Innovative Corporate & Operational Real Estate Solutions

Real estate is being reshaped by technology, changing occupier expectations and the growth of operational real estate. Modern Working delivers modern property solutions to an evolving occupier landscape

The way people work is undergoing a fundamental paradigm shift, reshaping how businesses use real estate

 

83%

of employees say a hybrid model is optimal (Accenture Future of Work Study)

74%

70% of corporate occupiers say digital and smart building technology influences leasing decisions (JLL - Global Technology Survey)

About Us

We are a specialist real estate advisory business, combining deep experience with genuine passion for the sectors, in which we operate.

At Modern Working, we focus on occupiers, operators and operational real estate platforms, delivering strategic advice and execution across flexible workspace, corporate real estate and leisure.

Our partner-led approach ensures direct senior involvement, combining global experience with an agile, responsive mindset.

We are passionate about how real estate is evolving—and committed to championing our clients, providing clear, independent advice and driving strong commercial outcomes.

We are focused, commercial and collaborative, acting as a trusted partner in a rapidly changing real estate landscape.

 Meet the Team

Modern Working's team are highly experienced across corporate real estate, flexible workspace, operational real estate and commercial property, with over 50 years combined sector experience.

Nigel Barnes
Founder & Partner

Nigel has 29 years’ experience across flexible workspace growth, commercial property and M&A.  Nigel founded Modern Working in 2024.  Clients include IWG and AxisCLC.   A former senior executive at IWG for 17 years, he led network expansion across Asia Pacific, delivering a 550-site, 11 million sq ft roll-out across the region. As UK Property Head he managed a 7-million sq ft, 300-site estate. Previously a Director at DTZ, he built a market-leading tenant representation business in Shanghai.

Oliver Cully
MRICS, Partner

Olly brings 23 years’ experience across commercial real estate, corporate advisory and operational real estate development. Formerly a Director at CBRE, he advised global occupiers including Microsoft, Disney and Citibank. He also led the IWG account supporting its Asia expansion. Previously Business Development Lead at Merlin Entertainments, delivering 10 new attractions in China, and founder of Scallywag Entertainments. Olly joined Modern Working as Partner in 2025

Team +

Watch this space, as we build the team.

Our Services

We deliver bespoke, occupier-focused real estate services, aligning strategy, transactions and operations to support growth, performance and long-term portfolio optimisation.

Site Acquisitions

We support occupiers and operators in acquiring sites across office, retail, leisure and industrial sectors. Our approach aligns real estate with corporate strategy, enabling growth, consolidation and market entry. We deliver multi-site roll-outs, optimise portfolios and secure locations that support operational performance and long-term business objectives

Lease Admin

We provide structured lease administration to deliver clear visibility of lease events, risk and cost. This includes lease summaries, key date tracking and portfolio oversight. Our approach avoids reactive decision-making, enabling forward planning and data-led strategies across occupiers’ estates.                           

Transaction Management

We manage lease negotiations, renewals and regears, ensuring clients leverage market conditions and alternatives. Our focus is on driving informed decision-making, optimising commercial terms and aligning property outcomes with broader business strategy

M&A Support

We provide real estate support for M&A activity, including portfolio analysis, lease strategy, disposals, consolidations and acquisitions. We ensure property is central to post-acquisition strategy, particularly for private equity-backed platforms seeking to scale, integrate and optimise operational real estate portfolios.                                                          

Operating Agreements

We advise on operating models across flexible workspace, leisure and other OpRE sectors. This includes structuring partnerships with property owners, supporting multi-site expansion and enabling new market entry across the UK and internationally.                                                

PropC0s & Flex Asset Management

We support property owners in sourcing and delivering flexible workspace and OpRE uses within assets. We also provide asset management advisory, reviewing operator performance, commercial structures and optimisation strategies to enhance income, value and long-term asset positioning

Why Modern Working

Specialist Occupier Expertise

We are focused on occupiers, operators and operational real estate platforms. Combining flexible workspace, corporate real estate and OpRE experience, we bring deep sector knowledge and practical insight. This allows us to align property strategy with how businesses actually operate, ensuring real estate decisions support performance, flexibility and long-term growth.

Senior-Led, Execution-Focused

All mandates are led directly by experienced partners, not delegated to junior teams. We combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery—managing transactions, negotiations and roll-outs with pace and precision. This ensures accountability, consistency and high-quality execution across every stage of the real estate lifecycle.

Aligned, Client-First Approach

We act as an extension of our clients’ business, providing independent, commercially focused advice. Our priority is to champion client outcomes—bringing clarity, transparency and flexibility to complex decisions. We build long-term partnerships, ensuring real estate strategies remain aligned with evolving business needs and market conditions.

Founded on experience

Experienced team that has delivered over 500 flexible workspaces.

Modern Working takes an innovative but commercial approach to building Flex solutions, in an office market that continues to de-code the pandemic 're-set'.  

Nigel Barnes founded Modern Working, following over 15-years leading and delivering growth and property initiatives at industry leader, IWG PLC.  This included the roll out of over 500 new sites internationally, using a range of organic, M&A-led and managed-growth strategies to support an accelerated growth programme.  300,000 sq ft of transactions since 2024. 

Nigel and Olly have over, 20-years combined experence supporting some of the World's corporates deliver their real estate strategies, including Microsoft, Citibank, HSBC, eBay, Electronic Arts and Disney.

The Conductor is a 35,000 sqft premium co-working space Modern Working secured on behalf of IWG, in partnership with URW.  A 12-metre high atrium enhances a 1920's inspired "golden-age of travel" aesthetic.

71-72 Kingsway is the leading office scheme in Swansea, developed by Swansea City Council.  Modern Working represented IWG secure a 20,000 sqft Spaces branded workspace, that will support the local business community and corporates seeking to set-up in the City.

Contact Us

Contact

Telephone: +44 7513 934

E-mail: nigel.barnes@modernworking.org

Privacy Policy

Modern Working is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use and safeguard your personal data.

1. Who We Are

Modern Working is a real estate advisory business specialising in occupier services, flexible workspace and operational real estate.

For the purposes of data protection law, Modern Working is the data controller of your personal data.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following information:

  • Personal details (such as name, company, job title) 
  • Contact information (email address, phone number) 
  • Information provided through enquiries or forms 
  • Website usage data (via cookies and analytics tools) 

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

  • Respond to enquiries and provide services 
  • Communicate with you regarding our services 
  • Improve our website and user experience 
  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations 

We will only use your data where we have a lawful basis, including legitimate interests, consent or contractual necessity.

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share your information with:

  • Professional advisors or service providers 
  • Third parties where required to deliver services 
  • Legal or regulatory authorities where required 

All third parties are required to respect the security of your data.

5. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, loss or misuse.

6. Data Retention

We only retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting or reporting requirements.

7. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data 
  • Request correction of inaccurate data 
  • Request deletion of your data 
  • Object to or restrict processing 
  • Withdraw consent (where applicable) 

To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details below.

8. Cookies

Our website may use cookies to enhance user experience and analyse website traffic. You can control cookie settings through your browser.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:

Modern Working
Email: nigel.barnes@modernworking.org

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page.

 

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