Needspace?, the affordable, flexible workspace specialists based in London and the South East have today announced the appointment of Jon Dickman as Managing Director.
Jon, who originally joined the business’ parent company, Wates Group, in February 2020 as a special projects Director, brings over 30 years of experience in commercial property. He takes over from former MD and company founder Charlie Wates, who stepped down in January after 15 years.
During the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, Jon focused on helping the Group mitigate costs across their estate of offices, before joining Needspace? as a Director in April 2021. He was appointed Acting MD in January 2022.
As the workspace rental sector begins to recover from the impact of the pandemic and to readjust to changes in working patterns, Jon has his sights set on building up the portfolio of properties from its existing level of seven and growing the business over the next five years.
In addition, the existing portfolio will be adapted to reflect a more collaborative approach to working as businesses encourage their staff to return to the office.
Explaining what makes Needspace? unique, Jon Dickman said: “Needspace? is much more than just flexible office space, although we do that well. What makes us attractive, and has earnt us such loyalty among our customers, is the flexibility we offer at an affordable price and the pride our managers take in running our centres, catering for many different types of business.
“We have always focused on providing communities for small businesses to flourish in an entrepreneurial environment and right now our buildings are home to 128 individual businesses in a huge variety of sectors, from cafes to clinics; fashion to fitness; retail to recording studios; and even a scuba diving business we can cater for almost anything.
“The last two years have been extremely challenging, but what the pandemic has shown us is that people value flexibility, and many want to find a space to work away from home, within a much easier commuting distance. We can offer that in spades, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming more local businesses to join us as we develop our spaces for the future.”
Clapham-based business EPH Creative a supplier to the themed events industry outlined why they chose Needspace? when they needed flexible working space for its London colleagues to return to after several months of working at home.
Owners Rosie Ellis and Matthew East said: “We have had a great experience with Needspace?. We are in a good location, with the High Street and the common just a stone’s throw away, meaning we’re able to find food, drinks, and shops without having to walk far. With great transport links we’re able to travel around London for work and still have office space where we feel safe and secure.”
Needspace? is part of the leading privately-owned residential development, property services and construction firm, the Wates Group, and was established in 2006 by Wates director, and 4th generation family owner, Charlie Wates.
The business owns and manages five premises across central London, in: Clapham; Clerkenwell; Earlsfield, Hammersmith and Islington; and two premises in Sussex: Crawley and Horsham.
