Flexible workspace provider opens first UK-based franchise centres as part of global growth strategy

Global workspace provider Regus will open its first UK franchise centres in Huntington and London

Part of IWG plc, Regus is set to open its first UK franchise centres following deals with franchise experts, ACCA Office Ltd and SME Properties Ltd.

The partnership with ACCA Office will see a new centre opening in Huntington, Cambridgeshire, while the collaboration with SME Properties means a new centre in Southgate, London.

Julian Chambers, head of franchise development at Regus, said: “We’re delighted to see Regus’ partnership with ACCA Office Ltd and SME Properties Ltd take off. Projections show that 30 per cent of corporate real estate could be flexible workspace by 2030, up from 2 per cent today.

“This makes the flexible office market a very exciting franchise opportunity, partnering with Regus gives business owners who want to invest and develop the ability to participate in the growth story and take advantage of this increasing demand.”

Located in Cambridgeshire, Regus Huntington is part of a broader commitment to develop 10 new premium Regus centres over the next four years.

The new centre at Ermine Business Park will offer state-of-the-art office space for businesses in the local area, and for those travelling to Cambridgeshire. The newly refurbished two-storey space will host private offices and coworking spaces alongside a number of expertly styled meeting and interview rooms.

Meanwhile, the newly configured centre in London will offer state-of-the-art office space for businesses of all sizes. Occupying a prime high street location with a range of shops and bars right on its doorstep, the new space will also have all that a modern coworking office needs.

Steve Holloway, UK network development director at Regus, said: “It’s an exciting time for the UK flexible office market, and this milestone in these two partnerships are a sign of the exciting opportunity for landlords to capitalise on the flexible working trend.”

Franchising is now set to become a key element of Regus’ growth strategy. The franchise currently operates more than 3,000 flexible workspace centres globally, with more openings planned in the UK during the coming months.