Seven years ago, Carla Wells had a vision that would reshape how professionals think about office space in Altrincham. What started as a single location has evolved into a thriving network of three premium flexible office spaces across Altrincham and Warrington, each one testament to Wells’ unwavering commitment to quality, community, and authentic business relationships.
As WorkSmart celebrates its seventh anniversary, Wells reflects on a journey that has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. “It feels truly special to be celebrating WorkSmart’s 7th anniversary,” she says. “The time has flown by, yet I feel incredibly proud and grateful to be here at this pivotal moment. It’s amazing to reflect on the journey so far and what a privilege it is to reach 7 years of growth, success, and community.”
The Foundation: Quality Over Quick Fixes
From the very beginning, Wells made a decision that would define WorkSmart’s trajectory: never compromise on quality. While many entrepreneurs might be tempted to cut corners in the early days, Wells took the opposite approach, investing heavily in creating spaces that would stand the test of time.
“Our fit-outs were always done properly – never on the cheap – because the decision was made to invest in quality from day one,” Wells explains. “That’s been a huge lesson. When you do it well at the beginning, the spaces still look fresh years later. They don’t date, they don’t feel tired, and that makes a big difference.”
This philosophy has proven prescient as Altrincham has continued to evolve around WorkSmart’s locations. The town’s remarkable growth and development over the past seven years has created a perfect symbiosis. “With Altrincham itself constantly growing and developing around us, I think we’ve managed to keep WorkSmart in rhythm with the town – stylish, welcoming, and built to last,” Wells notes.
The decision to prioritize quality from day one wasn’t just about aesthetics – it was about creating environments where businesses could truly thrive. In an era where remote work and flexible arrangements have become the norm, Wells understood that office space needed to offer something special to attract and retain clients.
The Secret Ingredient: Authentic Relationships
While many businesses focus on technology, processes, or scale as their competitive advantage, Wells has identified something far more fundamental as WorkSmart’s key differentiator: genuine human connection.
“I think the real key to WorkSmart’s success has always been the connection with people,” she reveals. “I’m very hands-on, approachable and fair, and I take pride in delivering a personal level of service that you don’t often find elsewhere – especially with the big corporates.”
This approach has yielded tangible results that speak volumes about client satisfaction. “That’s reflected in the amazing reviews we’ve had, we’ve built up so many five-star ratings over the years,” Wells says. “For me, it all comes back to relationships and a consistent level of service.”
In an increasingly digital world, this emphasis on personal service sets WorkSmart apart from larger corporate providers who may prioritize efficiency over individual attention. Wells’ hands-on approach means clients aren’t just renting space – they’re joining a community where their success matters to the person at the top.
Strategic Growth: Opportunity Meets Preparation
WorkSmart’s expansion wasn’t part of Wells’ original blueprint, but her ability to recognize and capitalize on the right opportunities has been crucial to the company’s success. In the early days, Wells worked alongside a business partner who had a keen eye for potential.
“My business partner at the time was great at spotting and exploring those opportunities, he’d come to me and say, ‘what do you think about this?'” Wells recalls. “I always had the final say, because I run the business day-to-day, but his input was really valuable. Expanding was never part of my original plan, but with his help feeding in opportunities and me making the decisions, we found ourselves growing into new spaces pretty quickly.”
This collaborative approach to growth – combining external perspective with internal decision-making authority – allowed WorkSmart to expand thoughtfully rather than reactively. It’s a model that has served the company well as it has grown from a single location to its current portfolio of three sites.
Learning Through Evolution: The Co-Working Experiment
Not every decision in WorkSmart’s journey has been straightforward, and Wells isn’t afraid to acknowledge when initial plans needed adjustment. One significant learning experience came from experimenting with co-working spaces alongside private offices.
“At the beginning, alongside the private space, I set up a co-working environment because I wanted that social, collaborative feel,” Wells explains. “But I quickly realised it came with a lot more admin – people coming and going all the time – and I realised quite quickly that it just wasn’t what I wanted.”
Rather than persisting with a model that wasn’t working, Wells had the courage to pivot toward what would become WorkSmart’s signature offering. “Now, I focus on creating private, stylish office environments where people can get stuck into work without distractions. That’s what WorkSmart has become known for, and it suits both me and my clients.”
This willingness to adapt based on real-world experience, rather than sticking rigidly to an original plan, demonstrates the kind of responsive leadership that has made WorkSmart successful. It also highlights Wells’ commitment to truly understanding what her clients need, rather than what she initially thought they might want.
Building Community Beyond Office Walls
For Wells, WorkSmart’s impact extends far beyond providing office space. The company has become deeply embedded in the local business community, both supporting other enterprises and benefiting from those relationships.
“Running WorkSmart has never just been about offices – it’s about people and community,” Wells emphasizes. “I’ve always believed in supporting other local businesses, and over the years that support has come back to me many times. I love being part of the community we’ve built.”
This community focus has created a virtuous cycle where WorkSmart’s success contributes to the broader business ecosystem in Altrincham. “When I meet new people and they say, ‘Oh, you run WorkSmart,’ it means a lot, because it shows we’ve created something that connects,” Wells reflects. “I’ll always champion others, and I genuinely believe when you put that energy out there, it always comes back to you.”
The Marketing Philosophy: Consistency and Authenticity
In today’s crowded digital marketplace, maintaining visibility requires both strategy and stamina. Wells has made consistent marketing a cornerstone of WorkSmart’s approach, but with a distinctly personal touch that reflects the company’s values.
