A BUSINESSWOMAN has set up Bewdley's first ever co-working space after starting a new life in the town.

Angela Allison has launched the new venture called Bewdley Coworking, which offers space for people to work, either alone or in teams.

Co-working spaces are often found in large cities, but Angela saw the potential for such a scheme in Bewdley after moving to the town in January 2020.

Angela refurbished the former St. John's training centre on Lax Lane to create the space, which includes desks, internet, air conditioning, parking and outside lunch space.

The new business comes after Angela chose Bewdley as a new home to embark on a fresh start, after living in Cheshire for 30 years.

Angela, aged 58, said: "The space can be used by people who work from home and want to get out and meet people, or maybe people who are in Bewdley for a trip but need somewhere to work."

Angela previously worked as a teacher and for years in a electronics business before deciding to take on a new project inspired by her experience of co-working and hot desking in Manchester.

She said: "You have to take on these challenges and keep on moving forward. I'm very happy in Bewdley, moving here is the best thing that has happened to me."

Lockdown meant she did not have a chance to meet new people when she first arrived but the venture has offered her the chance to get stuck into the community.

She added: "The people are so nice and friendly, they have been very welcoming."

Angela has also had to work with the challenges caused by a long-term neurological condition after she was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease in 2006.

She explained: "Living with long term conditions like Parkinson’s does not define you, or stop you in your tracks. You can do anything you want.

"I hope this shows you can do anything you want to do."

Bewdley Coworking is open now on Lax Lane, opposite Jubilee Gardens, with space available to rent or pay as you go.