The centre will meet the growing demand for world-class office space in what many business analysts call the world’s largest untapped market since the fall of the Soviet Union.

GDP growth in the MENA region’s 2nd largest economy is expected to hit 4.5% by the end of the year and as Iran’s economy goes from strength to strength after the landmark nuclear deal in 2016, it is becoming one of the most exciting markets for foreign company and global brands.

For both new and established businesses, workspace can be a big challenge both in terms of cost and long-term commitment. Businesses in the bustling capital Tehran will now be able to enjoy the benefits of flexible working as Regus adds Iran to its global network of over 120 countries.

“It is exciting to see Regus coming to Iran and its presence there is testament to Iran being a thriving hub for business. Both local and international businesses will be able to benefit from this high- quality and ultra-modern workspace, whether they are looking to expand an existing business or start up a new one,” said Dr. Mohsen Talaie, Senior Board Advisor to Edge Business Group, Regus’s local partner in Iran.

Workspace costs can be 5-10% of a company’s turnover but through a flexible working solution they will be able to set up quickly and conveniently in a modern and engaging environment that provides all the facilities they need on top of a high level of service. With no long-term leases to worry about, any business looking to expand or grow in this market can scale up and down quickly based on their needs.

Mark Dixon, Chief Executive of Regus, said: “Modern, dynamic businesses need to be able to work where they want and when they want, so I am very excited we are adding Iran to a growing global network. Whether you are a multi-national global corporation or a start-up, more than ever before you need flexibility, agility and the right location to succeed. Now firms in Iran or visitors can join over two million Regus customers who enjoy those benefits as part of our international network of over 100 countries.”

Regus Iran is proud to offer comprehensive business solutions in partnership and collaboration with EDGE Business Group to all local and international companies with businesses in Iran. Clients include Iran’s first and largest fashion e-commerce brand, Modiseh; the first global concierge service provider in Iran, Emminence; Iran’s largest consulting group, Ara Enterprise; Iran’s Largest FMCG company, Golestan; and one of the largest PR agencies in the world, MC Group, among others.

The official launch ceremony took place on September 13, 2017 in the presence of government leaders, local business leaders, foreign companies’ representatives and guests from the chambers of commerce and foreign diplomatic corps in Tehran.

The centre, which is due to open later this year, will occupy 12650 sq ft of Park House in Rubery, at the heart of the Longbridge regeneration scheme.

Over 160 workstations and a range of flexible working options will be available. This will include co-working space, approximately 75 offices of varying sizes, Virtual Office services and meeting room facilities.

Regus expects the facility to be popular with a wide range of users including local small businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as national firms opening satellite offices and global businesses establishing a footprint in the local area.

The location benefits from strong transport links, with central Birmingham easily accessible by both rail and road. Birmingham Airport is also located just 30 minutes’ drive away.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “We’re delighted to be opening our latest Birmingham location. The area is undergoing significant regeneration at the moment with the successful Longbridge development scheme already having made a positive impact on the regional economy, and is fast establishing itself as a thriving business destination.

“The area offers excellent value and a prime spot for firms of all sizes looking for a well-connected base in the Midlands, so we see it as a natural fit for our flexible workspace offering.”

Located on Level 2 of Invader’s Bay Tower, the contemporary interior of the Regus business centre has been designed to provide a unique and exciting working environment to suit the needs of small and large businesses alike.

With 61 offices of varying sizes, 172 work stations, 2 meeting rooms (including a board room and 2 business lounges) the centre will be a great addition to the capital city. Fitted out with world class IT and Telecoms infrastructure, the centre is designed to support the needs of all its clients. The top of the range business lounge will also be the first of its kind in Trinidad & Tobago, offering workers ultimate flexibility in the heart of Port of Spain’s commercial district.

Trinidad & Tobago is projected to increase its GDP by 2.3% in 2017¹ making it one of the wealthiest and strongest economies in the Caribbean¹.

Mark Dixon, CEO of Regus commented: “Following the success of our new location in Barbados last year, we’re very excited to bring our cutting edge agile workspace solutions to businesses in the Caribbean, and to Trinidad & Tobago in particular.”

On touring the facility at Invaders Bay, Minister of Trade & Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon said: “The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is delighted that Regus has decided to bring its brand of flexible workspaces to Trinidad and Tobago. This new Regus Centre will be a great addition to the business landscape of Port of Spain, levelling the playing field for smaller businesses who can now share these workspaces with larger global businesses.”

