3Invest unveils initiative to grow businesses, create collaborative community

In tune with emerging realities in the corporate real estate space, 3Invest, one of Africa’s leading real estate firms, has launched a new initiative for corporate real estate called Lagos Co-work with the aim of providing and operating flexible office spaces to grow businesses and create a collaborative community where people co-work and invest in timeshare opportunities.

Pioneered by start-ups, entrepreneurs and freelancers, the co-working revolution is transforming real estate with a growing number of companies, large and small, exploring how to incorporate the concept.

It is fast becoming critical components of wider corporate real estate (CRE) and portfolio strategy and, according to recent report by Northcourt Real Estate on the Nigerian Real Estate Outlook for 2017, there has been an increased recognition of co-working space as an alternative to standard offices.

“Of the 173 locations in Africa, 29 are in Nigeria and the number is growing, and to take advantage of this opportunity, property owners were seen converting vacant addresses of over two years into co-working spaces in 2016”, said Tayo Odunsi, Northcourt’s CEO.

With a growing number of companies looking to tap into the benefits of co-working, Ruth Obih, 3Invest’s CEO, believes that it is only a matter of time before the trend becomes an integral part of corporate real estate toolkit.

“The results of the latest JLL Global Co-working Survey reveal that 61 percent of co-working space providers are planning to expand their operations and almost 80 percent expect the number of members to increase in 2016”, Obih said at the launch of the initiative in Lagos at the weekend.

The number of members using co-working spaces globally has been steadily increasing yearly and it is predicted to reach one million by 2018. Co-working, a trend which emerged as a start-up phenomenon, has been largely embraced and adopted by more organisations. Companies such as Philips and IBM are utilising co-working space to encourage innovation alongside start-ups.

“We will provide smart and versatile spaces designed to fit the modern workplace strategy. Each Lagos Co-work space will enhance performance and wellness of its user. Our locations will reflect the values of exceptional facilities and operations management, secure and accessible location, cosy and relaxed general area; Lagos Co-work values, traditions and quality facilities will allow occupiers attain 100 percent focus on growing their business,” Obih assured.

She listed benefits for tenants as efficient spaces with flexible payment structure, conducive and relaxed work environment, storage for resident tenants, business support services, professional management and quality tenants, substantial cost savings, networking opportunities, work productivity, investment opportunities and peace of mind.

In her view, Lagos Co-work is ideal for growing businesses and start-ups, out-of-state or international businesses looking to expand into or have a presence in Lagos or the Nigerian business sector, and short project based organisations seeking a temporary workspace.

“Our aim is to be the leading flexible workspace operator in Nigeri and spaces we have on offer include private offices, meeting rooms, workstations, training rooms and a relaxed and contemporary lounge area.

“Amenities include an uninterrupted power supply, high-speed internet, constant air conditioning system, comfortable office furniture, office hardware such as whiteboards, projectors, printers and scanners, coffee shop, café etc while support services include mail handling, telephone answering/voicemail and business support services such as legal advisory services, company registration, tax advisory, book-keeping and VAT services”, Obih said.