The Flexible Space Association (FlexSA) is the UK’s leading organisation for the flexible office space industry. Every year, FlexSA hosts a gala dinner to celebrate achievements across the sector.
Nick Riesel, Managing Director of FreeOfficeFinder, has served on the FlexSA board for the past 2 years and represents the office brokers in the industry. This year, he was invited by Jane Sartin, FlexSA's Executive Director, to join the judging panel for the 2025 FlexSA Awards.
What FlexSA Represents in the Flexible Office Space Industry
FlexSA represents hundreds of UK workspace operators, from boutique serviced offices in London to nationwide providers. The organisation plays a key role in shaping the UK’s flexible office space sector.
They help to set industry standards, support best practice, and deliver training, events, and accreditation programmes. This reinforces the FlexSA Awards' credibility, which showcases the office providers leading in innovation and customer service.
Why Nick Was Selected as a Judge for the 2025 FlexSA Awards
Nick was invited to judge the 2025 FlexSA Awards due to his long-standing involvement and extensive background in marketing serviced offices across in the UK.
With over 20 years of experience operating an agency in the workspace industry, Nick has built one of the UK’s strongest networks. Today, FreeOfficeFinder works alongside over 1000 office providers across London and the UK.
Over the last two decades, Nick and his team at FreeOfficeFinder have helped thousands of businesses secure the right office space to rent, including serviced, managed and coworking offices. He has a deep understanding of what customers value and the standards set by the top workspace providers.
Winners from 2025 FlexSA Awards Categories & Winners
The 2025 FlexSA Awards featured a range of categories, with each one showcasing a different area of the flexible workspace industry. These were:
Service Innovation – 2025 Winner: DeskLodge
This recognises new workspace or service concepts. DeskLodge launched Flex Series - a new range of hot-desking memberships built around how people work today.
Workspace Design – 2025 Winner: Workspace Group
A celebration of the best-designed office spaces that elevate experience. Workspace Group won for their reimagining of shared spaces at Vox Studios.
Environmental, Social & Governance – 2025 Winner – Uncommon
This award recognises the workspaces making meaningful progress in sustainability, community, or diversity. The winners were Uncommon for Inclusion Collective, which prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Excellence in Customer Service – 2025 winners: Dorrington, Siobban Henderson (Opstech), Point of Difference, and Orega.
The category which acknowledges the teams or individuals who provide an outstanding customer service experience.
Industry Achievement Award – 2025 Winner: Adele Walker
Presented to Adele Walker, Membership Support Officer at FlexSA, for nearly two decades of contribution to the industry.
Nick’s Office Market Insights from the 2025 FlexSa Awards
“Judging this year’s awards gave me a clear view of where the flexible workspace market is heading. The ESG category highlighted that more operators are prioritising environmental and social responsibility, signalling a clear shift towards more sustainable and inclusive office spaces.
Technology-driven projects also stood out. Several finalists showcased innovations such as smarter booking systems, improved digital infrastructure and AI-powered tools, designed to enhance customer experience.
One trend I noticed was how providers are redefining what service means, with many finalists introducing new models and business support programmes. It’s clear that experience is becoming just as important as the workspace itself.
A key theme throughout the design entrants was the focus on flexible, cohesive workspaces that seamlessly blend character with modern functionality. I can see that businesses now expect high-quality, adaptable workspaces that feel intuitive and are designed with purpose.
This mirrors what I see every day in the market. The operators who stand out are the ones evolving with their customers and creating office spaces that genuinely support how people work.”
Nick’s Highlights from the Ceremony
The ceremony was a fantastic and uplifting celebration of industry-wide achievement. Some standout moments for me included speeches highlighting the role of flexible workspaces and their significance for companies of all sizes, as well as recognising the operators who have excelled in customer service.
I had several insightful conversations with providers about upcoming developments, changing customer expectations and the evolving landscape of serviced offices in London and the UK. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so much innovation in one room.
How This Helps Businesses Searching for Office Space
Nick’s role as a judge for the 2025 FlexSA Awards has given our team at FreeOfficeFinder valuable insight into the operators delivering excellent service and workspace design. His role as a judge allowed us to see first-hand how leading providers are investing in their office spaces to raise standards across the sector.
Working closely with operators across the UK means we know which buildings meet the highest standards, no matter what type of serviced office space our clients are looking to rent. This expertise enables us to guide organisations with confidence, helping them to select the workspace that best fits their needs.
As both a board member and judge, Nick plays an active role in supporting the development of industry standards and recognising excellence across the sector.
Backed by experience and extensive market knowledge, Nick and FreeOfficeFinder ensure businesses receive expert, impartial advice when choosing office space to rent.
This year’s FlexSA Awards showcased the best of the industry and highlighted just how far the sector has evolved. We’re proud to play a part in that progress and remain committed to supporting the future of flexible workspaces.
