Manchester will soon be home to the North of England’s first-ever exclusive ‘work club’, as the Ministry of Work launches its groundbreaking space for ambitious founders and business leaders.
Designed to serve as a transformational ‘third space’, the Ministry of Work is where Manchester’s top entrepreneurs can escape distractions, connect with like-minded leaders, and focus on personal and business growth.
Housed in a stunning 19th-century chapel that has now undergone a £1m transformation, the Ministry of Work is not your typical workspace or private members’ club. It’s a “carefully curated ecosystem of seasoned business owners and ambitious leaders who understand the value of collaboration, confidentiality, and intentional growth.”
Tech entrepreneur and exited founder of multimillion SaaS The Defence Works Eddie Whittingham is the man behind the new space, which he describes as “Soho House meets coworking, but exclusively for business owners.”
“Why am I opening Manchester’s first-ever exclusive Work Club?” Whittingham pondered to Prolific North. “Because they work, and I’ve seen how transformative they can be for the businesses — and business owners — who join them.”
The Ministry of Work claims to redefine the concept of a workspace by offering a ‘third space’ for entrepreneurs and leaders, away from the interruptions of the office and the distractions of home
A space, said Whittingham where real conversations that drive businesses forwards can happen: “This isn’t about desks or free coffee or free parking, although we’ve got those too. It’s about building a local ecosystem where the sole goal is to help you and your business thrive. It’s more work spa than workspace.”
Membership includes exclusive access to a distraction-free luxury workspace designed for focus and productivity, private meeting rooms set in a beautifully restored chapel, curated events and think tanks to stimulate personal and business growth, a carefully curated community of high-performing business leaders and of course the aforementioned amenities and free parking, making it a haven from the chaos of city-centre offices or the distractions of home.
The Ministry of Work is setting itself apart with a highly intentional membership model. Membership is strictly limited, and suitability criteria are in place to ensure the right mix of people in the community. “It’s not about being elitist,” Whittingham said. “It’s about creating an ecosystem that’s strong, focused, and valuable for everyone inside. This is where confidentiality is king, where Chatham House rules apply, and where there’s no hard selling — just real, honest conversations with people who get it.”
Over the past year, the Ministry of Work has organically attracted a very particular crowd: experienced entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders who need a space to escape the distractions of their daily environments and connect with other high-performers. The community prioritises quality over quantity, protecting the unique value of the space.
Work clubs are a rising trend in London, and Whittingham said he believes Manchester is long overdue for its own: “The idea of a work club is simple but powerful. It’s a space designed to help founders and leaders focus on the big picture — not just juggling the day-to-day, but thinking strategically and connecting with others who’ve been there before. This is about building the North’s most influential network, one high-performing leader at a time.”
The Ministry of Work opens its doors on 15th January 2025, with just 10 initial membership spots available and an initial five further spots available each month. The exclusive opening marks the beginning of a steady, invite-only process which the founder says will keep the community “intentional and valuable.”
