Regus (RGU.L), the world's largest provider of executive suites and flexible workspaces, announces today its 2010 annual result. 

EBIT was down by 67% from 2009. Their cash position is still strong at £191.5m (USD $117.7m) down from 2009 levels of £237.0m. A dividend increase of 8% was also announced. Despite the lowered earnings, they were within the range of analysts expectations. Regus's stock price was up 15.6% on this news as of 11:17AM EDT.

Mark Dixon, Chairman of Regus stated "In the year to 31 December 2010, we added 20,122 workstations an increase of 13% on 2009 for a total investment of £69.7 million. Approximately half of this growth came from acquisitions in markets such as Brazil, China, UK and USA.  We will continue to explore such opportunities as we look to strengthen our market position and deliver on our strategy."

"In terms of outlook we remain cautious on the economy, however we have been encouraged by recent positive trends that reflect the continued strategic delivery of our initiatives. In 2011 we are well positioned for a year of solid revenue growth and business improvement with continuing strong underlying cash flow generation."

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DALLAS, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "85 percent of U.S. companies now offer their staff some form of flexible working, according to a new global research report from Regus, global leader in flexible workplace solutions.  The majority of those same companies are finding that flexible working is bringing them significant benefits, including reduced overhead expenses, improved staff productivity and work-life balance. Additionally, 62 percent of U.S. businesses believe flexible working costs less than fixed office working."

"75 percent of businesses offering flexible working assert their staff has significantly better work-life balance, improving satisfaction and motivation."

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Your clients obtain their initial view of your company upon entering your office and first impressions are critical to how you and your organization are viewed. As they say, you only get one chance at a first impression. In order to ensure that clients and high profile visitors get the right impression, you will need to make sure you take the proper precautions when selecting your office location.

First of all, what exactly is an executive office suite? The term refers to an alternative office space in which you use part of a larger office suite either full time or part-time to meet with clients, host meetings, conduct negotiations, and finalize deals. They are also known as Serviced Offices. Several organizations will be housed in the same suite, each having designated offices but sharing meeting and common areas as well as support staff on a pay as you go basis. Typically they are “Turnkey” including furniture, phones and office equipment and Internet.  All you have to do is turn the key and get to work.

You want to select an executive office suite provider that will be right for your business. A place where you can feel comfortable and productive, but which also makes a clear statement about you and your successful business. Here are a few suggestions on how you can make sure you make the best decision.

• The first consideration most prospective executive suite tenants consider is location related to where you want or need to do business.  Make sure that there is good access and parking is available as needed.
• Make sure and take some time to research providers online as well as locally before choosing. Check with the Better Business Bureau to learn of any documented complaints. Ask for some references. A reputable suite provider will be glad to provide you with all the information needed to contact references. Ask plenty questions about the references experiences with the suite provider and inquire both positive and negative experiences they've had in the past.No matter how successful your business, budget is important. A reputable office suite provider will help you the best possible suite at a competitive price for your area. Explain to the office suite provider exactly how you plan to use the space so that practical suites can be selected for viewing. Make sure you understand what else you may be charged for and how much it will cost. Examples are faxing, copy machine use and the like. Some providers will charge low start up costs and then charge you for everything under the sun. Also, if you need any additional services the provider does not provide, they will likely be able to identify nearby service providers for many of those services.
• Talk with the other executive office suite residents who will share your space. Your provider should facilitate introductions and provide a bit of information about their operations. Also, see how the receptionist answers the phone and greets clients. They will be taking calls and greeting your clients, too.
• Try out the Internet. Make sure the connection is fast enough for your needs by sitting down at a computer and taking a test drive. Visit a speed test site to make sure you know what you are getting.  Just because it is a T1 line, doesn’t mean it is fast.
• Check out the office(s) you will be renting. Does it need a fresh coat of paint? Is the carpet good? Now is the time to make sure these things get done, before you sign the agreement.
• Finally, read all of the space agreement or lease and any amendments involved.  If it is not in writing it is not enforceable. Verbal promises don’t count. Remember, everything is negotiable. If you do not like it, try to negotiate it away.

Once you locate the right executive office suite provider, you'll be grateful you took time to do your research. The impression a client takes away from visiting your office suite will stick in their minds for years.

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The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has upgraded Regus, the worlds largest provider of executive office suites, to a buy, from hold, as it believes earnings can surpass a previous peak.

RBS analysts  believe that the company is a good play on the continuing US economic recovery and continued emerging market growth.

With confidence in US small to medium sized businesses improving, RBS says that this is good news for Regus, which derived 42% of its 2010 first half revenues for North America.

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Join our discussion about co-working office space at LinkedIn OfficeFinder.

What is co-working office space fom http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coworking

Coworking is a style of work which involves a shared working environment, sometimes an office, yet independent activity. Unlike in a typical office environment, those coworking are usually not employed by the same organization. Typically it is attractive to work-at-home professionals, independent contractors, or people who travel frequently who end up working in relative isolation. Coworking is the social gathering of a group of people, who are still working independently, but who share values, and who are interested in the synergy that can happen from working with talented people in the same space.

Some coworking spaces were developed by nomadic internet entrepreneurs seeking an alternative to working in coffeeshops and cafes, or to isolation in independent or home offices. A 2007 survey showed that many employees worry about feeling isolated and losing human interaction if they were to telecommute. Roughly a third of both private and public-sector workers also reported that they didn’t want to stay at home during work. Coworking offers a solution to the problem of isolation that many freelancers experience while working at home, while at the same time letting them escape the distractions of home.

Business accelerators, business incubators and executive suites do not seem to fit into the coworking model, because they often miss the social, collaborative, and informal aspects of the process, with management practices closer to that of a Cooperative, including a focus on community rather than profit. Many of the coworking participants are also participants in BarCamp and other related open source technology activities.

Coworking spaces are now open in cities around the world. A list of many of these locations is available at the Coworking Wiki.

Coworking is not only about the physical space but initially and mostly about establishing the Coworking community first. The benefits of Coworking can already be experienced outside of Coworking spaces and it is recommended to start with building a Coworking community first before considering opening a Coworking space. However, some Coworking Spaces don't build a community, they just get a part of an existing one by combining their opening with an event which attracts their target group.

A lot of Coworking communities are formed by organizing Casual Coworking events that can take place in people's living room or in public places such as suitable cafes, galleries or multi-functional spaces. During these events Coworkers can experience the benefits of Coworking and get to know each other which lowers the barriers to join a Coworking space later.

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