Flexible workspace operator marks milestone anniversary with record growth, expanding across the UK’s biggest cities.  The last decade has seen the flexible workspace market change drastically thanks to shifts in remote and hybrid working patterns across the UK.  With new data revealing that daily office occupancy has reached post-pandemic highs, climbing to 40%, hybrid working has moved from an experiment to an established habit.(1)  As businesses rethink the purpose of the office and the value it can bring, flexible workspace providers are at the forefront of creating office spaces that offer genuine value to the people who use them.  One flexible workspace provider redefining how modern businesses operate is Orega, who are celebrating 25 years in business with a period of record growth, a growing corporate client base, and ambitious future plans.  Celebrating 25 years of growth Founded in 2001, Orega has grown from a single site to one of the UK’s most established flexible workspace brands, now managing 656,000 square feet of office space across 25 locations.  Developing a strong hold in the UK’s major cities, the company currently is home to over 12,000 clients across 550 businesses, including major corporates in sectors including finance, legal, recruitment and business services. Alan Pepper, CEO of Orega, comments:  “Reaching our upcoming 25th anniversary is a proud milestone for the business. The flexible workspace sector has evolved dramatically since Orega was founded – we’ve weathered the storm of three economic downturns and a global pandemic – and we’ve come out stronger than ever. “Recent data showing that daily office occupancy is increasing marks an important shift and this is something we’re also seeing across our portfolio. Businesses are rethinking the purpose of the office and the focus has moved towards spaces that foster culture, collaboration and improved wellbeing.  “Since 2001 and into the present day, our core values have always aligned with this need for comfortable, professional, hospitality-led environments that enable businesses to thrive. I’m proud of the lasting relationships we’ve built with clients who value our approach to flexibility without compromise and the team who’ve got us to where we are today.” Business highlights Over the past two and a half years, Orega has opened eight new premium centres and grown its team with key strategic hires including CEO Alan Pepper, COO David Kinnaird, and Commercial Director Sophie Turnbull.  Recognised as Operator of the Year at the 2024 Flex in the City Awards, Orega are the pioneers of Management Agreements with Landlords. This unique approach to flexible workspaces has been central to its success, setting a precedent for sustainable growth in the sector.  Recent milestones include achieving 100% occupancy in under nine months on the recently opened London Lime Street building and the signing of a new London Citypoint space, opening in spring 2026. The acquisition of Citypoint is a nod to the high demand from businesses who require state of the art flexible spaces in central, well appointed locations, a trend that is expected to continue due to the current economic climate meaning businesses are reluctant to be tied into long leases. Sophie Turnbull, Commercial Director at Orega, comments: “We’ve seen sustained demand from established corporates who want flexibility without sacrificing on quality or location and this is driving our expansion across the UK’s major cities.  “The market has matured since we started out and flexibility has become the central focus for many businesses and it’s reflected in the clients we’re attracting – professional service firms, financial institutions and established consultancies who see the workplace as a vital platform for success but want the flexibility to still scale up or down easily.”  Looking ahead Orega’s growth shows no signs of slowing down, with ambitious  plans to expand to 45 locations over the next five years at an average rate of four new sites per year. The focus will remain on London, the UK’s six big regional cities and select locations where demand for premium flexible workspaces continues to rise.  New offerings are also in development to serve client’s evolving needs, reflecting the company’s commitment to ongoing innovation and customer satisfaction.  Alan comments:  “Our future growth will be shaped by the same principles that got us to where we are today. We want to keep empowering businesses to unlock their true potential, remaining agile and responsive to the changing market. The flexible workspace industry is maturing and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that evolution.”  To find out more about Orega and available office spaces, visit: https://www.orega.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading office interior design consultancy, OP, has completed a strategic space optimisation project for alternative investment management firm, Attestor Limited, at their London headquarters at 7 Seymour Street. Attestor Limited is a leading alternative investment management firm specialising in credit and direct lending strategies across Europe. The firm manages assets for institutional investors including pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds, with a focus on delivering consistent returns through disciplined investment approaches. The six-week project has successfully transformed the 6,300 sq ft workspace to accommodate an additional 8-10 workstations without expanding the existing footprint, demonstrating how smart design can unlock hidden potential within established business premises. OP delivered the comprehensive reconfiguration during the summer period, minimising operational