According to a recent survey, of almost 2,000 Canadians, 35 per cent report their daily commute as pointless, undefined time, while 32 per cent positively hate their commute and see it as a ‘waste’ of their time. There has been a sharp rise in the popularity of flexible workspaces and co-working in recent years driven by the rise of telecommuters and remote workers.

This new opening in Vaughan marks Regus Canada’s 99^th location with a presence in all GTA markets now. The new Regus centre is located at Keele Rutherford Corporate Centre (9131 Keele St.) and offers over 14,000 square feet of flexible workspace including a large dedicated co-working space, shared and private offices, meeting rooms and administrative support.

“This new centre is unique in that it combines a warm atmosphere with a modern, professional space and a large dedicated co-working space,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “We see it as a perfect solution for professionals living in Vaughan to set up an office locally, work flexibly, and cut down on their painful commute to a downtown office.”

Easily accessible from HWY 400 and HWY 407, the modern space fosters a sense of innovation and collaboration and is an ideal location to work with other like-minded professionals. For telecommuters and remote workers, the workspace allows professionals to work closer to home to increase productivity while cutting the commute and getting them out of their distracting home office or busy coffee shop. For local business owners and start-ups, the flexible workspace provides an alternative solution to signing a long-term office lease—helping to reduce costs and mitigate risks that often come with office space.

Of almost 2,000 Canadian Regus survey respondents, 35 per cent report their daily commute as pointless, undefined time, while 32 per cent positively hate their commute and see it as a ‘waste’ of their time. For well over half of business people, their commute time could be re-invested into more productive work time or enjoying a couple more hours of rest.

With only a minority of Canadian workers (12%) regarding their commute as profitable work time, the majority declare it is a drain on work and personal time. It may be time for companies to call it quits with commuting and help employees save time to re-invest in productive work or leisure.

“As commute times continue to get longer and longer, it is devastating but perhaps unsurprising that workers see their daily travel into work and back home as a complete drain on their work day productivity,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “More savvy businesses that want to restore productivity and reward workers with more personal time would do well to allow employees to work closer to home at least some of the time.”

Regus offers flexible workspaces in suburban markets across Canada allowing professionals to work closer to home and skip the daily commute into the downtown head office every day.

About Regus

Regus is the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace solutions, with a network of 2,850 locations in over 1,000 towns and cities, across 107 countries, serving 2.3m members.

Through our range of office formats, as well as our growing mobile, virtual office, and workplace recovery businesses, we enable people and businesses to work where, when, and how they want, with a range of price points.

Our customers include some of the most successful entrepreneurs, start-ups and multi-billion dollar corporations.

For more information visit www.regus.com

Regus is known for its expansive network of flexible workspace around the world—2,845 locations in 107 countries. This new opening means Regus is now located in all suburban markets across Metro Vancouver, and marks the 18^th centre in the Vancouver region.

Regus opened this location for local residents who are looking to cut their commute to downtown Vancouver and ‘telecommute’ to increase productivity and save money. The new 11,000 sq. ft. will provide the residents of Maple Ridge with a professional space for telecommuters, local small business owners and consultants to work closer to home while getting them out of their home office. Reception, administrative assistance and tech support are all provided whether for short term or long term.

The space fosters a sense of innovation and collaboration with its large co-working area with dedicated desks and ‘hot desks’, office space, meeting rooms, gorgeous mezzanine and a modern interior design. It also offers stunning views of Golden Ears Mountain. The state-of-the-art fitness facility, The Trevor Linden Club 16 Gym, is located on the first floor of the building.

“The Metro Vancouver area has been a top priority for Regus as we continue our expansion in Canada and throughout the world,” said Wayne Berger, Regus Canada. “We hope the new space will encourage those living in Maple Ridge to enjoy the benefits of telecommuting and working closer to home in a professional atmosphere. Our workspace is a first-of-its-kind in Maple Ridge and we welcome residents to test out a new way of working.”

There has been a sharp rise in the popularity of flexible workspaces and co-working in recent years. Research by Regus Canada has found the main reasons people choose co-working at locations similar to this South Surrey centre, include working with like-minded people (77%) and the opportunity to network (78%). The research also highlights the cost-effectiveness of co-working (83%) compared to fixed-office leasing, and it provides an ideal environment for startups to thrive (73%).

“The new South Surrey centre is unique in that it combines a warm atmosphere with a modern, professional space and the building itself is surrounded by mature trees, providing peaceful, cabin-like views throughout the workday,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “Professionals living in Surrey and surrounding areas outside of the city are looking to cut down their painful commute and work closer to home when possible. With this opening, we are bringing another workplace option to Surrey.”