Mark Dixon, CEO of Regus concluded: “Modern, dynamic businesses need flexibility, agility and the right location to succeed. Businesses based in Trinidad and Tobago, or those just visiting, can now join our 2 million customers world-wide, enjoying the benefits of being part of our ever-expanding global network.”

¹ World Bank https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/25823/9781464810169.pdf

Regus surveyed over 1500 professionals across the UK to understand attitudes towards remote working reporting and management.

Results show that regular contact is key, and the immediacy of instant messaging is a crucial tool in today’s business environment. 74% of respondents agreed that remote workers and managers should remain connected via instant messaging apps as well as telephone.

Frequent phone communication remains important, with 84% of professionals believing that managers should speak with remote workers several times a week. And over half (55%) believe video calls should be implemented at least once a week.

Another clear message to emerge is that working remotely should not eliminate face-to-face meetings. But this time together can be less frequent. 84% of respondents agreed that remote staff should attend monthly meetings with managers.

When it comes to tracking productivity, results were more mixed. The use of IT systems to track and measure levels of work activity was regarded as a necessity by only half (51%) of respondents.

Clearly, business decision makers must strike a balance between staying on top of remote worker productivity without seemingly monitoring every working minute.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus comments: “The flexible working phenomenon has been embraced by businesses of every size as companies look to offer working structures that appeal to the latest generation of employee talent. Now, the challenge for business leaders is to establish reporting and measurement strategies to effectively manage this dispersed workforce.

“This survey gives a clear indication of the current expectations of UK professionals. However, this is not a ‘once and done’ exercise. Regular assessment of tools and techniques is essential in order to take advantage of developing technologies and to ensure that employees continue to feel supported and engaged. Striking the right balance will deliver immediate benefits to both parties – and to business bottom-lines.”

The centre, which is due to open this autumn, will occupy over 10,000 sq ft of 1 Mann Island, part of the new Mann Island waterfront development overlooking the city’s historic Albert Dock.

Over 150 workstations will be on offer, as well as a range of flexible working options for businesses and professionals. These include: co-working space, virtual office services, meeting rooms which are bookable by the hour, and over 60 offices of varying sizes.

The new centre will be situated just half a mile from Lime Street railway station and within easy access of the M53 and M62 motorways. It is also close to the Liverpool One shopping, leisure and residential complex.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “Liverpool is a city that means business and is attracting investment and visitors from across the world. The area offers excellent value and is a prime spot for firms of all sizes looking for a well-connected base in the North West, so we see it as a natural fit for our flexible workspace offering.

“We expect the facility to be popular with a wide range of users including local small businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as national firms opening satellite offices and global businesses establishing a footprint in the area.”

Regus currently has two business centres in Liverpool, located in Horton House in Exchange Flags and on Derby Square.

The new T2 space is located landside, adjacent to the main terminal building. The space encompasses over 2100 sq ft and provides a co-working space and nine high-specification meeting rooms, seating between 4 and 12 people. A drop-in business lounge is also available, offering a quiet, professional space with comfortable seating, free wifi and complimentary refreshments.

The opening is the latest step in the roll-out of the Regus Express format, which provides professional workspaces and office facilities at key transport hubs such as airports, railway stations and motorway service areas. In the UK, Regus already had successful airport Express locations at Gatwick, Birmingham and Heathrow Terminal 5. Globally, the Regus Express airport network spans 11 countries, covering locations including Copenhagen, Luxembourg, Mumbai and Sydney International Airports.

Richard Morris, UK CEO at Regus, comments: “The growing Regus Express network is making air travel much more productive for our customers across the globe by providing high- quality workspace, on flexible terms, wherever it is needed.

“Our T2 space is easy to access from the M4 or M25 motorways or from central London, making it a convenient meeting point for business travellers coming from near and far.”

Regus also has several other locations in close proximity to Heathrow Airport, including two on Stockley Park and one on Bath Road in Heathrow and one on Hyde Park in Hayes.

The new space occupies 13,600 sq ft in Redwood House on Almondsbury Business Park, a popular business location situated at the M4/M5 motorway interchange to the North of Bristol City Centre.

