The first of the year’s Flexible Space Association (FlexSA) Roundtable Meetings has taken place in Leeds, a city leading the way in increased demand for flexible office space, according to data from The Instant Group. The industry event was held on Wednesday, February 22, with an attendance of 15 local industry professionals.
Leeds is poised for a bright future for office flexibility, as serviced offices account for more than 15% of all commercial deals in the past year, and businesses are increasingly looking for more flexible ways of working.
Leeds boasts a strong concentration of technology, health, financial, and creative professionals and has a thriving economy worth £21 billion, growing by 34% in the last decade. With over 25,000 businesses and the highest ratio of private to public sector jobs among major UK cities, Leeds is a hub for commerce and opportunity.
Prior to the pandemic, FlexSA regularly held roundtable meetings around the UK before moving them online. This year, the organization is returning to a full program to bring together people working for member companies in different regions.
The meetings offer the opportunity to make connections with others in the flexible workspace sector, to discuss matters of shared interest, and ask for others’ experiences and approaches.
“We understand the value of face-to-face connections and interactions, and so have consciously returned a host of regional roundtables to the broader events schedule to give our members the opportunity to connect on a more local level,” said Jane Sartin, Executive Director of the Flexible Space Association.
“It was a great experience to gather in Leeds, which is a true center of innovation in the flexible space industry. During the event, we talked about the latest trends and challenges in the industry, and participants exchanged ideas and share best practices for the mutual benefit of everyone,” added Sartin.
Flexible Space Association members Wizu hosted the Leeds Roundtable at Wizu Park Place. The group also took a tour of serviced offices run by Orega in nearby St. Paul’s House.
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ABOUT THE FLEXIBLE SPACE ASSOCIATION
The Flexible Space Association (FlexSA) is the voice of the flexible workspace industry. It is the professional trade body for flexible workspace, with the remit to support, promote, and represent this vibrant industry.
Its members comprise the operators of serviced and managed offices, coworking space, business centers, workshop units, and virtual office providers. FlexSA speaks on behalf of the industry, working to ensure it has the conditions needed to thrive. It provides information and support to its members and provides opportunities for them to come together.
