Finding a suitable location for their home-based start-up was always the plan for Peter and Von Hosking – but a toddler wandering into a sales pitch hastened the move.
Their marketing company Campaign Surge is among the first to capitalise on the opportunity to operate from the new UniSC Moreton Bay Launch Pad co-working space – a collaboration between the University of the Sunshine Coast and the City of Moreton Bay.
“For me, this decision to base our operations here was a no-brainer. UniSC Moreton Bay is a modern campus, and it sends the right message from our business – that we want to see the university and the region grow,” Mr Hosking said.
Mr Hosking says the University offers an ideal space to focus on building a national business, while tapping into the local innovation of a research and teaching institute.
“For me, this decision to base our operations here was a no-brainer. UniSC Moreton Bay is a modern campus, and it sends the right message from our business – that we want to see the university and the region grow,” Mr Hosking said.
“We are very invested in the Moreton Bay community and I’m excited to see what other businesses come into Launch Pad.”
He said the ability to collaborate with University students onsite was also a major drawcard, with plans underway to offer work-integrated learning placements at Campaign Surge.
“This area is becoming attractive to more people because the lifestyle is so good. You’ve got the bay at Redcliffe, rural areas like Dayboro and Samford, while Brendale through to Petrie is a great commercial centre with thousands of businesses,” Mr Hosking said.
Family was also pivotal to the relocation.
“As a startup, the tendency is to always be working so it’s been helpful to have a dedicated workspace, so you can then go home and be fully present with the kids,” Mr Hosking said.
“Before this, it was a home-based business. One day, during a client pitch, my son Frankie came in and was by my chair, trying to get my attention. I ended up letting him sit on my lap joining the call for a few minutes before my wife Von rushed in,” Mr Hosking said.
It was very much like the now-viral BBC moment, where two small children interrupted a live interview. And although Campaign Surge still gained a new client despite the disruption, they knew the time was right to find a dedicated office space.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said that locating a business within the university campus offered several opportunities for industry innovation and growth.
“We’re building a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem, where businesses can tap into our community of researchers and educators and connect with, and foster, new graduates,” Professor Bartlett said.
“We welcome businesses who are committed to making genuine contributions to the local economy, creating jobs and driving innovation to benefit the region for years to come.
“With Moreton Bay’s population projected to increase to 690,000 by 2041, UniSC will play a key role in supporting rapid workforce development by building the skills that businesses need across key areas such as engineering, information and communications, science, early childhood and aged care.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said Council was proud to support opportunities for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and innovators through this initiative.
“As a progressive Council we delight in innovators and a space like this gives businesses the opportunity to establish themselves in the City of Moreton Bay,” he said.
“ A collaborative space like this creates additional opportunities for investors and industry, and provides important local employment possibilities.”
UniSC Moreton Bay Launch Pad
The UniSC Moreton Bay co-working space is a hub for innovative businesses and entrepreneurs committed to contributing to the future of UniSC Moreton Bay, the Mill at Moreton Bay, and the City of Moreton Bay.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au