disruption while maintaining the exact look and feel of Attestor Limited’s existing environment. The project centred on strategic space planning to maximise every element of the available floor area through precision planning and targeted interventions. OP created the spatial capacity needed for additional positions while ensuring optimal workflow patterns and maintaining collaborative opportunities. The transformation’s centrepiece is a custom banquette seating solution designed to accommodate meetings for up to 25 people within constrained parameters. This bespoke installation integrates seamlessly with existing joinery, delivering significant functional improvements without compromising the workspace aesthetic. The project showcases OP’s specialisation in technical design and construction management within compressed timelines. OP maintained design consistency through careful material matching and finish coordination. The collaborative approach with trusted supply chain partners ensured seamless delivery within the six-week window, with the result appearing as a cohesive, intentional workspace rather than an adapted environment. The solution enables Attestor Limited to accommodate their growing team within their established prime location, avoiding the significant time investment and operational disruption associated with relocation. The transformation delivers immediate capacity while providing flexibility for future growth requirements within the competitive alternative investments sector. Located in an area where OP has successfully completed other projects, this project demonstrates the consultancy’s deep understanding of the unique demands facing professional services firms in London’s business district. Tom Parsons, Managing Director of OP, said: “This project demonstrates how strategic space planning can generate substantial returns on investment by enabling business growth within existing assets rather than requiring additional real estate investment. We’re delighted to have worked with Attestor Limited to unlock the hidden potential within their Seymour Street headquarters, creating the additional capacity they needed while preserving the quality environment that reflects their market position.” David Alhadeff, Director at Attestor Limited said: “OP’s technical expertise and collaborative approach enabled us to accommodate our growing team within our established location without compromising on the quality of our working environment. The transformation appears seamless and intentional, supporting our high-performing culture while providing the flexibility we need for continued growth.”  The project showcases how rapid business growth can be supported through workspace optimisation delivering immediate capacity gains while future-proofing operations for continued success in London’s competitive financial services sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Fit-out specialist Overbury has been awarded a £13 million contract to complete the interior works for the BBC’s new creative base at the landmark Tea Factory redevelopment in Digbeth, Birmingham. The deal follows a competitive tender process that saw Overbury beat off rival bidder Heydon & Carr to deliver the high-profile project, which forms the final stage of the broadcaster’s relocation from its long-standing home at The Mailbox. Around 650 BBC staff are set to make the move once works are complete. Developer Stoford and main contractor BAM began transforming the derelict Tea Factory into a modern shell-and-core office building in early 2024. Practical completion of the base build is scheduled for December 2025, after which Overbury will take over for a nine-month fit-out running through to the end of September 2026. The four-storey fit-out will provide a suite of cutting-edge production and broadcasting facilities, including a TV studio and gallery, eight radio studios, ten edit suites, a radio drama studio, lecture theatre, and a range of apparatus, meeting and collaboration spaces. The works will also encompass full mechanical and electrical installations, raised access flooring, acoustic finishes, and the supply and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment. Designs for the new base have been led by BBC Workplace, with project management by J4 Projects and cost consultancy from MGAC. Architectural and interior design input has been provided by AWW Architects and IDSR, while CMB is responsible for MEP design, Arup for structural engineering, and Ion Acoustics for the scheme’s specialist sound performance requirements. Once complete, the Tea Factory will become a key hub for the BBC’s operations in the Midlands, providing state-of-the-art facilities within Digbeth’s growing media quarter. The move reflects the broadcaster’s ongoing strategy to decentralise its operations and further embed itself within creative communities across the UK. Overbury’s appointment marks another major milestone for the redevelopment, signalling the start of the final phase in creating a world-class broadcasting environment in the heart of Birmingham’s creative district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Fit-out specialist 8build has returned to profitability after successfully refocusing its business model towards faster-moving, fixed-price contracts and securing a strong pipeline of aviation work. The London-based contractor reported a £2.2 million pre-tax profit for the year ending 31 March 2025, marking a major turnaround from a £1.2 million loss the previous year. Turnover rose by more than a third to £167 million as the company shifted away from protracted pre-construction services agreements (PCSAs) towards lump-sum and design-and-build contracts that convert to site