Introducing Alan Smith: A Multifaceted Entrepreneur

Celebrating 10 Years of Mantle Space at The Officers’ Mess: A Building Filled With History, Purpose and Community

Celebrating 10 Years of Mantle Space at The Officers’ Mess: A Building Filled With History, Purpose and CommunityRecorded at Hot Stories Business Networking – DuxfordVideography: Jamie Ellam Visuals | Photography: Jamie Ellam Visuals & Chris Hornby PhotographyEvery Hot Stories event begins with connection, purpose and community - and this month, it also began with a celebration. Mantle Space marked 10 years since taking ownership of The Officers’ Mess in Duxford, one of the most architecturally and historically rich business locations in Cambridgeshire. It was an honour to begin our event by wishing the entire Mantle Space team a very happy 10th birthday.The Officers’ Mess is more than a business centre. It is a building that carries nearly a century of stories, courage, innovation and transformation. And thanks to Mantle Space, those stories continue to be honoured every day. A Building With a 93-Year HistoryMark opened the morning by sharing the building’s extraordinary past. The Officers’ Mess is 93 years old, and its earliest stories began in the era of the Royal Air Force.Originally built as RAF officers’ accommodation, it housed the men who served across the Duxford air base. Every corridor and every room carried the energy of individuals preparing to fly missions and defend the country in critical moments of history.During the Second World War, in 1943, the building’s story expanded when American forces took over the facility. It became home to U.S. officers flying fighter missions in Europe. They would take off from Duxford, join bomber formations mid-route and continue across Europe on missions that shaped the course of the war.These walls have seen preparation, resilience, fear, brotherhood and sacrifice. They witnessed pilots walking out to the runway not knowing if they would return.Some of those stories remain known. Many remain untold.Today, Mantle preserves the memories through displays on the walls, photographs and historical features kept intentionally intact.Abandoned, Forgotten and RediscoveredAfter the war, the building shifted into a new purpose - used as storage for the Imperial War Museum. With time, it eventually fell into disrepair. Empty. Forgotten. No longer echoing the footsteps it once held.Yet even in its derelict state, the structure still carried its history with dignity.Ten years ago, that history was given a new life.Mantle Space Steps In - A £4 Million TransformationIn November ten years ago, Mantle Space acquired the building and began a remarkable restoration project.Over £4 million was invested into transforming The Officers’ Mess into a modern business centre while preserving its heritage.Old bedrooms became offices. Communal areas were redesigned into collaborative spaces. Historic elements were kept intact to ensure the building’s story continued into the future.The result is a stunning combination of modern business functionality and preserved historical character - a rare environment where innovation meets legacy.A Home for Businesses and CommunityToday, The Officers’ Mess serves as a thriving workspace filled with companies, professionals, creatives and innovators. It offers:• Bright, modern offices • Collaborative shared spaces • Networking spaces • Professional meeting rooms • A calm, inspiring environmentIt is a place where stories continue to be written - business stories, personal stories, and community stories.Hot Stories is proud to call this exceptional location one of our main homes. Update A Perfect Match for Hot StoriesIt is fitting that Hot Stories meets in a building that itself holds generations of stories. Every month, our community gathers here to share their personal journeys, business experiences, lessons learned and the motivations behind what they do.Just as the building holds the stories of officers, pilots and servicemen, it now also holds the stories of business owners, leaders, creatives and professionals making their mark today.Supporting Arthur Rank Hospice CharityAs always, Gemini Web Media is dedicating this Hot Stories season to supporting Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Their work ensures individuals and families receive the dignity and compassionate care they deserve.Our goal is to raise £1,000 in the next three months. If you wish to contribute, you can do so here:https://arhc.enthuse.com/pf/genimi-web-mediaBecome a Sponsor of Hot StoriesBusinesses that want meaningful visibility and deeper community connection are invited to explore our sponsorship opportunities:https://meetnew.business/Become-a-Sponsor-of-Hot-StoriesBecome a MemberMembership gives businesses more visibility through additional benefits and participation in our weekly Collective Advantage online network. Details are available here:https://geminiweb.media/Membership-PlansJoin Us at Hot StoriesWe host Hot Stories twice each month:• Second Wednesday – The Red Lion, Cherry Hinton (Cambridge) • Third Thursday – Mantle Space, The Officers’ Mess (Duxford) 10am–12pmEvery business with a story - and every professional who values truth, connection and community - is welcome here.Event ProfessionalsVideography: Jamie Ellam Visualshttps://www.jamieellamvisuals.com/Photography: Jamie Ellam Visuals & Chris Hornby Photographyhttps://www.chrishornby.com/