easyOffice appoints Mark Smith as first CEO to oversee business expansion

easyOffice, the serviced office facility launched in November 2007 by serial entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has appointed Mark Smith as its first CEO.

Mark brings with him more than 25 years experience driving growth and innovation within blue chip companies, latterly as a director of serviced office company Regus.

He will oversee the continued expansion of the highly successful easyOffice venture, which achieved more than 90% occupancy within two months of its launch as London's first truly flexible serviced office space.

Prior to four years with Regus, Mark established a proven track record in operating at senior and Board level with a number of companies, including two years as CEO at Amtrak Ltd and 16 years with Securicor plc (now DHL), as both general manager and director.

During his period at Securicor, Mark implemented numerous transformation programmes and introduced several multi million pound businesses to the group.

easyOffice was conceived by Stelios to fulfil a demand from start-up businesses and entrepreneurs for flexible office space that could be rented in central London for as little as one week at a time, a move believed to be the first in the industry.

The Kensington High Street site comprises 35 specially designed private office units ranging from one to four desks and is available for booking online using upfront credit card payment with no monthly billing costs, creating low-risk flexibility for the occupier.

Another added value service is that telecom and IT systems can be set up at very competitive rates.

Said Mark: easyOffice is a truly innovative approach to the serviced office sector, which in my opinion has not always been encouraging enough of smaller enterprises who perhaps cannot afford to sign up for protracted periods of time.

These companies often need a non-residential office address and a place where they can meet with clients other than their own home or a hotel lobby.

The easyOffice concept is one that has tremendous potential and I am delighted to have joined one of Sir Stelios fastest growing brands within easyGroup.

"In the present economic climate, we should be doing all we can to encourage start up businesses in the UK."

The team at easyOffice has already identified two further centres, one each in central Glasgow and Edinburgh, which are planned to be available for occupation in the near future.

Further expansion of easyOffice is set to proceed throughout the UK in partnership with local investors by way of a franchise who will be able to take advantage of the easyGroup's expertise in brand awareness, marketing and the web-based booking system.

These selected franchisees will offer an identical quality office solution aimed predominately at the small developing entrepreneur. Particular emphasis will be placed on the flexibility of the space its affordability and no hassle occupation.

Reaction from the Kensington High Street clients has been overwhelmingly positive with many looking to secure their space with further additional contracts.