IWG seeks out local business partners at Melbourne franchise expo

IWG seeks out local business partners at Melbourne franchise expo

Powering ahead with its global franchise strategy, the world’s leading provider of flexible office space is on the lookout for partners in Australia 

 IWG recently attended Melbourne’s Franchising and Business Opportunities Expo to spread the word about its dynamic global franchise strategy. The event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre brought together franchisees, franchisors and industry players from across the Asia Pacific region – an ideal chance for IWG to connect with local entrepreneurs and potential franchise partners. 

The expo was also geared towards professionals seeking a new career path that offers more autonomy, where they could be their own boss. Through its programme of seminars offering expert advice, delegates were exposed to new business opportunities they may not have considered – including building a franchise portfolio. 

Franchising is a pivotal part of IWG’s expansion plans. The rapid growth of the global flexible office space (flexspace) sector makes it an attractive, stable prospect for those looking for franchising opportunities. And with IWG’s decades of experience operating flexible working locations all over the world, franchisees get the reassurance of partnering with a global brand, with a proven successful business model. 

Simon van Grootel, IWG’s Development Director in Australia, says: “Franchise growth plays a key role in accelerating the rollout of new centres. It lets us work with the right partners, who recognise the exponential growth happening in our industry. With research predicting up to 30% of all commercial real estate will be flexible workspace in ten years time, the [opportunity] ahead of us is huge.” 

Opportunities for flexible workspace franchises are extremely positive in Melbourne, where the flexspace sector is flourishing. “The Melbourne market is one of the strongest in the country,” says van Grootel. “The city’s rapid population growth is increasing the need for options in the commuter cities, such as Geelong and Ballarat. These second-tier cities are a big part of the franchise opportunity, where we know their populations are looking for greater flexibility from workspace – be it high-quality, community-based space or the option to work close to home.” 

What qualities does IWG look for in a franchise partner? “We are seeking ambitious, experienced, entrepreneurial franchise partners,” says van Grootel. “They could be individuals with branded franchise experience keen to be involved in this high-growth industry. We would look for a minimum commitment of opening three to five centres within an exclusive territory – but, for the right partners, we are keen to have larger opportunity discussions as well.  

The future of flexible working is looking bright in Australia, as both large corporations and fledgeling businesses are recognising the benefits of opting for the shorter-lease lengths, scalability and cutting-edge working environments offered by flexible workspace providers. 

“We expect there will be a small number of core players with multisite, national presence combined with more numerous individual centre operators that may be very target-specific,” says van Grootel. “From an IWG perspective, we know that corporate occupiers are placing increasing value on the ability to look across multiple locations for solutions with a single flexspace partner. We are very excited about where the market is going, and about growing our partner network.”  

Could you be an IWG franchisee? 


BACK TO RECENT ARTICLES