Category: Fit Out

London Office Fit Out Trends In 2021

Given the state of flux caused by Covid-19, many London businesses are looking to the future to determine how best to utilise their office space in 2021 so that it is Covid-19/virus secure. In this article we look at London office fit out trends for 2021 in an effort to address how companies can provide a safe working environment and ensure flexibility in their office moving forward.

Office Space Will Continue To Be Very Important

Although working from home and remote working has played a large role in enabling businesses to continue to be productive throughout the pandemic, the need for safe London office space will continue to be important in 2021 and beyond.

The reaction to Covid-19 in 2020 in predicting the “death of the office” was a major over-reaction to circumstances that no one in our lifetime had come across before. Businesses will need to continue to provide office space for employees for a variety of reasons including the need to collaborate, to mentor and learn from other employees, for mental health and social reasons. It’s interesting to note that employees also want to work in the office.

Data Supporting The Continuing Need For London Office Space

Knight Frank

A LinkedIn poll “Five days in the office — Yay or nay” conducted by Knight Frank looked at whether staff wanted to work from home. The poll set the stage by asking: “With Covid-19 dominating news cycles, the speculation of a ‘permanent #WFH’ (work from home) has become a much-discussed by-product. So, we want to hear your take on your preferred post-pandemic working set-up.” The poll gathered 2,134 votes and showed that only 8% of people wanted to work from home all of the time, 12% would like to work from the office all the time but the vast majority were in favour of a “blend of WFH and the office”.

Yougov

A Yougov poll carried out in September 2020, found that before Covid 13% of workers worked from home all of the time, 19% some of the time and 68% never worked from home. When asked what they wanted to do after Covid 18% of workers said they wanted to be able to work from home the whole time, 39% who want to be able to work from home some of the time and 39% said they don’t want to work from home once coronavirus is done. This clearly shows that many staff, having now worked from home feel they would like to continue to partly work from home (and this number has increased from 19% to 39%) however of those surveyed 78% still want to have a blended working environment of home and work or completely work from their business office.

The survey also found (PDF) that 66% of London workers want to be able to work from home once the coronavirus crisis is over, however only 19% would want to do so full-time.

Bloomberg

Bloomberg reported that from a survey of more than 2,000 global office workers carried out by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) “Office Workers Want to Keep Working at Home, Just Not Every Day”. The survey found that the majority of those surveyed want to work at home at least two days a week. Only 26% of workers want to work from home full time after the Covid-19 pandemic passes.

Neil Murray, CEO of corporate solutions for JLL puts the results into context when he says: “Working from home isn’t a panacea, it’s difficult, it brings about a whole different set of stressors. There’s also a desire to get back to this sense of community and creativity of the office.”

The Future Forum

Data from a global survey published on Slack, of more than 9,000 workers found that 72% of staff want a hybrid mix of remote and office work in the future. The report from the survey goes onto say that “Workers’ sense of belonging can suffer while working remotely.”

The experience of remote work varies across job roles, genders, seniority and other factors. Workers were less keen to only work from one environment with only 12% saying they would prefer working from the office all the time, and 13% wanting to work from home full-time.” Furthermore they found “People’s experience of remote work is highly nuanced, with both perks and pitfalls.”

Pew Research Center

A study conducted by the Pew Research Center based on 5,858 adults in October 2020 set out to understand how their work experience had changed during the coronavirus pandemic.

54% of staff surveyed said, given the choice, they would prefer to keep working from home after the pandemic. One third of workers said they’d want to work from home some of the time, while 11% said they didn’t want to work from home. Interestingly they found that men and women were equally likely to say that they’d like to work from home most of the time after the pandemic however 31% women were more likely to want to work from home all of the time in comparison to 23% of men.

Based on the Knight Frank poll and other survey data gathered above it’s clear that the office is here to stay as remote working alone is/will not be sustainable. When it comes to employee working, a combination of a central office hub and home working comes out top and provides the flexibility that businesses will require moving forward.

Permanent Flexible Working

It’s clear from the past year that flexibility within London offices will be a key consideration when it comes to a London office fit out. Current and future workspaces will need to have flexibility built in. How this is achieved will also have to be flexible –one size won’t fit all.

The demand for flexible office space will grow for both large and small businesses across London. If we look to the Deloitte Real Estate’s latest Crane survey (a report that measures the volume of office development taking place across central London and emerging London submarkets) it’s clear that London office fit out work will take priority over the building of new office space, certainly in the short term and potentially for some time to come.

