Whitespace Consultants

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Do you fall at the final hurdle?

Winning new business is notoriously hard. You have to compete on price, quality and delivery and probably a whole lot of other measures too… However no matter how ‘sexy’ the final proposal may have looked and how efficient you say you are going to be, it can all fall at the last hurdle when the prospective customer makes a visit to your office!

It’s an unfortunate fact that the office environment says more than words or glossy presentations can ever cover about the state of your company.

Offices that are untidy, have shabby furniture and antiquated storage systems can have your customers running for the door. But it doesn’t have to be that way…

If you’re a company that regularly has visitors to the office, especially those with imminent decisions to make, it’s important that the correct image of the company is portrayed.

Let your workspace do the talking…

In our experience, there are lots of ways of making sure the first impressions of your company can be maintained right through to the visit to your premisies, by better use of the available space and good décor, together with appropriate and comfortable office furniture. It can often make the difference between success and failure!

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The paperless office – reality or still a pipe dream?

As a result we find that the issue of office storage varies enormously from one environment to another.

Is your office shouting no?

For every client who needs very little there are others for whom the ability to access files for every day work and indeed for archive facilities remains as strong as ever and needs to be factored in to space planning. The relationship between people and storage can produce radically different design techniques to ensure that whilst files are readily available when required, they do not generate unsightly clutter in the modern office environment.

At Whitespace, we analyse all aspects of the client working environment and working practices closely in conjunction with the staff to arrive at suitable levels of storage, so we can specify the correct office furniture to house your information safely, whether this be shelves, cupboards, filing cabinets and/or archive systems.By rethinking your storage you can also make a significant difference to your workspace, for example, did you know that by introducing a stylish storewall it can help increase storage capacity by as much as 50%?

We are a great believer that one of the simplest ways to be organised is to address the problem at the source and not just treat the symptoms when things get out of hand! Efficient storage means quicker access to relevant information, saving time and stress.

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Getting to know you...

Only when we’ve identified your requirements can we plan the most appropriate environment; offering advice and suggestions on design, layout, lighting, flooring and helping you choose and install office furniture so that your space looks great!

Have you reviewed your competitors’ offices?

Although, while we strongly believe that aesthetics are important, an office refurbishment isn’t just about creating a nice looking workplace, it’s about delivering a space that will inspire and motivate staff, increase productivity and impress clients and other visitors to your premises.

Our knowledge and expertise help us to ensure you have all this and more… Your workplace will be planned as cost effectively as possible whilst still creating exciting surroundings for the people using the space.

Delivering outstanding working environments is what we do, but don’t just take our word for it; take a look at our latest case studies.

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Breaking down barriers...

When embarking on a recent office refurbishment, we worked very closely with the client on the layout of the office and equally as important, the furniture solution; specifying desk shapes, seating and layouts that would not only promote communication between employees who work closely together on a day to day basis, but also improve user comfort in the office space. 

Under floor electrics and floor boxes were installed to ensure the office looked neat and tidy.  Individual workstations were fitted with under desk cable management systems and screen mounted monitor arms, creating clean lines and increasing the amount of usable space on the desk. Comfortable breakout areas were also introduced, which not only given staff somewhere to relax, but have encouraged communication throughout the business. Read the case study in full here…

Most people need to be motivated to work better, work smarter and come up with better ideas than those of their competitors. That motivation should begin the moment they come into the office in the morning. They need to feel that their workspace will give them the means by which to excel; the ability to move around freely and the chance to engage with colleagues transform people’s perceptions. If there is little opportunity to mix with others, share ideas and collaborate, they will more than likely begin to switch off.

We believe teamwork will come naturally in the right environment! Having staff looking forward to work with a spring in their step and enjoying the environment they find themselves in when they arrive, is a simple but effective way of getting the best out of your staff and in turn energising the company.

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Why factories need decent office space.

In reality with careful planning there is no reason why office space within factories cannot be to a similar standard to those elsewhere. Careful planning to segregate office space from the larger manufacturing areas, with suitable noise proofing, can make a huge difference to your staff’s working lives. Whether this is on a ground floor or indeed through the popular use of mezzanine floor areas to move staff away from the machines, you can then develop traditional office space for working and for meetings in real comfort.

