| Space Solutions in good company with textbook relocation |
A Scottish architecture and space planning firm is among only six case studies, and the only one from Scotland, used in a national research exercise into the links between office design and business performance. Space Solutions’ project to move a city travel agency into new offices is outlined alongside case studies on organisations such as Deutsche Bank, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) at Cheltenham and the Discovery Channel.The research by the British Council for Offices (BCO) found there was a “strong connection” between office design and business performance and pinpointed the key factors involved in enhancing productivity when refurbishing or relocating. Space Solutions undertook the planning, design, refurbishment and relocation project for Munro’s Travel as it moved into new Union Street premises. Space Solutions business development manager Jan Emery said: “It is a tribute to everyone at Space Solutions involved in the project to be highlighted in this way by the BCO - and in the company of major schemes for large public and private sector organisations. “Munro’s has experienced a huge increase in business since the move and, while it is recognised that this is partly due to its buoyant market, it is clear that the new space has made a huge contribution in allowing the company to develop its staff and systems. “Munro’s also reports that staff morale has improved significantly, underlining the value of planning a relocation or refurbishment in fine detail. “As the report indicates, it is imperative for businesses like Space Solutions to work with clients from the earliest opportunity, understanding their business culture, operational needs and the market dynamics, before giving any thought to the best (delete practical) approach. “That initial research work allows us to work with the client to come up with a brief – and an end result – that precisely meets their needs and makes the best possible use of their resources.” Munro’s completed its move from its old premises on Union Street, where staff were divided over three floors and the building offered little scope for improvement, into new offices in Braemar House just ½ mile away. The independent, family-owned business worked with Space Solutions to realise a brief that offered more, open-plan space, new telephone and IT systems, flexibility in design and a much-improved office environment in terms of layout, air quality, lighting and space. Jack Burnett of Munro’s Travel said: “The relocation took us into a new era of business development and it was imperative to get it right if we were to continue to succeed in a competitive marketplace. It has proved so beneficial that we are now liaising with Space Solutions again to undertake further internal design work to help us cope with another step-up in our commercial activity.” |
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