The Crane survey explains that it’s anticipated that there will be an oversupply of poorer quality office workspace. This oversupply isn’t expected to be taken up even when the market recovers because businesses looking for office space will have their pick of better quality offices. Therefore landlords will need to look at fitting out their buildings and workspaces with a view to improving their existing office stock. Deloitte talks about “sustainable, ‘healthy’ and ‘WELL’ buildings” but with the information gathered from the surveys above it’s clear that “flexibility” will also be a major factor.

So what will the London office fit out look like moving forward towards a home/work hybrid model? We already covered some of these ideas in a previous article “Kent and London Office Interior Design Ideas For 2021”. Below we look at what other factors will be important and how businesses can make the office a safe place for workers.

Downsizing

Given that many businesses will find themselves needing less space taking into account less people working from the office but factoring in the need for additional space to allow distancing the fact remains that downsizing may play a role in office space in 2021. Downsizing to a smaller office space can be taken as an opportunity to plan your new office space in a way that allows you to become a more agile business.

Covid Secure Workplaces Will Be Important

First and foremost office spaces will need to be Covid secure. Many businesses that required staff to work in the office during the pandemic mitigated the risk of Covid-19 infection within the workplace. Guidance was issued by a number of groups including ACAS, the UK government and multiple other organisations on “how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic”.

Some of these changes included carrying out risk assessments, enabling social distancing to take place, one-way systems and signage, as well as implementing cleaning, hygiene and hand sanitising and washing protocols and in some cases the use of facemasks. These measures provided ways in which to address the immediate need to put things in place to help get staff back to working safely in the office. However more permanent steps will need to be taken when looking to provide a flexible office workspace in the future. So what other areas should a London office fit out address?

Adapting The Office To Enable Socially Distanced Working Practices As Standard

In order to ensure staff safety, social distancing has been a key message throughout the pandemic and maybe required for a long time into the future given that we are being told Covid maybe something we have to learn to live with. Covid may not be the only pandemic we have to deal with in the future so it’s prudent to shape your London office fit out in a way that allows maximum flexibility.

Office layouts should enable staff to “social distance” easily and simply. To do this any partitioning or dividers used to break up or proportion space should ideally be easy to break down or move so that they provide immediate flexibility when the need arises e.g. through the use of  flexible partitioning, living walls and plant wall dividers, storage walls and “write on” walls. Fixed partitioning should be minimised as much as possible. A return to something similar to office cubicles or pods may also be worth considering.

Office furniture should be light and easily movable. There’s no point setting up a flexible layout when you’re planning your London office fit out only to put in heavy difficult to move furniture. Where possible the use of modular, multifunctional furniture can provide much needed flexibility.

Closely aligned workstations and desks will be a thing of the past. It’ll be important that you incorporate more desk space when planning your London office fit out/layout than before to help you maintain social distancing. Larger desks or bench desks as well as dividers and screens can also help to ensure staff can work safely (and at a distance).

Clear floor signage and one way systems may also prove helpful in keeping people distanced and should form part of your London office fit out deliberations.

The Right Ventilation

The UK government website explains the importance in reducing the airborne transmission of viruses. The site says “Good ventilation reduces the concentration of the virus in the air and therefore reduces the risks from airborne transmission. This happens when people breathe in small particles (aerosols) in the air after someone with the virus has occupied an enclosed area.”

Heating, ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) systems should be set to “maximise fresh air and minimise or eliminate recirculation.” It’s vital to also ensure that any HVAC systems are properly maintained and cleaned regularly. Commercial Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) and Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) air purifiers are also worthy of consideration.

Incorporating Technology

Given that some staff will be working from home it’ll be important to ensure that the appropriate technology is available to allow the continuation of good communication and collaboration between staff both inside and at home. Video conferencing technology should therefore be at the forefront of any London office fit out. Your office design should look to accommodate this technology in an unobtrusive way but still allows it to be easy to use.

To enable office layouts to be more flexible we also need to make sure that the facilities and resources will be available to staff to work no matter what part of the office space they are in e.g. having portable power and power integrated furniture means staff can “plug in” wherever they need to. Good Wi-Fi coverage will also be important.