The centre offers a range of flexible working options for businesses and professionals including co-working space, virtual office services, meeting rooms which are bookable by the hour, and over 80 offices of varying sizes.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “Almondsbury Business Park is a popular business hub which is home to a whole host of leading companies and, as such, is the perfect fit for our flexible workspace offering

“Our new centre is perfect for any business looking for flexible workspace in an accessible location. We expect strong take-up from local small businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as larger firms establishing a footprint in this sought-after area.”

The new Regus centre joins the company’s existing Bristol centres, located at Castlemead, Aztec West, Broad Quay and Temple Quay.

Visit www.regus.co.uk for more information.

The centre is located on the first floor of East Suite Waterfront in Shipley, just a few minutes' walk from Salts Mill, a former textile mill which is now home to a thriving arts, business, shopping and dining complex. A range of flexible workspace options catering to businesses of all sizes are available. These include a large co-working space, virtual office services, meeting rooms which are bookable by the hour, and approximately 50 offices of varying sizes.

Regus expects the workspace to be popular with a wide range of users including local small businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as national firms opening satellite offices and global businesses establishing a footprint in the local area. The new centre is just a short walk from Saltaire station and is well connected to Leeds and Bradford by both rail and road.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “The area around Salts Mill is a fantastic example of local regeneration. This thriving artistic and cultural hub is a great place to base a business, making it the perfect fit for Regus.

“Our new Shipley hub allows professionals in the area to work closer to home, avoid the expense of commuting into Bradford or Leeds, and to focus on core tasks without the headache of office administration. We look forward to welcoming people to our bright, modern space and helping them to work more flexibly and productively.”

Ends

The survey targeted UK professionals in order to identify typical patterns working and productivity. For many respondents it appears that working structures are simply not geared to delivering a work/life balance that enables adequate rest and relaxation. Nearly a third (30%) of UK workers admit to working overtime at the weekend or on holiday.

Preventing burnout by protecting private time is a hot topic. Back in January, France passed a law establishing workers’ “right to disconnect”, requiring companies with more than 50 employees to establish hours when staff should not send or answer emails. More recently, the issue of mental health in the UK has gained much media attention thanks to the high-profile campaigning of members of the Royal Family. With the UK employment rate at its highest level since comparable records began, wellbeing in the workplace is obviously a key factor in the overall mental health of the nation.

Experts describe ‘burnout’ as physical, psychological and emotional distress caused by a total inability to rest. The number of people spending time working during so-called relaxation hours should serve as a wake-up call to managers and HR professionals.

Certainly, the rigid commuting model of beating traffic and cramming on trains to arrive at a fixed location at a set-time is proven to raise stress-levels. Respondents identified a more flexible workplace approach as being beneficial to wellbeing. Over half (54%) stated that they believed working from a professional location nearer to their home could help improve their work/life balance. And, 43% of respondents stated that they intend to work remotely in the coming year in order to improve morale.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus comments: “There is no lack of awareness around mental wellbeing and about how employers can improve working structures for employees. However, this awareness needs to now translate into tangible action and strategy.

“Studies prove that the commute remains a major cause of stress and unhappiness yet still employees are asked to battle for the same train at the same time simply to be present at a designated location. This is an archaic and outdated model.

“By embracing flexibility and enabling employees to work closer to home, employers will be rewarded with a workforce that is better equipped to provide its best work. There may, in time, be a UK law like the one recently passed in France whereby businesses are required to more closely monitor out-of-work activity. However, the onus is on UK firms to take a pro-active stance and to put worker wellbeing first.”

Ends

The official opening took place on Thursday 23^rd March, with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by Councillor Mr Derek Brown OBE, the 756th Mayor of the City of Salisbury. Local professionals were given the opportunity to see the hub first hand and to understand how the environment is geared towards enabling businesses to work flexibly, productively and cost-effectively.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus comments: “The demand for permanent, fixed contract office space is dwindling fast. Instead businesses want space that they can occupy on an as-needed basis, and that can be grown with their business.

“Our Salisbury hub allows professionals in the area to work closer to home, to avoid the expense and cost of commuting, and to focus on core tasks without the headache of office administration. It’s a bright, modern space that professionals will enjoy working out of and it seems to have caught the imagination of businesses already.”

The Salisbury Cross Keys House space is the latest in Regus’ network of over 300 flexible workspaces in the UK.

In fact, in a recent survey conducted by Regus amongst over 1500 UK professionals, the unintentional starring role of children figures highly amongst the main challenges to productivity when working from home.

