Meet Rob Crawford: Helping Create a Welcoming Home for Businesses at The Robinson

If you’ve visited The Robinson recently, there’s a good chance you’ve already met Rob. Rob Crawford is our Business Centre Administrator, and is often the first person tenants, guests and visitors see when they arrive. His role in welcoming people on reception, supporting businesses throughout the day, is helping to create the friendly atmosphere the building is quickly becoming known for.

From booking meeting rooms and answering enquiries to showing guests around and supporting tenants day-to-day, Rob plays an important role in the experience people have here at The Robinson.

We recently caught up with Rob to learn more about his role, what attracted him to The Robinson and why community matters so much to him.

“No two days are ever the same”

For Rob, variety is one of the things he enjoys most about his role.

“I feel like a big part of my job is simply being there for people,” he explains. “That could be welcoming somebody on reception with a simple ‘hello, how are you’, helping tenants with questions, booking meeting rooms or showing new visitors around the building and telling them about everything we have to offer, as well as the history of The Robinson.”

As someone who is often the first point of contact, Rob said creating a positive first impression is incredibly important to him.

“I always want people to feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. I’ve always believed the little things matter and small interactions can really shape somebody’s experience.”

A role that felt personal from the start

Being “Blackpool born and bred”, Rob says joining The Robinson felt like a natural fit.

“I already knew how important this building is locally,” he says. “The idea of helping shape the future, and help to tell a new story for such an iconic building really appealed to me.”

The Robinson has been fully restored and reimagined as a modern workspace offering 44 private offices, six meeting rooms and modern co-working spaces in Blackpool town centre, the space has been designed to support business growth and Rob explains that he can really feel this.

“There’s such a positive energy around the building,” says Rob. “It genuinely feels like a fresh new chapter, not just for The Robinson itself, but for the businesses working here too. I also love my new nickname ‘Rob at The Rob’, it is like it was just meant to be.”

Building relationships and supporting businesses

Before joining The Robinson, Rob worked across a variety of customer-facing and administrative roles, including positions at Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds and within the wholesale sector.

Looking back, he believes those experiences helped prepare him for the people-focused nature at The Robinson.

“A lot of my previous jobs involved working closely with people every day,” he explains. “You quickly learn how important communication is and how much difference a welcoming environment can make. You can really feel relationships forming between tenants and businesses already. There’s a genuine sense of community, collaboration and support here, which is great to see.”

Bringing his values into the workplace

“Outside of work, I love to spend time outdoors with my partner and our cockapoo, Lola,” says Rob. “Whether we’re away in our camper van, walking along the coastline or taking part in beach cleans. Blackpool seafront will always be one of my favourite places, so if I can do my bit to help look after the environment while I’m enjoying it, then I absolutely will.”

That passion for sustainability is one of the reasons Rob feels such a strong connection to The Robinson, which incorporates environmentally conscious features including air source heat pumps, solar panels and low-carbon technologies.

“It’s great to work somewhere where there has clearly been a lot of thought gone into sustainability and the future,” he adds.

Creating a place where businesses feel at home

When asked how he would describe The Robinson to somebody visiting for the first time, Rob was quick to recommend.

“I’d say it’s professional, welcoming and community-focused. It is somewhere businesses can grow, connect and genuinely feel part of something.”

That sense of connection is something Rob helps bring every day. Whether he’s greeting visitors on reception, supporting tenants behind the scenes or introducing new businesses to the building, his approachable nature is already helping shape The Robinson’s story.

If you’d like to find out more about The Robinson or explore the facilities, get in touch with the team today.