easyOffice appoints new Commercial Director

Ronak Kantaria has been appointed Commercial Director of easyOffice, the serviced office business owned by entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

Ronak was brought on board by easyOffice chief executive Mark Smith, with whom he previously worked at serviced office provider Regus.

During his time at Regus, Ronak was part of the UK business turnaround team, working in various finance and commercial roles, latterly as Commercial Finance Director.

In the last month, easyOffice has announced the expansion of the franchise-based business model with offices opening in Camden, London; Glasgow and Edinburgh in the New Year.

Ronak said: “It is an exciting time to be joining easyOffice as expansion plans are moving on apace. I am looking forward to bringing my expertise to the business to help strengthen and enhance the business model in the current economic climate.

“easyOffice has had an incredible first year and the added services, such as upfront booking and secretarial support make it unique. The brand is universally recognised and trusted and I believe will successfully work in cities across the UK.”

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

The first site is based on Kensington High Street and comprises of 35 specially designed private office units ranging from one to four desks. It has enjoyed 100% occupancy two months from opening with many tenants seeking to secure their units with contracts through 2009.

It 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 competitive rates.

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