Sascha Lewin’s Post

At UKREiiF with team Innesco - amazing turnout, pavilion space bursting at the seams and a terrific buzz in the city of Leeds. Enjoyed two sessions today with Connected Places Catapult and The Instant Group: 🌟 Paul Westwood, Studio Director at RIOS, emphasises breaking down physical and mental barriers in new buildings, focusing on creating inviting, connected spaces, especially when it comes to ground floor activation - don't reach for generic F&B. An office building should no longer 'just' be an office building. 🌍 Eve Roodhouse, Chief Officer for Culture and Economy at Leeds City Council, discussed addressing poverty to boost productivity. 🏙️ Daniel Corradi Stevens, Advocacy and Communications Manager at Knowledge Quarter, highlights the need to open up cultural and knowledge centres to inspire youth and remove barriers in deprived areas, especially those historical centres that have (quite literally!) their back to communities. 📊 Shravan Joshi MBE, Chairman of Planning and Transportation for City of London Corporation, talks about the growing demand for high-quality, flexible office space. City of London buildings should no longer be viewed as glass and steel fortresses, they need to be multi-use and welcome diverse groups of people, not just those who work there. 🏢 Tom Almas, Chief Executive of Wizu Workspace, advocates for creating workplaces that attract rather than mandate attendance, focusing on productivity, mental health, and the shift to "space as a service." Workplace providers should be there as a strategic partner, office space is no longer a product. 💼 Charlie Foster, Head of Real Estate Investment Banking at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, explores the potential for alternative value drivers and more flexible and dynamic rent strategies to enhance investment viability. #UKREiiF #UrbanDevelopment #WorkplaceInnovation #CommunitySpaces #FlexibleWorkspaces #RealEstateInvestment #UKInvestment

Residential rental costs in London are now more than double the national average, and they’re still rising faster than most other parts of the country! It’s no secret that living in London is costly, but it seems like we’re finally reaching a tipping point of sorts. According to Hamptons, around 40% of London renters considering a move last year chose to leave the capital altogether, up from 28% ten years ago. But plenty of them are keeping their jobs in London, often switching to a hybrid working model that allows them to mostly work from home and take the occasional trip into the office. This puts a spotlight on the commuter belt – I’m certain we’re going to see more and more young professionals choosing to live outside of London if this trend continues. That’s good news for the cities, towns, and villages that makes up the commuter belt, but it’s also an opportunity for businesses. Previously, London was a clear favourite for an office space partly because of the size of the talent pool it exposes you to. But now, that talent pool is bleeding out into areas with cheaper office rental costs. That means places like Marlow and Maidenhead make more sense as a base for business than ever before, benefitting from good transport links to the capital and a growing local talent pool. Would you consider relocating your business from London, or is the capital’s draw still too powerful? #commuting #Maidenhead #Marlow

How do you get unstuck in your business or your project? There are times when it gets intense, and it is tough to think about what the following action is. I've been in and will be in this situation many times. A great example was when we ran a coworking space in 2016 by Euston Station in central London. After a good start, making sales and getting people in was tough. Because all these other shiny coworking spaces, run by that Adam bloke everyone was dribbling over, were opening up nearby. The competition was fierce, and even though we did everything we knew to do then, there's still more we could have done. We could have written more on our website, done more on social media, or done different events. But at the same time, we didn't know better. How could we? We were in the thick of it. Still, there was more we could have done. But you have to be kind to yourself when you're doing this and be very aware of self-care. I'm not talking about toxic, wanky, techBRO 'hustle 'n' grind'; I'm talking about being present, connected and paying attention. Look and dig deeper and see where those edges hide in the shadows you have yet to discover. 📩 Sharpen your coworking edge in 2 minutes a day. Subscribe to Bernie's Better Things for a daily, no-fluff, no-pitch newsletter — link in my profile. Have a remarkable day. Be careful out there. It is a jungle. #coworking #communityisthekey #betterthings #coworkinglondon #ukcoworking #coworkingspace #coworkingcommunity

An interesting report out of Philadelphia that highlights the numbers behind their downtown recovery and the importance that diversification has on the vibrancy of a city's core. It would be interesting to see how Calgary compares as we continue to make progress with the revitalization efforts taking place Downtown. I believe we'll witness some of the most significant changes in areas that host a concentration of office conversions, as well as corridors where efforts are being made by the City of Calgary such as Stephen Avenue, and 8th St SW, amongst others. In what areas do you see the most significant signs of progress taking place over the coming years?

Here’s my top tips for finding the perfect London office: 📍 NAIL THE LOCATION - It really is that important. Get it right and your staff will have an easy commute and work in a great area with the best bars and cafes. Get it wrong and they’ll resent coming in and will be desperate to get away again ✅ PRIORITISE - What’s the most important thing for you and your business? Do you need more desks, or do you need more space to collaborate and be creative? 🔢 MAKE THE NUMBERS WORK - What’s your budget? What’s a stretch and what will make things comfortable? Know this before you hit the streets… All a bit overwhelming? 🤔 Don’t worry, this is what we do… #Londonlife #London #Newoffice