Carey Vandenberg, a Financial Planner & Investment Advisor with IPC Securities Corp, will begin working from the South Surrey location in the fall. “We are a husband-wife team and we recently moved to another home. The new South Surrey location is a very short walk which is exactly what we wanted, and provides a nice, modern space with reception to welcome our clients. The opportunity to meet other professionals in shared spaces is an added bonus, allowing us to make connections we wouldn’t otherwise make.”

Regus is focused on growing in the best spaces in Canada and around the world so startups, small businesses and large organizations can focus on growing their business, only using the amount of space they need to stay productive. Reception, admin and tech support are all provided whether for short term or long term, so businesses in Surrey can stay focused on growing their business and leave the office space to Regus.

Latvia is strategically positioned to provide accessibility to the lucrative Nordic markets which is one of its key draws in attracting new business. Boasting a highly educated and multilingual workforce, its workers are also rated top 5 in the world in terms of university students per capita², which combined with the cost of labour being one of the more competitive in Europe, makes it a hot bed for growth and development in that region.

As growing businesses and international companies are attracted to the area, the capital city of Riga is strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for local business hubs where start-ups and established businesses can enjoy the opportunities and benefits of a flexible workplace to suit their needs and support their business goals in a thriving economic back-drop.

Mark Dixon, Chief Executive of Regus, said: “Following on from the success of the ‘Regus Riga Esplanade’ centre that we opened back in February this year, this is our third centre in the heart of the Latvian capital and triples our presence in the local market as we meet the increasing demand from local businesses to work when they want, where they want and how they want as part of the Regus business community.

As the Latvian markets thrive, I am excited that modern and dynamic companies working there can join our 2.3 million customers and benefit from access to our global network and experience the opportunities of flexible working for themselves”

The new ‘Riga Opera’ centre opens in an impressive historical building in the main square in Riga in August 2016.

¹ B2Baltic https://b2baltic.eu/2015/05/14/doing-business-in-latvia-import-export-trading-real-estate-startup-funding/

² B2Baltic https://b2baltic.eu/2015/05/14/doing-business-in-latvia-import-export-trading-real-estate-startup-funding/

The modern space features a large co-working area and contemporary interior design made for small businesses and freelancers looking to boost productivity and save money compared to a traditional office. It is close to Highway 401, the Meadowvale GO Station, and the Toronto Pearson International Airport, providing quick and easy access for businesses and their clients.

“As Regus Canada celebrates its 15-year anniversary this month, we are excited to open our sixth location in Mississauga,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “The design of this newest workspace really promotes a creative atmosphere, and will help local startups, entrepreneurs and professionals work with like-minded people.”

A new client of Regus 2233 Argentia, Parveen Dhupar, Chief Creative Officer of BTI Brand Innovations needed a temporary office space while his main office was under renovation. “We needed a flexible lease in a nearby location, and we didn’t want to deal with setting up a full office. Regus was a perfect fit and the reception and boardroom at the front make a great first impression on our clients.”

Regus is focused on growing in the best spaces in Canada and around the world so startups, small businesses and large organizations can focus on growing their business, only using the amount of space they need to stay productive. Reception, admin and tech support are all provided whether for short term or long term, so businesses in Mississauga can focus on growing their business and leave the office space to Regus.

More commonly associated with beaches, warm weather, good seafood and a drop of rum, one could be forgiven for not immediately thinking ‘business hub’ when thinking of Barbados. In fact it is now the 53^rd richest country in the world boasting a high standard of education, outstanding healthcare system, affordable housing and world class telecommunications making it a fertile soil for companies looking for lower overheads combined with fresh and exciting opportunities in a growing market.

In response to this growing demand, Regus, the global workspaces leader, has partnered with two of the Caribbean’s leading business operators in an exciting new venture - Ralph ‘Bizzy’ Williams, Chairman of Williams Industries Inc. and Mark Linehan, a former CEO of Digicel in a number of markets in the region - together have establishing Williams Offices (Caribbean) Limited to bring the Regus franchise to the region.

On a tour of the facility, Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Hon. Donville Innis, said: “It is great to see Regus coming to Barbados. To be the country of choice in the Caribbean for Regus speaks volumes about Barbados’ appeal as a hub for business. Equally it will be hugely beneficial for businesses operating in Barbados - both local and international - who will find Regus’ state of the art business centre, an excellent environment from which to grow their business in Barbados.”

Mark Dixon, Chief Executive of Regus, said: “Barbados is a really exciting addition to our expanding network as we see more and more business travellers embracing the opportunities and benefits that flexible working brings them. Modern, dynamic businesses need to be able to work where they want and when they want: that is just as much the case in Barbados, as anywhere else.

