The volume of freelancers and self-employed people in Portsmouth has undergone a massive rise, according to new data analysis from Southsea-based coworking studio, Port 57.
Port 57 examined the levels of freelance activity in the city on the business social networking site LinkedIn, combining that with the most recent ONS data. From 2022 to 2023, Portsmouth saw the number of self-employed people increase by almost 29%, going from 8,700 to 11,200.
A recent study revealed that 80% of workers feel that working from home harms their mental health, yet people continue to do so in vast numbers. This is having a detrimental effect on workers and society overall, according to Tim Ryan, studio manager at Port 57:
“No one wants to be stuck on the M27 or on a train commute to London unless they really have to, but there can be no denying that working from home can be either isolating or surprisingly distracting,” he said. “Sometimes you might not see anyone all day, which isn’t great for mental health, motivation or even productivity, which can improve when you are around other people. The long-term effect of these new isolated working habits on society is yet to be seen, but it instinctively feels like something that should be addressed before it becomes a problem.”
Based on Albert Road in Southsea, Port 57 provides a working hub for freelancers and employees across the city. With the number of people in employment in Portsmouth also increasing (from 110,000 in 2022 to 120,000 in 2023), it’s clear that there are more people working in Portsmouth than there have been in years.
Many workers are now employed in a hybrid capacity and only go to the office a few times a week. Yet for those that don’t want to work alone or prefer to leave the house, there aren’t enough options.
“Whether it’s a freelancer working for themselves or a company employee that simply doesn’t want to spend the day alone, people need supportive places to work,” continued Tim Ryan. “Retailers are struggling too, and coworking spaces like ours bring new customers to local businesses during lunchtime and after work. It’s a win-win for residents and the city’s economy.”
“We always welcome new people at Port 57. Our members benefit from a friendly space with a great atmosphere that’s still quiet enough to work. Freelancers regularly pass leads and collaborate on projects together, and remote workers get to enjoy a dedicated space for their day with reliable business infrastructure, friendly faces and social events that simply don’t exist at home. As we enter a new era of working habits, the city needs more spaces for people to work. We would love larger premises for Port 57 to provide even more resource for residents and visitors to work, meet and create exciting new projects, but it requires support from the council and community, as well as businesses like us to make it happen.”
“Our members work in a wide variety of fields. We have freelance designers, software developers, PR specialists, accountants and start-ups working with AI and defence to name a few. However, the conversations tend to be the same. People need a separation between work and home, and Port 57 provides something that a home office or coffee shop simply can’t provide.”