When quizzed, 49% of UK professionals nominated children or family demanding attention as a major distraction, and 43% specifically mentioned children, family and pets disturbing work telephone calls.

Away from the disruption of family – whether two-legged or four legged – other difficulties arise with the work-from-home set-up. 35% of respondents cited the problem of distraction from household noises such as door bells ringing or the rumble of the washing machine or dishwasher.

Technology drawbacks also affect productivity. Difficulty accessing office equipment such as the printer or copier is recognised as an issue for nearly a third of professionals (31%), and over a quarter (27%) still battle with a slow or unreliable internet connection.

Conversely, over half of respondents (58%) believe that working in a professional environment near to their home can increase productivity.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus comments: “The notion of working flexibly is taking hold but it is still being confused with working from home. In truth, the two are somewhat different.

“Working flexibly involves working out of a professional space that is typically near to the employee and that is specifically geared towards convenience, comfort and productivity. Working from home might offer convenience but too often comfort and productivity take a back-seat.

“Employers are right to think flexibly in order to boost the wellbeing and productivity of employees. However, the strategy should be to look for workspace that is close to home but which gets professionals out of the house and away from all domestic distractions. Certainly, workers will welcome the odd day spent operating from the home environment but our study suggests that if this pattern becomes the norm, performance may suffer as a result.”

The stunt, which will take place on Friday 31^st March at midday, aims to raise awareness around flexible working and its benefits- particularly for parents of young children. It is the latest in a series of flash dances, organised by parenting blog MotherPukka in conjunction with workspace provider Regus, which have taken place across the UK in a bid to take the flexible working message nationwide.

Hundreds of people are expected to take part, stretching, dancing and singing in Trafalgar Square to deliver the message to the passing crowds and make the country’s business leaders sit up and take notice.

MotherPukka founder Anna Whitehouse is co-ordinating the events in partnership with Regus, whose network of workspaces makes flexible working easier for professionals across the UK. Regus is sponsoring the series of MotherPukka flash-dance stunts as well as offering support at each event by providing a meeting venue and refreshment for participants.

A recent change in legislation now means that anyone in the UK who’s been in their job for more than six months has the right to request flexible working. However, research suggests that 60%* of mums still don’t have access to it.

Anna Whitehouse comments: “We want to get out there, have fun, and talk about flexible working in a way that people will remember- and judging by the amazing turnout we’ve had for our previous flash dances, this is a topic that really resonates with people. The 9-5 can be very limiting for many professionals – particularly mums with a young family. This is a call for UK businesses to show their flex appeal – to get flexible and to not disregard talented women just because they don’t fit the rigid fixed-hours mould.”

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “The MotherPukka team is doing a fantastic job raising awareness of the benefits of flexible working and we are proud to support them. Employees are realising that there is a better way to be productive than battling the daily commute to reach a fixed office. For mums and dads with young families – and many other professionals - this routine is often simply unworkable. We want more businesses to reconsider their working patterns, to open their doors to a wider pool of talented individuals, and to put employee productivity and wellbeing first.”

*Digital Mums ‘#Workthatworks’ report, September 2016

Ends

The new workspace is located in Cross Keys House, an elegant, period building on Queens Street. It has been opened in response to the strong demand for flexible workspace in the city and offers a range of flexible working options for businesses and professionals. These include co-working space, virtual office services and meeting rooms which are bookable by the hour. Over 30 offices of varying sizes are also available on a permanent, part time or daily basis.

The new centre benefits from a prominent, accessible location, overlooking the Market Square. Salisbury railway station is just a few minutes’ walk away, providing frequent transport links to London Waterloo as well as Bristol and Southampton.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “We’re delighted to announce that we will be opening in Salisbury, a city which is home to a whole host of leading companies with a particularly thriving scientific community.”

He adds: “Our new centre is perfect for any business looking for flexible workspace in an accessible, central location in Salisbury. We expect strong take-up from local small businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as larger firms establishing a footprint in this sought-after area.”

Visit www.regus.co.uk for more information.

According to a new survey from workspace provider Regus, these ‘push’ factors are highly influential when it comes to deciding how and where we work.

With the option of flexible working now a right for anybody who has served 26 weeks or more for an employer, professionals are presented with more control over their working patterns. And it seems that, for many, working flexibly provides a much needed escape from less agreeable office companions.