“Whether you are multi-national or a start-up: more than ever before you need flexibility, agility and the right location to succeed. Now firms in Barbados – our 107^th country – or visitors can join over two million Regus customers who enjoy those benefits as part of our international network.”

Regus offering in Barbados, located at One Welches in St Thomas, will serve as a new hub of innovation and inspiration where businesses can interact as part of a growing professional community and enjoy modern surroundings and high levels of service, the centre will be a great addition to the wider Warrens area of Barbados and will be opening in early June.

¹ Source Barbados Tourism Investment http://www.barbadostourisminvestment.com/tourism-profile/

² Source Barbados Statistical Service

Located at 330 St. Mary Ave., the new modern space features a large co-working area and an industrial interior design. Regus opened this location for those looking to increase productivity and save money compared to a traditional office.

The new location is a short drive from the Trans-Canada Highway, and the building has a skywalk connected to the downtown. Entertainment and amenities are within a short walk, including dozens of cafes and restaurants, the Delta Winnipeg Hotel for travelers and the MTS centre for entertaining clients or catching a game after work.

“The positive response we received to the first Regus centre in Winnipeg meant that opening a second location here was high on our priority list. The new centre will provide flexible but professional work options right in the heart of the business district,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “The design of this newest workspace is superb, and we hope it helps local startups, entrepreneurs and professionals be more productive and embrace working with like-minded people.”

Norm Cherrey is a 5-year client of Regus 201 Portage and President of ITS Inc., an accounting firm that manages finances for professional athletes around North America. “I was in need of an office structure where my phone would be answered and I could receive administrative assistance such as mailing packages. Regus fits my needs and the staff and management at the Winnipeg office have been exceptional in helping me run my business.”

Regus is focused on growing in the best spaces in Canada and around the world so startups, small businesses and large organizations can focus on growing their business, only using the amount of space they need to stay productive. Reception, admin and tech support are all provided whether for short term or long term, so businesses in Winnipeg can focus on growing their business and leave the office space to Regus.

“In response to the recent events in Fort McMurray, we are opening all of our business centres throughout Western Canada to anyone displaced by the Fort McMurray wildfires,” said Wayne Berger, VP, Regus Canada. “Our network of 32 locations will provide a safe and professional place to connect to WiFi, charge devices and get in touch with others, for any reason, professional or personal.”

Regus operates workspaces in Edmonton (2), Calgary (9), Winnipeg (1), Regina (1), Vancouver (17), Kelowna (1), and Victoria (1). The fully-serviced business centres provides Wi-Fi access during business hours. To find a local Regus centre, visit www.regus.ca.

Additionally, we are urging all of our team members and clients across Canada to donate to the Red Cross.

There has been a rapid rise worldwide in the popularity of co-working spaces. Latest research by Regus Canada found the most popular reasons people choose co-working, similar to the space at Robson Square, is about working with like-minded people (77%) and the opportunity to network (78%). It also highlights how co-working is cost-effective (83%), especially compared to fixed-office leasing, and it is an ideal environment for startups to thrive (73%).

“Robson Square is an incredible location that will continue to serve an array of professionals in Vancouver,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “Our customers are demanding more and more space throughout BC, and our newest design is superb, further creating an environment where like-minded BC companies can do the best work of their lives.”

Regus is focused on growing in the best spaces in Canada and around the world so startups, small businesses and large organizations can focus on growing their business, only using the amount of space they need to stay productive. Reception, admin and tech support are all provided whether for short term or long term, so businesses in Vancouver can stay focus on growing their business and leave the office space to Regus.

The new 11,000 square foot space fosters a sense of innovation and collaboration. The space features a large co-working area, gorgeous mezzanine and a modern, industrial interior design. Regus opened this location for local residents who are looking to cut their commute, increase productivity and save money from accessing downtown Halifax via the toll bridge.

“Dartmouth was a key location for Regus Canada because we understood the challenges many professionals face when commuting downtown to Halifax during rush hour,” said Wayne Berger, VP, Regus Canada. “The design of this newest workspace is superb, and we hope it helps local startups, entrepreneurs and professionals be more productive closer to home and embrace working with like-minded people.”

Regus is known for its expansive network of flexible workspace around the world—2,600 locations in 106 countries. The new centre marks the 95^th location in Canada. The space will give its clients access to all Regus’ locations worldwide and across Canada, all the way to the west coast to Vancouver and Victoria!

Regus is focused on growing in the best spaces in Canada and around the world so startups, small businesses and large organizations can focus on growing their business, only using the amount of space they need to stay productive. Reception, admin and tech support are all provided whether for short term or long term, so businesses in Halifax and Dartmouth can focus on growing their business and leave the office space to Regus.

