Last week, 300 people from the flexible workspace industry came together for the Flexible Space Association (FlexSA) Gala Dinner and presentation of the FlexSA Awards 2022 in London’s iconic Landmark Hotel. The Flexible Space Association speaks on behalf of the flexible workspace industry across the UK, working to ensure it has the conditions needed to thrive.
Research by The Instant Group on the state of the UK flex market showed that the demand for flexible workspaces has grown by 22% in 2022. The FlexSA Awards were held to celebrate the best work and companies in the flexible workspace industry over the last 12 months.
The eight companies scooping awards on the night were:
1. Workspace Design: TOG – 210 Euston Road
2. Service Innovation: hUBClub – UBC
3. Technology Innovation: Holler Technology
4. Scotland/NI/Wales: Clockwise Glasgow
5. London and South East: Landmark & The Space
6. South West: Desklodge Bristol
7. Midlands: BusinessLodge Stoke
8. North of England: BusinessLodge Bury
An Industry Achievement Award, recognising outstanding service to the flexible workspace industry, was also awarded to Charlie Green and Olly Olsen at The Office Group. Fuelled by a desire to improve the way people work, The Office Group’s journey began in 2003 when co-founders Olly and Charlie opened their first building on City Road in London. Following a high-profile merger earlier this year, its members now have access to over 50 workspaces located in prime creative and commercial neighbourhoods in the UK and Germany.
The 2022 FlexSA Awards celebrated the growth and development of the sector this year. Judging panellists included respected industry professionals Freya Cross, FlexSA Chairman of the Board; Ian Calder, a Chartered Director and founder and former owner of Centrix; Gareth Evans, a Chartered Accountant by training, having held senior roles at Sun Life, Whitbread and Orion Media Marketing; Liz Hamson, former editor of PPA award-winning title Property Week and founder of BE Content Solutions, and Sophie Turnball, industry professional for over 13 years and Commercial Director at Work.Life.
Freya Cross, Chairman of FlexSA said of the event, “The Flexible Space Association Awards are a real celebration of our industry. After a challenging couple of years, it was wonderful to be able to celebrate our successes together. As a member of the judging panel, I had the privilege of reading through the dozens of award entries, and reaching a decision was a hard task for every category.”
Jane Sartin, Executive Director of FlexSA, added, “It was fantastic to bring together so many people from the flexible workspace industry for our Gala Dinner, particularly at a time when there is a lot of positivity about the role the sector is now playing in supporting the new ways people are working. ”
Charlie Green, TOG co-founder, commented: “Olly and I are proud and humbled to receive the Industry Achievement Award. It seems crazy to think that we started this journey 20 years ago and we’ve enjoyed every step of the way working in this industry. Everything has been made possible by our wonderfully talented and passionate TOG team.
“There’s never been a better time to be in this industry, with more businesses embracing flex as a key driver of their businesses’ success. Thank you to the Flexible Space Association for this award – it really means the world to us.”
FlexSA also thanked event sponsors for their support, including Yardi and Glide.