“Consistent marketing has always been a non-negotiable for me,” Wells states firmly. “WorkSmart shows up on every channel, and all of our content is created in-house.” This commitment to maintaining direct control over the company’s voice and message ensures that WorkSmart’s marketing remains authentic and aligned with its values.
However, Wells is refreshingly honest about the challenges of marketing what might be considered a less glamorous product. “I’ll be honest, sometimes you feel a bit stuck. I’m not promoting some funky product; we’re talking about offices, there are days I think, ‘what else can you really say about office space?'”
The solution, Wells has found, lies in staying connected to the community and finding fresh angles. “But I always find an angle, usually by going out into the community and keeping things fresh.” This approach has helped WorkSmart avoid the trap of repetitive, corporate-speak marketing that can plague businesses in traditional sectors.
Wells takes particular pride in the authentic nature of WorkSmart’s social media presence. “All of our followers are genuine too, no bots, absolutely no shortcuts have been taken. That’s something I’m really proud of.” In an era where many businesses resort to artificial inflation of their metrics, this commitment to organic growth reflects the same authenticity that defines WorkSmart’s client relationships.
The key to effective marketing, according to Wells, lies in being genuine. “For me, it’s about being engaging, being real, being yourself, and showing both the highs and the lows. That’s what makes the marketing work, but consistency has been key from the very start.”
Multi-Channel Success: Instagram and LinkedIn
Wells has identified a winning combination in her social media strategy, leveraging different platforms for different purposes. “It’s a mix of Instagram and LinkedIn,” she explains when asked about the most important social media channels. “Instagram is great for local connections, while LinkedIn helps me reach a wider network, together they’ve been key to building genuine, lasting relationships.”
This strategic approach recognizes that different platforms serve different audiences and purposes, allowing WorkSmart to maximize its reach while maintaining authentic engagement across all channels.
The Human Side of Business Leadership
Despite WorkSmart’s success, Wells remains refreshingly honest about the personal challenges of putting herself and her business in the public eye. “Putting myself out there definitely feels easier on some days than others,” she admits. “There are times when I’ll record something and then think, ‘No, scrap that, that’s terrible’ and start again later.”
This vulnerability makes Wells more relatable as a business leader and reinforces the authentic approach that has become WorkSmart’s hallmark. “It really comes down to confidence and energy and you’re not always in that space. It’s about choosing the right moments. If I’m not feeling it, I don’t force it. I’d rather wait until the right energy shows up.”
Wells acknowledges that she’s been fortunate to avoid some of the negative aspects of online visibility. “I’ve been lucky not to experience trolling, which I know can happen to people who share online, so I’m grateful for that.”
Looking Forward: The Next Seven Years
As WorkSmart enters its eighth year, Wells has a clear vision for sustainable growth that builds on the company’s proven strengths while exploring new opportunities. “I’m really happy with where WorkSmart is right now,” she says. “I’m not chasing expansion for the sake of it, but if the right opportunities came along, I’d be open.”
The foundation for future growth lies in WorkSmart’s track record of successful property transformation. “I’ve already proven that our model – taking a building, redesigning it, and running it well – really works,” Wells notes with justified confidence.
However, Wells envisions a different approach for future expansion, one that reduces risk while leveraging WorkSmart’s established expertise. “Looking ahead, I’d like to roll out the brand by working in partnership with landlords on a management agreement basis – something I’ve already made a success of in Hale.”
This evolution in business model reflects Wells’ maturity as an entrepreneur. “In the early days, WorkSmart made all the investment and carried the risk, but the future is about landlords making that investment and us bringing the brand, expertise, and management to make it successful.”
For landlords with vacant properties, this represents an attractive proposition. “So if there are landlords out there with vacant buildings who want to explore WorkSmart in their space, I’d definitely be up for those conversations,” Wells explains. “For me, it’s about the right partnerships and the right buildings.”
Wisdom for the Next Generation
Wells’ advice to aspiring entrepreneurs reflects the hard-won wisdom of someone who has built a successful business from scratch. Her guidance is both practical and philosophical, emphasizing the importance of patience, passion, and realistic expectations.
“For anyone starting out today, I’d say this: if you’ve got a real passion for your idea, don’t rush it,” Wells counsels. Her own experience validates this approach: “I spent a good few years working on WorkSmart behind the scenes, waiting for the right opportunity and the right space – and that patience paid off.”
The warning about ego is particularly valuable in today’s entrepreneur-celebrity culture. “Don’t let your ego take over, and also know that it’s going to be really hard work,” Wells cautions. “I’ve had many days of being let down, and I’ve had to roll my sleeves up and get on with it!”
Wells is refreshingly honest about the gap between perception and reality in business ownership. “Running a business isn’t all what you see on Instagram – you’re doing everything, and ultimately the responsibility lies with you. It takes grit, resilience and determination to make a business truly work.”
A Legacy of Quality and Community
As WorkSmart celebrates seven years of success, Carla Wells has created more than just a profitable business. She has built a model for how flexible office space can serve as a foundation for genuine business community, where quality environments support professional success and personal relationships drive sustainable growth.
The company’s journey from single location to multi-site success story demonstrates that in an increasingly digital world, there remains tremendous value in authentic, personal service and unwavering commitment to quality. As Altrincham continues to evolve as a business destination, WorkSmart stands ready to grow alongside it, providing the kind of premium, community-focused office environment that modern professionals demand.
With three locations now serving ambitious professionals across Altrincham and Warrington, WorkSmart has proven that great places to work, prosper and network aren’t just created by chance – they’re the result of vision, values, and the unwavering commitment to put people at the heart of business success.
FOR MORE INFO ON WORKSMART
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Connect on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-wells-3568a417/
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