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
Modern Working
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.
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)
66%
Flexible workspace in regional markets now accounts for 66% of overall demand, up from 54% in 2020
(The Instant Group, Global Flex Market Report (2025))
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 commercial property, flexible workspace growth and M&A-linked property activities. Nigel founded Modern Working in 2024. A former senior executive at IWG for 16 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, supporting the likes of Standard Chartered Bank, eBay and Dow Chemicals.
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.
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.