Flexible workspace provider IWG is aggressively expanding its franchise network across Australia and New Zealand with a mega goal of up to 150 centres.
Inaugural sites are planned for Tasmania, and the business has identified regional pockets for development across New South Wales and Queensland.
The New Zealand strategy will focus on partnering with individuals and groups to cement its brand and services in major cities, such as Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
Mark Bhardwaj, head of partnership growth at IWG ANZ, said the business aims to add 30 centres each year for up to four years in Australia and 30 centres within the four year period in New Zealand.
“All numbers are for locations outside the core CBD areas in both countries and do not include company run centres,” he said.
IWG has been providing business solutions for 30-years, operating locations in city and town offices and transport hubs. Client options range from coworking facilities booked by the hour to long term office leases.
Last year the company signed its first Australian franchise deal with Queensland NightOwl convenience chain owners Adam and Katrina Adams. The agreement will see a number of new centres opened across regional Queensland.
Adam Adams, CEO of The Adams Group, said “There is a clear gap in the market for a high-quality product and our goal is to partner with IWG, the global leader, with a strong brand, professional infrastructure and worldwide network to fulfil this need.”
The Covid-induced work-from-home trend is transforming into a more fluid approach to work which will favour the flexible workspace business, believes Bhardwaj.
“The appetite for flexible and co-working spaces was booming in Australia pre-Covid and the pandemic has only increased demand.”
Bhardwaj references a 2018 study commissioned by IWG brand Regus, and conducted by independent economists, which predicted that 30 per cent of all commercial real estate globally will be flexible workspace, with an expected value of more than $14.5 trillion across 16 countries including Australia.
