IWG has signed a new franchise agreement with the Ashley Group, allowing commuters in North London to work closer to their homes.
As part of the deal, IWG will open five new locations over the next four years across the boroughs of Barnet, Enfield, and Hertfordshire
This is part of IWG’s strategy to help new hybrid workers have access to workspaces in suburbs, towns, and villages in the UK.
In fact, a recent economic study from IWG showed that flexible offices could boost local spending from workers by £171 million a year and create over 4,000 new jobs.
Ashley Group’s mixed portfolio consists of hotels, fitness franchises, and residential properties, making this deal the company’s first endeavor into the flexible office industry.
“Hybrid working was already an attractive business opportunity before the pandemic began and has shown its resilience through lockdowns. Now, as the events of the last year have resulted in irreversible changes to how and where we choose to work, there is a clear need for flexible office space in more UK towns and suburbs,” said Zamir Hirji, Director at the Ashley Group. “As a business, we know first-hand the value of having office space options in outer London and we are excited to work with IWG to bring the flexible workspaces of the future to the area.”