Mix Interiors 172
March 2017
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UPFRONT 10 10 Seven...
Inside 62
19 Perspective 22 Forward Thinking 25 Material Matters 26 Desert Island Desks
SPOTLIGHT 31 32 The Big Question 34 Manufacturing Report
PROFILE 62 62 Philippe Paré
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CASE STUDIES 74
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74 money.co.uk 82 Agatha Christie Ltd
THE ROUND TABLE 68
88 Aviva
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REVIEW 93 93 Mix Inspired, London 100 Surface Design Show
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The logo Our role is to understand the ever changing world of cultural, social and workplace behaviour and offer design solutions which delight, inform, protect and enlighten. Our approach is human centric. We use our experience to understand, our ingenuity to solve and our ambition to inspire. www.faulknerbrowns.co.uk The cover image Ray from Brunner is described as the slender cantilever chair that answers the demands of the next generation. A chair, made as if all of a piece, transmitting its dynamics to any room. With its slender forms seamlessly flowing into each other, frame and seat seem to merge. Designed by jehs+laub. www.brunner-uk.com
A Word
from Mick When people ask me where I’m based I'm never quite sure what to tell them. ‘It’s complicated,’ I say. And I can tell by the confused look on their face that they are now thinking ‘How can it be complicated?’ The reason it is not straightforward is that I live in Essex and do the majority of my work from home. I spend a lot of time in London – Clerkenwell in particular, where most of our readers and clients are. Then there is the office, which is in Manchester, to which I head at least once a month. Add in day trips to see clients outside of London and project visits, shows and exhibitions, the occasional overseas venture and, well, you can see how the answer isn’t so simple. When I mention that I do the majority of work from home, I’m met with one of two
responses – either ‘You’re so lucky’ or ‘I couldn’t do that – I’d be too easily distracted’. The truth is that isolation/peace and quiet is just want you need for writing – and with regards to being distracted, you know what you have to do, so you simply don’t allow yourself to be. As far as being lucky is concerned, there will be a number of you who also regularly work from home, in isolation for much of your working week – and I’m sure, like me, you all occasionally feel a lack of social interaction or just someone to natter/moan with. So yes – I am lucky. Not because I get to work from home, but because I can break up my working week by getting out and meeting clients, colleagues and industry friends. It’s all about the variety.
Get in touch Back issues Contact us to buy back issues: rebecca@mixinteriors.com
Editor Mick Jordan mick@mixinteriors.com
Contributors Mark Eltringham Steve Gale
Editorial support Rebecca Sabato rebecca@mixinteriors.com
Address Mix Media Limited 2 Abito 85 Greengate Manchester M3 7NA
Director David Smalley david@mixinteriors.com Designer Georgina Nicklin georgina@mixinteriors.com Chip is a new 4A USB charging module set to revolutionise the way we use on desk power. With more and more devices using USB the demand for traditional sockets on the desk is falling. This stylish and fully in integrated module simply connects to your under desk power using a Wieland or plug to offer 2 USB power supplies capable of charging all leading phones and tablets.
MIX INTERIORS 170
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The cover
Mix Interiors 170
January 2017
UCL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT w AVALARA w DAVID DREWS w WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
Managing director Marcie Incarico marcie@mixinteriors.com Founding publisher Henry Pugh
Telephone 0161 946 6262 e-mail editorial@mixinteriors.com Website www.mixinteriors.com Twitter @mixinteriors
JANUARY 2017
Instagram @mix.interiors 17/01/2017 16:36
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Subscriptions To ensure that a regular copy of Mix Interiors reaches your desk, please call 0161 946 6262 or e-mail: rebecca@mixinteriors.com Annual subscription charges UK single £45.50, UK corporate (up to 5 individuals) £140, Europe £135 (airmail), Outside Europe £165 (airmail). Printed by S&G Print ISSN 1757-2371
thesenatorgroup.com Part of TheSenatorGroup
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things yet to be invented
We are grateful to Tony Attard from Panaz, one of the country's keenest exponents of the manufacturing sector, for giving us his views on things yet to be invented in this, our manufacturing issue. One thing that could have gone on this list, but we thought would give him too much of a plug, is the work done by Panaz on the conundrum of combining stain resistant and inherently flame retardant fabrics technologies; the chemistries of these two technologies counteract each other. Panaz has recently engaged in a pan-European project to create such a fabric.
3. TELEPORTING – TIME TRAVEL Dr Who’s Tardis (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) will be in the childhood memories of many. A properly maintained and piloted TARDIS can transport its occupants to any point in time and space. In addition, the interior of a TARDIS is much larger than its exterior and it will provide their users with additional tools and abilities including a universal translation system based on telepathy. One day!
1. ASSISTED MEMORY – TOTAL RECALL Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the movie 'Total Recall', where one was able to have a personal experience, a holiday or a love affair without leaving the comfort of an armchair. That may be an exaggeration, but the days of virtual reality are clearly with us. An opportunity though to augment the capabilities of memory would be a fantastic invention – not only to remember where you put the keys, but to augment learning and perhaps stave off the ailment of Alzheimer's.
