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skillsnews Disruption is the new norm. Or is it?
Throughout history, the world has experienced countless periods of chaos and calm. Some challenges have been short-lived, while others, from health crises to financial shocks, have left their mark in the history books.
One thing we do know is that uncertainty is a certainty. The question is, how do we deal with periods of uncertainty in business? “For businesses to maintain continuity, they need to move beyond traditional BCP (Business Continuity Plans) thinking and focus on providing the right tools, technology and culture to enable workers to remain productive whatever the disruption.” Chris Smith, Head of Financial Services, Citrix UK
During these times, it’s essential to provide a working environment that’s productive, easily accessible, and equipped with the right tools to enable continuity.
The environment should enable the company to ride out any unexpected market changes or economic shocks.
That’s why flexible workspaces, such as those offered by UBC, typically attract so many businesses during turbulent times.
Flexible workspace is a cost-effective, short-term option that doesn’t tie up capital for years to come. That means less risk, and easier budgeting with all-inclusive monthly rates.
It enables business leaders to plan their monthly expenditure without compromising on the quality of their workspace. The space itself is already fitted out, with ergonomic furniture and everything a business needs to plug in and get straight to work.
For employees, this provides a comfortable and connected space that’s free from external distractions. In short, it’s built for productivity. “The future is unclear,” noted Lee Elliott, Global Head of Occupier Research at Knight Frank. “To ease that level of uncertainty, some will choose to start aligning their real estate strategies to ensure a sense of flexibility and freedom, which is exactly what flexible office space provides.”
Workspace is one of the biggest overheads of any business. Therefore having the flexibility to shrink or grow office space to accommodate changes in team structure, combined with the option for short-term, rolling contracts, offers valuable peace of mind.
Flexible space is a safe choice in a turbulent economy for all sorts of businesses, and an opportunity to weather the storm without a long-term commitment.
It’s also hybrid-friendly. For companies that shifted to remote or hybrid work during the pandemic, UBC adapted its workspace offering to enable office-sharing, and created even greater flexibility with coworking day passes and hourly access.
Of course, this level of flexibility appeals to businesses outside of economic turbulence too. Many of UBC’s clients have been based in flexible offices for several years.
UBC’s latest Customer Experience Survey (Spring 2022) found that 18% of respondents have rented flexible office space with UBC for between 1 and 3 years, while 43% have been with UBC for more than 3 years.
Disruption is the new norm. We all know that the future is unclear and peppered with challenges that will come and go. Flexible workspace has evolved over decades to offer a workready environment that’s designed to enable businesses to weather such uncertainties, and remain productive whatever comes our way.
Interested in a more flexible and productive way of working? Speak to the team at UBCUK.COM or pop in to the Mille on Great West Road for a tour. Come and see for yourself why our clients choose to stay with us for the long-term.
The next chapter in Cavalry Barracks’ rich story is about to begin
Inland Homes – bringing land to life
Inland Homes, working in close consultation with the London Borough of Hounslow and the local community, is delighted to announce it has received a resolution to grant planning permission for a mixed-use development at Cavalry Barracks. The major redevelopment of the former Ministry of Defence site will unlock Hounslow West’s potential to build a vibrant community that includes 1,525 new homes, as well as commercial space and more than 10 acres of open space. The new masterplan focuses on creating highquality homes in a sustainable environment that celebrates the site’s history and supports the ongoing regeneration of the area. Alongside much-needed homes to suit a wide range of residents, the redevelopment will bring 2,700 square metres of commercial space for shops, cafes, workspace and community uses. Sports pitches, play areas and green open space will be created for the whole community benefit, including the revival of the old parade ground as a new public park twice the size of Trafalgar Square. Inland Homes is proud to be playing a key role in unlocking the potential this unique site presents.
Find out more at cavalrybarracksconsultation.co.uk
Made in London
By Mark Ormiston, Ormiston Wire Ltd
In 1950 50% of employment in London was in manufacturing. Latest figures show approx. 2% are employed in making stuff. We seem to have lost our way a bit and the government appears oblivious to this fact.
I am sure any manufacturing company reading this will agree that this sector has problems including finding qualified staff, suitable premises, material costs and more recently energy costs. If you make something which is energy intensive, made by skilled staff out of expensive materials you have problems.
I suspect that one of the problems of getting suitable staff is the fact that training in manufacturing has gone overseas with companies who have abandoned ship. In Isleworth once upon a time a large local employer was Pears Soaps, who has long gone to India taking employment with it.
Although this information is depressing, there is hope.
Made in London, from Workshops to Factories
recently published by Merrell and written by Carmel King and Mark Brearley with text by Clare Dowdy showcases some of the vibrant, dynamic companies who are still making stuff in London.
Surprisingly Chamber member Ormiston Wire Ltd are mentioned in it, as a specialist wire manufacture founded in London in 1793.
I am the 6th generation running the business. Why not get yourself a copy and cheer yourself up and believe we can still make stuff in London! Available from Amazon.
How Coworking Could Soften Hounslow’s Cost of Living Crisis
Hybrid and home-based work has become the norm for many workers. But as the energy crisis bites, workers are faced with a dilemma: is it actually cheaper to work in a company office this winter?
Research by Uswitch estimates that people working full-time from home over the cooler months will increase their daily gas use by 75%. Working from home full-time also uses approximately 25% more electricity, as workers prepare meals and hot drinks, run computers, and charge mobile devices.
This comes as heating and electricity costs are surging during the energy crisis.
For those who don’t have an expensive commute, it may actually be cheaper to use a flexible coworking space this winter.
UBC, which operates a flexible office and coworking location in Brentford, offers coworking credits and anytime day passes starting from just £25 per day. This becomes much cheaper when buying credits in bulk, or choosing a monthly membership.
A monthly coworking membership at The Mille in Bretford costs £249 per month, the equivalent of approximately £12.45 per day (based on 20 working days per month).
This includes: • Full-time access during business hours to a dedicated desk with lockable storage in a spacious office, shared with other professionals.
• A comfortable work environment with high-speed Internet connectivity, ergonomic furniture, kitchen facilities, and all utility costs included. • Use of the building address with mail handling, and receptionist services including call answering.
• Access to meeting rooms at discounted rates.
• 12 months’ business growth support with free Membership to Enterprise Nation.
Aside from saving money on heating and energy costs, coworking enables workers and entrepreneurs to enjoy better work-life separation.
Working at home can be incredibly distracting, which damages productivity and even family relationships. On the flip side, it can be isolating for those who live and work alone.
Coworking provides a comfortable but professional environment, with networking opportunities along with onsite business and community events.
UBC’s Brentford coworking space is located at The Mille on Great West Road (A4) near the M4. It has easy access to public transport via Brentford and Boston Manor stations and a frequent bus service.
Why not take a closer look? Take a 3D video tour or pop in for a visit. We’ll happily give you a free coworking day pass to try it out for yourself!
Contact Leon Swan Email: brentford@ubcuk.com Tel: 0800 169 9822
