Amid widespread expectations that an economic crisis is imminent, business leaders are opting for flexible workspaces and leases to avoid lengthy contracts.

Following a period of rationalisation landlords and workspace operators have kickstarted their flexible office delivery growth, according to the listed global software supplier to the sector.

Commercial real estate needs “sustained investment” in smart tech and data analytics to keep up with new ways of working, according to JLL.

Over recent years we have seen landlords placing a greater importance on the inclusion of flex office space as they recognise the growing need to offer tenants greater choice and flexibility, writes Cal Lee, global head of Workthere, the flexible office business within Savills.

Investment in the central London office market was down 8% in the first half of 2022 and vacancy rates increased – but the falling market does not reflect strong demand for flex workspace, agents say.

Fast-growing flexible workspace startup Desana has signed the world’s largest software development platform to provide its 3,000-strong team access to coworking offices around the world.

Billed as a “universal platform”, WeWork Workplace allows users to manage both their privately owned or leased space and any WeWork space they use.

With sustainability and hybrid work high on the agenda, the world’s largest flex office provider has teamed up with a Nordic startup to fit out its spaces with reusable furniture.

Isobel McKenna, former head of EMEA workspace solutions at CBRE, will head up Upflex’s London-based EMEA HQ following the flex office marketplace’s $30m fundraise.