Indeed when customers come calling they can be looked after in purpose built meeting rooms and view the factory as appropriate later. A more professional and comfortable approach than having a shouting match on a noisy factory floor.

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Finding it difficult to recruit top talent?

Creating a workplace that promotes positive feelings and improves productivity is essential for any organisation, yet it’s surprising how few companies design their office space with these benefits in mind.  Lighting, acoustics, décor, furniture even the state of the washrooms can all have an effect on staff well-being. An attractive, well planned, comfortable working environment is said to lead to greater staff retention and even attract the right candidates! 

So surely it’s worth considering the humble working environment and ensuring it matches up to the overall recruitment experience?

Have you reviewed your competitors’ offices?

However, there are no ‘rules’ for successful office redesigns, what works for one business could have a negative impact on another. However, with over 20 years knowledge and experience in office refurbishment over a wide range of industries, we know what works and what doesn’t and will guide you through every step of the process.

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Are you the last to know what the staff think?

Whilst pressure of work and deadlines are often a source of concern for the staff, this may not be the only thing at issue. These days, people are generally aware of the pressure of modern business, speedy turnarounds and never ending deadlines. They may well be prepared to accept that as a part of the working week provided they are looked after in other ways.

Comfortable working conditions are a must

You can’t afford however to overlook the basic requirements of any staff member to allow them to do their jobs proficiently and comfortably. This should, as a bare minimum, mean offering them an appropriate chair and desk to sit at, sufficient levels of storage and space in a warm and comfortable environment.

But of course it is more than that, are there sufficient breakout areas for staff to work and relax in, are the kitchen facilities up to scratch, are the washrooms at a standard that staff are happy with? How do you know? Asking the staff how they feel about their environment is the obvious solution and yet many people would rather stick their head in the sand for fear the staff will unearth some unpleasant truths.

The real truth however is that unhappy staff are not as productive as happy ones, they are less likely to promote you and your company and they are much more likely to leave rather than get around to complaining.

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Don’t let your workspace hinder your growth…

As such, undertaking office space planning on a regular basis should be a priority. Well planned offices not only look impressive, they increase efficiency and create a pleasing and functional environment, a place where people actually want to work…

Trouble finding ‘stuff’ when you need it?

As part of our process we gather information regarding your office space needs, including future growth expectations, current working practices and other considerations. This provides us with valuable information about your business and your existing space utilization; is the furniture fit-for-purpose, are the work areas clutter free, is there ample storage? Our extensive knowledge and experience in this field helps us to ensure that the environment can be planned as cost effectively as possible whilst still creating exciting surroundings for the people using the space. In many cases relatively small adjustments can make all the difference; for example, assessing whether smaller desks can be used in certain areas and/or making use of what was once ‘unused’ space for storage.

New Post has been published on https://www.whitespace.org.uk/last-time-took-lunch-break

When was the last time you took a lunch break?

Increasingly more and more employers are seeing the benefits, not only of creating a separate kitchen area within the workspace, but also of providing a space where staff can go to relax and eat their lunch or simply grab a coffee away from the pressures of the office.

Which is exactly what we did for Citypress. Relocating to a prestigious six storey Grade II listed building on Deansgate in the heart of Manchester, our brief was to produce an inspiring, creative office interior that would motivate and encourage staff and clients alike.

Not only did we design and install a fully functional modern kitchen facility with picnic bench style seating and a breakout area for staff to prepare and eat their lunch in comfort, we also introduced a tea point to the main office area, meaning that staff would not have far to walk carrying hot drinks.

The bold corporate colour scheme, teamed with natural finishes and contemporary furnishings, ensured the final scheme provided an inspirational environment and the perfect platform for the next stage of growth for this prestigious company. Read the case study in full here…

To encourage staff to take a break your office kitchen/dining facilities should be practical and functional; they should provide employees with a space to actually enjoy time away from their desks. Creating a well-equipped, relaxed atmosphere can also improve morale and productivity as well as preventing food and the smells and mess that can go with it going back into the workplace.

New Post has been published on https://www.whitespace.org.uk/reviewed-competitors-offices

Have you reviewed your competitors’ offices?

Why is that an issue?

