The Flexible Space Association, the UK’s trade body for the flexible workspace sector, has appointed two new members to its board of directors.
FlexSA said the appointment of Natalie Lovett, who is general manager UK & Ireland at WeWork, and Jonathan Kingshott, chief executive of Halkin, "mark a pivotal moment for the rapidly expanding flexible workspace sector in the UK".
Lovett has spent the last six years at WeWork and "brings a breadth of experience in financial management, operational leadership and strategic asset portfolio oversight," the group said.
FlexSA said she has experience of leading key initiatives, including WeWork’s international portfolio restructuring and the redesign of the UK and Ireland product and services.
WeWork announced in June 2024 that it had completed its lease negotiations in the UK and Ireland as part of a strategic restructuring of its remaining operations in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester and Dublin.
“My experience at WeWork has given me a front-row view of how the sector’s resilience is strengthened by the success of its entire ecosystem, including the smaller operators whose specialised offerings enrich and diversify the market," said Lovett.
She added: "As the world of work continues to evolve, and as more companies recognise that they can no longer predict headcount or anticipate exactly how their teams will use workspace, our industry is uniquely positioned to help them optimise their real estate strategies."
FlexSA said Lovett is looking to champion industry-wide collaboration, support smaller operators, and bring strategic insight to pressing challenges, including business rates revaluation risks, policy engagement, and future workforce development in the flexible workspace sector.
Jonathan Kingshott has more than 20 years of combined experience in commercial real estate and flexible workspace, having led Halkin since it was founded in 2015.
The business has grown its portfolio to 365,000 square feet and doubled revenues from £14.5 million in 2022 to £30.9 million in this year.
He said: "FlexSA is widely respected as the governing body of the flexible workspace industry and, as the sector continues to expand, it will play a vital role in shaping the future of the industry by ensuring that operators of all sizes have a voice.
"The flex market continues to evolve with occupiers being offered a wider array of options, alongside growing technology-led demand.
"It felt like a natural moment to join FlexSA as Halkin continues its own growth, and I look forward to sharing practical insights around operational excellence, business growth and market opportunities as the industry enters its next chapter."
FlexSA said Kingshott wants to contribute his experience in business growth, portfolio expansion, site development and strategic landlord/operator partnerships as the group moves forward.
He is particularly motivated by opportunities driven by technology-sector demand and the continued growth of flexible workspace usage across the UK, it added.
The FlexSA Board oversees the direction of the association, monitors its finances and takes decisions on matters of significance. Board members are directors of the association and serve for a four-year term. The new appointments follow 2025 board elections in which FlexSA members voted.
The lobby group said the appointment of Lovett and Kingshott "brings complementary expertise to the FlexSA Board at a time of sustained expansion across the UK flexible workspace market".
Andrea Kolokasi, chair of the board, added: "They each bring extensive experience and valuable perspectives which will help support our work to champion the flexible workspace sector and represent our members as the industry continues to grow and evolve."