4 June 2025

The power of PR in the commercial property landscape

In recent years, requirements for office space shifted dramatically as the world of work as we know it changed.

Increasingly, businesses no longer seek solely functional spaces. We hear regularly of a ‘flight to quality’, where employers prioritise good locations and working environments that inspire and motivate employees. Spaces that they want to go to. A well-designed workspace can boost productivity, foster collaboration, and enhance employee wellbeing.

Employees want more than traditional rows of desks or cubicles, favouring inviting, dynamic, flexible hubs. Quality spaces see natural light flooding through generous windows, biophilic design with green elements, and adaptable areas for focused work and team collaboration – all proven to improve wellbeing and productivity.

To support this, smart employers are investing in amenities like on-site gyms, quiet pods, and social or cultural spaces to create a sense of community and make the office a destination worth coming to.

Together, this shifts the focus from square footage to environments that prioritise sustainability, inclusivity, and a sense of balance.

We are proud to support this work in cities that are working hard to create modern spaces that work for businesses and their teams.

Peter Langly-Smith, managing director at Reef + Partners, who we support on the Forum in Gloucester, said: “For many businesses, the focus is now on spaces that prioritise innovation and employee wellbeing over simply volume of desk space. Offices are now increasingly being seen as hubs for connection.”

Communicating the offer: The role of PR

So, how can developers and property managers promote these transformed spaces and attract forward-thinking businesses? This is where strategic story-telling comes in.

We know that clearly communicating your offer is key to standing out in a competitive market.

Telling a compelling story and highlighting what makes your office space different is key. Perhaps it’s a cutting-edge design, a prime location with excellent transport links, or a commitment to net-zero carbon goals. Your spaces might be designed with a certain sector or size of business in mind, facilitating collaboration opportunities.

Told well, authentic and engaging stories resonate with business leaders and decision-makers, showing them the tangible value a move to your property could bring.

Good comms attracts businesses

Good PR is far more than just press releases about build milestones or new tenants. A strategic, multi-channel approach will ensure your office space captures the attention of businesses seeking quality environments.

Case studies are key to demonstrating how tenants see the space and benefit from it, whether it’s improved employee retention, enhanced wellbeing or business success. Dig down into why they chose the space and how it is working for them. We’ve done this to great effect on the Forum, where tenants Fasthosts found office attendance increase after their recent move to the city centre. It presented a striking contrast to the narrative that everyone prefers working from home by showing how great places also work well.

You can also position your property as a destination by securing thought-leadership coverage in regional business and sector media. Share your take on office design trends, how your space addresses modern working habits, or profile a tenant. Key here is to carefully tie together your expertise, different elements of the workspace and broader industry trends.

Seeing is believing, so events are crucial to attract support for your development. Host targeted events to bring potential tenants and stakeholders into the space. Make it inspiring, informative or engaging enough to get their attendance.

Media visits can also showcase what your space has to offer, but it takes more than just an invitation email to get television crews and journalists on site. Give them an exclusive first look, line up engaging interviewees, and keep the needs of their viewers or readers in mind when you’re planning the visit.

For those who can’t be there in person, visuals are key. High quality photography and videography – like the below – can showcase standout features. In the beginning, you’ll show the potential in the empty spaces, but once tenants are in show the spaces as they come to life. We know this content performs hugely well on social media – easily shareable and hugely engaging.

You’ll no doubt want to celebrate your spaces and gain recognition through awards. Consider which you enter and the categories you choose carefully as part of your overall plan. Do you want to be celebrated for sustainability, innovation or architectural design? Shortlistings and wins present further opportunities to amplify your development too.

Play Video

Why it matters

In a crowded market where quality is key, a well-executed PR strategy can transform your office space into a destination, helping to turn heads towards you and fill the tenant pipeline. By using strategic PR, you’ll attract businesses, build a solid reputation, and ensure commercial success.

If you’d like to discuss how we could support your development, get in touch.

Header photo is of Forum in Gloucester by Martina Ferrera .

The Forum video by Reef + Partners.

Written by

Arianne Smart