4. A WORLD CURRENCY – BITCOINS - FREE OF POLITICAL INFLUENCE The idea of having a global economy free from the tribal and destructive aspirations of individual countries has always been a dream of philosophers and one day may become a reality. A step towards this would be the creation of a worldwide single currency free of political influence and resilient to individual countries' determination. We saw a glimpse towards this with the underground usage of Bitcoins – which are now, however, unfortunately only seen as currency on the dark web.
5. INTERPLANETARY LIVING The Living interplanetary flight experiment was a mission developed by the Planetary society aimed at sending selected microorganisms, on a three-year interplanetary round-trip. The experiment would have tested one aspect of transpermia, the hypothesis that life could survive space. Aboard the Russian Fobus Grunt spacecraft its objective was the Martian moon Phoebus and return. Although it was destroyed, as it failed to leave the Earth’s orbit, NASA has just announced that it will use the moon as a possible human transit station to Mars.
2. PERSONAL FLIGHT Currently the doorstep-to-doorstep average speed for cars is 35 mph, speed that is likely to be down to 22 mph by 2020. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 6.7 billion gallons of petrol are wasted in traffic jams each year. Personal flight by PAVs (personal air vehicle) can help to relieve the highways, and this idea is perhaps not all James Bond. The European Space Agency (ESA) is backing a German start-up that has developed a personal vertical take-off and landing vehicle – a VTLV. Cool.
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Upfront
6. WALKING ON WATER Although many football fans were convinced that Brian Clough could walk on water, the phenomenon has so far eluded humans. Jesus was depicted in the Bible as walking on water – was that metaphorically or as an example of godliness? Since the days of Leonardo, scientists have been toying with thoughts of how to invent an appliance to achieve this seemingly impossible feat.
7. THE PERFECT ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SYSTEM George Orwell’s Animal Farm and the break-up of the Soviet Union confirmed that communism didn’t work. Capitalism has been shown to be less than perfect, not least after the latest economic crash of 2008. Even democracy, the creation of Greece in the 5th century BC doesn’t really work – and even those with right and genuine ideals usually fail as the political process becomes simply a popularity competition (yes you David Cameron). Or some would suggest that the only effective type of system is a benevolent dictator – but ask the people that live in Uganda and Singapore and they may disagree.
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Upfront
egecarpets.com
New ege collection: Rawline Scala Beautiful patterns, woven materials, refined craftsmanship, interesting textures and outstanding durability. The Scala collection is a new, unique carpet solution combining the minimalistic, but artisan texture of a flat woven construction with different patterns of various scale. The collection offers a basic rawness while still bringing the acoustic and practical advantages of carpet to the interior design. Made of regenerated ECONYLÂŽ yarns from used fishing nets, Scala is a truly green choice. Available as broadloom and tiles. THE URGE TO EXPLORE SPACE
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Upfront
Shannon Pope-Ellis, Lauder Companies Estee
Mark Simpson, BD
Judgement time
Let’s pause; which award ceremony is totally transparent about the judging process; editorially features EVERY project entry whether a winner or not and was trending number one on Twitter last time out? You guessed it, Mixology, the event we create with you, our customer in mind. See below for this year’s judges for London and our sincere thanks to them all.
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After graduating and working within the retail and joinery industries in South Africa, Shannon went on to develop her career, working for a large multi-disciplinary international practice in the UK. Shannon is currently working for Estee Lauder Companies – UK & Ireland, as Store Planning and Design Director for all their exciting and dynamic brands. WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU HAVE EVER WON? The award I am most proud of was for the Royal College of General Practitioners for their new exam centre, conference centre and college Headquarters in Euston Square –The Euston Square Medal 2013.
COM Nick Lintott, AE
Nick is Director of AECOM’s Corporate Solutions business, delivering projects for a variety of high profile national and global occupiers. He has over 25 years’ experience in the corporate interiors sector, working with interior architects, fit out contractors and consultants which has provided him with a broad and unique perspective. WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU HAVE EVER WON? I won a Masters 50m Freestyle swimming event. I was the oldest in the race
ry
Steve Edge, Edge Deign
Steve is the Founder and Creative Director of London-based branding agency Edge Design. He has worked with some of the best-known names in the country, including Cartier, Dior, Skanska, Fortnum and Mason and Essential Living. Steve is well known for his eccentric dress sense and passion for fishing. He is also a recognised public speaker, delivering inspiring talks at a variety of international events. WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU HAVE EVER WON? When I was seven, on the last Saturday before Christmas. I won a fishing competition called the ‘Fur & Feather’. The prize was a turkey. Over 50 men took place, but I won it. I was very proud, as I had won the turkey for my family Christmas dinner.
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sh Land Philip Tait, Briti
na Karen Rogers, Ca Wharf Group
Karen is an architect with over 25 years’ experience across a very diverse portfolio, she most recently been working as a Design Leader at Heathrow for the new Terminal 2.I. Karen has extensive experience in the issues involved with delivering large and complex projects. WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU HAVE EVER WON? I was victrix ludorum on my final school sports day.
