The Future Leap, Bristol’s sustainable business hub, has reopened from lockdown with a new co-working space offering a home to businesses, freelancers and charities interested in developing the green economy.
The Future Leap, operated by Bristol’s Future Economy Group, opened on Gloucester Road last year as a UK first, offering a ‘one-stop shop’ for all things sustainable from products to environmental consultancy. 
It was forced to close in March due to the coronavirus pandemic but has now thrown open its doors again with a mission to be central to discussions around building back better and greener just as the government is promoting green investment packages to promote the concept.
The new co-working space has 70 socially distanced desks as well as a room for event hire. There are also exhibition stands with green technologies accessible to all and a full service of sustainable consultancy resources on offer along with an ethical café and catering offer and a lifestyle shop with giveback initiatives.
The Future Leap is also home to sister company Future Economy Network, which brings together 12,000 sustainability minded individuals from across the South West – making it a hub for sustainability excellence in the region.
Future Economy Group founder Alan Bailey, who came up with the idea for the hub, said: “The government plans for investment in a green economy could not have come at a better time.
“However, more needs to be done to reach Bristol’s carbon neutral goals by 2030. We welcome businesses to the hub, to discover, innovate and collaborate on building resilience in our communities and to be inspired along their sustainability journey through one of the many services we offer.” 
In line with Bristol’s carbon neutrality target, cutting-edge air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems have been installed at The Future Leap, alongside water conditioning and carbon-saving technology.
Circular economy principles have also been used throughout the building – from carpeting made from dis-used fishing nets to chairs that were 3D-printed from crisp wrappers.
Future Economy Group has also ensured zero waste to landfill, with all original fixtures of the 1930s art deco building – formerly occupied by Maplins – being reused, upcycled and repurposed.
For more information about The Future Leap co-working space – or its other services – visit https://www.futureleaphub.co.uk/
For more information about the Future Economy Network or to attend its weekly knowledge-sharing events, go to www.thefutureeconomynetwork.co.uk
