where there is an over-supply of office space . IWG have deployed and grown through a multi-brand approach and have real presence and experience in over 120 markets , hence , we are best positioned to assist Landlords in this transition to Flex space , whether through Franchising or Management approaches ”, says Greg Davis , IWG Plc . Business Development Director Africa .
The Future is Flexible The recent Covid-19 effects have shown that the socio-political environment is becoming ever more unpredictable and change is rapid in some cases . It goes without saying that events in key markets have ripple effects on businesses around the world , and it has led to many developing contingency plans that involve significant changes , such as migrating head offices or key manufacturing plants .
Others are taking a longer-term view , reviewing their entire business model to make sure it is prepared to withstand both the current challenges on the table and any changes that may follow . In other words , they are aspiring to not only be a flexible business , but an agile one .
Flexibility and agility are as important as one another , as it ’ s inevitable that businesses will pivot and modify processes as they go along . While flexible workplaces include the essential elements of traditional offices , their practicality is forward-thinking and focused on creating dynamic environments .
“ Hybrid working is becoming the new norm and , in our view , is here to stay ,” says Joanne Bushell , Country Lead for IWG ,
Africa . According to Regus-commissioned research by Development Economics : by 2030 flexible working will have created 30 million additional jobs across 16 of the world ’ s leading economies . By 2022 , the global mobile workplace will number 1.87 billion people .
She adds : “ This arrangement has been boasted as the ideal solution for employees who still want the option to work from home but miss the camaraderie and collaboration opportunities that the office holds .”
“ To meet the growing demand in Africa , we are looking to rapidly expand our network through franchising , making an unprecedented investment opportunity available .” Says Mo Nanabhay , IWG Plc . Franchise Development Director ( Middle East and Africa )
“ Franchising offers people the opportunity to be in business for themselves , but not by themselves .”
Investing , Running & Owning a
Franchise “ The word “ franchise ” comes from the French language and means “ privilege ” or “ freedom ”. In a sense , franchising offers people the freedom to own , manage and direct their own business . Franchising has taken the world by storm , and with good reason . For the past five decades , this mechanism has consistently outperformed all other methods of growing a brand ,” says Van der Westhuizen .
IWG is now seeking franchise partners to help drive the pace of their global
8 FEBRUARY 2021 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine