With firms driving people back to the office, we speak to Chaim Grunfield, founder of Prime Connect, about demand for ‘flex’ office space – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Over the last 12 months growing numbers of businesses implemented return to the office policies, which saw brands like McKinsey, Amazon and Tesco drive staff members back to the workplace. In fact, with over two third of businesses no longer allowing fully remote working, it’s likely more and more organisations will increase their use of commercial space during 2025 and beyond.

Here, we sat down with Chaim Grunfeld, Founder and CEO of connectivity experts, Prime Connect, to gain insight into evolving demands for office spaces and the vital role the right telecoms and connectivity solutions play in attracting and retaining new businesses.

According to the latest data, 30% of UK offices will be leased on a ‘flex’ basis by 2030. With that in mind, how do you see the role of the office evolving in the coming years? And what do businesses value most from their commercial space?

As businesses increasingly adopt hybrid and flexible working models, the role of the office will evolve from being a primary workspace to a hub for collaboration, innovation, and social interaction.

One of the key factors businesses value most will be flexibility, flexible lease terms, scalable spaces, and the ability to quickly modify office setups to accommodate changing team sizes. As a result, businesses will expect their office space ready to go from day one, which includes having high-quality, fast broadband connected before they even sign the lease. With reliable connectivity as a foundation, businesses can move in seamlessly and get to work without any delays or downtime.

Modern office spaces must offer the technology infrastructure that allows businesses to hit the ground running – failing to do so.

How do modern connectivity solutions support the evolving needs of businesses using flexible office spaces?

Modern connectivity solutions, such as high-speed internet, cloud-based technologies, and IoT integrations, are pivotal in supporting the needs of businesses in flexible office spaces.

In multi-tenanted sites, solutions like fibre-optic networks and managed Wi-Fi are essential to ensure each tenant moving in has the bandwidth they require, without compromising on speed or security – which are paramount for operational success in today’s business world.

What connectivity challenges do businesses face when they move to a new commercial premises and how can they be avoided?

When businesses move to new premises, common connectivity challenges include insufficient bandwidth, incompatible infrastructure, and delays in getting services up and running due to legal wayleave agreements.

To avoid these issues, businesses should ensure that their chosen space is equipped with high-quality, flexible networking options like fibre-optic broadband and modern wireless solutions. Both early planning and taking the time to work with an experienced Telecoms provider – who can assess the building’s connectivity capabilities and offer tailored solutions – can help avoid delays and ensure smooth transitions.

What impact will the forthcoming PTSN switch off have on UK businesses, if any?

The PSTN switch-off has been postponed to January 2027, giving businesses more time to transition. While most businesses have already moved from PSTN to VoIP, challenges remain with certain legacy equipment, such as lift lines, door entry systems, and alarms, which still rely on the PSTN network. Businesses need to address these systems by upgrading to digital alternatives before the switch-off date to ensure continued operation.

Prime Connect has successfully supplied connectivity solutions for over 2 million square feet of office space across the UK. What is next for the business and how do you plan to drive during 2025 and beyond?

Prime Connect is focused on expanding its footprint in the flexible office space sector, leveraging its expertise in providing tailored connectivity solutions for multi-tenanted sites. Additionally, we aim to expand our portfolio by offering comprehensive managed services and collaborating with more developers, landlords, and tenants to ensure seamless connectivity and operational efficiency across office spaces in the UK. The focus will also be on maintaining high customer satisfaction through reliable service and continuous innovation.

Finally, we are also always looking for ways to automate processes, such as ordering and raising support queries, by integrating AI into our systems. This drive for automation not only improves efficiency but also enhances the overall customer experience, enabling faster responses and smarter, more proactive solutions.

Anything else to add?

Looking ahead, Prime Connect is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. Beyond connectivity solutions, we are exploring the integration of smart building technologies, such as IoT-enabled devices, to create smarter, more efficient office environments.

As businesses continue to adapt to flexible working models, we see the opportunity to enhance connectivity not just in terms of speed, but through seamless integrations with office management systems, improving tenant experiences and operational efficiency as a result.