Gumtree pioneers a new hybrid strategy, powered by FlowSpace
With much global media attention focused on companies requiring employees to return to the office 4 or 5 days a week, it can be easy to think that the return to the office debate is over. However, the data shows a different story with the Financial Times, reporting last week that the number of days being worked from home has been stable since early 2023.
The real story is that forward-thinking companies continue to plot their own paths forward to a successful hybrid strategy focusing on what matters most, creating a space that is aligned with their objectives, culture and ways of working. Gumtree, one of the UK’s most popular online classifieds platforms, has done just this – working together with FlowSpace to redefine hybrid work at the tech company.
Choosing to relocate its headquarters from a traditional leased space in Richmond to a flexible workspace via FlowSpace: WeWork’s flagship location at 10 York Road, Waterloo, occupying 4,000 sq ft of space to support its 100-strong, and growing, workforce. This move comes at a pivotal moment for the online platform as it embarks on an exciting new chapter to capture modern consumer demand. As part of this shift, Gumtree’s new HQ offers a thoughtfully designed workspace that blends first-class design, functionality, and dynamic breakout areas to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and strengthen company culture. The design was tailored to the specific needs of their teams to align with their ways of working.
Marking its 25th anniversary as a company committed to helping people ‘find exactly what they need’, Gumtree’s new, strategic direction is focused on transforming its heritage brand into a cutting-edge, modern market platform. The company is investing in advanced technology and enhanced services to create a seamless buying and selling experience.
A new flexible model – combining the power of in-office and remote work
With employee experience at the heart of this move, Gumtree partnered with FlowSpace, a flexible workspace booking and search platform, to ensure its new office plans aligned with both business and workforce needs. By creating a bespoke mapping tool that analyses employee location data, FlowSpace was able to identify Waterloo as the optimal location to balance accessibility and convenience for Gumtree’s team, suiting both London-based employees and out of towners.
Through combining the power of both FlowSpace and WeWork, Gumtree now have access to more than 1000 bookable workspaces at their fingertips around the UK and Europe.
Mike Fairman, CEO of Gumtree, says “At Gumtree, the office is more than just a place to work; it’s where we build culture, spark innovation, and drive the business forward. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary and embark on an exciting new chapter, our move represents a defining moment in our evolution. Our new space not only reflects the new modern direction we’re embracing but also fosters the culture, creativity, and collaboration that are central to our success. With the flexibility to scale as we grow, we’re also prioritising an environment where energy thrives, ideas come to life, and the excitement for our dynamic next phase is truly palpable. We couldn’t be more energised for what lies ahead.”
Harry Wilson, Co-Founder and CEO, FlowSpace says
“Embracing hybrid work is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a more flexible future for work. The benefits can be massive when thoughtfully architected company policies can be brought to life. A successful hybrid plan is part of company strategy now, touching everything from talent acquisition, retention and business results. We’re incredibly proud to have worked with Gumtree to help them find the space that fits their vision. We’re still early in this journey to help companies find their ideal workspaces for hybrid life and we’re committed to getting this right for companies of all shapes and sizes.”
About FlowSpace
FlowSpace is a flexible workspace search & booking platform, offering hybrid companies the ability to search for their ideal HQ and book workspaces anywhere around the UK & Europe. FlowSpace was founded in 2021 to address the once in a generation shift to a more flexible workplace model, and since then has helped more than 1000 hybrid companies find their ideal workspaces. To learn more visit: flowspace.co
About Gumtree
Gumtree is one of the UK’s most popular online classifieds platforms, offering users a simple and effective way to buy, sell, and connect within their local communities. Gumtree was founded in 2000, and with more than 1.8 million live ads at any one time, it’s not surprising that over 10 million people visit the site every month to find what they need locally, affordably, and sustainably.