Over a third (35%) of UK professionals agreed with the statement that ‘flexible working means I don’t have to put up with colleagues’ unpleasant personal habits’. And 31% agreed that ‘flexible working allows them to avoid boring colleagues’.

Aside from offering a welcome bolt-hole, the lifestyle benefits of flexible working were reiterated by respondents. 41% identified flexible working as a key factor in enabling them to eat more healthily, and 71% stated that they have more free time to get out and meet people – whether professionally or socially.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus comments: “Under traditional working structures people spend more time with colleagues than they do with their own family. Such an environment will always result in mismatches of personality and behaviour which, over time, can potentially hamper workplace harmony and productivity. Clearly, the freedom to work flexibly is providing professionals with an escape from everyday routines and the chance to focus on their own performance and wellbeing.

“It is important for employers to recognise both the pull and push factors affecting employees’ flexible working requests and to devise working patterns that enable individuals to produce their best work on a consistent basis.”

Transport links to the centre are excellent, with Heathrow Airport located just 15 minutes’ drive away and the M25 and M4 close by. The location is also well served by rail, with both Staines and Egham stations just five minutes’ drive away, offering fast, easy access to central London.

The site will offer a range of flexible working options for businesses and professionals including co-working space, virtual office services, meeting rooms which are bookable by the hour, and approximately 50 offices of varying sizes.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “We’re delighted to announce that we will be opening a new location in Staines, a town which is home to a whole host of leading companies with particularly thriving tech and pharmaceutical industries. Our new site will be perfect for any business looking for an accessible location in the Thames Valley with excellent transport connections and make a welcome addition to our network in the South East.

“We expect strong take-up from local small businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as larger firms establishing a footprint in the area.”

Visit www.regus.co.uk for more information.

The Terminal 2 space will be situated landside in arrivals and occupy over 2100 sq ft. The facility will include nine high-specification meeting rooms of various sizes, as well as a drop-in business lounge – a quiet, professional space offering ergonomic seating, free, secure wifi and complimentary refreshments.

The 5000 sq ft Terminal 3 facility will be located airside and house ten meeting rooms and a business lounge.

This is the latest milestone in the roll-out of the Regus Express format - professional workspaces and office facilities at key transport hubs such as airports, railway stations and motorway service areas. The launch follows the roll-out of Regus Express facilities at Gatwick Airport, Birmingham Airport and Heathrow Terminal 5 in the UK, as well as locations across the globe including Copenhagen, Luxembourg, Mumbai and Sydney International Airports.

Richard Morris, UK CEO at Regus, comments: “The growing Regus Express network is making business travel much more productive for our customers across the globe and we’re delighted to announce that we will soon be extending it further at the UK’s hub airport.

“Our strategy is to continually expand our global network and diversify the type of location we offer, making it even more convenient for our members to work flexibly and productively, when and where it suits them.”

Heathrow Property Director, Stephen Wilkinson said; “We are delighted to welcome these new Regus Express business lounges in T2 and T3. They will complement the existing Regus lounge in T5, which has been a great success. Regus are an internationally recognised workspace provider and the Heathrow lounges provide great facilities for our passengers who often need to send a few last minute emails or host a meeting before jetting off.”

Regus also has several other locations in close proximity to Heathrow Airport, including two on Stockley Park and one on Bath Road in Heathrow and one on Hyde Park in Hayes.

The survey, conducted amongst 1700 UK professionals, shows that 58% of workers are looking to ‘work remotely in order to improve their travel schedule’.

Recent reports estimate that today’s average UK commute takes anywhere from 55 to 90 minutes with more than 3 million workers regularly facing journeys of two hours plus to get to and from work. Research has found that the commute has a detrimental effect on wellbeing, with the Office of National Statistics reporting that commuters have lower life satisfaction, lower levels of happiness and higher anxiety.

The cost of commuting is also set to rise with the announcement that train fares will increase by an average of 2.3 per cent from January 2017.

According to Richard Morris, UK CEO Regus, these factors are leading commuters to question the logic of traditional working practices.

Morris comments: “The commute has rarely been a joyful experience but 2016 seems to have been particularly challenging for vast numbers of workers. Train problems have been well documented but the situation for those driving to and from the office is equally frustrating.

