ZUG, SWITZERLAND–European-based IWG knows the co-working industry. It is the owner and operator of such brands as Regus, Spaces, Signature, Open Office and MOS and has a network of about 3,000 locations in 114 countries and 1,000 cities. In the US, most people are likely more familiar with its Regus brand.

What they might not be aware of, though, is the brand's recent focus on opening new locations in suburban areas. To be sure, Regus has had a presence in suburban markets for several years, Michael Berretta, head of growth strategy for IWG, tells GlobeSt.com. But as it opens new locations [see box below] it is making sure that suburban markets dominate the list.

“Companies have the same desire to work close to where they live,” Berretta says. Companies are also changing the way the view the space in which they work, he continues — they don't necessarily want to be locked into long-term leases. Increasingly they are appreciating the flexible work arrangements that companies such as Regus provide, and its network across multiple cities, he says. In the US, for example, IWG has close to 1,500 locations with all of the major markets represented, according to Berretta.