more quickly. Average operating margins improved from 0.6 per cent, though they remain relatively tight at 1 per cent. Cash reserves also grew 38 per cent to £19 million, with the company maintaining a debt-free balance sheet. Chief executive Nick Bellamy said that tighter bid discipline, streamlined overheads and a record secured pipeline had laid the foundations for another strong trading year ahead. “The markets, in our experience, have moved away from PCSA contracts and towards more fixed-price lump-sum and fixed-price design-and-build contracts,” he explained. “This has reduced the time period from enquiry to construction compared to the elongated PCSA process, helping to bolster our revenue for the period.” The company’s resurgence has been further fuelled by growth in its aviation division. While 8build has long maintained a strong presence at London City Airport, it has recently expanded its portfolio with new project wins at both Heathrow and Gatwick, reinforcing its position in the specialist airport fit-out and refurbishment sector. Looking ahead, Bellamy said 8build was well placed for sustained momentum, with £157 million of turnover already secured for the 2025/26 financial year and a £165 million forward order book in place. “Our focus remains on delivering predictable performance, maintaining strong client relationships and continuing to target high-quality projects in sectors where we can add real value,” he added. 8build’s return to the black marks a significant step forward for the business, reflecting the success of its fixed-price pivot and disciplined approach to operational delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A MAJOR warehouse refurbishment and extension at Crayfields Business Park in Bromley has been completed by leading fit out and refurbishment main contractor Pexhurst, creating a new business hub with 30 self-contained office suites designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, flexible workspace.  The multi-million pound development funded by Legal & General will be operated by FOUNDRY, with a flexible configuration offering spaces that can cater to businesses seeking smaller, adaptable units in the micro-enterprise and serviced office sectors. The newly named ‘FOUNDRY Bromley’ also provides shared infrastructure and flexible leasing for growing businesses – giving them hybrid spaces for light manufacturing, storage and distribution of products. The construction programme included a full internal refurbishment of the disused commercial property, a single-storey extension with a green roof, and a design approach that supports L&G’s ambition to achieve carbon net zero, including the use of low carbon floor finishes, green roof, solar PV and recycled raised access floor. Dan Beadle, senior contracts/commercial manager at Pexhurst, said: “The expanding entrepreneurial and gig economy fuels the need for more flexible and sustainable units, such as those recently delivered in Bromley. From food preparation businesses to furniture makers, many enterprises now require hybrid spaces supporting light manufacturing, storage, and distribution – with these businesses thriving on shared infrastructure and the ability to grow without relocating.   “Our latest project completion shows how we can combine new micro-industrial workspace development with a meaningful social value legacy. The business hub we have delivered gives smaller occupiers high-quality spaces that can evolve with their needs, but at the same time our community engagement has helped ensure the project delivers a positive and lasting impact for the local area.” While delivering works at Crayfields Business Park, contractor Pexhurst maintained an impactful social value strategy through a programme of initiatives benefitting the local community and environment. This included donations to St Barnabas’ Community Fridge in St Paul’s Cray, healthy eating sessions for site operatives, and ecological enhancements such as mulch contributions which support hedgehog habitats. One of the most celebrated initiatives was an art competition with students from the nearby Riverside SEND School. Inspired by themes of nature and community, the winning artwork was displayed on site hoardings during construction, helping to showcase local creativity and strengthen community connections. Adam Walker, co-founder at FOUNDRY, said: “With my partners Legal & General, we are beyond excited to bring FOUNDRY to Bromley. Our space offers startups and fast-growing businesses future ready, micro urban logistics spaces and workshops to grow. This could be an Etsy seller looking for their first space to move out of their spare room or an ecommerce company looking for a small logistics hub and office. FOUNDRY Bromley will provide locals with a business hub: an eclectic mix multi sector business, backed by community and business focused events.”  Earlier this year Pexhurst completed a similar scheme of works on Unit 21 at Crayfields Business Park, which saw more than 10,200 sq ft of office and warehouse space upgraded through the improvement of facilities and energy systems.  Gareth Bacon, MP for Orpington, visited Crayfields Business Park in September to view both FOUNDRY Bromley and Unit 21 – recognising the achievements in sustainable refurbishment and community-focused delivery.To learn more about Pexhurst, visit https://www.pexhurst.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morris & Spottiswood recently completed a comprehensive refurbishment for Heathrow Airport’s Glasgow-based office, delivering a high-specification workplace designed to support modern working practices while reflecting the organisation’s identity. For the project, great use was made of the group’s inhouse specialists with Livingston Building Services providing M&E services, and the Morris & Spottiswood Flooring Division fitting the floor coverings.  