“The survey tells us that workers are no longer willing to accept the stress and expense of the commute and are looking at flexible working solutions that enable them to gain this time back, work nearer to home and enhance productivity.

“Whilst working flexibly won’t be a fit for every type of job there are millions of people across the UK for whom this more agile approach to the working day makes perfect sense. With over half of all workers thinking this way, 2017 looks set to herald the beginning of the end for the out-dated, costly and time-consuming journey to one fixed place of work.”

The 20,000 sq ft site, which will house over 200 workstations, is located in Beacon House on Stokenchurch Business Park and will offer a range of workspace available on flexible terms. This includes over 90 offices, meeting rooms available to book by the hour, a co-working space and Virtual Office services.

The site benefits from a convenient location next to junction 5 of the A40. Heathrow Airport is also approximately just 35 minutes away.

Regus expects the facility to be popular with a wide range of users including local businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as national firms opening satellite offices and global businesses establishing a footprint in the local area.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “We’re delighted to be opening our latest location, which is testament to the region’s ongoing need for workspace available on flexible terms.

“We know that more and more people are working flexibly, instead of the traditional 9-5 in the office, and we are seeing a growth in interest in flexible working options which provide a more agile alternative to fixed offices. Our Stokenchurch space has been designed with the needs of today’s flexible, modern workforce in mind.”

Regus Stokenchurch will add to the company’s existing locations in the area, including its business centre on Kingsmeade Business Park in High Wycombe and the Regus Express hub at Beaconsfield Motorway Services.

Visit www.regus.co.uk for more information.

Global workspace provider Regus has opened the doors to its second Belfast location, extending its network of flexible facilities in the city.

The 6000sq ft site, which houses over 70 workstations, is located on the third floor of Arnott House on Bridge Street and offers a range of workspace available on flexible terms. This includes office space, a meeting room available to book by the hour, a co-working space and Virtual Office services.

The building benefits from excellent transport links, with the main transport hubs of Donegall Quay Bus Centre, Central Station, Great Victoria Street Train and Bus Station and the Metro network all within a 10 minute walk away. Several multi-storey car parks are also located close by.

Regus expects the facility to be popular with a wide range of users including local businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as national firms opening satellite offices and global businesses establishing a footprint in the local area.

Arnott house is the former site of Arnott’s, one of Belfast’s most iconic department stores, which served the city for 137 years before closing its doors in 1974.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “We’re delighted to announce that our second Belfast location is open for business. The opening of the site is testament to the city’s need for cost-effective workspace that matches today’s flexible, modern workforce. We know that more and more people are working flexibly, instead of the traditional 9-5 in the office, and we are seeing a growth in interest in flexible working options which provide a more agile alternative to fixed offices.”

Regus also has a centre in Forsyth House on Cromac Square in Belfast.

Visit www.regus.co.uk for more information.

The facility, which will house over 130 workstations, will be located in Cross Keys House on Queens Street, overlooking Market Square. Salisbury railway station is located just a few minutes’ walk away, providing frequent transport links to London Waterloo.

The site will offer a range of flexible working options for businesses and professionals including co-working space, virtual office services, meeting rooms which are bookable by the hour, and over 30 offices of varying sizes.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “We’re delighted to announce that we will be opening in Salisbury, a city which is home to a whole host of leading companies with a particularly thriving scientific community. Our new Queen Street site will be perfect for any business looking for an accessible, central location in Salisbury and make a welcome addition to our network in the South West.

“We expect strong take-up from local small businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as larger firms establishing a footprint in the area.”

Visit www.regus.co.uk for more information.

The 13,600 sq ft facility will be located in Redwood House on Almondsbury Business Park, a popular business location situated at the M4/M5 motorway interchange to the North of Bristol City Centre.

The site will offer a range of flexible working options for businesses and professionals including co-working space, virtual office services, meeting rooms which are bookable by the hour, and over 80 offices of varying sizes.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “Regus’ growth and investment in Bristol is testament to increasing demand for flexible places to work that offer a productive environment for business people to touch down, meet, co-work or base a business.

“Redwood House is an exciting addition to our network in the South West, which will provide another conveniently located business base. We expect strong take-up from local small businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as national firms opening satellite offices and global businesses establishing a footprint in the area.

“As world leader in flexible workspace, we are committed to continually expanding our network and making business easier for our customers.”

