YourFlex Monthly Inside the UK & Irish Flexible workspace scene: August Edition!

I can’t believe its August already but here we are. It’s a bumper edition this month so grab a tea or coffee and take a break (tell your boss you are catching up with industry news!) as always this is human written so apologies for any typos

First Up: Flexible Workspaces on Air BNB?

Work.Life recently announced Coworking Day Passes are available on Air BNB one of the first workspaces to launch on Airbnb Services. Targeting digital nomad’s and remote workers Air BNB is trying to get a slice of the hybrid working – desk booking boom post covid. Other coworking operators in tourist friendly cities are sure to follow.

Landmark Space rebrands to Elementa Workspace

Leading flex office player Landmark is now Elementa Workspace with a very cool new website to boot. the rebrand reflected the companies holistic and science-led approach to flex workspace.

Staton Young Leadership Changes

Marc Brough CEO of Cubo announced recently that he is handing day-to-day leadership of Staton Young Business Centres and the Charjen group of companies to Tim Corthorn who joins as Managing Director from RBS. Marc will remain as CEO of CUBO – Cubo Work is one of the UK’s fastest‑growing flexible workspace operators, known for creating modern, design‑led environments that blend premium office space with community, hospitality and high‑quality amenities.

Other career moves and leadership changes

NewFlex owners of Citibase and others has recently made a number of new appointments to its sales, revenue and development teams including industry veterans Keiran Carter as Head of Development and William Adu-Larbias Head of Revenue

Steve Jeans Co-founder and COO of Desanaannounced on linkedin that he was leaving the company he founded. Steve is now looking to work with early-stage companies.

Adam Dangerfield joins international flex space operator Clockwise Offices as Director of Sales from Wework

Business Rates Latest: Relief for hospitality, little for flex

The UK Government has announced a significant change to business rates that will offer welcome relief to pubs, social clubs and live music venues across England. As part of a wider push to support local high streets and strengthen community‑focused businesses, Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that these venues will receive a 20% cut to their business rates bills from April next year.

Andy Burnham has notannounced any business rates relief or specific policy for shared workspaces, coworking spaces, or serviced offices. Flexible workspace is not yet recognised as a distinct category in UK business‑rates policy. The VOA continues to classify flex centres under traditional office categories, and recent government reforms including the July 2026 business‑rates announcement make no reference to coworking or serviced offices, despite the sector’s significant growth.

My worry is the most impacted by changes will be small independent flexible workspaces.

Workspace Group Accelerates Disposal Programme

Workspace Group one of biggest workspace landlords. reported in its Q1 has continued to make strong progress on its asset disposal strategy following its Full Year Results announcement on 10 June 2026. The company has now completed the sale of three properties, raising a combined £12.6 million:

• Chiswick Studios, W4 – sold for £3.0m
• One Crown Square, GU21 – sold for £3.0m
• Evergreen Studios, TW9 – exchanged and completed for £6.6m

Workspace has also confirmed it is considering a additional £100m+ of disposals beyond its initial target, with over £200m of assets currently being marketed for sale. This signals a continued strategic focus on reshaping the portfolio, strengthening the balance sheet, and prioritising core growth assets. It was recently reported that it was considering selling its most valuable building in Finsbury Circus

Date For the Diary: Scottish Flex Forum 27th August

The Scottish Flex forum will be holding its next meetup in Glasgow at the Glasgow Collective CIC

This free informal industry event is aimed at CEO/Directors, Sales and Marketing leaders, Centre/Community Managers and specialist consultants to the industry. To attend contact Steven Carr

New Openings and Jobs in flex

Northwood House 1880 opens in September in Dundee – this stunning former mansion house is packed with history, and you can read a bit more about my visit there here

Bywater has entered a partnership with international flexible workspace operator infinitSpace to launch beyond Paradise, a new premium flex offering at Paradise SE11

Landmark Space (Now Elementa) has secured a new 52,000 sq ft flagship flexible workplace at 1 Great St Helen’s, marking the debut of its evolved brand platform

Clockwise Offices are hiring for a Marketing Director in London

NewFlex are recruiting a General Manager in Oxford

Wework are looking for a Director of Internal Marketing

Fora are recruiting for a number of positions across finance, facilities and IT

About YourFlexExpert

Your Flex Expert led by industry veteran Steven Carr helps businesses navigate the fast‑moving world of flexible workspace with clear, independent guidance. Through detailed workspace listings, expert consultancy to the industry, and regular market insights, Your Flex Expert makes it easier for companies to find the right coworking, serviced office or managed workspace anywhere in the UK. Whether you’re an operator looking to grow occupancy, a landlord exploring flex options, or a business searching for space, Your Flex Expert provides trusted advice backed by deep sector knowledge. With up‑to‑date data, transparent analysis and a nationwide view of the flex market, Your Flex Expert is the go‑to resource for smarter workspace decisions.

Got news? Recruiting? Get in touch to be featured