IWG banks on franchise model amid flex boom

Flexible working giant IWG more than doubled its annual number of franchised office deals last year. It signed 150 new locations in 2021, an increase from 67 during 2020, as the sector embarked on a recovery from Covid-19 lockdowns. IWG signed deals in 15 countries, including the USA, India, Scotland, Italy, Malaysia and Spain. In December it signed its largest ever regional franchise deal with new partner Ratanakorn, committing to opening at least 40 offices in Thailand over the next decade. IWG chief executive Mark Dixon (pictured) said: “We have seen significant momentum in our franchise business, as a growing number of companies of all sizes commit to the hybrid model. “The shift towards work happening in the heart of local communities everywhere – cities and suburbs, towns and villages – will accelerate further over the coming years. “IWG will continue to focus on partnering with a growing number of franchise partners to provide local workplaces that people can access close to home, no matter where they live”. To send feedback, e-mail alex.daniel@eg.co.uk or tweet @alexmdaniel or @EGPropertyNews