This week, the Flexible Space Association (FLEXSA) held its first in person gathering in Southampton, bringing together a diverse group of industry professionals. Held at FigFlex Southampton based at The Bulb, just steps away from the central train station, the event marked a great opportunity for FLEXSA members to connect and discuss the latest developments in the flexible workspace sector.

One of the event’s main themes was understanding the changing needs of businesses and professionals who require adaptable workspaces. As businesses increasingly opt for flexibility over fixed office commitments, Southampton has emerged as a hub for innovation in flexible work solutions. Our location, only 30 seconds from Southampton Central Station, plays a big part in attracting professionals who value convenience and accessibility. This trend is only set to grow, especially as businesses explore hybrid work models and aim to reduce overheads in favour of agile setups.

Market Trends in Flexible Workspace Demand: Many members observed a slower summer with fewer but more serious inquiries, indicating that clients are now more decisive and intentional when seeking office space. Most leads were broker generated, though direct inquiries are growing, driven by SEO improvements and consumer behaviour changes.

Broker Quality and Client Acquisition: Discussion centred on the fluctuating quality of broker generated leads, noting that direct inquiries often yield higher quality leads as clients gain more knowledge and confidence to approach providers directly. Some providers observed changing broker landscapes, affecting lead consistency and qualification.

Regional Networking and Industry Partnerships: FlexSA members emphasised the benefit of forming local partnerships rather than seeing each other as competitors. They noted the cooperative nature of the flexible workspace community in Southampton, where operators often refer clients based on each other’s unique offerings and space availability.

Upcoming Infrastructure Improvements in Southampton: The city’s anticipated infrastructure investments, particularly around the train station area, were viewed as potential boosts to local business growth, with participants hopeful that these changes would elevate Southampton's appeal to incoming businesses.

Disaster Recovery and Swing Space: There was a focus on disaster recovery solutions, particularly in response to client inquiries about ensuring space availability in emergencies. Opinions differed on charging models, such as a monthly fee or full rent in emergencies, though most participants noted minimal recent demand due to flexible remote work options.

Hybrid Work Model Demand: Participants observed an increased interest in swing spaces, especially as companies adopt hybrid policies. Some firms now require in-office presence a few days a week, prompting increased mid-week occupancy but quieter Fridays.

Community Engagement: Several managers emphasized the importance of fostering community through events like cheese-and-wine nights, networking, and themed gatherings. These events enhance tenant satisfaction and loyalty, and some found that small, inexpensive events (e.g., “back-to-school” breakfasts) garnered strong engagement.

Technology and Maintenance: Managing workspace maintenance was discussed, including the use of tools like monday.com to streamline requests. Additionally, the move away from traditional telephony to VoIP systems was noted, with smaller firms still using physical phones but larger ones opting for app based systems.

Virtual Office Services: The conversation touched on compliance challenges in virtual office services, including due diligence and anti money laundering regulations. Some use third party services to manage compliance, and participants shared tips for streamlining these processes.

The FlexSA roundtable and tour underscored a strong future for flexible workspaces in Southampton and beyond. With a dedicated team and a commitment to building vibrant, sustainable spaces, FigFlex is excited to continue leading this charge. Our goal is to make workspaces that aren’t just places to work - but solutions for businesses where ideas flourish, collaborations happen, and businesses grow.

As we look ahead, events like these remind us of the importance of collaboration within the flexible workspace community, helping us all shape a future where workspaces evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of businesses across the UK.

Contact us today so we can discuss your requirements and how we can support you.