Flex That Worx
Welcome to Flex That Worx, a podcast for anyone building, managing or growing a flexible workspace without making things more complicated than they need to be.
If you're running a single coworking space, juggling multiple locations, or overseeing a growing network of spaces across towns or cities, this is your space. It’s for the operators, managers, decision-makers, the people doing the work to make these places run.
Each week, we’ll share focused, no-fluff episodes with practical insights on how to run a better workspace. We’re talking about smoother operations, happier members, stronger systems, and sustainable growth. Think of it as your shortcut to learning what actually works.
At Baseworx, we work from coworking spaces ourselves. We see the wins, the mess, and everything in between. This podcast is a way for us to share what we’re learning, chatting with the people doing good work in this industry and helping you simplify how you scale.
Episodes are short, so you can fit them into your week easily. You’ll hear from workspace operators, industry experts, and our team. No jargon, no filler. Just useful ideas you can actually apply.
If that sounds like your kind of thing, hit follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. You can also find us on LinkedIn, YouTube, or check out free tools and resources over at Baseworx.co
Thanks for listening. This is Flex That Worx, scaling your workspace, made simpler and less stressful.
Flex That Worx is powered by Baseworx
Flex That Worx
The Local Knowledge Advantage with Paddy Kennedy | S3 EP2
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The operator who knows their local area has something the global brands cannot replicate at scale. That was the thread running through this conversation with Paddy Kennedy, practice leader for Global Flexible Workspace Advisory at Colliers, recorded live at GCUC UK in Manchester as part of the series we made with the GCUC UK team.
Paddy spends his days advising occupiers and landlords on flex, so he sees clearly where the smaller, boutique operator wins. They understand the culture, they wrap their arms around the people in the building and every deal matters to them in a way a global provider may find it hard to match.
Paddy was also honest about a habit the industry needs to break. Managed, serviced, flex, traditional: these are the words operators and brokers use to talk to each other, when the occupier walking in just wants a clear answer on desks, meeting rooms and term length.
The job is to make the message simple for the person actually choosing the space and when a landlord decides to run flex themselves, Paddy is unequivocal about what makes or breaks it. It starts with the people, because coworking runs on people at the end of the day.
Key Takeaways For Coworking & Flexible Workspace Operators
- Your local knowledge is the advantage. Understanding your local area and your community is exactly what the bigger brands struggle to copy, so lean into it rather than apologising for your size.
- Speak the occupier's language, not the industry's. The person choosing a space wants clarity on what they get, not a lesson in managed versus serviced.
- Every deal mattering is a strength. The care you put into looking after each member is the thing larger providers cannot scale.
- If you are building or running flex, get the people right first. The space and the systems follow from the team you put in place.
These conversations are brought to you in collaboration with GCUC UK.