It stands to reason that the same customer base that might visit you is also potentially visiting your sworn enemies. They will get an impression of that company good or bad from that visit. Does it look impressive, does it look organised, are the meeting rooms professional and impressive, are the loos of a good enough standard?

Great staff deserve a great place to work!

Does your office look the same as the day you moved in?

All of these things are part of the sales process – you may think that it’s all about the product or service that you offer but often the ‘soft’ issues such as the people and the environment in which they work are just as important in gaining the business.

Do your competitors seem to be getting a better calibre of staff – are you missing out on the better people in your industry – is this down to the reputation of the opposition, or their salary scales – or maybe because the workspace they offer is more attractive?

So take a look, ask around – are your offices up to the competitive arena you operate in? If not why not talk to us about how to get yourselves back into pole position.

New Post has been published on https://www.whitespace.org.uk/time-take-control-office-irritations

Time to take control of those office irritations...

These might seem insignificant in isolation, but combined they can try the patience of a saint!  With increased competition and rising costs, businesses should look to address such issues sooner rather than later to avoid a loss in productivity and/or losing staff members.

Are you in love with your office?

We believe that creating a good working environment is important to avoid annoying situations and conflict with workmates. By allowing people space to work, making sure they have enough room to move around, providing them with appropriate office furniture, breakout areas, adequate kitchen and washroom facilities, a comfortable working temperature and reliable technology and you probably won’t go far wrong.

Getting the right balance is key and this is where we believe we can make the difference. Our experience in working in a wide variety of working environments to achieve the best possible result has been a major feature of our design work and gained praise from the clients with whom we work, take a look at some of the results here…

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Are you easily distracted at work?

A view from a window seems to divide opinion – for some their perceived benefits of getting a glimpse of the outside world, although this may be more beneficial if that view is of rolling countryside rather than the back of a canning factory………… Others see a window as a distraction, especially if there is a lot going on outside which might prove more interesting than the latest sales forecast spreadsheet.

Pool table. Good idea for your office?

Are you still staring at four white walls?

Office noise, a noisy neighbour or significant people traffic near to a desk can also be a factor in preventing concentration from being at its highest.

Whilst we can’t always guarantee that every employee will become 100% focused overnight, our space planning and design skills can at least help them be inspired to give of their best.

We look carefully at the building at hand and try to ensure that each individual not only has as much space as is possible but is also positioned in such a way as to minimise disruption from others, whilst still being able to operate as a team. If required we can discuss with individuals whether they prefer to be at a window or not where options exist.

Above all we always try to create an environment that is uplifting and inspiring – where possible the use of colour and innovative furniture and partitioning can make the office environment more interesting. Adorning walls with artwork or pictures or perhaps even thought-provoking and inspirational statements can transform the office from the mundane to the exceptional.

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Guest blog - Intelligent Building Works

So, what are the tell-tale signs asbestos may be present?

Firstly, the age of your property is important. If your property was built or renovated between the 1930s and 1950s, asbestos is more likely to have been used. During these years asbestos was used extensively by the construction industry, it was cheap, versatile and hardwearing. When it was discovered that prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres could cause serious and fatal illnesses including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis (a type of pneumoconiosis) in the 1960`s, a voluntary industry ban came into effect outlawing the most dangerous type of asbestos. It was finally completely banned from use in the UK in Nov 1999 five years ahead of the European deadline.

It is sensible to err on the side of caution regarding all properties built or extended/refurbished up to 1999 – remember if you are in any way unsure as to whether a material contains asbestos contact us.

Secondly are you aware if your property contains any of the most common materials asbestos was typically used in? Namely;

Asbestos fibro sheeting Asbestos fibro sheeting was similar to modern day plasterboard or dry wall. It was popular with builders and the fibro sheets were simply nailed to a wooden framework. to use predominately to construct walls.

Asbestos cement Asbestos cement was used in a large variety of walls, roofs and exterior linings in sheets. As well as an insulation and fireproofing aid, asbestos cement was used because it absorbed moisture and by not allowing water to pass through was effectively weatherproof. It can be typically found in eave linings, under exterior sections of roofs, in walls in garages, sheds toilets and laundries. It was also used to create corrugated sheets, mouldings and claddings. Asbestos may also be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   How can we help?                         We make our clients aware of any risks, and help to keep them safe, providing reports that are easy to read, full of information, and designed to address property compliance requirements. We provide a safe asbestos removal service with a fast, efficient service to ensure your project suffers any unnecessary delays.

