Premium serviced office provider Gilbanks has appointed former Instant Group senior director Andrew Debenham as commercial director as it prepares for the next stage of its national growth.
Debenham brings extensive experience in driving company growth and customer retention across the property and proptech sectors. Most recently, he led partnership activity at The Instant Group, having previously held senior positions across Europe and North America with workspace technology provider essensys.
The appointment comes as Gilbanks prepares to open its fifth location at Assembly C in Bristol, where it will operate a 23,500-sq-ft premium flexible workspace. The company has also secured follow-on funding from Frontier Development Capital (FDC), building on a seven-figure investment made in 2024, as it works towards a portfolio of 12 UK locations by 2030.
As commercial director, Debenham will oversee leasing strategy, occupier relationships and landlord partnerships across the growing portfolio.
Debenham said: “Gilbanks has built a reputation for delivering premium workspace in some of the country’s best office buildings. The business has a clear strategy, an experienced team and considerable momentum.
“The opportunity to help shape the next stage of that growth was one I didn’t want to miss. I’m looking forward to working with our landlord partners and customers as we expand into new cities and continue to build the brand.”
Founded by Alex Duckett in 2018, Gilbanks opened its first workspace at One Park Row in Leeds before expanding into Manchester. Since securing investment from FDC, it has launched a second Manchester location at No.1 St Michael’s and entered the Birmingham market at Five St Philips. Bristol will become the company’s fifth site.
Duckett said: “Andrew has an outstanding reputation for helping businesses grow and building lasting client relationships, and understands exactly what occupiers and landlords expect from a premium operator. With Bristol opening shortly and further opportunities under evaluation, this is the right time to strengthen the leadership team.”