The Workshop Folkestone: migrating from OfficeRnD to reclaim time and efficiency

 

The challenge: when software adds to the workload instead of reducing it

For Lisa Highton, Manager at The Workshop, the struggle wasn’t a lack of members—it was a lack of support from her previous software, OfficeRnD. As a solo operator, she needed a system that acted as a silent partner, but instead, she faced recurring technical glitches and a rising price tag.

There were certain bits of the system that just kept not working for us. Things like the events—the system wouldn’t allow us to sell a ticket. It was basic stuff. Then they tried to put the cost up, and for an independent business, it just wasn’t going to work.

Lisa Highton

Manager at The Workshop Folkestone

The manual burden was immense. Meeting room bookings arrived via email, maintenance issues were scribbled on scraps of paper, and the "community" aspect was hindered by the lack of a dedicated mobile app. Lisa needed a change, but like many operators, she feared the migration process.

 

The solution: a seamless migration from OfficeRnD to Spacebring

Many coworking operators stay with subpar software because they dread the "migration nightmare." The Workshop proved that with the right partner, switching is simple. The transition to Spacebring was completed in less than a month, even under a tight deadline.

 

How Spacebring simplified the transition:

• Structured onboarding: Every training session was booked in advance, allowing Lisa to fit the setup into her busy day-to-day.
• Intuitive interface: Unlike her previous experience, the system "just worked," giving Lisa her faith back in property management tech.
• Flexible terms: Spacebring’s commitment to flexibility—avoiding the long-term "lock-in" of competitors—gave the business owners peace of mind.

The thought of changing filled me with dread. I’m one person doing everything. But Spacebring made it very easy. The meetings were straightforward, talked through step-by-step, and it actually did what it said it would do—which doesn’t always happen.

Lisa Highton

Manager at The Workshop Folkestone

 

The results: 90% self-service and a digital assistant for maintenance

Since the switch, The Workshop has seen a massive shift in how members interact with the space. The burden of "micro-managing" the building has been replaced by automated workflows.

• 90% self-service bookings: Members now book, pay for, and edit meeting room reservations through the app without needing to email management.
• Smart ticketing system: By placing QR codes around the building, Lisa encouraged members to report maintenance issues via the app. This ensured nothing was forgotten and allowed Lisa to manage the building even when off-site.
• The power of the admin app: Lisa no longer needs to carry a laptop everywhere. From checking who is in a meeting room to responding to urgent requests, everything is managed from her phone.
• Community engagement: With a working event ticketing system, the space finally has a reliable way to sell tickets to both members and the public.

 

Results at a glance

• 90% of bookings are now self-served via the member app.
• 100% automated payments and invoicing, reducing accounting errors.
• Migrated from OfficeRnD in 1 month with zero downtime.
• Solo manager support: The ticketing system acts as a "second staff member" for maintenance and support.

 

Looking ahead: building community without the admin fatigue

By removing the "niggles" of invoicing and booking management, The Workshop can focus on its real mission: collaboration. The system doesn't just manage desks; it facilitates the relationships that keep members coming back.

The help function has been a surprise—it’s instant. If you have a little niggle on an invoice, you get a response immediately. It doesn't feel like a customer service 'tick-box'; you actually feel listened to. For any independent venue, that personal approach is invaluable.

Lisa Highton

Manager at The Workshop Folkestone

The Workshop Folkestone is a prime example of how a solo-managed coworking space can scale its professional image and operational efficiency by choosing a platform that prioritizes user experience over complexity.