Hybrid Workspace Demand Spurs IWG’s Expansion in Kenya with Nairobi’s New Spaces Global Trade Centre Launch”

IWG, a global leader in hybrid workplace solutions and well-known for its array of successful brands, including Spaces and Regus, is delighted to announce the official launch of Spaces. This innovative and adaptable workspace centre is now operational at the esteemed Global Trade Centre (GTC) in Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the future of flexible working. This significant advancement is the result of a strategic collaboration with Lanor International Limited with its CEO Founder Ronal Samani – part of AMS Group, solidifying IWG’s commitment to providing top-tier flexible workspace solutions globally.

Occupying an impressive 1,761 square metres on the 14th floor of the prestigious Global Trade Centre, this cutting-edge facility offers a diverse array of co-working spaces, private offices, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, and creatively stimulating environments. It’s a hub designed to meet the evolving needs of professionals and entrepreneurs, providing a versatile workspace for collaboration and innovation.

Kenya becomes the third African nation to welcome the renowned SPACES brand, following the footsteps of South Africa and Morocco. SPACES has emerged as IWG’s fastest-growing brand globally, offering a vibrant and dynamic workspace environment. Joining SPACES as a client opens doors to an extensive global network, with access to around 4,000 locations worldwide, providing convenience and flexibility to professionals no matter where they are.

GTC SPACES represents the 10th centre in Nairobi, complementing Regus’s existing presence with centres in key locations, including CBD Kenyatta Avenue, Vienna Court near State House, four centres in Westlands, one on Lenana Road, Britam Towers, and one at the Village Market. This diverse network ensures accessibility and choice for businesses across the city.

This expansion emerges as an immediate response to the rapidly growing demand for flexible work solutions. Following a very strong performance in the first half of the year, in which IWG attained its highest ever revenue and notably extended its global presence by adding 612 new sites between January and September 2023, IWG is poised for further expansion. The interest from companies of all sizes and individuals seeking versatile workspace solutions is propelling IWG to add around 1,000 locations over the next year.

The hybrid working trend is witnessing a remarkable surge in market growth, as industry experts project that by the year 2030, a substantial 30% of all commercial real estate will be flexible space. In this evolving landscape, IWG stands as the leading player, empowering its partners to seize opportunities in this dynamic sector by leveraging their extensive experience and resources. Notably, the adoption of hybrid working models results in significant reductions in operational costs, with an average cost savings of approximately $11,000 per employee.

In 2024, the second and third floors will accommodate additional private offices, complemented by a vibrant business lounge designed for the convenient use by our valued members. Furthermore, we are set to offer virtual office solutions, ideal for individuals or businesses in need of a distinguished business address or professional telephone answering services.

IWG’s Regional CEO for MEA , Marc Descrozaille comments, “We are establishing a stronger and much-needed footprint in Nairobi with this latest opening. As an important business hub GTC is a fantastic place for us to boost our expansion plans. The need for high-quality flexible workspaces continues to soar as hybrid working becomes the new normal. We are very pleased to work in partnership with Lanor International to develop the Spaces brand under a management agreement that will add a cutting-edge workspace to their building.

“Our opening in GTC comes at a time when more and more companies are discovering that flexible working boosts employee happiness and satisfaction, while helping the environment. Our workplace model is also proven to increase productivity and allows for a business to scale up or down at significantly reduced costs, he added’’

IWG Head of Southern & East Africa, Heidi Duvenage shared, “This new opening coincides with the growing trend of more companies recognizing the positive impact of flexible working on employee satisfaction and environmental responsibility. Our workspace model is not only proven to enhance productivity but also enables businesses to adjust their operations with significant cost savings.”

Global Trade Centre’s Head of Marketing PR & Communications, Shamim Malowa shared, “We are thrilled to welcome SPACES as the only tenants within GTC  that offer flexible and serviced offices.  This allows incubation of Fortune 500 companies to open operations without effort in Nairobi.  Their product offers solutions to organizations that are unable to take up an entire floor but want a premium workspace that offers state-of-the-art amenities, cutting edge technology and a prime location at a fraction of the costs.”

IWG’s customer base already encompasses 83% of Fortune 500 companies, underscoring its prominent position as an industry leader with a far-reaching global presence.

In addition, IWG has achieved a significant environmental milestone, reaching carbon neutrality. 100% of their workspaces are now carbon neutral, and they have earned an impressive AA rating. IWG will only use 100% green electricity by 2030, aligning with their sustainability goals.

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About IWG PLC

IWG is the global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size. From some of the most exciting companies and well-known organisations on the planet, to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. All of them harness the power of IWG’s hybrid working platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity. IWG’s unrivalled network coverage includes approximately 3,500 locations across more than 120 countries, and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst our growing customer base.

Through our brands including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses to work more productively. We do so by providing the world’s leading hybrid work platform with professional, inspiring, and collaborative workspaces and digital services all available via the IWG app. For more information, visit www.iwgplc.com, and for more information on partnering with IWG, see: https://www.iwgplc.com/develop-a-location.

About GTC

 At the heart of the development is East Africa’s tallest 3A plus Office Tower. The building sets a new standard regionally in workplace design with column free floor plates and an optimal internal planning grid. This enables efficient workplace design, providing for a variety of office layouts that can adapt as businesses evolve. The ideal foothold for Fortune 500 companies, African super brands, and innovators. Conceived for maximum benefit the building showcases intuitive leading-edge technology, state-of-the art air filtration system which increases fresh air flow by 30%, environmentally sustainable features such as Low-E Glass-Natural Lighting and heat control, double column breathable curtain which allows for free airflow, reducing the need for air conditioning and lower energy use. The Office Tower is a masterclass in engineering with unique design elements that have seldom been used in Kenya including transfer beams in various locations with spans of up to 38 meters horizontally (larger than an Olympic sized swimming pool).