Meet the Team: The People Behind Adapt Oxford

For Dana, the most exciting part of the new opening is simple: the people.

“I’m looking forward to creating a space where customers feel welcomed from the moment they walk through the door,” she says. With a background rooted in hospitality, Dana brings a people-first approach to flexible working, with the aim of creating a workplace that feels warm, personal and supportive.

“Workspaces should be about more than just providing a desk,” she adds. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable, inspired and connected.”

That hospitality mindset is central to the Adapt experience. From helping new members settle in to introducing businesses that could benefit from working together, Dana sees her role as helping create connections that make the workspace feel like a true community.

“The biggest compliment would be for members to recommend Adapt to other businesses because of the experience they have had with us,” she says.

Away from work, Dana brings that same sense of curiosity and enthusiasm to her own life, trying new things and continuously challenging herself. When she’s not planning her next travel adventure, you’ll often find her at a gym class or taking on a new personal challenge, such as learning to swim, and setting personal goals to keep herself energised.

Working alongside Dana is Community Assistant Shakira, who shares the same passion for creating valuable experiences for members. For Shakira, the excitement of launching Adapt Oxford comes from watching a new community take shape.

“Every business that joins Adapt brings new ideas, new perspectives and new opportunities,” she says. “Seeing those connections develop is incredibly rewarding.”

Outside the workspace, Shakira brings the same ambition to her own interests. Whether she’s keeping up with the latest fashion trends or getting lost in a good book, she enjoys discovering new ideas. Having travelled to Kenya, a destination she describes as “incredibly beautiful”, she appreciates the value of different cultures and new experiences, something she hopes members will also find through the Adapt community.

And if you ever need a local lunch recommendation, Shakira already has one ready! Turkish cuisine is her favourite, and she recommends Nef Istanbul as one of Oxford’s go-to spots for everything from a quick lunch to a relaxed evening meal. “It’s a great spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, and the food is always excellent,” she says.

Oxford was the natural next destination for Adapt. Known around the world for its academic excellence and business ecosystem, the city has become a hub for entrepreneurship and discovery, making it the perfect environment for organisations looking to start, scale and grow.

“Oxford is at the heart of innovation,” says Dana. “Its strong community of start-ups, scale-ups and established organisations makes it an ideal location for Adapt.”

Shakira adds that the move represents an opportunity to create a workspace that supports businesses at every stage of their journey.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming businesses from a wide range of industries who value collaboration, flexibility and being part of a network that encourages growth,” she adds.

Businesses today are looking for more flexibility; more support and more value from their workspace. At Adapt, a range of workspace solutions includes coworking, private offices and meeting rooms that can be adapted as businesses evolve.

“Businesses increasingly expect more from their workplace than four walls and a desk,” notes Shakira. “They want flexibility, premium facilities, exceptional service and opportunities to connect with other ambitious businesses.”

From entrepreneurs needing a professional base, to growing teams looking for a flexible office solution, Adapt provides a workspace that can grow alongside its members. “We don’t want people to feel like they are just sitting within four walls five days a week,” Dana explains. “We believe the best ideas often come from exploring, connecting with others and being open to new opportunities.”

All members at Adapt Oxford can take part in a programme of events, including networking breakfasts, wellbeing activities, leisurely lunches at The Oxford Factory, or wider ARC amenities, such as the adjacent retail park, a newly launched padel court, available to all members to get involved, alongside sports classes and social events that all provide opportunities for members to connect outside the workspace.

For Dana and Shakira, success over the next year will simply be measured by the strength of the community they create. “I’d love members to say Adapt Oxford is the best workspace experience they’ve had – not just because of the facilities, but because of the people, the service and the sense of community they feel every day,” explains Dana.

Shakira shares that vision.

“If members tell us they can focus entirely on growing their business because we take care of everything else, then we’ll know we’ve succeeded.”

Ultimately, Adapt is about creating somewhere people want to be; a place where businesses can grow, ideas can flourish, and communities can prosper.