The 21,000 square foot centre caters to the Waterloo startup and entrepreneurial scene with multiple co-working spaces, gorgeous mezzanine for open collaboration, and roll-up garage door with outdoor patio and BBQ. It also gives startups direct access to Regus’ multiple locations in Silicon Valley and New York City.

“Superb talent works out of Waterloo. Entrepreneurs and startups are creating the latest game-changing technology to rival the world’s best,” said Wayne Berger, VP, Regus Canada. “We knew we had to build a space unlike anything else in Canada to embrace this truly unique community.”

This flagship centre caters to the brightest minds in Waterloo, making it a place where new ideas evolve into the next big thing and a space that will be embraced by the some of the best in the country. The workspace will foster an even greater sense of community and innovation for the region's leading companies.

As the global workspace provider, Regus, a company that is known for its expansive network of flexible workspace—2,600 locations in 106 countries—is bringing a first-of-a-kind flagship workspace to Waterloo. The new centre marks the 90^th location in Canada.

Regus is focused on growing in the best spaces in Canada and around the world so startups, entrepreneurs and large organizations can focus on growing their business, only using the amount of space they need to stay productive. Reception, admin and tech support are all provided whether for short term or long term, so startups in Waterloo can focus on innovating and growing.

In Canada, the results found that 57 per cent agree that coffee shops are fine for checking email but not responding to email. Nearly one-half (48%) are happy to tap out a short reply over coffee before finding a more suitable working environment for more considered responses. In addition to cafes, 46 per cent of professionals will check emails while commuting on public transit, although only one-quarter will send out a quick response while on the go.

Most would agree that busy cafés and bustling trains are poor environments for intensive work such as checking and approving documents. In fact, fewer than one-in-ten say they will carry out core work duties or make conference calls while in a coffee shop. Privacy is a key concern, with workers avoiding sensitive calls and emails on-the-go because being away from the office in a non-professional environment is simply not suitable for work tasks that require time or sensitivity.

Other Spaces Conducive for Work:

• The car is considered an acceptable location to make phone calls (44%) but not for conference calls (17%), likely due to the need for full attention required during conference calls
• On the other hand, 3 in 10 respondents are happy to carry out even their core work tasks in business lounges as these environments provide the necessary privacy and are quiet
• A fifth also comfortably carry out conference calls (21%) from business lounges, which are also popular for short emails (56%) and document checking (33%).

“With Wi-Fi available nearly everywhere, it’s convenient to stop at a coffee shop and skim through emails on a smartphone,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “While a coffee shop may serve its purpose for a quick burst of caffeine while staying connected, it simply isn’t the best place to get work done, other than sending quick email responses.”

Regus offers business lounges in 90 centres coast-to-coast in Canada that serve as a professional alternative to coffee shops. Visit www.regus.ca to learn more.

The partnership will commission primary research every year which will be shared with BCI Members through forums, events and interactive media. The research will support the BCI as it continues to set the wider agenda on business resilience.

This collaboration between BCI and Regus will also extend beyond research to enable members of the Institute to gain access to Regus’ services worldwide at preferred rates. BCI members will be able to receive privileged terms on their Workplace Recovery Programme so that, should a disruption make their own office uninhabitable, they can continue to operate as normal and stay productive in a fully equipped environment elsewhere. The deal will also allow members to receive free visits to Regus Business Lounges.

In addition, Regus – who become a Premium Gold Partner of the BCI as part of this partnership – will provide meeting rooms to the volunteers who make up the BCI’s regional Chapters and Forums in order for them to conduct their networking, which is a key benefit of BCI membership.

David James-Brown FBCI, Chairman of the BCI, said of the new partnership: “The Institute is the global thought leader for business continuity and resilience. This research partnership with Regus will help us continue to set the agenda on issues that matter so much to business as uncertainty and volatility affects markets across the globe. At the Business Continuity Institute we know how important it is to be prepared for a crisis, and if that crisis involves losing your facilities then there is no better place to relocate to than a Regus Workplace Recovery site. This new partnership will help make that more affordable for many more organisations. It also provides space for BCI members to meet and network at a local level through our Chapters and Forums.”

Joe Sullivan, Managing Director for Workplace Recovery at Regus, commented: “We are delighted to become partners with the Business Continuity Institute. We have admired their work for many years and we hope that our partnership will support their thought-leadership on issues that are so important to the business community. As part of our partnership, we are proud that we can support the Institute’s regional chapters and, forums. We look forward to demonstrating how our facilities and people can support businesses during their time of need.”

