces for all sorts of work needs.

They also provide a cohesive support structure to help startups and businesses get on their feet, empowering business innovation which brings an added advantage to rural entrepreneurs.

Over a year ago they set up a coworking hub and innovation space in Clonmel which Frank says was the ideal spot for accessing remote work spaces.

He explains that people come from all around the county to connect, have meetings and get some productive work done: "People are more conscious of their time and making it impactful so we are finding that they will get a day pass to travel from the countryside to Clonmel, fit in some meetings and lunches, before heading home. It gets all their boxes ticked and brings in business to the town. Everyone wins."

"The facilities in Clonmel are just what’s needed for the town," says Frank.

"We’ve dedicated connections going into the building for our customers. Tipperary County Council were absolutely incredible, they fast tracked everything and had a line in so we were ready for operation."

"Clonmel is a bit of a micro ecosystem with multiple business types and amazing structures and support for companies getting set up. Great services, great support, great LEO, great County Council.” The benefit of the hubs is that they can be used flexibly but still have lots of advantages thrown in: "Businesses don’t have to think about what kind of lease to take to accommodate a growing business, setting up the fibre connection or the coffee machine: with a work hub, you have all the facilities and amenities with access to a network and community."