Health and Wellbeing A Central Focus

Ensuring your London office fit out makes health and wellbeing a focus of your office layout will continue to be is essential. Wellbeing needs to take centre stage, especially given where we find ourselves today. You can read some of our ideas for a “healthy” workspace in our article “Office Refurbishment with a Focus on Health and Wellbeing”.

How Can We Help?

JBH Refurbishments have over 30 years experience in Kent and London office fit out and refurbishments. To find out how we can help you fit out your London office space to the highest standards contact us via our contact form or by calling us on 0333 207 0339.

What’s An Interior Fit Out and What Does An Interior Fit Out Contractor Do?

In many articles online, including our own, you’ll see the term Kent or London “office fit out contractor” or “interior fit out contractor”. In this article we will go into more depth about an interior fit out contractor’s role and responsibilities in an office refurbishment and why an interior fit out contractor is important to your business when it comes to your commercial refurbishment.

The Definition of Fit Out

Let’s start with the term fit out (sometimes written as “fit-out”). According to the Designing Building Wki a “fit-out of buildings” is defined as “a term used to describe the process of making interior spaces suitable for occupation. It is often used in relation to office developments, where the base construction is completed by the developer and the final fit out by the occupant. The occupant will generally be leasing space as a tenant from the developer/landlord.”

Another definition provided by the UK government Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document L2B which covers “Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings” (PDF) defines a fit out as “work needed to complete the internal layout and servicing of the building shell to meet the specific needs of an incoming occupier. The building shell is the structural and non-structural envelope of a building provided as a primary stage (usually for a speculative developer) for a subsequent project to fit out with internal accommodation works.”

Interior Fit Out Stages

There are various stages involved in the fit out of a building including:

Shell and Core (the Outer Shell and Basic Core)

The idea of shell and core originated in the USA where developers would build office space and then fit them out according to what they thought the average tenant would require or want. However many tenants wanted to shape the interior of the building to meet their own needs and requirements which in many case would differ from the developer’s ideas. As a consequence it has become common practice for developers to leave the space, as is, for a landlord or tenant to create a working space that meets their particular needs.

The idea of Shell and Core was introduced in the UK by Rosehaugh/Stanhope, a major property developer in the City of London and the Docklands in the 1980s and 1990s through its high profile and ground breaking Broadgate development which was designed specifically at the time for the financial market.

The Designing Buildings wiki further explains “Rosehaugh/Stanhope did not supply ceiling tiles; carpet tiles etc, but allocated its tenants a rent-free period and an allowance for the landlord’s notional fitting out. This became known in lease arrangements as a Category A fit out allowance. Following the lead of Broadgate in the eighties, agents in the chartered surveying world accepted that rents were not affected by the principles of shell and core and it became widespread in the office commercial market.”

Typical Shell and Core Elements

Typically the shell and core refers to the main structural elements of a building i.e. the outer shell and core including walls and windows, leaving a range of construction and fit out work to be completed before the building is able to be occupied.

Elements usually include (although this may differ depending on the build and the developer/landlord):

  • the foundation and main structure
  • cladding
  • base plant
  • completed common areas such as receptions, lobbies, toilets
  • staircases
  • lifts
  • basements
  • parking lots and loading bays
  • external work and the building envelope including external walls, insulation, roofing and glazing.

Other things that may be part of the build are:

  • boundary walls
  • pavements
  • pathways
  • fencing.

The list above is fairly comprehensive but it’s important to note that there is no standard which states what must be included in a shell and core. The overall objective is to provide a base from which a landlord or tenant can shape the internal space through a Category A or Category B fit out.

What Comes After the Shell and Core Fit Out?

After shell and core, the next stage, usually referred to as a Category A (or Cat A) fit out, is carried out by the landlord of the building who looks to fit out the space to a standard that presents the tenant with a space to develop in the way that best represents them and meets their business needs. Category A is followed by a Category B (Cat B) fit out which is carried out by an interior fit out contractor on behalf of the tenant and which readies the office space for tenant occupation.

Category A Fit Out

As briefly described above a Cat A fit out is the fit out carried out by the landlord. Just as with shell and core there is no standard definition for a Category A fit out and there can be some cross-over between Cat A and Cat B depending on the developer/landlord.

In general terms a Cat A fit out will include:

In essence, creating a “blank canvas”, from which a tenant can add their mark and brand.

