How flexible workspaces are powering Leeds businesses amid city’s £20 billion projected growth

The recent launch of Leeds’ ambitious economic vision plan, which sets out a roadmap to generate £20 billion in economic growth and create 100,000 new jobs across the city, shows that the West Yorkshire city is set for huge investment over the coming decade.

External forecasts also predict that the city will grow in a fashion that outpaces the UK average over the next three years, with the fastest growing sectors being information and communication technology and the growing renewable energy industry.

As the city basks in such a positive economic outlook, Yorkshire-based businesses will need to scale efficiently, attract the right talent and remain agile to capitalise on this incredible period of opportunity, with flexible workspaces emerging as a key enabler of this ambition.

Paving the way for this wave of growth is Orega, who are celebrating their 25th year as a leading flexible workspace provider, by spotlighting their Broad Gate workspace which exemplifies how flexible offices can help businesses thrive in fast-changing markets.

Flexibility as a driver of growth

Flexible workspaces models like Orega Broad Gate are a huge part of Leeds’ business infrastructure, particularly since the global pandemic changed the way we work, with more businesses adopting hybrid working patterns. Workspaces with flexible leases provide highly adaptable environments that help companies respond quickly to market shifts and workforce needs.

Sophie Turnbull, Commercial Director at Orega, comments:

“Our 25th anniversary is not just a milestone for Orega, but also a reflection of how the flexible workspace sector has evolved to support the UK’s changing economic landscape.

“As more investment flows into the north of England, the demand for flexible workspaces in these areas is only going to increase as ambitious organisations require premium, flexible spaces to support their next phase of growth.

“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.”

Flexibility that fuels growth: JBA Consulting’s story

One business already experiencing the benefits of flexible workspaces in Leeds is JBA Consulting, one of the world’s leading environmental and engineering consultancies, who have an office in Orega Broad Gate.

Andy Oland from JBA comments:

“We needed to accommodate a growing workforce and wanted an environment that provided space for our team to continue developing their work and identity. Collaboration and innovation are central to how we work, so we invest in spaces that support both.

“The Broad Gate location has created a hub that’s convenient for our people and clients alike. Since moving in, our office has grown from 30 to 40 people, and the workspace continues to support a flexible, hybrid approach to working. It’s also helped foster connections with colleagues across Yorkshire, creating a sense of community with the wider JBA team.

“Flexibility has been the key advantage as we can scale up or down as needed without being tied into long-term commitments. This allows us to adapt to the dynamic nature of our business, while Orega manages the day-to-day operations of the office, freeing us up to focus on our core work.”

A city shaped by adaptability

JBA is just one of many Leeds-based businesses whose agility and adaptability over the coming years will be essential to capitalising on the city’s projected economic growth.

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. New data reveals that daily office occupancy across the UK has reached post-pandemic highs, climbing to 40%, further proving the need for flexible workspaces now that hybrid working has moved from an experiment to an established habit.

For regional economies that sit on the cusp of major growth like Leeds, the physical office is translating into a practical tool to support collaboration and expansion. Flexible workspaces are going beyond being just real estate and increasingly becoming part of how cities can facilitate periods of growth, allowing businesses to scale, innovate and thrive in a landscape of regional opportunity.

Expert guidance on choosing the right flexible workspace

For local businesses looking to select a flexible workspace that enables growth, Sophie Turnbull, Commercial Director at Orega, shares her top three tips:

“The right flexible workspace can be an enabler for ambitious organisations to grow exponentially, but choosing the right space is crucial. It’s about creating an environment that can support your growth plans, foster collaboration, and enhance business performance.

1. “Prioritise flexibility and ensure you choose an operator that can scale up or down as your business evolves, taking into account the practical implications of things like hybrid working models.”

2. “Consider the client impact of your building and its amenities. Look out for buildings that are centrally located and have tech-driven  meeting rooms and professional breakout zones that will allow you to host and impress clients easily.”

3. “Think about the extra touches that will allow you to focus on what’s important. Opting for a provider who offers things like IT infrastructure and maintenance and facilities support will mean your team can focus on the business goals above all else.”

Find out more about Orega Broad Gate.