Andrew Cribb | Spaces for Public Good

Tell us about 3Space! What is the mission and how did this come about?

We (Andrew Cribb, Henry Mason and Harry Owen-Jones) started 3Space in 2010 as a direct response to the increase in vacant commercial premises brought about by the financial crisis and changes in the way we work and shop. There was, and still is, a glut of empty commercial property which could be put to better use by the community. Cities like London were rapidly losing their affordable space, which is where innovation and creativity happens. It also provides a home for important civil society infrastructure.

To solve this, we found that empty buildings could be quickly put to use in a way that would benefit landlords as well. 3Space also has an environmental mission. We believe that the greenest building is the building that already exists. Our mission is show that an alternative path to economic growth exists by repurposing existing buildings and providing opportunities for local communities.

What does your BuyGiveWork initiative involve? How do your tenants contribute to this? 

BuyGiveWork is our cross-subsidy operating model and service that results in space being given away when space is bought. Rent from those buying goes to providing space for diversity, inclusiveness and innovation, and to supporting those who are too often priced-out of cities. All tenants have the opportunity to work, learn and interact with 3Space’s Give Hubs. Each ‘Buy’ employee dedicates an hour of their time a month to supporting others in the building, often through skill sharing, attending an event or mentoring – activities which are coordinated by 3Space.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

We have a clear purpose and mission which makes it easy to enjoy my job. It is very challenging at times, but the results make it worth it. For example, we provided affordable space for a start-up that was just a two-person business when they rented space from us six years ago. This year they sold for £25 million.

Or another example is we provided a free of charge studio space to a scientist who has just secured $4.5 million for his startup, working on the sustainable future of cotton farming. Then there are hundreds of non-profits who have started or increased their impact from having access to free of charge space. Such as the Restart Project, who have a fantastic mission to save wasted electronics from landfill. It is great to see the impact of these organisations and the benefit to communities.

What does entrepreneurship mean or look like to you?

For me it means remaining flexible and being open to continual change. We have made multiple changes to our business model and gone in many different directions to meet the changing needs of our clients. When we started 3Space, we didn’t expect it to have interest from so many different audiences and we have had to continue to make sure we’re ready for what comes next.

What is one skill you couldn’t live without and why?

Communication. I wouldn’t say I’m great at it! However, it is so important to be able to explain and put forward your proposal in a way that people can relate to or understand quickly.

Do you have any advice for future entrepreneurs?

Stick at it! Any idea which has a sustainable business model behind it, and which is doing something meaningful takes a lot longer to establish than what you would expect. However, it is worth it in the end so keep going.

Can QUT alumni, visiting or traveling to London, drop in to say hi?

Absolutely! Or when I’m not there, we can catch up in Melbourne.

Do you have a question for Andrew? Connect with him on LinkedIn.