IWG plc enters Spanish market via franchising

International Workplace Group Plc (IWG) has launched its expansion into the Spanish market through its first franchise partnership. Announced on January 3, 2020, this move signifies a strategic step in the company's global growth strategy for flexible work environments.

IWG CEO Mark Dixon has previously stated that franchising is a key component of the company's objective to achieve national coverage in new territories. The company seeks local partners who understand regional dynamics to build and manage workspaces under the IWG brand.

Spain's first franchisee, Inaciu Suarez, a lawyer and business developer with investment experience, identifies coworking as a significant emerging trend with potential in the Asturias region, where the concept is not yet widely established. Suarez has agreed with IWG to develop at least two Regus centres in the cities of Oviedo and Aviles.

IWG's franchise model provides partners with extensive support, including training, customer service centres, IT support, and project management methodologies for new centre openings. Suarez intends to rapidly increase the number of locations, anticipating a growing market share for flexible and coworking spaces.

IWG operates multiple brands, including Regus, SPACES, and HQ, allowing for tailored property solutions to meet local market demands. Regus offers a standard workplace, SPACES focuses on design, and HQ is geared towards productivity.