Richard Johnson Steps Into Managing Director Role at UBCUK

UBCUK, a nationwide supplier of professional serviced office space, is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Johnson to the role of Managing Director.

As UBC's former Property & Acquisitions Director, Richard brings a wealth of experience into his new role. He began his career within the serviced office business 19 years ago and, after joining UBC in 2008, progressed through the positions of Area Manager and National Operations Director to his most recent role of Property & Acquisitions Director.

Commenting on his appointment as Managing Director, Richard said:

"I am delighted to take up this new position with UBC. I've experienced a period of significant change within the company relating to properties, team structure and strengthening of the team, and I believe that UBC is now in a stronger position than ever before to take advantage of an improving market."

With regard to the positive outlook for flexible workspace, in 2016, research by the Business Centre Association (BCA) revealed that the UK flexible workspace sector, mainly comprising serviced offices and business centres, grew by up to 32% to 1st January 2015 and contributed approximately £8bn of GDP per annum.

The report also found that business centre openings, turnover and employment grew exponentially, with employment within workspace centres rising by around 19% compared to a national average of just 4.3%. During that time, more than 80 new centres opened, with the sample sector accounting for almost 21m sq ft of floorspace.

In another report, workspace brokerage Instant Offices revealed significant growth within the UK flexible workspace sector in its 2015 Serviced Office Review, and found that the number of serviced offices had risen by 3.6% in total.

Richard added: "As demand for flexible workspace in prime UK locations continues to escalate, we are facing unprecedented opportunities. We have a strong, experienced and dynamic team across our existing business centre portfolio, am I am excited to lead the company forwards into a new era of growth."

Richard succeeds former UBC Managing Director, Tom Mulvaney, who has chosen to step down from the position. Tom has been part of the UBC team since 2010 and will retain a pivotal role within the company by continuing as Chairman.

Tom will continue his duties as UBC Chairman alongside his newly appointed role as Treasurer for the Business Centre Association (BCA).