Regus seeks Thai partners for workspace franchise opportunities

Presented at the show at BITEC in Bangna, the programme allows Thai franchise operators to enter the booming workspace industry and help Regus expand its global network.
Flexible workspace, sometimes known as co-working, has become a high-growth industry in recent years. The term refers to office space, meetings rooms and co-working areas that can be rented by individual workers or companies for temporary periods - from one hour to several years. The industry is estimated to be growing by 24 per cent each year. By 2020, 50 per cent of all workers will be remote most of the time. In 2022, the global mobile workforce will be 1.87 billion people. This is why global real estate giant JLL estimates that up to 30 per cent of corporate real estate could be flexible workspace by 2030.
Matthew James Kenley, head of partnership growth at IWG, said: “Three in ten buildings on every high street around the world could offer a new franchise opportunity in the coming years. The serviced office market is one of the most exciting growth markets in the world, and the next frontier for franchise operators. We are excited to partner with new franchise operators to bring the many benefits of flexible working to more people and businesses across Thailand.”
Regus has been running workspaces for 30 years, ever since it founded the industry in 1989. It has developed its business model through many economic cycles. Its operating model can provide partners with a highly attractive return on their investment, the company said. Part of IWG, a global operator of workspace providers with a network of over 3,300 centres in more than 1,100 cities and 110 countries. Regus now wants to accelerate its global growth with franchise partners worldwide.
“Imagine being given the chance to work with previously successful franchise industries such as restaurants or gyms at the beginning of their growth explosions. A similar or even larger opportunity awaits in the serviced office market. It’s an opportunity to diversify away from traditional franchise industries, and benefit from strong cash returns and significant returns on investment,” Kenley added.
As part of its new programme, Regus offers comprehensive infrastructure to support franchisees throughout the lifecycle of their investment.
“The global Regus franchise team works closely with its franchisees to ensure they have a framework to find the right location and design; are able to grow their market footprint backed by world-class operational and marketing support; and have the quality, 24-hour customer service Regus is known for,” he said.