Category B Fit Out

The final step in the fit out process is the Cat B fit out. Cat B is where all of the bespoke, custom design elements of the office fit out (or refurbishment) are introduced and the “blank canvas” can come to life. In Cat B the building space is fully designed and laid out to make the space liveable, comfortable and ready for a company to move in. As mentioned previously it’s also the chance for a business to put their stamp on the space, to reflect their brand identity and to make the space completely theirs in terms of their business needs. Again what is included in a Cat B fit out will depend on the developer/landlord.

A Cat B fit out can comprise:

  • partitioning to develop the space into individual offices, meeting and conference rooms, breakout areas, kitchen and tea points and reception area
  • staircase finishes including carpets
  • flooring
  • specialist lighting
  • IT, audio visual equipment and data cabling
  • decor including specialist finishes, branding and signage
  • office furniture including storage.

Turnkey Interior Fit Out Developments

In some cases a landlord may carry out a full turnkey interior fit out without involving a tenant. In these situations the landlord of the building is providing the tenant(s) with a space that is already fully fitted out and ready to be moved into with everything that a tenant requires to create a fully functioning office from scratch. A turnkey office development provides a solution for many businesses wanting to move in and get up and running without any delay.

There is also the possibility that a landlord may make the decision to carry out a Cat A fit out on the majority of a building but where there are shared areas e.g. in the case of kitchen and tea points, break out areas and washrooms the landlord may also choose to complete the Cat B fit out work.

Where Does An Interior Fit Out Contractor Come In?

An interior fit out contractor can provide interior fit out services at Cat A and Cat B stages to both landlord and tenants.

It’s important to find the right interior fit out contractor to work with you. You need someone who’ll be able to advise, collaborate, bring quality ideas to the table and help manage every aspect of the project.

In the case of a landlord you’ll want to work with an interior fit out contractor that can bring their experience to bear in preparing your property for the current market. Your interior fit out contractor will need to understand what the current office design trends are, what tenants are looking for in terms of business premises and what will get the best ROI for the space available within your building.

In the case of a tenant a good fit out contractor will take the time to understand your business and company culture, your business needs and processes and short, medium and long terms goals and plans. Without this your interior fit out is likely to be less successful.

In both cases an interior fit out contractor should be looking to create a tailor made space that will work efficiently and effectively, be stylish and practical and which will help, not hinder, tenants to bring their company’s unique character to life within their office space.

In summary an interior fit out contractor should:

  • understand what is required
  • take into account your current workforce and the future growth of your business
  • know current planning laws and be able to advise on what you need to do
  • have the experience to put your and their ideas into practice
  • produce a comprehensive plan including project delivery and work schedule to support your fit out that will result in a smooth work flow
  • produce office designs and visualisations through 2D and 3D renders
  • have a great team who can see the project through from inception to completion.
  • keep to timelines and budget.

The outcome of your interior fit-out should be a space that meets all of your needs and more and will satisfy your business requirements for now and into the foreseeable future.

Interior Fit Out Experience

JBH Refurbishments has over 25 years of experience as an interior fit out contractor providing Cat and Cat B fit outs for landlords and tenants, businesses, warehouse conversions and shared workspaces across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

As part of our interior fit out services we:

  • work closely with landlords to ensure the properties are ready for the marketplace
  • support new tenants design requirements
  • provide end-of-lease dilapidations to return a commercial property to its original state when a tenant decides to leave.

Interior Fit Out Projects

With our wealth of knowledge and expertise we have completed numerous fit out projects across various business sectors. Here a few of the many examples from our interior fit out projects section:

Kent Warehouse Conversion and Office Fit-Out – a three-storey Kent warehouse conversion and office fit-out including and open plan office on each level, a reception, two partitioned offices for management, a large kitchen, meeting room and washroom facilities.

MC Truck and Bus Aylesford – Multiple Site Office Refurbishments Kent – complete office refurbishment, new reception with a contemporary design and curved reception desk and two redesigned washrooms.

Office Refurbishment London Marks Premier Decorations’ 30th Anniversary – new layout, full decoration, lighting, flooring to give the property a new lease of life in its 30th year.

Warehouse Office Fit-Out for Music Distribution Centre – installed mezzanine flooring and office fit-outs in each of the units.

Looking For A Cat A or Cat B Fit out Contractor?

