With global perceptions of Johannesburg changing, and with increased flexible office developments being launched, Sandton is seeing a surge in international businesses looking to establish themselves in Africa's richest square mile.
Sandton is making progressive strides in attracting international business, but history has proven that accessibility and flexibility have always been key driving factors for many such organisations seeking to break into new global markets.
Flexibility has been lacking in and around Sandton, and accessibility has been limited, but now new developments are opening their doors to meet this demand and international companies looking to expand have taken notice, and are moving in.
Comments David Seinker, investor and founder of Sandton's latest and rather unique commercial property development, The Business Exchange, ''The biggest attraction to global organisations is that they can position themselves alongside the major local players and gain access to the resources required to enter the fairly unknown African markets.
In the past the lack of flexibility in terms of rental options, as well as easy access to resources, have been limiting factors, but with an increasing amount of such developments being launched in Sandton we are seeing an influx in international companies wanted to base themselves in the area.''
The Business Exchange, Sandton's latest commercial development focused onflexibility, is introducing packaged resources never seen before in South Africa and has already been inundated with requests from numerous global organisations.
''Although we only launch on 01 February, we have received interest from many international companies who have been keeping a close eye on such opportunities in Sandton. They ultimately want flexibility, as well as access to resources and services to further entrench themselves in global markets. Having a base in which to enter Africa is critical to such global organisations, and Sandton is continuing to tick all the right boxes.''
According to Seinker, the types of companies seeking such offerings primarily include financial, investment, banking, property, ICT, manufacturing and mining. ''Most of our tenants fall into these sectors, and this includes internationals looking to make Sandton their base.
At the moment our anticipated tenant split is about 70% local to 30% international, and we see this moving to about a 50/50 split with the growing interest from international companies who have their eye on Sandton. The flexibility offering is a huge draw card to them.''
Situated in the building previously occupied by the Cell C head office at 150 Rivonia Road, The Business Exchange offers both local and international businesses fully serviced and flexible office space, while providing complete access to marketing, digital and public relations services.
The development offers a variety of office setup options and features a reception area and welcome lounge for all tenants, fully equipped meeting rooms, complete IT and telecoms infrastructure, parking and a café, restaurant and bar within the building.
