Have you ever wondered who makes up Team SpacetoCo? Behind our incredible software is a bunch of awesome and hardworking people who love to help Councils and community venues thrive. We've had the privilege of getting to know so many of you through our partnerships, but we'd love for you to get to know us too!
Up first, say hello to our fearless New Zealand managing director and improv extraordinaire Elle Bell ✨
Where are you from and where are you based?I'm originally from the UK but I moved to New Zealand in 2017 and now live in Auckland. The weather is much better and I've become a total wimp with the cold!
What do you do at SpacetoCo?
I'm our New Zealand Managing Director - I founded the company here in 2019 when I wanted to solve my own problem - of how hard it is to find and book community spaces! I also look after our Marketing Department and Customer Growth Team
What's the best thing about working at SpacetoCo?
Our amazing team. Everyone is fantastic to work with, cares about our purpose and we have a lot of fun together.
Favourite local venue?
I know I shouldn't have favourites, but I love the Kete Aronui rehearsal spaces that are on our site. We've been working with them since 2020 to support their mission of increasing access to affordable dance and rehearsal venues and they have grown so much - even creating a new theatre space for the local Onehunga community. Plus I use their spaces frequently for improv classes.
What do you do in your free time?
I perform improv comedy at Covert Theatre and with a troupe called 'This Might Get Weird.' I started taking improv classes to get better at dealing with the uncertainties of starting a new business but fell in love with the creativity and community it brought me. I'm also a playwright and have had plays performed in NZ and the US.
L-R: Elle with an ice cream, Elle and her improv comedy troupe at Covert Theatre, Elle performing improv and Elle and her husband Phil
What's your life hack tip?
If you want to keep luggage weight down when travelling to a cold place, go straight to an op shop at your destination and buy a couple of big jumpers for a few dollars. At the end of the trip re-donate them. That way your travel is cheaper and you're giving back to local charities!
What's number one on your bucket list?
To finish writing my current play about the life of Freda Du Faur - the first woman to climb Mt Cook and see it performed.
What's a book, podcast or movie you would recommend, and why?
My top 3 movies are very British! 1. Sound of Music, The English Patient and Brief Encounter. Just classic films that I keep returning to.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I cannot hold a note, so Savage garden songs tend to be pretty easy to get away with like Truly Madly Deeply.
What are you most grateful for in life?
My husband Phil. He unconditionally supported me to set up SpacetoCo, which was amazing in the early years when we were unable to pay ourselves. He continues to be my biggest champion for everything I do.
Told you she was awesome! Stay tuned for our next interview with our social media queen, Carmela Makalio 😎