In the past decade, the workplace has undergone a remarkable transformation. From rigid, long-term office leases to dynamic coworking spaces, the way people view work environments has shifted dramatically. At the heart of this evolution in the United Kingdom is Marc Brough, the ambitious entrepreneur and chief executive of Cubo, one of the country’s most recognised providers of high-end flexible offices. Marc has carved out a name for himself not only as a business leader but as a visionary who understands the pulse of modern working culture. His journey from property development to becoming the face of a thriving coworking brand highlights his determination, foresight, and commitment to reshaping how businesses operate in the 21st century.
Early Life and Professional Foundations
Marc Brough’s professional foundation was built through years of experience in property development and real estate. He was actively involved with Staton Young, a company that has long been associated with property investment and development across the Midlands. This background gave him a sharp understanding of commercial property markets, tenant demands, and the economic forces shaping urban centres. By the time he launched Cubo, Marc had already accumulated significant expertise in aligning property ventures with broader lifestyle and business trends. His instincts told him that flexibility would become a defining theme of modern workspaces, and this insight became the cornerstone of his career.
Founding of Cubo
The launch of Cubo in 2020 came at a critical juncture. The pandemic had accelerated conversations about hybrid work, office flexibility, and the need for environments that were not only functional but also inspirational. While many companies were downsizing, Marc Brough saw opportunity in change. Cubo was designed as a premium flexible workspace that offered not just desks and offices, but a complete lifestyle solution for modern professionals.
From its first location in Derby, Cubo quickly expanded into multiple cities including Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Manchester. Each new opening was carefully curated, with Marc ensuring that the design and amenities reflected the values of collaboration, creativity, and comfort. His focus was never on simply filling square footage; it was on creating an environment where people wanted to come to work, meet, and grow.
Philosophy of Flexible Work
Marc Brough has repeatedly emphasised that flexibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity. He recognises that today’s workforce expects more than a desk and a chair. They want an experience, a sense of belonging, and the ability to scale their workspace in line with their business growth. Cubo, under Marc’s leadership, has become a symbol of this philosophy.
From ergonomic designs to breakout areas, cafés, and wellness spaces, the brand integrates lifestyle elements with professional needs. Marc’s approach goes beyond surface-level aesthetics; it addresses deeper issues like productivity, mental well-being, and sustainability. His belief is that a workspace should energise employees and foster innovation rather than drain them with monotony.
Recognition and Awards
Marc Brough’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has been celebrated in several prestigious business circles, being named one of the UK’s “Ones to Watch” in the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders list. He was also shortlisted for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the Midlands and South West region, an achievement that highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. Such recognition reflects both his business success and his wider influence on the property and coworking industries.
Business Expansion and Investment Strategy
The expansion of Cubo has been supported by bold investment strategies. Marc has been instrumental in securing high-profile sites, often transforming underutilised buildings into vibrant community hubs. His broader property network through Staton Young has also played a role in acquisitions, including historic sites like Allestree Hall and prominent leisure assets such as Horsley Lodge Golf Club. These ventures demonstrate Marc’s ability to diversify and balance traditional property investment with the modern coworking model.
While rapid growth is often risky, Marc has displayed resilience and adaptability. Challenges such as financial pressures, economic downturns, and rising operational costs have not deterred him from pursuing Cubo’s long-term vision. His strategy balances ambition with pragmatic risk management, ensuring the brand’s sustainability in a highly competitive market.
Commitment to Design and Sustainability
One of Marc Brough’s standout qualities as a leader is his insistence on design excellence. Each Cubo site embodies a blend of contemporary aesthetics, high functionality, and comfort. Whether it is a sleek reception area, collaborative lounges, or private offices, the spaces are carefully crafted to impress clients and enhance daily work experiences.
Marc has also aligned Cubo’s ethos with environmental and social governance (ESG) principles. Sustainability in building materials, energy-efficient designs, and support for local communities are key elements of the brand’s strategy. In a time when businesses are expected to be socially responsible, Marc’s foresight in embedding ESG values into Cubo’s identity has enhanced the company’s appeal to modern tenants and investors alike.
Leadership Style and Personal Vision
Marc Brough’s leadership style can best be described as visionary yet pragmatic. He sets ambitious goals for expansion and innovation while maintaining a grounded understanding of market realities. He is known for fostering a collaborative culture, both within Cubo’s internal team and among its wider community of clients. By positioning Cubo as not just a workspace provider but a growth partner, Marc has cultivated a loyal network of businesses that see Cubo as integral to their success.
On a personal level, Marc embraces an “all or nothing” attitude, a mantra he even highlights on his social platforms. This reflects his driven nature and his belief in committing wholeheartedly to every venture. His authenticity and directness resonate with both employees and clients, reinforcing trust in his leadership.
Industry Commentary and Influence
As a respected voice in the coworking and property industries, Marc Brough is frequently invited to share his views on market trends. He has spoken extensively about the future of work, predicting continued demand for flexible spaces as companies embrace hybrid working. He stresses the importance of creating environments that adapt to business needs rather than forcing businesses to adapt to rigid leases. His commentaries provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs, landlords, and policymakers alike.
The Future of Cubo
Looking ahead, Marc Brough has ambitious plans for Cubo. The brand aims to expand its national presence further, targeting additional cities and possibly international markets. With demand for premium coworking spaces continuing to rise, Cubo is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the market.
Marc’s focus will likely remain on combining scale with quality, ensuring that each new site reflects the company’s ethos rather than becoming a cookie-cutter replication. Innovation in smart building technologies, sustainability initiatives, and digital integration will be central to Cubo’s growth.
Conclusion
Marc Brough’s journey from property developer to leading entrepreneur in the flexible workspace industry is an inspiring story of vision, resilience, and determination. Through Cubo, he has redefined what it means to create a workspace, blending functionality with lifestyle, and tradition with innovation. His influence is not limited to the physical buildings he oversees but extends into the broader conversation about the future of work.
As the UK continues to embrace hybrid working models and businesses seek adaptable solutions, Marc Brough’s leadership ensures that Cubo remains at the forefront of this evolution. His legacy is shaping up to be one that will leave a lasting imprint on both the property market and the working lives of countless professionals across the country.