The fit out of the Heathrow Glasgow Office followed a competitive tender process and began promptly after the contract was awarded in May 2024, with work commencing on-site in August. The location, which consisted of two-thirds of a floor within the office building, was previously an empty shell and required extensive reconfiguration work. A key advantage of Morris & Spottiswood’s internal capability is the level of control and consistency it brings to complex fit out projects. In-house M&E and flooring divisions ensure seamless coordination between disciplines, reducing the risk of miscommunication and delays. The M&E input from Livingston Building Services enabled quick mobilisation and design coordination at every stage of the programme. The familiarity with Morris & Spottiswood’s delivery standards meant that key milestones could be met efficiently and with fewer bottlenecks, while maintaining a consistently high quality of installation. Similarly, having a dedicated flooring division within the Morris & Spottiswood Group allowed for early involvement in material selection and planning, helping to align both budgetary and aesthetic requirements from the outset. For clients, these in-house capabilities translate into tangible benefits: fewer subcontractor interfaces, a single point of accountability, and a cohesive team culture across trades. This not only improves project delivery but fosters trust and transparency, essential components in building long-term client relationships, particularly in highly regulated or brand-sensitive sectors such as aviation. Craig Oxby, Heathrow Director of Business Services commented: “It’s been a pleasure having Morris & Spottiswood be a part of our project delivery team for our Glasgow office. They have brought together modern, innovatively designed spaces with practicality – delivering on-time to a high standard with excellent on-site communication. A great partnership model that has brought about a very successful outcome for the project.”  One of the most distinctive features of the office is a bespoke wall installation at the entrance, designed to subtly reflect the client’s aviation background. This installation features a large cut-out in the shape of an aeroplane, finished in fabric and allowing sightlines through the space. Additionally, specialist booths have been designed to give the look and feel of the interior of a plane, with acoustic baffles installed above them to provide effective noise isolation. Paul Beaton, Development Director at Morris & Spottiswood said: “Collaborating with the Heathrow team on this project to transform their Glasgow-based offices is something we are immensely proud of. Overcoming project challenges to deliver a superior space that acutely aligns itself with Heathrow’s brand identity, whilst also facilitating collaboration and efficiency in an office-space, is what makes this project so compelling.”  A crucial element of office fit outs is being aware and planning accordingly if the building is occupied by other tenants. In this case, there was an occupied floor directly above the project area, which meant a plan for noise and disruption mitigation was key. As such, high-impact activities were scheduled for the short window between 5am and 8am, outside of core business hours, and there was regular coordination with the building manager, which helped to maintain positive communication and address any operational concerns promptly. The project relied heavily on coordinated efforts between architectural, engineering, and construction teams, with communication especially critical given the client’s London base. To facilitate regular updates, the team provided consistent photographic progress reports, enabling remote oversight and decision-making without requiring frequent site visits. Daniel Pollitt, Heathrow Project Manager remarked: “Morris & Spottiswood have been a real pleasure to work with. Communication was excellent throughout the project, and the attention to detail from the site team was exemplary. Their transparent management of the supply chain gave me a clear understanding of all the connected parts of the project, and works were completed on time and to a very high standard, exceeding expectations from all parties.” For more information on Morris & Spottiswood, its fit out services and its projects, visit: https://www.morrisandspottiswood.co.uk/ For more information on the Morris & Spottiswood Group and its unique end to end service offering, visit: https://www.morrisandspottiswoodgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

OP has been appointed to deliver the comprehensive refurbishment of accounting firm Cooper Parry’s new London headquarters.  Cooper Parry is relocating from their existing Holborn offices, having outgrown their current space as their London operations expand. Following an extensive property search with building tours across multiple locations and test fit studies, OP developed the full design concept to create their new London hub.  The office interior design consultancy will transform 18,000 sq ft across the fifth floor of the building at 5 Appold Street, Broadgate, London creating a dynamic workplace that establishes Cooper Parry’s expanded foothold in the capital.  The 9-week project will see OP develop a hospitality-led workspace that redefines traditional office environments. The transformation will evolve the existing space from conventional rows of desks with a large breakout area into a more dynamic, multi-faceted environment that balances focused work with collaborative opportunities.  