If you’re looking for a Cat A and B fit out contractor, for businesses, schools, warehouse conversions and shared workspaces then look no further. JBH Refurbishments can take care of all of your in Surrey and Sussex, Kent, London interior fit out needs whether you’re a landlord or tenant. Take advantage of JBH Refurbishments 25+ years of expertise by contacting us via our contact form or calling us on 0333 207 0339.

Workplace Safety – Just How Safe Is Your Workplace?

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, you have a legal duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of your employees. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (the Management Regulations) require you to assess and control risks to protect your employees.

Workplace Safety

As part of our fit-out services we are often asked to draw on our experience and expertise when it comes to ensuring workspaces comply with building standards, health and safety, disabled access, fire prevention and overall workplace safety. This article goes some way to detailing those items you should be checking to ensure workplace safety.

Lighting

Lighting in the workplace is vital. Using natural light wherever possible is the best solution but where natural lighting is not available then other forms of lighting should be used to ensure a good level of light in the office and at workstations.

You should also make sure there are suitable forms of emergency lighting and stairs and corridors are also well-lit.

Temperature and Ventilation

All UK employers are required to ensure that there is a reasonable working temperature within workplaces inside buildings (usually at least 16 °C, or 13 °C for strenuous work, unless it is impractical to do so, e.g. in the food industry). Where a comfortable temperature cannot be maintained in each workspace local heating or cooling should be supplied. Thermometers should be provided so the temperature can be checked.

In addition all enclosed workplaces need to be sufficiently ventilated, in order to provide a healthy working environment. The air supply rate for the workplace should not fall below 5 – 8ltrs per second, per occupant. Ventilation systems should be regularly maintained to make sure they are working efficiently and effectively.

Moving Around

There should be no impediments to staff being able to move around. This includes disabled staff who maybe wheel-chair bound.

There should be enough space between and around desks so that people can move without banging into desks and chairs or other furniture.

Check that floors are even with no snagging points. Where there are carpet tiles make sure they are level and replace any that are worn. In areas where liquids are being used e.g. kitchen facilities use floors and surfaces which are not slippery.

Trailing wires are a common hazard in the office and can lead to accidents. In many cases as businesses grow and expand and need more computers and other equipment cabling can get out of control resulting in unsafe cabling. It’s therefore important to make sure that any wires are secured out of the way to ensure no one can trip over them or accidentally pull them out of equipment. As an experienced refurbishment company we can offer advice on future proofing and keeping cabling tidy in your office space.

Use storage for paperwork, files and folders but don’t over stack shelves or storage units.

Bags and coats should also be stored out of the way, so people cannot trip over them.

Display Screen Equipment

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 applies to anyone who uses DSE for a significant part of their normal work i.e. daily or for continuous periods of an hour or more.

Workstations need to be checked to ensure they are setup correctly (desks and chairs are at the right height, positioning of the keyboard and mouse is the screen free from glare and reflections etc.). The Health and Safety Executive provide a DSE workstation checklist which can be very helpful.

Fire Risks

Make sure fire exits are clearly signposted and free of any clutter. It’s surprising how often fire exits become blocked with boxes or other miscellaneous office sundries and when there’s an emergency you won’t have time to clear a path to the fire exit.

Have electrical equipment tested regularly and at least once a year. Don’t overload electrical sockets. Have fire extinguishers available and know how to use them in the event of a fire unless you are advised to evacuate.

Cleanliness

Keeping your workspace clean is important. Desks and equipment should be cleaned. Containers for waste materials should be provided and refuse removed regularly. Any spills should also be cleaned up promptly.

Food and Drink

Food and drink should be consumed away from work stations to avoid spillages which could result in the shorting-circuiting of electrical equipment or in food crumbs becoming lodged within keyboards. Encourage staff to move to break out areas or other areas specifically setup for them to have their breaks or lunch.

Hygiene

You must provide fresh drinking water as well as toilets and hand basins, with hot and cold or warm running water, soap and towels or another suitable means of drying. In some cases you will also need to provide showers for dirty work.

If your new year’s resolution is to look at your workplace safety and how your office space measures up to its health and safety requirements and to take action to correct any issues contact JBH Refurbishments on 0333 207 0339 or contact us via our contact form. We are experts in office fit-outs and as part of that service we can advise you on building standards, health and safety, disabled access and fire prevention.

Meeting Rooms are an Essential Asset to Your Office Fit Out

Let’s meet!

