JLL has appointed Dan Brown to lead its newly created EMEA Flex Space team. Whilst the team’s focus spans a range of real estate sectors, the flexible office market alone in Europe has more than doubled in size since 2014. This appointment is aligned with JLL’s strategy to make it easier for clients to access its range of flex space services, and grow its business in this part of the market. 

Brown has more than 12 years’ experience in real estate, and joined JLL in 2012 to lead the London Serviced Office team. Prior to that, he was a commercial real estate agent at UK-based workspace operator Landmark. In his new role, Brown will lead JLL’s leasing agency and advisory services for corporate and investor clients looking at the flex space market, helping them to build bespoke strategies into their portfolios, and identify the best deals. 

The flexible office market across Europe has seen dramatic growth in recent years, and in 2017 alone the total amount of flex space in the top 20 largest markets globally grew by 30%, equivalent to around 1 million square meters. In cities such as London it now represents 20% of take-up. 

Guy Grainger, CEO, EMEA, JLL, commented: “The rise of flex space is just one of a number of structural changes taking place in the real estate sector globally. The creation of this new team and Dan’s appointment to lead it are key first steps in helping us to continue to fulfil the needs of our investor and occupier clients as this exciting part of the market evolves.”

Dan Brown, head of Flex Space, EMEA, JLL, said: “Demand for flex space is gathering momentum, and it’s here to stay. It continues to rise up the agendas of corporates and investors alike because of a stronger focus than ever on employee experience and fundamental changes in the way people live, work and play. I am excited about developing the team and to helping to shape and support our clients’ flexible space strategies and requirements as this dynamic part of the market continues to grow and mature.”