We are thrilled to host #GCUCCanada at iQ Offices this year. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of flexible workspaces as we discuss the evolving dynamics in the Canadian market. 🇨🇦 Ben Wright will share proprietary insights from The Instant Group on current trends. Here's a sneak peek of what's in store: 📈 Flex Workspace Demand: From 2019 (Pre-COVID) to 2023, we have seen an impressive 22% surge in Canada. 📊 However, it's not just about the numbers; he will also shed light on how this demand has been "spiky" and unevenly distributed across geographic markets. 🗺 Location Strategies: Discover how workspace operators can navigate these changing demand dynamics and tailor their location strategies for success. Take advantage of this chance to gain invaluable knowledge and network with industry experts. Register now, and let's explore the future of flexible workspaces together! Registration link: https://canada.gcuc.co See you at GCUC Canada! 🌐 #GCUCCanada #FlexibleWorkspace #Conference2023 GCUC - Global Coworking Unconference Community

If you had a magic wand, what would you change about your coworking space? Everyone I speak to says some version of: 🪄"Bernie, if I had a magic wand, I would have more space!" In Carsten's 2023 Deskmag - The Coworking Magazine Global Coworking Survey 52% of people said they'd like to add more space to their coworking venue. Which for me is yet another indicator of the growing demand for coworking in the world, which is something I always hope for. People say they'd like to add things like cafés, gyms, helicopter pads, and a big one is always childcare. Pro-tip: ask early London coworking pioneer Shazia Mustafa about coworking and childcare. I was glad to hear people say they want a more diverse and inclusive community. The London Coworking Assembly often talks about environmental issues, like how to balance the cost of recycling and working together with the 32 London Boroughs where they are based. Some London Boroughs have incorporated coworking spaces into their economic and community development, while others are still adapting to the internet revolution. 🤷🏽♀️ Have a remarkable day. Be careful out there.  It is a jungle. #coworking #coworkinglondon #ukcoworking

Hybrid workers aren’t to blame for the urban 'doom loop'. That’s just one of the takeaways from Gensler’s 2023 City Pulse, which uncovers how hybrid workers are not abandoning downtowns, but are choosing to visit cafes, coworking sites, and third spaces at least some days they work from home. The report also explores how cities that appeal to workers, residents, and local visitors alike are the quickest to recover post-pandemic. To learn more, click the link below. #CityPulse2023 #GenslerDesign 

Here’s what’s been going on in Manchester’s property market 👇 ☀️ It’s tough out there at the moment however there is still opportunity and positivity in the market 🏙️ Manchester's office market continues to be resilient, with notable transactions and expansions across the city: 🤝 SafetyCulture, a global technology company, has expanded into a new 10,000 sq ft Manchester office at the iconic former 19th-century bank, Bond, with plans to accommodate over 100 team members as the company grows. 🏢 Schroders' Nick Montgomery sees opportunities in repositioning older, Grade B buildings to meet the demand for quality space, and is optimistic about the health of the real estate market, citing factors such as falling interest rates, controlled inflation, and regional growth in cities like Manchester. 💥Carter Jonas has launched a new office in Manchester, led by Harry Bolton and Matt Lee, as part of its expansion strategy in the North West, aiming to drive growth in Greater Manchester and the wider region with a multi-disciplinary property service team. 📊 Despite a slight decline in floorspace let year-on-year, Manchester's office market remains resilient, with a total of 50 deals completed in Q1 2024, according to analysis by the Manchester Office Agency Forum (MOAF). 💪🏼 Koba , known for creating premium, sustainable workplaces, is launching its first 30,000 sq ft UK venture at 100 Barbirolli Square, while Gilbanks has become the third tenant at No1 St Michael's, taking 34,000 sq ft across a floor and a half. 👉Manchester's neglected Lower Campfield Market is getting a £17.5m glow-up thanks to the government's 'Levelling Up' scheme, set to become a contemporary hub for growing media, creative, and tech firms. Stay tuned for more updates on Manchester's dynamic office market! ✉️ #Workspace #Manchester

🏢 Exploring New Office Spaces in Manchester City Center! 🏙️ Considering a new office space? Look no further than Manchester City Center! Here's why it's an excellent choice: 1️⃣ Vibrant Business Hub: Manchester is a thriving business ecosystem, home to a diverse range of industries and companies, providing ample networking opportunities. 2️⃣ Accessibility: With excellent transport links and a well-connected public transit system, getting to and from the city center is a breeze for both employees and clients. 3️⃣ Cultural Epicenter: Enjoy a rich cultural scene with world-class theaters, museums, and galleries, providing ample opportunities for team outings and client entertainment. 4️⃣ Diverse Talent Pool: The city hosts top-tier universities, attracting a talented pool of graduates across various disciplines, making recruitment a breeze. 5️⃣ Innovation and Tech Hub: Manchester is at the forefront of innovation, particularly in the tech sector, making it an ideal location for businesses at the cutting edge of technology. 6️⃣ Dynamic Networking Scene: The city hosts numerous events, conferences, and meetups, facilitating connections and collaborations with like-minded professionals. 7️⃣ Lifestyle and Amenities: Enjoy a plethora of dining, shopping, and leisure options, ensuring a great work-life balance for your team. If you're considering expanding or relocating, Manchester City Center offers an exciting environment for businesses to thrive. Feel free to reach out for more insights or recommendations! 🚀 #ManchesterBusiness #OfficeSpace #ManchesterCityCenter #iwg #iwgplc #spaces #regus On that note..... MANCUNIANS... What's your favorite hidden gem or go-to spot in Manchester City Center? Whether it's a cozy café, a unique boutique, or a quiet park, I'd love to hear your recommendations! #ManchesterDiscoveries 🏙️✨