South East flexible office provider Freedom Works Group has secured substantial investment from property firm Sixpenny Group Ltd to fuel an ambitious growth strategy that will increase its operational footprint by approximately 50% over the next 18 months.
Currently managing 12 sites throughout Sussex and Surrey across their Freedom Works and PLATF9RM brands, the group will use the investment to expand its estate by 75,000 sq ft to 230,000 sq ft by 2027.
Plans include the launch of two to three new locations, alongside the development of a flagship hub for PLATF9RM in Brighton & Hove. This expansion aims to increase the total membership by 25% to over 7,000 and drive combined revenues of more than £7 million.
Jon Trigg, Freedom Works’ founder and managing director, said: “We’re over the moon to have partnered with a progressive, knowledgeable investor who shares our passion and vision for creating flexible workspace across the South East.
“Having bootstrapped the first nine years of the business, securing this investment allows us to accelerate our growth plans while maintaining the community-focused approach that’s driven our success.”
Founded in 2016, Freedom Works Group has built a 5,500-strong member base of freelancers, SMEs and established businesses.
Its two complementary brands offer a choice for customers: the value-focused Freedom Works has 10 sites in regional towns, while the premium PLATF9RM brand caters to creative and digital professionals with two sites in Brighton & Hove.
Central to Freedom Works’ growth strategy will be the development of a 20,000 sq ft PLATF9RM hub in Brighton city centre – a “brand-defining” location complete with coworking café, rooftop terrace, urban sauna and dedicated events space, positioned in the heart of one of the South Coast’s strongest creative markets.
David Bowcock, co-founder and director of Sixpenny Group Ltd, said: “Having watched Jon and the growth of Freedom Works Group over the last few years, we really believe in their model and business.
“Companies have changed how they consume office space, moving from the traditional lease model to a more flexible and managed model, and we felt that investment was the right next step for us in helping us grow our commercial office offering.”
Demand for flexible workspace is increasing in regional markets – which now account for 66% of overall demand, up from 54% in 2020 – and Sixpenny Group’s investment signals a vote of confidence in this trend.
The Surrey-based investor’s portfolio includes transformational projects such as developing one of the South’s largest distribution depots for Evri and launching an electric vehicle charging hub at the major business district Manor Royal near Gatwick Airport.
David added: “Despite the challenging economic climate, we believe that as confidence returns, these flexible and collaborative workspaces are exactly where businesses want to be based. We’re excited to be supporting Freedom Works as it enters its next phase of growth.”