If you are a Kent business considering creating a meeting room as part of your office fit out, then a recent survey of 250 full time employees could be of interest to you. The survey revealed that 86% of employees believe meetings are vital to getting work done.

Of those surveyed the majority were engaging in meetings five times a week and no more than one meeting per day. Only 31% attended six or more meetings a week, concluding that the number of meetings we have in one week appears to be just about right.

However, the employees were more divided on whether all the meetings they have are necessary, with 44% saying they could fulfil their jobs with fewer meetings, and 42% saying they need to meet as often as we do. Unsurprisingly 50% of managers are likely to enjoy meetings.

This survey affirms the importance of meetings and highlights the significance of having a suitable meeting space within your office. Any Kent-based business looking to complete an office fit out should ensure there is a suitable meeting room, boardroom and/or breakout zone available for staff to frequently meet.

The lighting, decor, seating arrangement, size, technology and even beverage making facilities should all be taken into consideration when planning an office fit out. Take a look at our suggestions for the ideal office fit out and meeting room below.

Meeting Rooms and Office Fit Out – Why it’s Crucial to Your Kent Business

Being an office fit out contractor in Kent, we have always understood the importance of creating the ideal meeting space. Whatever size your premises is, you should provide a quiet area for discussions and planning.

The design and layout of your meeting room should offer an engaging environment, help inspire your team and provide practical equipment, such as:

  • A white board /chalkboard/ flip charts/electric board for jotting down ideas and plans. There are some fantastic vinyl wall coverings that work as a whiteboard or projector screen.
  • A boardroom or meeting room table with enough chairs to support the number of people you envisage taking part in a meeting at any one time
  • Conference call equipment
  • Internet access
  • A large monitor screen and connectivity for a laptop. The screen will help engage your team and clients during meetings where there is a need to present a project or idea. It also gives suppliers the opportunity to present to you, saving on your own travel expenses

The lighting in a meeting room and office fit out is essential. You don’t want anyone drifting off to sleep while you’re planning an important project, so ensure there is lots of natural light. Have glazed partitioning installed to make the most of the available natural light. Couple this with LED lighting, which can be integrated into a suspended ceiling or installed into a recess within a wall or floating suspended ceiling.

Should you struggle for space with your Kent office fit out then consider having a moving partition wall or sliding doors installed. This is a great way to maximise your available space, but have the opportunity to partition a space for meetings when it’s needed. Moving walls and partitioning come in various forms and are available with acoustic properties.

Benefits of a Dedicated Meeting Room

Meeting rooms offer many benefits to a workforce.

  • The change of scene can energise and inspire a workforce and spark creative ideas
  • It’s a place for brain storming as a group and developing ideas
  • Use the space for problem solving with fellow colleagues
  • Managers can meet with their team to delegate workload
  • Meet to share your expertise with colleagues
  • Present to your workforce to engage staff in the business as a whole and your plans for future growth
  • Utilise the space to inspire your team with regular pep talks and sales briefings
  • A stylish office fit out will make you proud to invite clients and visitors to congregate at your workplace

Best Practise for Holding a Meeting

Aside from having a suitable meeting space as part of your office fit out, it is the protocol in which you manage a meeting that is essential. A productive meeting needs to optimise time management and productivity. Here are some of our best practise suggestions for holding a meeting.

Prepare an agenda and send it to the participants, asking them to add any topics they feel are necessary. By seeing the agenda in advance, the participant can decide on whether or not they should attend. This includes

Only invite those that absolutely need to participate. Working in a small group will help the meetings to remain on schedule and prevent wasting time of anyone they may not necessarily need to attend. The survey showed that more than half those that took part in meetings felt they did not need to be in certain meetings and could have saved time by receiving the information in an email or by reading the meeting notes.

Meet in a quiet and dedicated space to avoid distracting fellow colleagues. A meeting room or boardroom is an ideal location. Some companies also offer breakout areas for informal or impromptu meetings with a handful of colleagues. Failing that, make use of the office kitchen, canteen, local cafe or even parks if the weather is pleasant. Only use the latter options if there is no requirement for IT, telephone access or conference calls.

Stay on topic. Don’t drift from conversation that will not be relevant to those in the room, for example a different project or a personal conversation. By following an agenda you will help to keep the meeting on topic and prevent wasting anyone’s time.