Regus currently has a network of 2,600 locations in 106 countries and encompasses 43 million square feet of the world’s leading locations, offering convenient, high-quality, fully serviced spaces for people to work, whether for a few minutes or a few years.

For more information on BCI, please contact Andrew Scott , the Senior Communications Manager at the Business Continuity Institute –CBCI – andrew.scott@thebci.org or +44 0118-947-8241.

When it comes to their daily routine, workers are understandably fussy about location. In particular, all workers identify meeting rooms as one of the weakest links and say they too often look shabby and dirty to customers, giving a bad impression of the company. Businesses globally confirm that the right location for their business looks smart, professional and inspiring. Unsurprisingly, it is also cost effective. Entrepreneurs confirm that a professional office helps them punch above their weight and highlights the importance of being close to prospects.

Many businesses, especially start-ups are opting for co-working spaces to achieve a creative, inspiring business environment cost effectively. For entrepreneurs these are the ideal environments where start-ups thrive and they can mingle with other business owners. Sometimes though, businesses report, co-working spaces are too casual for important client meetings and privacy is scarce. This highlights the need for access to professional working spaces to carry out sensitive business meetings or provide a calmer environment for workers that find it hard to concentrate in collaborative spaces.

The new workspace is a cost-effective option for startups and small businesses looking for a space in the heart of Ottawa’s business district while mitigating the risks of signing a long-term lease. The space provides fully equipped private and shared offices, hot desks called ‘Think Pods’, virtual offices for a prestigious address and admin support services, kitchen space to network with other like-minded entrepreneurs and access to 2,600 Regus centres in 106 countries via its popular Businessworld membership.

The other two Ottawa centres are located at 1 Rideau Street on the 7th floor at Fairmont Chateau Laurier and 343 Preston Street. Since entering the Ottawa market, Regus has helped over 500 clients with workplace needs in Ottawa.

“The past year we have focused heavily on growing our network of flexible workspace locations across Canada and Ottawa was a key location for us due to its strong small business community,” said Wayne Berger, VP, Regus Canada. “After very successful openings of the other Ottawa location, this third locations allows us to continue to cater to business growth in Ottawa and meet the growing demand for flexible workspaces.”

David Griffin, CEO of Vortini, a British-based company, is one of the first clients to setup his office at Albert & Metcalfe, and officially making his company’s Canadian headquarters at this location. His company started using Regus’s network of global workspaces in Britain and is using the new Ottawa location to enter the Canadian market for the first time.

“We’re a British company expanding to Canada and selected Ottawa as the city to base our company. It was important to get to work straight away, and not spend time creating an office from an empty space," said David Griffin, CEO, Vortini. "We also didn't want to be tied into a lease that would require us to estimate our requirement for space years ahead allowing us to expand and retract as necessary.”

The new centre marks the 88^th location in Canada. Regus is focused on growing in the most prestigious and prime locations in Canada and around the world so companies can expand and retract as needed, while reducing the cost and risks of traditional office spaces.

According to the research, canvassing the opinions of over 44,000 business people from more than 100 different countries, 66 per cent of Canadian professionals say the need to improve work:life balance is driving up the increase in flexible working, while over half (51%) say the wish to work closer to home is also a key factor.

However, it isn’t just the employee that stands to gain from a flexible work environment, the employer does too. Here are the key drivers for the rise in flexible working according to Canadian professionals:

For the Employee:

1. To Improve Work:Life Balance (66%)

2. The Desire To Work Closer To Home (51%)

3. To Combat Rise of Cost of Commuting (36%)

For the Employer:

1. The Need To Create an Agile Organization To Meet Changing Market Demands (37%)

2. To Attract Staff From a Wider Talent Pool (32%)

3. To Comply with Best Practice Employee Flexibility Standards (24%)

The Benefits of Flexible Working For Employers

Not only do employees have a strong interest in flexible working, but employers should also have an equally, if not greater, interest in encouraging flexible working. Flexibility is seen as a way of creating agile organizations that are better able to cope with rapidly changing market conditions. Flexible working in fact allows firms to expand or retract rapidly and without incurring in hefty penalties. Firms using flexible working are also better placed to attract talent from a wider pool, especially if they comply with best-practice employee flexibility standards.

“Flexible working boosts efficiency and cuts costs, as businesses can reduce underused office space and operate in a more agile way, making decisions on a per-needs basis,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “While the drivers for flexible working may differ for businesses and employees, both stand to gain. The fact that businesses are already benefitting from flexible working to increase their agility is good news. In addition, helping employees to find a more satisfying balance between their personal and professional lives creates a healthier and more productive workforce.”

