THE GREEN OFFICE
SPACE SOLUTIONS HIGHLIGHTS IM
usinesses need to show smart- the recession. But as they have got fitter, look to understand where the business is
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thinking beyond the knee-jerk they have started to dig deeper to look to going and where it wants to go, its
reaction of making cuts to see where else they can consolidate and challenges and the physical
survive the recession and rationalise to reduce overheads. environments. That allows us to provide
instead look to strategically “Many companies are choosing not to a practical solution that can demonstrate
focus on their property to plan for the move. Many are also renegotiating lease actual savings and benefits.
future. renewals, delaying any planned “There is no one-size fits all solution –
Space Solutions, one of the UK’s relocation. it’s about gathering the information and
leading workplace design specialists, says “It’s meant MDs are asking more the data to support the advice we provide
companies in the commercial sector need difficult questions of their FMs and FDs for workplace change.
to understand the importance of a good about where and how costs can be “But crucially, it’s about creating a
working environment to ensure they saved. But at the same time, these great space to work in – it’s not about
continue to get the best of their employees companies know that the economy will reducing the quality of space that people
– regardless of the economic conditions. start to turn, so they need to play a work in.
And those who react the quickest are balancing act of both planning for the “It’s about giving people the best
benefitting by enjoying major cost savings future and ensuring they keep existing facilities to be able to deliver in the
– which can run into substantial sums – a staff motivated in a positive workplace.” workplace. That’s the big difference that
more motivated workforce and are best But Derek highlighted how many we want to highlight.”
placed to gain when the economic upturn companies still need convincing – Derek said he has many examples of
happens. particularly in spelling out the cost-savings companies who have approached them,
Director Derek Binnie said the change benefits – before making workplace or been approached, who are convinced
of philosophy from companies from the changes. there is nothing that can be done to
early days of the recession has been He said: “Perhaps the most significant change their workplace. In other cases,
significant. development in the business world is the firms have wrongly believed their
He said: “When the initial wave of the realisation that to change the workplace expansion or merger plans need to be put
recession hit, the first reaction from many you can’t just solely concentrate on on hold because they think they don’t
businesses was: ‘what can we cut and physical surroundings – companies should have the space or it would be too costly.
where can we cut?’ also consider the workplace culture. He said: “Very often, the first reaction
“From this quick-fix, companies cut fat “By looking at workplace performance we get to the question how efficient is your
and looked to navigate their way through at the same time as workplace design, we space, is: “We don’t know because we are
Credit Crunch busting refit
An Aberdeen-based company is enjoying the
was somewhat limited – it was restricted to
£100,000 which was to cover the entire
benefits of a stylish new headquarters after
project and all new furniture.”
Alasdair explained that a series of
working with Space Solutions to create a credit
meetings with Space Solutions – lead by
crunch-busting solution to its expansion plans.
Managing Director Steve Judge –
produced a highly creative final design that
reelance World had gone to into new 500 sq/m offices in Aberdeen’s met the fundamental aims of the
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Space Solutions to help deliver Riverside Drive, next door to its original refurbishment.
on its dream to create a modern base, it decided it needed a refurbishment He added: “We are very impressed
and stylish new workplace – yet that reflected its dynamic nature. with what has been achieved. There had
still come in line with its budget But Managing Director Alasdair McGill been fears when we first took over the
restrictions. said while they had big plans for the property that, in the wrong hands, we
But not only did Space Solutions building, he realised the budget may not could end up with an area that looked like
deliver the project on time and on cost – it stretch to meet his aspirations – but that a big school hall.
left the Directors of Freelance World was when Space Solutions stepped in. “Fortunately Space Solutions delivered
delighted by providing a new office suite Mr McGill said: “We work to live not something that was very much in fitting
that met their expectations and provides live to work but we do spend a lot of time with our ethos and culture – and just as
scope for further expansion. in our offices so it was important to me importantly, delivered it on budget.
Freelance World – which employs 60 that our staff are happy and comfortable “It’s amazing what Space Solutions
staff – provides a unique suite of in their work environment. have been able to do with our space. And
accountancy support services to “I wanted offices that created a strong equally, I was very impressed with their
independent contractors and freelancers in identity and represented our philosophy of philosophy of not just providing a solution
30 countries across the world. being a very forward thinking and for the here-and-now but to listen to our
The firm is renowned as an excellent progressive company. plans to grow the business and to factor in
company to work for, so when it expanded “However, I was aware that our budget these possible changes for the future.”
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SUSTAINABLE FM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
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