Meeting Room and Office Fit Out Kent

Be it a formal boardroom, meeting room (small or large) or a breakout zone for impromptu meetings, make sure you include a dedicated space for team discussions in your office fit out plans.

For more information about meeting room and office fit out services, contact our team.

The survey quoted in this article was carried out by West Unified Communications, supplier and manufacturer of meeting technology.

Commercial Office Fit Out

A commercial office fit out (sometimes known more simply as an office fit-out or commercial refurbishment) is something that can’t be undertaken lightly. For a business a fit out or refurbishment of their premises is likely to be the highest expenditure they incur so it’s vital that any fit out work undertaken is thoroughly planned and executed.

It’s all too easy to jump into a project too quickly without the proper planning which can prove to be disruptive and costly, resulting in: down time as issues have to be addressed, loss of space or space not being utilised to its full potential and businesses having to pay more money to correct problems. It therefore makes sense to find and work with the best company who will be able to guide you through the planning and implementation phases of your fit-out, thereby avoiding the risks of getting it wrong which could prove disastrous for any business.

Avoiding the Pitfalls – Helping Your Commercial Office Fit Out Go to Plan

No matter your circumstance e.g. whether you’re refurbishing your existing office or expanding and relocating to new office premises, working with a commercial office fit out specialist plus planning (and more planning) are key to a successful project.

So where do you start . . .

Identify A Commercial Office Fit Out Specialist

Having one company who can co-ordinate and carry out all the work enables you to have one point of contact. To identify the best company to meet your needs you should research the following:

  • Previous experience. What projects have they completed and did they carry out the work to the client’s expectations?
  • Advice and workplace consultancy. Can they advise on the how to get the best use from your workspace? Are they up to date with the latest technology and products?
  • Financial stability. Are they financially viable both short and long term?
  • Health and safety. Are they aware of and adhere to the current British, European and International Standards and other relevant technical standards, regulations and practices?
  • Environmental policy. Do they have an environmental policy?

Having identified a company you can work with the next step is to bring them in to begin the process of working out your objectives and designing your fit out.

Your Objectives and Vision

In order to plan your new fit out you need to think about why you need a new workplace and what you need to get out of it when it’s complete. Any office fit out or refurbishment can affect your business in the years to come. You should consider:

  • Why are you carrying out an office fit out?
  • What are your objectives?
  • Do you have growth plans or are you simply looking to utilise your office space more efficiently?
  • If your answer is you plan to grow what does this mean in terms of number of staff?
  • If you are looking to better use your office space what are your requirements: more desk space, additional storage space, break out areas, meeting rooms, reception area etc.

Other Things To Consider

As well as looking at business growth and space usage you should also think about:

  • Is your brand identity strong? Does your workplace reflect your brand and does it show your business off to its best effect to staff and customers?
  • Does it retain and attract staff?
  • Is it cost efficient?

Designing Your Office Fit Out

Today, digital rendering (CAD drawings) can give you a very good idea of what your business premises, office space, storage facilities and break out areas can look like well before any on-site work takes place.

Digital drawings can help you visualise layout, ceilings, lighting, partitioning, and colour schemes, even down to how wall art will look. It can also help to highlight if there are likely to be any potential problems, so that you can avoid them.

Overall it’s a great way to show you the “final look” and give you piece of mind that you know how your workplace will look when the work is finished.

Budget Considerations

The budget for an office fit out is likely to be amongst the largest expenditure for any business. Therefore it’s important to spend time planning your budget and ensuring any monies paid out are used in the most appropriate manner to give the best ROI.

Your total budget will depend on a variety of factors e.g. the size of your office(s), the structural elements like partitioning, flooring, ceilings, storage etc., the use of space, the finish quality, your choice of furniture (bespoke or off the shelf), the technology used and the building location.

Every project is different! It’s why it’s important to involve a commercial office fit out specialist as early in the process as possible.

JBH Refurbishments

When it comes to commercial office fit out JBH Refurbishments has over 25 years of experience and hundreds of happy customers.

The team at JBH Refurbishments work to the latest standards and are fully aware of health and safety regulations. They can undertake your project from concept to completion. From ceilings and office partitioning to a complete turnkey office interior project, we can work with you to turn your concepts of your office interior into a reality.

Call us to discuss your office refurbishment and fit out options on 0333 207 0339 or contact via our contact page.