Not only is flexible working becoming more widely accepted, but the importance managers put on time physically spent in the office is waning, with 3 out of 4 companies shifting their focus from total office hours, to measuring an individual’s output with results-based assessment.

Key Canadian findings:

• Canadian small businesses are much more likely to allow remote working:
  • 70% of Canadian workers at a small business (<50 employees) spend half of the work-week away from their main office, compared to just 9% of those working for a large company (250+ employees);
• 64% already manage an individual or team remotely;
• 2 in 3 believe senior management trusts flexible working can be productive;
• 68% say their companies are implementing technology to help manage remote workers;
• Over half of respondents (52%) confirm that companies like theirs are looking to increase the number of remote workers.

Yet, despite these numbers in favour of flexible working, only 42% of Canadian firms have put training in place, meaning professional knowledge in remote management is lacking, and firms are missing out on an opportunity to make their workforce more efficient and productive.

“The huge cultural shift in the workplace towards flexible working continues to grow, and this latest research shows that Canadian businesses are embracing this change,” said Wayne Berger, VP Regus Canada. “With improved productivity, better staff retention and lower operating costs at stake, implementing successful remote management processes can bring huge benefits. However, few firms are investing in training for the transition from fixed office workforce to mobile workforce, which could make the transition happen more smoothly, and make work more productive in the long run.”

Global workspace provider Regus provides convenient, high-quality, fully serviced spaces for people to work, whether for a few minutes or a few years. From small businesses to large companies like Google, Toshiba and GlaxoSmithKline, companies choose Regus so to work flexibly, reduce overhead and make their business more successful.

“Regus is a big supporter of Canadian small businesses,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “We’re inviting people who run and work for small businesses to come into our Regus spaces to test drive working from a shared office space.”

What: Regus Opens its Centre for Small Business Week

When: Monday, October 19 – Friday, October 23

Where: All Canadian Regus locations

To find the closest business centre and learn more about Regus, visit www.regus.ca.

Top 5 Money-Saving Tips For Small Businesses

Be mindful of investing in technology

For a small company, dealing with IT equipment like printers and broadband wastes valuable time and money. If you can outsource it to someone else you can focus your resources on core activities. Business centres offer small firms access to facilities that they could not afford themselves.

Avoid high overheads

If you do need physical space, try to avoid fixed leases. In the initial stages it is virtually impossible to predict your progress in 6-12 months’ time. A long-term fixed lease on property acts as a straitjacket – physically constraining your ability to grow or forcing you to pay for unneeded space.

Outsource the legwork

It's important not to let the administrative requirements drain your resources. Acquiring property, equipment and furniture abroad consumes time and money; better to let someone else do this for you such as in a shared workspace.

Outsource the peripherals

With traditional office working, there are often separate bills for rent, cleaning, IT and broadband, and so on. But SMBs can outsource all these aspects to a single provider in business centres.

Contain the costs of mobile working

There are plenty of ways to reduce the cost of working away from the office. Free WiFi is not just available at coffee shops, but often at quieter, more professional places too. Business centres can offer free tea and coffee, and some offer fixed-price deals that offer drop-in access to workspaces and Internet at centres all over the country. It’s an end to the unexpected expenses associated with working on the move.

Regus, the global workspace provider, is rolling out a free online business marketplace for its more than 2 million business customers worldwide. Marketplace gives customers free access to a unique combination of deals and services worldwide, all curated to offer businesses greater convenience, productivity or money savings.

Among the B2B and B2C brands offering products and services through Regus Marketplace are Google Apps at Work, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services. All deals are exclusive to Regus, and available to all its customers, from small traders to large corporates.

Andre Sharpe, Chief Innovation & Information Officer at Regus, said: “When customers join Regus, they gain access to a global business network covering 106 countries. But more than that: they also secure the support and scale of a $3 billion corporation. With Regus Marketplace, we’re leveraging our own scale to offer all our customers the negotiating and purchasing power of a global multinational. Only at Regus are these unique offers, support and reach available.”

The new Marketplace platform is available free to all Regus customers through the MyRegus mobile app and website (marketplace.regus.com), making it easy to access 24/7, wherever they are and whatever device they use. Services and products range from travel to digital services, all selectively curated with Regus customers in mind.

The platform’s format is similar to an app store, offering customers instant access to products and services to support their business or work-life balance. An online review function enables users to benefit from the experiences of other Regus customers, getting ideas for products and services that could transform the way they manage their time, money or business activities.

Andre Sharpe added: “The offers in Regus Marketplace are selected and negotiated with a total focus on the needs and ambitions of businesses. These are products or services to help our customers work better and achieve more. And because we appreciate their desire for convenience, these unique offers are available at their fingertips, wherever and whenever they want to give their business a boost.”

