Meet the Client: Agora Talent

We caught up with Agora Talent to find out how the team are settling in to their new space at The Finsbury Business Centre.

Agora Talent is a start-up with a mission to deliver market-leading talent to the retail, consumer and leisure industries. It was launched in 2017 by three founders, Felix Meller, Gregory Wellman and Caroline Hart who have 30 years’ of industry experience between them. We speak to Greg about Agora and why he chose to set up his office at The Finsbury Business Centre/40 Bowling Green Lane.

Why did you choose to set up Agora?

We all had very successful careers with large corporate recruitment businesses but felt that we were becoming generic as opposed to a customer focussed expert adding real value. We have a deep passion for the Retail/Consumer industries and the chance to create a new brand with truly exceptional people within that space was a chance I couldn’t pass up.

How has the first year of business been so far?

I can’t believe we are nearing our first year-end, it has absolutely flown by. We started the business with next to no investment so making money quickly was the initial priority. We have since managed to achieve this and have been fortunate to partner with some great brands. Seeing the business grow even to the 4 people we have today and to also have the input of our Non-Exec Chair is really fulfilling. We will be adding to the team very shortly and now have the ability to really focus our offering to the marketplace.

What is the biggest challenge?

Time - without a doubt! What I would do for a pause button. It is very easy to get caught into delivery of the assignments without ever coming up for air and making sure the direction of the business isn’t compromised.

What was the reason behind your most recent office search?

We started the business from coffee shops in London and were nomadic for a number of months. Having gone from the same commute for 8  years it was really liberating to have that freedom and we learnt all about the best wifi spots in the city (Definitely Pret by the way!). However, we got to the stage of needing our own base where we didn’t have to talk over loud background noise. We also had people joining our team and you can’t have an intern having their work experience in a coffee shop!

How did you find your new office?

We must have looked at around 20 different office spaces and found the market to be a real minefield. We found a lot of the large co-working spaces to be a little corporate and soulless that didn’t really mirror our brand. Similarly, we needed the privacy of a truly private office without thin walls or glass so that we can have clear communication with our clients. Eventually we came across Workthere and told them about our requirements; they listened and advised that the Finsbury Business Centre could fit well with our business and culture.

What was it you liked about 40 Bowling Green Lane?

The Finsbury Business Centre instantly had a family feel, Hugh and Ian who run the centre have been so helpful making sure we have everything we need to have the perfect setting to grow our business. The location is great being so close to Farringdon and the work spaces are exceptional. The newly renovated balcony is one of the best terraces in London and a great place to meet our clients or work outside the sun. We will soon be asking if there is a bigger plot available as the intention is definitely to stay in the centre.

What’s next for Agora Talent?

Next for us is to onboard a couple of key hires late this year. We will then  get the chance to have a new website launch. We have also recently sponsored the RetailRecharged event in October and that is a very exciting tie-up.