News & Blog

Read the latest business news, blogs and thought leadership articles from our members, as well as updates on the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce's work in the city.

News & Blog

NEW INNOVATIVE REMOTE WORKING APP SECURES PARTNERSHIP WITH VILLAGE HOTELS

Posted: 26th November 2021

Swurf, a new venue sourcing app that connects remote workers with welcoming spaces to work in and aims to drive business to help boost the hospitality sector, has partnered with Village Hotels.

With the app driving additional revenue opportunities and remote working bookings to hotels, restaurants, bars and other hospitality venues, the unique partnership will enable Swurf to connect its thousands of subscribers to an initial 21 Village Hotels across the UK.

For the end business user, the app will seamlessly enable them to locate, book and access discounts from approved host venues that welcome them to work. With 24 million* employees working from home at least two days per week post pandemic, remote working is widely seen as the perfect antidote to the feelings of isolation, lack of interaction and disconnection many professionals experience when staring at the same four walls.

A key aim of the app is to help support the mental health of employees across a range of sectors, by encouraging them to utilise hospitality venues in their local area and reconnect with friends, clients or colleagues.

Nikki Gibson, who is founder and director of Swurf and has worked in the events and hospitality sector for over 20 years, commented: “We believe our innovative app is a real game-changer for the hospitality sector and what better business to partner with than Village Hotels. We know our subscribers will really welcome the vibrant remote working environment and professional facilities the hotel chain has to offer.

“Swurf is still in its infancy but is rapidly expanding across the UK as new subscribers and host venues come on board daily. Welcoming Village Hotels to the app provides a clear blueprint for other hospitality venues across the UK, that struggle to utilise and maximise revenue opportunities within its remote working spaces.”

From Newcastle to Southampton, Village Hotels has carefully selected the venues to be part of the partnership. The company has recently launched its VWORKs programme to reimagine and transform the remote working spaces within all 21 venues involved.

Jamie Hunter, VWorks Business Ambassador for Village Hotels, added: “Swurf’s entire ethos and aim to connect a growing community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, home and remote workers with hospitality venues like ourselves, makes them the perfect partner.

“Through our VWORKs initiative, we’ve invested heavily in transforming our venues into a really attractive alternative to home working. With more businesses needing greater workplace flexibility for their employees, our hotels are tailored to provide hot desks and private meeting pods through to collaborative presentation facilities. This is underpinned by the unique business community we’ve been able to create at every location via regular networking events and seminars.”

Hospitality businesses looking to partner with Swurf across the UK can do so online by visiting swurf.co, whilst employees can subscribe to the app for free via Apple App and Google Play stores.

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
Read more here