If you are in any way unsure regarding the presence of asbestos we do not advise you actively go looking for it, remember we are just a phone call away. For more details on our reliable asbestos management surveys and removal service please don’t hesitate to contact us or call 0800 644 6588

New Post has been published on https://www.whitespace.org.uk/holidays-like-office

What are the holidays like in your office?

If your staff are sitting in a dull uninviting workplace, with overflowing storage cabinets and damaged office furniture, they may be thinking of moving on…

Holiday packing remind you of anything?

We believe it’s up to you to give them a space that’s both inspiring and motivating. It doesn’t have to be four star accommodation, just somewhere they actually want to and enjoy working in, rather than just show up to get paid.

A flexible layout, fit-for-purpose office furniture, a comfortable place to take a break away  from their desks and clean and hygienic washroom facilities, all feature highly on employees ‘wish lists’.

All organisations should consider what they can do to give employees the spaces and tools that enhance and support their workday tasks. Even a modest improvement in staff wellbeing can have a huge financial implication for employers.

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Offices above and beyond

Introducing suspended ceilings can tidy up messy or high ceilings, make the space more intimate and allow providing a clean and efficient look. Critics however say that it makes all offices look alike and removes a lot of personality. 

High ceilings can provide a much greater feeling of space and air and where the building has character it can be used to demonstrate a completely different look and feel, using the original ceilings as a feature rather than something to be concealed.

Rabbit warren or blank canvas?

Struggling to find a quiet space in your open office?

  Even utilitarian ceilings complete with air conditioning ducting and vents have been left exposed to create a real atelier look and feel beloved of more design orientated businesses.

Stripping back to basics is not only quite on trend these days but can give a much greater sense of freedom in lower height environments.

Acoustics too are also often affected by ceilings and require sensitive design to ensure that this does not become a problem either with noise echoing around an area or indeed causing so much ‘hubbub’ as to make working in an environment difficult.

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Because their future begins in school...

The sharing of information on tablets and laptops means that pupils don’t have to be focussed forward, instead, groups of desks and soft seating areas are becoming more popular together with informal opportunities to share work outside the classroom environment, in social spaces and/or libraries for example. This makes the whole learning space so much more flexible and helps to ensure every type of teaching or extra-curricular activity can be housed appropriately.

What we’ve learnt at school…

We believe flexibility is key for the future of our education establishments. Not only  does the interior design need to reflect modern learning, it can also be used by schools and colleges to differentiate themselves in what is becoming a highly competitive market. Students and parents are much more demanding today in terms of what they expect and for this reason the environment that is created is vital; it encourages them to join the school in the first place, it keeps them engaged and it encourages them to learn!

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Summer heatwave. Who saw that coming?

Which Game of Thrones kingdom is your office?

Are you one of those employers?

In what direction does the sun move in relation to the particular offices? How can this best be ‘defended’ – can certain windows have better quality blinds to reduce the amount of heat penetrating the building – some blinds can have reflective fabrics to further deflect the heat.

Where there is a significant amount of window space, we would always consider this when planning an office refurbishment and try and plan the optimum layout accordingly.

Is it appropriate and achievable to open windows to improve air flow? Can doors be left open to gain more airflow without adversely affecting fire regulations? These are questions to ponder in advance and have a plan of action in place for when the weather does eventually turn in our favour.

Do some areas of the building get more shade and could be made available as ‘cooling off’ areas during extremes of heat – perhaps as breakout areas as an alternative to the hotter desks in the direct eye of the sun.

Do employees have adequate fridge space to keep drinks and food? Should you provide cold drinks as part of an employee welfare programme during exceptionally high temperatures?

Considering these issues prior to a period of hot weather will always pay dividends as you will be seen to have prepared in advance and not look as if you have been caught out by the weather.

Hopefully staff will be cool with that!

If your office has been challenging during this hot weather you may be due a refurbishment, contact us today