News / By Fire Up / 17th July 2025
For local entrepreneur Gavin Reynolds using Fire Up Co-working space has made a big difference. Since starting his specialist recruitment business ALF Recruit in October 2024, Fire Up has become much more than just a place to work, it has helped him grow, connect with others, and feel part of a community.
Building a Business with Purpose
Gavin’s company focuses on recruitment across finance, accountancy, financial services, and business support. Starting solo, he quickly realised the value of having a professional base. “I thrive being part of a business space,” he says. “Home offices work for some, but I get more out of working from a base, and Fire Up gives you that.”
Initially renting a hot desk, Gavin appreciated the cost-effective setup, ideal for a startup watching its overheads. “It was professional but affordable,” he explains. “And the flexibility of the contract, just a three-month notice, made it a no-brainer.”
Growing his Business
In just ten months, Gavin’s recruitment company outperformed its initial targets. He’s already grown to a team of three and is planning to expand further. Starting out with a hot desk at Fire Up, he soon moved into a private office space and is now considering a larger space to support the team’s continued expansion. This is a good example of how Fire Up was able to meet Gavin’s evolving business needs.
With 35 five-star Google reviews, Gavin’s commitment to quality is clear. “It’s all about relationships,” he says. “People skills and delivery matter more than technical aspects. If you get the detail right, the bigger picture comes together.” And Gavin remains grounded “There’s never a stage where it’s complete,” he says. “You just keep turning the wheels, keeping standards high, treating customers well, and building your reputation.”
Gavin Reynolds
A Space That Stands Out
Fire Up’s location is perfect. With Rochdale train station just two minutes away, Gavin notes, “You can leave your desk at 9:20am and be in Manchester by 9:45am.” Add secure, well-lit parking and a welcoming atmosphere, and it’s clear why the space leaves a lasting impression. “I don’t think I’ve met anyone who’s visited and hasn’t said: this is a great space.”
The meeting rooms are another standout feature. Whether hosting clients or conducting interviews, Gavin finds them “very useful” and professional. And the office pods offer privacy when needed, especially for calls or focused work.
Collaboration and Community
One of Fire Up’s most powerful assets is its community spirit. Gavin shares space with another recruitment firm Bayman Atkinson Smythe (BAS) and rather than rivalry, there’s camaraderie. “We’re doing an AI course together next week,” he says. “It just shows there’s room for everyone.”
He’s also attended events like ‘BGH Match’, which is actually where he first came across Fire Up in a networking event and has since attended sessions on well-being in the workplace. Alongside this, Gavin is also planning to attend upcoming events such as ‘Making Tax Digital’, Gavin noted that he finds these events valuable for networking and learning. “You make connections and take something away from each one.”
Final Thoughts
From the character of its setting to its modern amenities, Fire Up Rochdale has been “absolutely perfect” for Gavin and his team. With the right mix of flexibility, collaboration and business support, Fire Up is helping local entrepreneurs not only get started but truly thrive in business.