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Business Central, a California based workspace operator with over 30 years of experience recently joined the Alliance Network.
The Alliance Network has grown significantly this year, adding various operators to its portfolio. Just a few weeks ago, Business Central joined their ranks, bringing with them a different operating concept to that of most workspace operators out there.
Operating since 1981, Business Central has evolved and learned many things throughout the years. Darcy Bacsko, Partner, describes how they have been developing and refining the office space model since their beginnings.
“We have learned over time that larger properties, which are now our model, work much better than the executive suite model. The 40,000 sq. foot and larger footprint offers significantly more size options for clients as well as different economies of scale. This allows us to offer lower prices than that of other options in our market.”
Not only is Business Central highly experienced, they also own their centers’ buildings, which, according to Ms. Bacsko, gives them an extra layer of competitive advantage.
“Owning our properties eliminates the middleman pricing mark up, allows us to receive direct benefit from the minimal TI’s needed as tenants turn lowering occupancy costs, and makes investing in energy savings a financial benefit as well.”
Financial benefits aside, owning your operating building also has the advantage of allowing you to design it as you see fit. One way in which Business Central has made the best of this opportunity is by designing buildings that have the ability to expand or shrink in space as clients need it.
“We make moves within the building easy and cost effective for our members. Companies grow and shrink more often than they initially expect and our buildings are designed and managed in such a way that they’re always prepared for these shifts.”
Because they’ve had full-control of their buildings and operations, Business Central has been able to constantly evolve and innovate, staying ahead and competitive in the industry. Even so, they’re sure that just as they’ve innovated others have too, a thought that led them to join the Alliance Network.
ABCN Founder, Frank Cottle, is known for his thought-leadership and involvement in the industry. By becoming a member of the Alliance Network, Business Central hopes to be more involved and see where the industry is going and how operators on a global scale innovate and drive the industry.
They’re also hoping to expand to new markets while maintaining the local ownership component, which is why they are “looking for operational as well as marketing successes to expand current efforts. It’s time to share and listen to other innovators and see what opportunities we can find to improve offerings and profitability.”
She’s quite right. An effort ABCN is currently pushing is how operators of all types can learn from one another (a topic that will be discussed during Alliance’s Meeting this May 3-6 in Los Angeles). Joining the Network will allow them to learn industry best practices for Center profitability, which can only happen if what they’re doing is working for clients as well.
The success of any Center is dependent on the success of its clients.
“Our signature effort in fostering community and interaction between our clients is Friday morning breakfast. Every Friday, we prepare breakfast for our clients to enjoy so as to foster socialization. It’s at these types of events that our members get to know each other on a personal level and start referring or doing business with each other.”
Own buildings, foster community, part of a strong Network. We’ll be keeping an eye out for Business Central and what they’ll bring to the table.
*Image via Business Central website.
