Pure Offices

Pure Offices: serviced workspace across the UK

Pure Offices is a British operator of serviced office centres that has been active since 2007, when the company was created and construction began on its first centre in Swindon. The first location opened in 2008. By 2010 the portfolio had reached six centres —Swindon, Leamington, Welwyn, Farnborough, Gloucester and Portishead— through both new developments and acquisitions. In 2015 the company reported sixteen centres, having added Nottingham, Leeds Thorpe Park, Oldbury, Oxford, Weston, Warwick, Cheltenham, Edinburgh and Aylesbury. The company states that it currently operates 23 locations and intends to keep growing the portfolio as investment opportunities arise.

A distinctive point in its presentation is that it owns its buildings, which it says gives occupants certainty over their stay and allows greater reinvestment in the premises. The centres are aimed at freelancers, start-ups, SMEs and international corporates, with offices sized for between 1 and 30 people in most locations.

Offices to rent and contract terms

The core offer is serviced office space with pricing based on room size rather than per workstation. Ultra-fast broadband and telephony are included as standard, with a dedicated direct-dial number and a backup line in place from the move-in date. Contracts are described as flexible and transparent, with a minimum term of three months. The company sets out a five-step process: an enquiry at the preferred location to discuss prices, inclusive services and terms; a tour of the centre; a client questionnaire defining requirements and move-in date; signature and payment, followed by handover of the keys; and the move itself.

Virtual offices and meeting rooms

Alongside physical offices, Pure Offices provides a virtual office and mailing address service intended to give a professional image without committing to a physical workspace. Meeting rooms are available to hire by the hour, half day or full day. The company frames these three lines —offices, virtual office and meeting rooms— as its main services.

Environmental commitments

The company refers to a Net Zero commitment and lists solar power, low-energy lighting and electricity from renewable sources among the measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its centres. It also describes a social and charity mission involving fundraising and volunteering across its centres.

Centre network and capacities

The locations are grouped into South, Midlands, North and Scotland. Capacities vary by centre: Glasgow, Birmingham Longbridge, Edinburgh Park, Reading, Oxford, Birmingham Oldbury, Warwick, Manchester Cheadle Royal, Leeds Morley, Weston, Leeds Thorpe Park, Leamington Spa, Cheltenham and Aylesbury are listed for 1 to 30 people; Portsmouth, Bristol Portishead and Gloucester also include studios and workshops for 1 to 30 people; Swindon and Farnborough are listed for 1 to 16 people; Welwyn for 1 to 15; Warrington for 1 to 50; Nottingham for 1 to 30+; and Leith Sugar Bond for 10 to 40 people.

Leadership

The leadership team combines chartered surveying and accounting backgrounds. Nick Turner, Managing Director, is responsible for strategic management and operation of the business and has over 20 years' experience in the UK commercial workspace sector. Richard Pellatt, also Managing Director and a Chartered Surveyor, handles overall strategy as well as sourcing, negotiating and acquiring new centres. Alan Bishop, Finance Director and a Chartered Accountant, heads finance, financial reporting, cash management and taxation. Katie Whell, Operations Director and a Chartered Surveyor with asset management experience, oversees operational and sales matters and the design and launch of new centres.