Clockwise’s Alexandra Brunner: a fresh face in flex space

More than 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector is proving an asset to the COO of flexible office provider Clockwise. “When I was approached to come and work in the flexible office sector, I thought, ‘what do I know about offices?’” says Alexandra Brunner, who worked for major hoteliers including Jury’s Inn, Whitbread and The Ascott, and for aparthotel and PRS specialist Native before joining Clockwise in June 2020. The company, which is owned by private equity firm Castleforge, now has 12 properties across UK cities, including its latest addition in Bristol. “Castleforge is very forward-thinking, and what it wanted was for that hospitality factor to come into the [flexible office] industry because it thinks it is the way forward,” Brunner explains. “It’s the proactiveness of the approach. In good hotels or restaurants, someone notices that your glass is nearly empty and comes to offer you another drink. In the serviced office world or real estate world, the approach was that you are waiting for somebody to come to reception, or in some way tell you that something is wrong or that they may need something.” Reuniting people In Bristol, general manager Ellie Cheetham will be leading that proactive approach, making sure members can simply come in and get to work or enjoy the bar space, take part in social events, or have Clockwise host their product launch for them. “People want to be back together,” she says. Regular social events for members – at least two a month – are all part of the offer, and the space has already been used to host the nomination party for tech awards event The SPARKies. The new 30,000 sq ft workspace is situated in the Grade II listed Generator building in Bristol’s historic Waterfront Quarter. It was once home to the generator that powered the city’s tram system, and now forms part of the major regeneration of Bristol’s Floating Harbour, which includes the new Channel 4 HQ. Here, a day pass starts at £20 and a desk in a private office costs £450 per month. Wi-Fi is included, as is access to break-out spaces and kitchens. There are no hidden costs, Brunner insists. [caption id="attachment_1132645" align="alignright" width="847"] Clockwise’s Bristol office[/caption] “I’ve done a lot of competitor shopping. One company charged £5 per employee to use the kitchen. Another took a deposit for exit cards. It’s important to have clear and fixed pricing,” she says. “We are not the cheapest, but when you compare us to competitors we are still very competitive. There are no hidden costs and we are able to attract a very diverse community.” That ranges from tech start-ups and media and film companies keen to be close to Channel 4 and the BBC in Bristol, through to big four accountancy giant EY, which is relocating from its 6,000 sq ft Liverpool office to 2,200 sq ft at the Clockwise serviced offices in the city’s Royal Albert Dock. For more fledgling members, Brunner is acutely aware of the need to reduce upfront costs. With this in mind, Clockwise has partnered with Insurami to give members the option of paying a small monthly fee for a deposit guarantee instead of a traditional cash deposit. Similarly, Brunner has reduced the contract new members must sign from eight pages to a more manageable three. Sustainability appeal Take-up in Bristol has been quicker than at any previous Clockwise location – perhaps except for Cardiff, where the company has seen particularly strong demand from the fintech sector and is now expanding its offer. The Generator, officially opening next week, is already 50% contracted. “The speed has really surprised us,” Brunner says. She’s noticed that sound sustainability credentials are increasingly prioritised by those looking for space. She has no time for greenwashing: onsite facilities for storing bikes are backed up by decent showers and drying rooms to make cycling to work genuinely possible for members. The company buys certified green energy, and office furniture across the portfolio is supplied by London-based carbon neutral furniture manufacturer Raw Side. Going forward, Brunner’s focus in the UK is on delivering a new Clockwise office in Bromley and expanding the company’s bases in Belfast and Cardiff. She is also leading its European rollout. The firm already has an office in Brussels and will be adding a second Belgian base in Antwerp, as well as offices in Braemen in Germany, and The Hague in The Netherlands. Read more about office take-up across the regions here To send feedback, e-mail julia.cahill@eg.co.uk or tweet @EGJuliaC or @EGPropertyNews Image © Savills