Flexible serviced office provider Clockwise is primed for a major two-year UK and European growth push, supported by a collection of new sites and five senior management hires – fuelled by predicted post-COVID-19 demand.
The company’s 2020 to 2021 expansion plans – which more than triple its portfolio by the end of next year, totalling more than half a million sq ft of space – arrive as the UK sets out to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.
Amid much uncertainty, employers are weighing up what a return to ‘the office’ could look like for them – with plans changing in the wake of the most recent announcement. For many, providing professional spaces for work away from the distractions of home, where colleagues can come together, is crucial for both the health of the business and wellbeing of its people. The future of the workplace may be in question – and it will almost certainly not retain the traditional form – but Clockwise is confident this is not a death knell for offices entirely. Rather, trends suggest businesses will look for spaces closer to home, greater flexibility and a focus on wellness. And Clockwise is poised to meet this increased demand by offering monthly rolling contracts, and spaces promoting productivity and championing collaboration, with a high degree of customer focus and attention.
To drive growth sustainably, Alexandra Brunner joins as Clockwise Chief Operating Officer (COO), having previously held the role at Native, a property company with £1.7 billion of hospitality assets under management. Brunner will guide the Clockwise business strategy across operations, people, marketing, leasing, and development and brings a wealth of hospitality industry experience in managing businesses from initial launch to growth plan rollout.
Alexandra Brunner, Clockwise COO, said:
“I’m extremely excited to be joining Clockwise. Pairing existing foundations and a track record for delivering a top-quality service for our members, with a corporate desire to capitalise on new opportunities offered by such uncertain times, will allow me to help shape the growth of what I believe has potential to be one of the most successful businesses of its kind.
“As all businesses look not only to survive, but thrive, in the “new normal,” the measure of our success will be how well we can anticipate and accommodate members’ needs before they themselves even recognise them. In doing so, we will provide much-needed support, now, when it matters most, and in years to come, for the businesses that are the lifeblood of the UK and European economies.”
Joining as Clockwise’s new Chief Information Officer is Gavin Stubbs – previously Chief Technology Officer at development finance company, CDC Group – while James Grabiner, Chief Financial Officer, arrives having previously led the finance team at The Office Group. Devising and implementing a new people strategy is Director of People Jo Sweeney, having held senior recruitment roles in the hospitality sector, and rounding off the clutch of hires is Marketing Director Penny Brewer, who moves from workspace and serviced apartment provider LABS Collective.
The combined wealth of expertise joining Clockwise will expand its service offering to its communities of entrepreneurs, SMEs and blue-chip corporates, taking customer-focused approaches seen in sectors such as hospitality and business travel, to strengthen its position as a leader in the growing flexible office sector.
Brunner added:
“Innovation and enterprise is not limited to Central London. Our real estate strategy reflects this and Clockwise is well placed to provide regional SMEs with premium workspace and the support they need to grow their businesses. This approach has more relevance in the current COVID-19 climate, as flexible working and working closer to home become commonplace. As we look to the future and a post-pandemic workplace, we are expecting behaviours and requirements to continue evolving in this way.”
Current Clockwise-owned and managed contemporary office and meeting space locations are Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast. Sites set to launch before the end of 2020 include Cheltenham, Leeds and Cardiff, with further launches for 2021 across Manchester Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, London and first Continental location, Brussels.