Providers of products and services on Regus Marketplace also benefit from Regus’ global reach. Selling through this online platform provides them with a ready-made global marketplace of customers, including entrepreneurs, professionals, large corporates, mobile workers, and the business leaders of the future.

The new location was selected by the global workspace provider because of Durham’s small business growth and rise in professionals looking to work close to home. The prime location, which is next to the Pickering Town Centre, allows for an easy commute to Ajax and Toronto, with its direct connection to the GO Train Station and on-ramp to the 401.

According to a recent Regus report, 76 per cent of Canadians say they have seen a rise in remote working and 48 per cent of global professionals are now working outside the main office at least some of the time, creating demand for a network of professional settings that allow remote work.

“As more people work from outside their main office and closer to home, we’re seeing the demand for flexible workspaces in the Durham region,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “We continue to focus on growing in residential markets so people can work remotely and effectively, without the time-intensive and costly commute to downtown Toronto. We’re excited to be in Durham now.”

Driven by technology, businesses can now access office space that suits their needs and lifestyle. This destination helps local residents work more productively, taking away the long, traffic-congested 401 commute to downtown Toronto five days a week.

“One of the biggest benefits of being located in the new Regus Pickering Office is its location. The office is easily accessible by GO Train and by 401, making it easy for clients located anywhere in the GTA to get to my office”, said Deborah Holbrook, Lawyer at Holbrook Family Law. “Other appealing factors include the free parking and additional services provided by Regus to meet all my business needs, including admin support, boardroom and video conferencing facilities. I am very pleased that Regus has come to Pickering.”

The new Regus centre provides services such as fully equipped offices, virtual offices, meeting rooms and administrative staff as well as memberships to access to its business lounges across the world. There are 34 locations in the GTA including other suburban markets like Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton and Burlington. This is the first location in the Durham region.

About Regus

Regus is the global workplace provider.

Its network of more than 2,000 business centres in 104 countries provides convenient, high-quality, fully serviced spaces for people to work, whether for a few minutes or a few years. Companies like Google, Toshiba and GlaxoSmithKline choose Regus so that they can work flexibly and make their businesses more successful.

The key to flexible working is convenience and so Regus is opening wherever its 1.8 million members want support - city centres, suburban districts, shopping centres and retail outlets, railway stations, motorway service stations and even community centres.

Founded in Brussels, Belgium, in 1989, Regus is based in Luxembourg and listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit:

www.regus.ca

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Dominik de Daniel brings extensive financial as well as global commercial and leadership experience to Regus. He has been the CFO of Adecco Group for 9 years where he also successfully led their fast-growing Global Solutions division. Adecco Group is the world’s leading provider of Human Resource solutions and a Fortune Global 500 company with over 32,000 employees and circa 5,100 branches in over 60 countries and territories around the world. Dominik previously held the CFO position at DIS AG, before the company was ultimately acquired by Adecco Group.

Dominik will take over the CFO role from Regus’s current Chief Financial Officer, Dominique Yates. In his fifth year at Regus, Dominique will be leaving the Company to pursue other opportunities and will remain at Regus for a transitional period to ensure a smooth handover.

Doug Sutherland, Chairman of Regus, said:

“We are delighted that Dominik de Daniel has chosen to join Regus. Dominik is a capable leader who brings highly relevant experience to Regus’s finance and operations teams. We welcome Dominik joining our international management team and look forward to his contributions to help Regus continue to deliver on our growth ambitions.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dominique Yates for the significant contributions he has made during his time with Regus. He has played an integral role supporting our objectives for rapid growth while also improving the performance of the business. We wish Dominique the very best for the future.”

Mark Dixon, CEO of Regus, said:

“I would like to personally thank Dominique Yates for all his contribution. He has been a key member of the management team and leaves Regus after a period of significant expansion, but importantly, with the balance sheet and financial returns looking better than ever. I wish him every success for the future.

I look forward to working with Dominik de Daniel. I am sure that his significant experience with Adecco will be very valuable for Regus as we continue to capitalise on the global shift towards flexible working.”

In accordance with the disclosures required by paragraph 9.6.13(1) of the Listing Rules, Dominik de Daniel has been Group Chief Financial Director of Adecco S.A. from 4 April 2006 to 31 July 2015. There is no information to be disclosed in respect of paragraphs 9.6.13(2) to 9.6.13(6) of the Listing Rules.

For further information, please contact:

The research by global workplace provider, Regus, which surveys over 44,000 business people from more than 100 countries, found that worldwide, working long hours has become the norm with most workers putting in at least a small amount of overtime every week. Canada is no different with workers here putting in more hours than the global average.

