Runway East Member Spotlights: Afin Bank at Runway East Birmingham

‍Innovation in the Heart of the West Midlands

What happens when a fast-growing FinTech disruptor needs a home in the UK’s Second City? For Afin Bank the answer was Runway East Birmingham. The team has turned their office into a "Center of Excellence," leveraging the energy of the city to scale at pace.

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Who is Afin Bank?

Afin Bank designs banking and mortgage solutions for everyday people in the United Kingdom. From the big life decisions to the smaller day-to-day bits and bobs, the team at Afin Bank makes it simple, giving you confidence and support when you need it.

A Launchpad for FinTech

Afin Bank isn't just a tenant; they are a community success story. Starting in a smaller space on the 6th floor, they utilised Runway East's inherent flexibility to move into a larger space as their team of 20 expanded.

Nicola Tunney, Chief Operating Officer, explains:

"Runway East works really well for our team. The flexibility allowed us to grow really quickly and effectively. We’ve got 24/7 access, and it supports our hybrid working model perfectly."

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Beyond the logistics of Wi-Fi and cleaning, Nicola highlights the "energy" of the space:

"From the minute you come through the door, you feel part of the community. Everyone who walks in says, 'Aren't you lucky?' It’s a professional environment with a lot of new starts and energy."

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The "Easy" Factor

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The "boring stuff" is handled, but the community perks drive the ROI. Nicola notes that the team has actually hired a new staff member through a casual conversation with another business in the building. Between the "Whisper" meeting room for deep focus and the reception hub for morning huddles, the space is designed for both productivity and serendipity.

As a fast-moving startup, flexibility is the ultimate currency. Our Birmingham members emphasise how the building’s infrastructure supports long-term success:

• Seamless Scaling: The ability to scale space as a team grows without moving buildings is described as a "total game-changer".
• Culture-First Workspace: With Friday drinks and regular social events, the office becomes a destination the team actually wants to visit.
• Operational Ease: An on-site community team that manages everything from cleaning to coffee.
• Site Perks: Enjoy our rooftop terrace, dog-friendly environment, and 24/7 access to ensure your business never hits a pause button.

The Neighbourhood Guide: Birmingham Life

Located in the iconic Arca Building, the office sits directly adjacent to St. Philip's Cathedral (the "Cathedral Square"). For Nicola’s team, the location is a dream:

• Transport: A short walk to Snow Hill Station and New Street Station, with immediate access to the city’s tram and bus networks.
• Lunch & Socials: While Nicola admits she often works through lunch, her team frequents the local vibrant food scene. They recently hosted a team social at a nearby Lebanese restaurant to cater to their diverse dietary needs.
• After Hours: The team celebrated at the Runway East Summer Party on the open terrace and enjoyed on-site cocktail-making classes.

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Ready to see what your next potential Birmingham office space looks like? Book a tour with Runway East today!

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