CEO of Cubo named 'one to watch' in business leaders programme

Marc Brough, chief executive officer of Leeds and Sheffield flex office provider Cubo, has been named as ‘One To Watch’ in the prestigious LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders programme for 2022.

The programme, which is supported by The Times and now in its fifth year, celebrates those entrepreneurs that are growing the UK’s most successful and fast-growing medium-sized firms.
A record number of nominations – more than 750 – were received this year, proving that ambition is alive and well despite the challenges faced by increasing economic uncertainty.

The Ones to Watch are the business leaders destined for great things. Those who are making waves in their sectors, having a positive impact on their customers and employees, and who are the driving force behind tomorrow’s most successful medium-sized firms.

Cubo was founded by property investor Marc Brough in 2020 and is rapidly establishing itself as the leading provider of high-end flex office and co-working space in the Midlands and Yorkshire with a presence at Wellington Place in Leeds and 38 Carver Street in Sheffield along with Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham.

The company provides an experience-led lifestyle offer to meet the changing needs of businesses – from hot desking to a designated desk, private office, or entire floor. Member benefits including private areas, large communal spaces and kitchens, gyms, chill-out rooms, on-site cafés with complimentary drinks and snacks.

Cubo is rapidly becoming the location of choice for SMEs, tech companies and corporates looking for a world class environment where they can develop and is attracting an enticing mix of businesses.

Marc is committed to a roll-out across all core cities and expects to have representation in all leading provincial centres by 2025.

Commenting on his inclusion in this year’s LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders listing, Marc said: “To be acknowledged by LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Bank, as one of the entrepreneurs that are growing the UK’s most successful and fast-growing medium-sized firms, is an incredible honour.

“Over the past two and a half years, Cubo has entered the managed workspace market, undermining and revolutionising a well-established sector and is now widely regarded as one of the UK’s fastest growing providers of high-end flex office and co-working space, with exciting growth plans.

“Massive thanks go out to my wife and business partner Rebecca and to the rest of the Cubo team for all their dedication and commitment. I hope my journey will inspire others on their entrepreneurial journey.”

John Garner, managing partner, LDC, added: “The volume and quality of submissions this year surpassed all of our expectations. We’ve been struck by the way business leaders have overcome challenges and adversity to run fast-growing and successful companies, proving that difficult circumstances can become the biggest driver of ambition.

“This year’s Ones to Watch embody just that and they have really grabbed the judges' attention with their success stories. Congratulations to all those featured - we look forward to seeing where they go next!”