The Morrama Adventure
As I understand it, Morrama was a company born as a work from home idea. After going a little cabin-fever-crazy it made its way into the lobby of the Ace Hotel. As clients came in, the need for space became greater. First hot desking and later upgrading to permanent desks at Somerset House gave the company instant legitimacy. The team grew and shrank but then grew again. Perhaps the odd photo of the courtyard may glamourise the actual office setting but still, very cool for impressing clients… initially.
Then Morrama Co-founder, Rob Bye @’d us in this tweet from Mills.
Loads of thought and talks about moving happened. Was it right? Were we right? Neef thought so which was great. Did we need the current space and facilities over an opportunity to be based with longtime favourite digital badasses ustwo? We all lived east, and we could be working in the Tea Building in Shoreditch. The balance was tipped, off to Ustwo Adv. it was.
We moved from one “creative” space to a very different other, originally for a better location and a refresh. Straight away, we realised that new group of people to be surrounded by would be really energising for the studio. When I say that I mean, old recipe Lucozade energy.
Initially, we were the people that made physical things. Surrounded by soft, service or digital companies* that did very different projects from us was odd but this was incredible for shaking up our creative juices. I think we have had some impact on other peoples juices too.
*ADV. are full so many different companies that range from sports nutrition, mental health, education, digital products and many more.
I’ve cringingly described the space as a (fucking) vibrant watering hole. One minute you’re talking about the worries of running a small business and then you’re talking about artificial intelligence ethics. Coworking promotes diverse conversation and for me, different ideas.
The beauty of cross-pollination is seeing people feel safe to take risks and not worry about being vulnerable in front of one another. This openness and transparency is encouraged by everyone. Regular emails sharing thoughts and supporting replies are seen weekly.
Something I’ve realised is that small businesses need small businesses. Obviously getting the corporate $monies$ is important for security but the knowledge that you can share/receive with other small businesses is pure gold. Simple water cooler moments that help you discover someone else is going through the same problem can really help with that anxiety.
It’s not just business, it’s work. Co-working can mean co-creating. Since we’ve moved to the Adventure floor we find our skills in high demand. Not only have we worked on 4 projects and counting with fellow adventurers but we’re a resource that ustwo teams use too. I can’t really talk about the projects (everyone is under a big mutual family NDA) but no one is close to being the same, which is amazing.
We’ve found moving to the floor incredible. The support we’ve got through our own projects like the Angle Razor or feedback on client projects is vast. The ‘vibe’ although a cliche thing to say, is a sense of community and new additions arrive from time to time expanding the knowledge pool even further.
So, if you’re thinking about taking steps to better your business perhaps you could join us here. The criteria is pretty simple.
Not a dick + Doing interesting work = Ustwo Adventurer ⛰️
(also not be too OCD)
There is some space currently, so if you’re in need of a desk and some support get in touch with our man Neef@ustwo.com to get the ball rolling.
