Neil Beecroft: Co-Founder PuraWorka

Personal Details:

Name: Neil Beecroft
Job: Co-Founder
Active in this profession since: 2017
Current workplace: PuraWorka CoWorking

7 Questions for Neil Beecroft

Tell us about your job!
Since 2017, as CoFounder of PuraWorka, I initially worked on the vision of the worklifestyle, and initially launched a pop-up coworking space in La Tzoumaz [Verbier – 4Vallées]. Shortly after, were were stocked to open the first CoWorking space in Zermatt with Sandrine Julen, initially at Hotel Admiral which then became Hotel ZERMAMA.

As B Corp* Leader, I encourage the way in which business innovation and sustainability can positively influence the organisational model of sports and the industry. I am also Head of the Omega European Masters and the NGO Sport and Sustainability International (SandSI). Recently, I achieved a certificate in disruptive innovation at IMD Business School and I am ready to blend this field with sustainability.

(*Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.)

What do you love the most about your profession?
I am to contribute to a positive disruption in the way people will work, sourcing a balanced lifestyle.

Why Zermatt?
We chose Zermatt as the destination for our coworking space for two main reasons: First, it is a wonderful destination in the Valais Alps. Second, we attach great importance to finding a healthy work-life balance. The opportunities up here are endless, from hiking, to mountain biking, skiing, yoga and even wakeboarding in the Schalisee… Our coworkers can work hard in the morning in our coworking space and enjoy the activities in the afternoon, or vice versa. The choice is theirs! The goal is to find a rhythm that suits every person.

In addition, the sustainability of Zermatt also impresses us with the electric vehicles, the magical car-free setting, and the love for nature and skiing. The overall image of the village fits perfectly with the values of PuraWorka and is therefore perfect as a coworking destination.

What’s your next big project, or which project means something very special to you?
The dream is to launch PuraWorka Bus / PuraKomida and PuraScuola. The names speak for themselves, we will reveal more in the months and years to come and look forward to giving birth to these projects.

In the meantime, we will launch a special campaign close to our hearts with Hotel Zermama and Hotel des Vignes, to provide full access to students to our coworking spaces in both Sion/Zermatt until the end of their school year (i.e. July 2021).

What’s your favourite thing to do to maintain your work-life balance in Zermatt?
When we come up to Zermatt, we try our best to go trail running in the beautiful nature and forest in direction to Furi where the Vita Parcours is. We should be better at Pura moments and ski/tour more, Worka has taken too much space until now. Yet, the Community aspect is key to our vision and mission and as soon as the Covid situation will allow, we will focus more on events (indoor / outdoors).

Was should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting Zermatt?
My favorite parts of Zermatt are the simple ones, hiking above Zermatt in the middle of the old and wooden chalets are just stunning and mind blowing. This is an activity accessible to all, the views and fresh oxygen, mixed with beautiful mountain colors will bring magic and joy to everyone.

For me, Zermatt is…
an inspiration, having written a book on the history of ski in Valais, I have researched a lot on the history of the resort. I believe that the [r]evolution of the worklifestyle will benefit Zermatt as a whole; together with Sandrine Julen, her father Mario and the whole Zermama team, we want to play a role and be part of it.