40 . Glasgow Business February 2015


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the past year, there remains a lack of ‘big box’ space within the central business district and demand will no doubt soon begin to outstrip supply for these types of units. “Terefore, occupiers are


considering options outside of the city centre such as Maxim Office Park. Maxim is now competing with the city centre as the Park provides the size and quality of accommodation required at a lower cost, as well as a range of staff amenities, with the added benefit of excellent public transport links and car parking facilities, located just outside central Glasgow.”


Southern comfort


A sense of optimism is not only confined to the M8 corridor and centre of the city. Activity in Glasgow's southern hinterland has always been an indicator of the area's overall economic health. Te close links were highlighted by Alastair Smith, Property Manager at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, who said: “Ayr and Prestwick are closely connected with Glasgow by car or train. Te journey by car is litle over


half an hour via the M77 and the airport has its own railway station adjacent to the terminal building. Tis is the Ayr line out of Glasgow Central and takes about 40 minutes.” Te airport is able to take


advantage of that proximity by operating a large commercial business estate. Smith added: “We have office suites suitable for one person up to a staff of 50. Most of our suites are managed and serviced by ourselves and are fibre-enabled. Tey come with allocated car parking and privileged access to the airport's facilities. “Glasgow and its satellite


towns, such as Ayr and Prestwick, should, between them, be able to meet whatever anyone wants. I think there is now a definite upturn in economic activity and we’ll be here to service it.”


Detailed picture


Away from large-scale operators, the experience of other property enterprises adds detail to the overall picture. Rosemount Workspace, which


operates two sites in the city, reports encouraging trends at its operation in Royston. Maureen Flynn of the


company said: “We have approximately 20 tenants, both


industrial and office, covering a range of sectors. Over the last few years we have acquired tenants who have been looking to cut costs and economise. We offer lots of free car parking space, which is a major factor, and we’re introducing other incentives.” Rosemount is a charitable


organisation that invests any surplus in the local community and in maintenance of its sites. Flynn believes this is another reason for its popularity. “People tend to like the ethos behind our organisation and we have a very stable tenant mix,” She said. Tat impression of a more


complex and nuanced market, and a change in the way that many businesses operate, is confirmed by Richard Morris, UK CEO at Regus, which provides rented


space. He said: “Demand for our flexible workspace in Glasgow is at an all-time high. However, the majority of our customers are moving away from occupation of a full-time office. Instead the fastest growth areas are our range of drop-in, part-time or shared workspaces. “We atribute this rise in


demand largely to a change in atitude among the city’s firms. Forward-thinking companies are turning their backs on the twentieth century model of long leases and fixed overheads in favour of a more cost-effective approach to workspace which gives increased agility and scalability.” Adding another perspective,


Chris Arkley of office furniture supplier, Saxen, said: “I think


“There is a realisation by business owners that the workplace is much more than a building. It is a multifunction space which needs to appeal to employees and clients”


there are a couple of reasons why there has been a growing demand. First, is the realisation by business owners that the workplace is much more than a building. It is a multifunction space which needs to appeal to current employees, future employees and clients alike. I think business owners are becoming more confident in the market and are looking at upscaling buildings to incorporate larger breakout areas, co-working lounges and more innovative meeting spaces. “Te other reason is the


upturn in new start companies in Scotland. As a nation we are very innovative and I think the recent support from the government has lead to small micro companies moving out of homes and shared premises and into their own offices. Tis is creating a demand for commercial units of all shapes and sizes.” As 2015 unfolds, the shape of


demand in Glasgow will become clear. However, the positive signs evident in 2014 indicate that the city’s commercial spaces will be filling up steadily in the months to come.


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