Flex Engine is here to fuel change

Flex Engine has certainly piqued our interest. Michael Dubicki (ex-MD of Flexi) is revving up the flex scene, with the recent launch of a flex consultancy, aiming to provide transparent, strategic support for all serviced office stakeholders. Geared up to address the unique challenges and nuances of the UK flex market, with 20 years of industry experience, Michael is offering comprehensive and well-rounded solutions to drive growth and efficiency. Here, he tells Flex and The City how he’s fuelling change for operators, brokers and tenants alike.

Tell us about the shift from Flexi to Flex Engine. What inspired you to launch and ‘fuel change’? 

There are very few independent consultancies in the sector ran by people with significant exposure to how the sector operates at broker level. Because of this, it is sometimes difficult to find support for sector-focused growth projects. UK flex is a niche industry with a lot of nuances to how the ecosystem works - having a resource with direct, in-depth experience saves so much time. This is the main point of Flex Engine as a consultancy service. 

How does your experience of over 20 years help Flex Engine thrive? 

I know how the sector works - the good, the bad, and the ugly. This helps me position change correctly and positively. I've also been involved with most aspects of business and growth - sales, business development, website, SEO, paid search, marketing, CRM / databases etc. so I can bring a well-rounded perspective on how change will affect other moving parts in a business. 

Talk to us about the importance of Transparency to Flex Engine. How do you envision achieving a more transparent and effective flex space ecosystem?

Moving into an independent consultative position allows me to be very honest, so that's what I am. There are a lot of things that work really well in our sector, but there are a lot of things that work really badly too.  Flex Engine aims to provide transparency and develop strategies that benefit all stakeholders in the flex space ecosystem. I want to explore these issues with those involved in the process to make sure there are more of the good than the bad. 

What are the major perks of Flex Engine for operators?

Fresh perspective. On internal / external positioning, coming from high-volume lead generation platform experience. How efficient are current processes? How much more could be done? Through Flex Engine, they are gaining a better understanding of intermediary platforms, what drives them and how to get the most value from the relationship. 

What are the benefits for brokers?

Growth. There is a large number of small and medium sized brokers currently operating in the UK and they all face the same problem: how do we scale? Lead generation, brand positioning and messaging, data management and engagement, product diversification - there is a wealth of knowledge available for them to take advantage of. 

And what does Flex Engine give tenants?

Truth. I want tenants to have completely transparent knowledge of what is going to happen when they start a search for offices. Who contacts whom? Who gets paid? What are the incentives? The more the customer understands the mechanics, the better they are equipped to choose the right intermediary and navigate the flex landscape smoothly. 

What are current trends in the co-working industry, and any developments you foresee shaping the future?

I predict more landlords entering the flex market with direct offerings - which is already happening at quite a pace. But over time this will change the flex landscape massively since 'serviced offices' or 'co-working' will no longer be unique, just a part of a much larger flexible ecosystem. The competition dynamic will change, as will the intermediary landscape as brokers will have to adapt to a more managed than serviced world.