The majority of Canadians who work overtime are putting in a whopping 8-12 hours more each week, compared to globally where the majority report doing around 2 – 4 hours more each week. Additionally, 16 per cent of Canadians are teetering close to burn out and putting in over 15 hours, basically working the equivalent of a seven-day week.

Workers report the day they are most likely to put in overtime hours is Monday (18%) when they likely want to catch up from the weekend and get ahead of the week, while Friday people are keen to get out and start the weekend with only 7 per cent reporting they work longer hours on Friday. However, the weekends are no exception for putting in hours with 14% and 13% reporting they work on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Key findings include:

• Most Canadian workers do around 8-12 hours of work more each week (18%);
• Those in central Canada are more likely to put in 8-12 hours at 20.5%, followed by western Canada at 18%, Quebec at 16.3% and Eastern Canada at 15.8%
• Only 12% of Canadians report doing one or less hours of overtime, meaning that if Canadians are putting in overtime, it is a substantial amount of time
• 16% report putting in 2-8 hours, 16% are working 15+ hours, only 12% are working one hour or less
• Globally, 38% of professionals work a full extra day or more. In Canada, the number rises to 41%.
• Monday is when most workers will likely put in their overtime (18%) followed by Saturday at 14%. Very few will choose to work overtime on Friday at 7%.

“With our hyperconnected and global work world, it is no surprise many of us are putting in overtime hours,” said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “It’s important to be aware of long hours combined with a gruelling commute. Workers could be facing burnout all too soon and that’s where flexible workspaces like Regus provide a nice solution.”

With so many employees working long hours, it’s important for senior managers to be aware of the location work is being carried out. If workers are able to carry out an acceptable amount of overtime from a location closer to home, they benefit from a shorter commute and more efficient use of their time. Flexible workspaces like Regus provide a solution to help give workers a better work-life balance by reducing the long commute and providing a more efficient use of time with a professional workspace closer to home than downtown centres.

For businesses, flexible workspace means taking steps to become an agile organisation that can rapidly and readily meet changing market requirements. It also means reducing the use of expensive, often under-occupied leasehold property by offering workers the opportunity to work from locations closer to home instead. But being able to set up a presence closer to customers is also a key element to success as global firms report that physical proximity helps them resolve issues faster, improves customer satisfaction, increase sales and boost productivity. Firms are also aware that they can better attract and retain top local talent by providing them with work locations closer to where they live.

From a worker’s perspective, business people globally confirm that a need for better work:life balance is driving the demand for flexible working among professionals who prefer to work closer to home (48%), reducing their lengthy commutes and freeing up time to spend on personal pursuits and relaxing. This is especially important as nine out of ten workers report they work overtime. 

Additionally, the report highlights that 60 per cent of respondents feel they are getting stale and need to schedule trips outside of the house, raising the question: is the freedom of working from home all it’s cracked up to be?

Other issues highlighted by the report include resentment from family members for taking up space in the house, work being taken less seriously by family members, and unwanted distractions.

Here are the key findings in the report:

· 48% of professionals report that they work outside the office more than half the week

· 17% of respondents say that their family resent that they have sectioned-off a space in the family home and two fifths (40%) think family members take their work less seriously when they work from home

· 60% say they feel they are getting stale and need to schedule trips out of the house

· 37% ‘get lonely’ and 65% miss mixing with other professionals

· 31% are afraid of becoming overweight as they snack throughout the day

“Often times, flexible workers need a professional and fully-equipped environment to thrive and be productive, working from home isn’t always the answer”, said Wayne Berger, VP of Regus Canada. “When working remotely it is important for professionals to get out of their pajamas, and out of the house to maintain their morale and wellbeing.”

Working from a fully-functional environment, instead of a makeshift space at home, offers professionals who work remotely the chance to interact with other professionals. Businesses that providing employees a professional environment closer to home, will reduce the stressful commute, but also help reduce frustration between family members and unwanted distractions such as excessive snacking which are more abundant in the cupboards and fridge at home.

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About Regus

Regus is the global workplace provider.

Its network of more than 2,300 business centres in 106 countries provides convenient, high-quality, fully serviced spaces for people to work, whether for a few minutes or a few years. Companies like Google, Toshiba and GlaxoSmithKline choose Regus so that they can work flexibly and make their businesses more successful.

The key to flexible working is convenience and so Regus is opening wherever its 2.1 million members want support - city centres, suburban districts, shopping centres and retail outlets, railway stations, motorway service stations and even community centres.

Founded in Brussels, Belgium, in 1989, Regus is based in Luxembourg and listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit: www.regus.com