The Flexible Space Association’s (FlexSA) new Flex Generation initiative marked a major milestone this week with its first in-person event, held on Monday 15th September at Workspace Group’s Event Space at Salisbury House in the City of London.
Launched earlier this year at the FlexSA Conference, the Flex Generation initiative is designed to support, inspire and connect professionals aged 35 and under working in the flexible workspace sector – a demographic that now represents over 60% of coworking space members globally (AllWork). With the UK having over 3,900 coworking spaces, and flexible office space projected to make up 50% of all commercial office stock by 2030, the initiative arrives at a critical time for the industry.
Monday’s event brought together some of the emerging talent from the industry to hear from a panel of people who have made their mark on the sector at a young age, starting up their own flex businesses:
- Shannon Burke, CEO of managed.
- Greg Feld-Davidovici, Co-Founder of RIVVIA.
- Freddie Fforde, Founder of Patch.
- William Stokes, CEO & Founder of Co-Space.
The panel shared candid reflections on their journeys, the challenges they’ve faced and their visions for the future of flexible work. Their stories sparked lively discussion and reflections on the opportunities a career in flex can offer.
Freddie Fforde, panel host, FlexSA board member and Founder at Patch, said: “Supporting, inspiring and empowering the next generation at a time of such exciting change is key to our sector. Finding my way through my early career, mentorship and the companionship of peers played such a crucial role for me personally and I’m delighted to join in the new Flex Generation initiative to do that. I saw a wide range of experiences, backgrounds and interested represented at the event, which bodes well for the future.”
Following the panel, guests enjoyed drinks and informal networking, making valuable connections with peers and future collaborators from across the sector.
“It was great to see Flex Generation bringing together younger people passionate about the opportunities the flex sector offers,” said Jane Sartin, Executive Director of FlexSA. “This event was a powerful reminder of the talent and enthusiasm driving the next generation of our industry forward.”