Regus currently has four Bristol centres, located at Castlemead, Aztec West, Broad Quay and Temple Quay. The company will also be opening a new centre in Swindon’s Wiltshire Court next year.

Visit www.regus.co.uk for more information.

Modern working methods such as giving workers the flexibility to work remotely can impact positively on employee happiness and productivity.

In a recent Regus survey of over 3000 UK professionals, 74% of respondents stated that flexible working enables employees to better manage personal and professional demands. Additionally, 56% of respondents believe that flexible workers are more ‘mindful’ and are better able to assess their levels of well-being.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “Often, stress goes unseen until a crisis point is reached. By this time, it can be too late to reverse the cycle. Today’s businesses are approaching the issue pro-actively, looking at working structures and re-evaluating how and where objectives are achieved.

“Increasingly, this means a break from the fixed-office, fixed-hours routine and a move towards more agile thinking, measuring on results not ‘presenteeism’. According to our respondents, this is having a measurable impact on employee wellbeing and productivity.”

The 16,600 sq ft facility will occupy three floors of landmark office building Cale Cross, which boasts panoramic views of the Tyne Bridge.

The site will offer a range of workspace options for businesses and professionals, available on flexible terms. This includes co-working space, meeting rooms which are bookable by the hour, virtual office services and over 40 offices. Newcastle Central Station is located just ten minutes’ walk away, providing excellent transport links to Newcastle International Airport and Sunderland City Centre.

Demand for flexible workspace is growing steadily, as businesses aim to save money on lengthy leases and give employees greater freedom in where and when they work.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “Cale Cross is an iconic building in a fantastic location and a welcome addition to our Newcastle network. Regus’ continued investment in Newcastle is testament to the strong demand for flexible workspace amongst the city’s professionals. Our Merchant House centre has been successful in its first year and we expect similar success for Cale Cross.

“Based on the experience of our other Newcastle locations, we expect strong take-up from a real variety of businesses, from local start-ups and remote workers, to national firms and global businesses establishing a footprint in the city.”

Regus has several other business centres in the area, including one in Rotterdam House on Newcastle Quayside, Merchant House on Cloth Market and on Team Valley Business Park in Gateshead.

Visit www.regus.co.uk for more information.

The 10,500 sq ft facility will be set over two floors of Wiltshire Court, an attractive, refurbished building in the centre of Swindon.

The site will offer a range of flexible working options for businesses and professionals including co-working space, meeting rooms which are bookable by the hour, over 40 offices and virtual office services. Swindon railway station is located just a few minutes’ walk away, providing high-speed transport links to London Paddington.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “Swindon attracts a diverse range of companies which are attracted by the town’s strong economy and excellent transport links. Our growth and investment here is testament to increasing demand for flexible places to work that offer a productive environment for business people to touch down, meet, co-work or base a business.

“Our Wiltshire Court location will be an exciting addition to our network in the South West, providing a new centrally located business base with convenient access to the rail station. We expect strong take-up from local small businesses, start-ups and remote workers as well as national firms opening satellite offices and global businesses establishing a footprint in the area.

“As world leader in flexible workspace, we are committed to continually expanding our network and making business easier for our customers.”

Regus will also be opening a centre on Bristol’s Almondsbury Business Park next year.

Visit www.regus.co.uk for more information.

Regus surveyed its customer base to establish whether commuting time was viewed as personal time, work time or simply wasted time. For 31% of UK respondents, the daily struggle to and from the office is regarded only as time wasted.

According to the TUC, UK commuting times rose by three minutes a day between 2004 and 2014, from an average of 52 minutes to 55 minutes. For many professionals, this time could be usefully spent responding to emails or drafting copy. At the very least, commuters want the time to themselves to read, make personal calls or listen to music. However, the nature of today’s commute means that neither work nor personal tasks can be completed.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus, comments: “The stresses of the daily commute – particularly train travel - are well documented. Perhaps those getting a seat early on the route are able to complete a few tasks on the move. But joining the train further down the line results in cramped and uncomfortable conditions which make even the simplest activities impossible.

“The bigger question for British business is – why persist with the commuting model? Why make employees spend unproductive time travelling to a central location and working to fixed hours that date back to Victorian times.

“Alternatives exist, and businesses of every size are investigating flexible work options that enable employees to work closer to home and to vary their hours to better suit their circumstances. Nobody benefits from this current commuting chaos.”

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