Central to the design concept is the building’s unique heritage as the fondly-named ‘flower pot building’, celebrated for its distinctive terracotta facade that resembles a terracotta flower pot. This narrative became the anchor for the entire design approach, with OP weaving storytelling elements throughout the space, including the naming conventions and thematic choices such as the ‘greenhouse’ social area, creating a cohesive identity that connects the workspace to its architectural character.  The centrepiece ‘greenhouse’ social space provides additional collaboration opportunities while serving as a versatile venue for client events and company gatherings. OP’s approach prioritises retaining as much of the existing architecture as possible, reusing existing desks, meeting rooms and task seating while minimising disruption and waste. This sustainable design philosophy supports Cooper Parry’s environmental objectives while reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint.  The design incorporates multiple purpose-built zones to support different working styles. Key features include a welcoming business lounge positioned as the first impression for visitors and clients, incorporating flexible work settings alongside a sophisticated meet-and-greet area. A multifunctional training space doubles as a library, maximising the building’s flexible workspace opportunities.  Claire Stant, Creative Director at OP, said: “We’re rebelling against traditional office space and creating a hospitality-led aesthetic that combines the practical requirements of day-to-day work with an exceptional experience as you move through the space. Every space tells a story, and the design celebrates the building’s unique character while delivering a workplace that truly supports collaboration and growth.”  Jo Giles, Head of Facilities at Cooper Parry, said: “We’re delighted to be working with OP to create our new London headquarters. This move represents a significant investment in our  London presence and demonstrates our commitment to providing our team with an inspiring workplace. The design perfectly captures our vision of a space that supports both our people and our clients, creating an environment where our business can continue to flourish – a crafted solution to take our business forward.”  The project is scheduled for completion in October 2025, enabling Cooper Parry to establish their enhanced London operations ahead of their planned transition from their Holborn offices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Building on their successful partnership, OP will deliver Techspace’s newest eight-floor coworking facility on St Andrew Street in London, marking their second collaboration. The leading interior design consultancy will deliver a complete strip-out and combined CAT A and CAT B fit out across 16,300 sq ft of workspace for tech entrepreneurs and growing businesses. The comprehensive sixteen-week project spans from basement to sixth level, creating flexible workplace suites and collaborative areas that incorporate Techspace’s signature approach to flexible working, featuring private offices, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces. Key features of the refurbishment include a reimagined ground floor reception and welcome area, a central cafe and social hub will be installed, featuring purpose-built seating areas and collaboration zones designed to encourage networking and community building among members. OP will maximise the existing windows to flood the new offices with natural light and views of London. The design will retain and enhance existing architectural features while introducing modern finishes and contemporary workplace amenities. The project includes comprehensive M&E upgrades, new lighting systems, and refreshed common areas throughout all eight floors. Modern end-of-journey facilities will be uplifted, and OP will install new secure bike storage to support sustainable commuting. Sustainability credentials are central to the refurbishment, with energy efficient systems, low VOC materials, and sustainable finishes specified throughout. The project targets strong environmental performance ratings while creating a healthy, productive workspace for Techspace members. The fit out will support Techspace’s established model of providing forward-thinking tech companies with access to premium workspace, high-speed connectivity, and networking opportunities in London’s vibrant business ecosystem. Stephen Parsons, Group Managing Director of OP, said: “We’re delighted to be furthering our relationship with Techspace following our successful delivery of their Old Street location. This comprehensive transformation represents exactly the kind of inspiring workspace that supports London’s thriving tech sector. The complete strip-out and redesign across eight floors will create a truly modern environment where innovation can flourish, while the fast-track sixteen-week programme demonstrates our ability to deliver complex projects to demanding timescales.” Paul Sandilands, Property Director of Techspace said: “We’re excited to be partnering with OP once again following the success of our Worship Street location. This latest full-building transformation reflects Techspace’s mission to empower the tech community with spaces designed for growth. By creating flexible, collaborative environments with best-in-class facilities, we’re giving scale-up teams the platform they need to innovate, connect and thrive.” The project is scheduled for completion in December 2025, with Techspace members benefiting from enhanced facilities and expanded capacity across the transformed building. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals