commercial property 57
Does your office location work for your people?
Milton Park is one of Europe’s largest business and science parks and in this article Andrew Barlow, commercial director at MEPC Milton Park, identifies the key benefits which keep your staff smiling
When it comes to deciding where to situate a business, more and more companies are looking beyond the building to see what the locality can offer. Whilst there are clearly many factors to consider, you must also think about the people involved in your business: most importantly your employees.
An outstanding new offi ce development of up to 55,500 sq ft in the Enterprise Zone
It is important to look at business parks which are in an accessible location and check how the park makes it easy for people to get to you by road, rail, bus, tube or even air. Dedicated bus services to and from the park can be an important part of the package for potential employees who wish to commute cost-effectively and reduce their own environmental impact. In addition, staff like the chance to become involved in car-sharing schemes and to be offered travel alternatives such as free bike loans.
opportunity to take a break from their desk time and recharge.
The Harvard Business Review Blog has identified the offer of a well-equipped gym and other facilities that encourage employees to move physically and stay fit, as one of the 12 key attributes of ‘Truly Great Places to Work’.
Outdoor activities need not always be sport or exercise related; we have had great success with our allotments. Keith Trevis, project consultant for Sungard, said: “I am delighted by this initiative taken by Milton Park. It is great that staff employed around the business estate have this opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing by getting some fresh air at lunchtimes. And I am looking forward to taking fresh and healthy organic food home to my family too.”
Milton Park – shuttle bus
A major selling point of a business park is its parking. Companies that choose to locate themselves in a town or city centre often struggle to find premises with sufficient staff or visitor car spaces, and any parking you do find is likely to be very expensive.
101 and 102 Park Drive Available to let with completion due early 2014
Cafes, shops and restaurants are an essential part of any business park. The food facilities need to cater to all needs; from a simple sandwich through to a four-course lunch. Flexible opening times and free Wi-Fi also will appeal to your employees.
Milton Park – outdoor activities To fi nd out more, please visit the link:
www.miltonpark.co.uk/101and102
Milton Park is home to 6,500 people and over 250 organisations. When you decide to join us, you are not just choosing one of the largest business communities in the UK, you are embracing a lifestyle that can truly enhance your work life balance. We work better when we’re happy and we’re happiest when we feel we belong.
Latest research from the Department for Work and Pensions has indentified: "overwhelming agreement among employers that organisations have a responsibility to encourage employees to be physically and mentally healthy and that there is a link between work and employees’ health and well-being".
In April , leading professional services company, Towers Watson reported on a study of employers which revealed that in the next two years, well over two thirds of companies are planning to develop their health and wellbeing strategies.
MEPC Limited | Innovation Centre | 99 Park Drive | Milton Park Oxfordshire | OX14 4RY | 01235 865555 |
www.miltonpark.co.uk
Look for a location which has a cafe, gym and sports areas, allowing your employees the freedom to enjoy these facilities before or after work, or during their lunch break. What’s more, sports, socialising and leisure activities bring people together, so they’re a great way of building a team too. Areas such as nature walks and outdoor gyms give your employees the
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – OCTOBER 2013 Details:
01235-865555
enquiries@miltonpark.co.uk www.miltonpark.co.uk
By researching the newsletters and even talking to some of the current occupiers of a business park, you will be able to gauge how active the community is. Ask yourself – do you and your staff belong there?
Milton Park – brasserie and pharmacy Milton Park – networking event
It is worthwhile looking at any office location for other amenities which can help make your employees daily lives easier. Here at Milton Park we have a post office, hairdressers, child care, dry cleaning and a pharmacy which can dispense NHS prescriptions, private and veterinary prescriptions and advice on holiday healthcare.
Creating a sense of community on a business park is more than just the sum of the facilities – it requires a full calendar of events for both education and entertainment, alongside good clear communication from the landlord to its customers. As well as the more obvious networking events, a good business park should host a variety of training days, social events and charity fund-raising events.
Grow. Succeed. Belong.
www.businessmag.co.uk
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