2022 has been a busy year for FigFlex Offices, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! We’ve doubled our office location portfolio, bringing the world of flexible working spaces to your doorstep – and we’re not stopping yet.

As more FigFlex Offices wait patiently in the pipeline, we thought it would be great to get a look on the inside. Amidst all the excitement, we grabbed FigFlex Group Operations Manager, Connor Shiels, for a chat to tell us we want to know:

What exactly goes into the planning and execution of a FigFlex Office?

• So, let’s get straight to the big stuff! The first question on everyone’s lips is what is it about a location that attracts FigFlex?

A location with a strong business community is always the first thing we look for when considering a new site. Somewhere we can tap directly into that community and add some immediate value, that’s the goal!

• Once you have a location in mind, what research do you carry out?

We look into everything from the types of businesses in the area to the specialised business support services on offer. Ultimately, we have to decide whether our services are needed in that area and how we can improve their business community.

• Location sorted, on to the building! What is it about a building that makes it work for FigFlex?

No two sites are the same, but there are a few key things we take into consideration – such as amenities, current businesses on site and the opportunities for collaboration. We like to bring something new to the table and partner with our chosen buildings by providing services like meeting rooms and collaboration spaces which they may not have been able to offer otherwise.

• What are the first steps in beginning to transform a building into a FigFlex centre?

Design, Design, Design! We get our CAD specialist to look at the existing floorplates to see how we can best create a centre with all the most productive facilities. 

• Once you’re in, how do you decide the design?

We aim to find the perfect balance of creating an environment that represents the brand and goals of FigFlex but at the same time provides our clients with a blank canvas – as at FigFlex, you don’t just get a Private Office or a co-working desk, you also get an exclusive Business Lounge to meet clients, amazing facilities for refreshments, meeting rooms and collaboration space. We really want our clients to feel these areas are an extension of their own office and a place they can conduct business.

• What would you say is the most important part of producing a new FigFlex Centre?

The finishing feel. Anyone can put a few walls up and pop some furniture in and call it an office centre, but it’s the finishing touches we make to ensure FigFlex clients feel welcome as soon as they walk through the door. We often like to tailor the design to reflect our surroundings too, giving a nod to the community. Though we haven’t got any town football flags flying in them just yet!

• What’s one feature that every FigFlex centre must have?

Coffee. And somewhere to drink the coffee! We’re all about community here at FigFlex and we pride ourselves on offering community spaces within our centres so our clients can network, socialise and just have a nice chat over a free cup of coffee or two. Some of the best partnerships start over a cup of coffee, and we also offer the perfect environment for it.

• How would you say FigFlex centres have evolved since the first trio of offices opened?

There is a huge demand for high quality spaces which we’ve noticed has continued to grow since we opened our first offices. ‘The office’ is becoming more of a service as opposed to just physical space. Each centre has adapted to this by focusing in on top-notch collaboration spaces and coworking areas across all our locations. 

• Talking of evolving, do you have any exciting projects coming up that you can share with us?

We’ve actually got a brand new FigFlex Office coming to Southampton this summer! We’re very excited about this and looking forward to getting involved in the Southampton business community.

We do have a lot more exciting things in the pipeline for FigFlex that we can’t wait to share with you too, but for now, let’s give Southampton the spotlight!

• And purely for entertainment purposes and because one can dream… If you could have a FigFlex Centre anywhere in the world, where would it be?

FigFlex Dubai. Let’s make it happen.

Thanks so much for your time, Connor! We all appreciate the graft, sweat and hopefully laughter that goes into the planning of FigFlex Offices, it certainly pays off.  See you at the next one!