Mark Simpson started his career at BDP in 1985 and as such celebrates 32 years in the design business this year. Mark moved on to become Director of Interior Design at HKS Architects, winning the 2011 BCO National Award for Best Fit Out of Workplace for the Avon Cosmetics HQ, before returning to BDP in 2011, joining the 50 strong ID team. Clients include AstraZeneca, PwC, Cambridge Assessment, Land Securities, Shaftesbury Estates, Imperial College, Atrium and Poltrona Frau. WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU HAVE EVER WON? I never win anything. I’m not a gambling man. I’ve tried the horses and didn’t win – they’re really quick aren’t they? I also support Newcastle – who never win anything.
Phil is British Land's Canada Water Development Director. The development opportunity covers nearly 50 acres and will be one of the largest regeneration projects in central London, with the potential for up to 7million sq ft of development. Phil joined British Land in May 2016 from Argent where he was a Director and enjoyed several years working on Argent's King's Cross scheme. He was involved in the delivery of the University of Arts London and the development of commercial and high-end residential buildings, and headed the design and delivery of the Aga Khan Development Network's options at King's Cross. WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU HAVE EVER WON? A place on this judging panel…of course.
Upfront
STUNNING SUSTAINABLE FLOORING DESIGN REFLECTS UK-GBC’S PIONEERING VALUES The UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) is regarded as a pioneer in the field of sustainability. As a charity and industry-led network with a mission to radically improve the sustainability of the built environment, UK-GBC not only focuses on the environmental impact of buildings, but also campaigns for ‘Better Places for People’, striving to accelerate health and wellbeing, especially within the workplace. The refurbishment of UK-GBC’s London headquarters was a landmark project that needed to inspire employers across the country by setting an exemplar for a low-carbon office refurb, while delivering a space with high wellbeing credentials conducive to improved productivity.
IT’S SIMPLY BUSINESS Midlands-based Rhino Interiors Group were appointed to implement an agile working office interior for the UK’s biggest business insurance broker, Simply Business. Named the Sunday Times Best Company to Work For in 2015 and 2016, Simply Business wanted to strengthen its corporate identity by aligning their offices and social spaces in Northampton with the company brand, to accurately reflect the quality of its products and services and to inspire staff. Grant Clarke, Project Director from Rhino Interiors Group, said: 'Working with the team at Simply Business, we wanted to strategically create an intelligent space that would help to optimise their current environment and staff productivity to better cater for the needs of its clients.'
BIOPHILIA COMES TO MANCHESTER BUSINESS SCHOOL Manchester University students were recently treated to a slice of temporary biophilic space, designed by Interior Architecture and biophilic design expert, Oliver Heath. Commenting on the installation, Oliver Heath, Biophilic Design Ambassador for Interface, said: ‘The central circulation space on the ground floor of University Place was transformed into a biophilic haven. We took inspiration from a forest glade for the installation, covering columns with printed tree graphics, laying biomimetic flooring tiles and incorporating pebbled shaped seating. ‘A growing body of research, including Interface’s Human Spaces report, has found that incorporating natural elements into a space can have significant benefits on our health and wellbeing. This was really proven today, as the students immediately felt at ease in the space, creating a hub for them to sit, linger, talk and relax.’ The temporary space was created as part of a Vital Topics event hosted by the university’s Alliance Business School.
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Upfront
Progress is Beautiful Silta - design by Allermuir
allermuir.co.uk
Part of The Senator Group
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Upfront
SPACE TIME Mix is known for featuring at least two great case studies each month, three this months as it happens (see from page 74) most of which being significant in size and profile. However, perhaps the most exciting thing happening in our sector is the size of the untapped opportunity from the leaders who have yet to come on board with the workplace revolution. The following are two great examples provided by Inesha Holt, Director from Space Workplace Ltd, the design and build firm based in Fitzrovia.
GRESHAM WOWS WITH NEW SHOWROOM The 2016 Mixology North ‘Manufacturer of the Year’, Gresham Office Furniture, has continued its run of success with the launch of its newly refurbished showroom in Bolton. The 8,000 sq ft space has been transformed into an exciting and fun reflection of the brand, and provides a fantastic environment to showcase Gresham’s award-winning product range. Julian Roebuck, Managing Director at Gresham Office Furniture, said: ‘We began exploring the possibility of updating our showroom as part of our 40th birthday celebrations last year and we couldn’t be happier with the result. The new showroom is a great space for visitors to discover our latest product launches and offers staff an inspirational, flexible workspace where they can meet, collaborate or socialise outside of the main office.’
DRINKS WITH THE AMBASSADOR
ReMark Founded in 1984 a global consultancy company that provides marketing and technology solutions for insurers, banks, financial institutions and associations Size: 3,217 sft Build time: 12 weeks
We were pleased to attend EGE carpets’ newly refurbished showroom last month. Officially opened by the Ambassador of Denmark, Mr. Claus Grube. Adding an extra dimension to the company’s Scandinavian design DNA, the showroom is fitted with furniture from Fredericia and lamps from Frandsen Lighting. The delightful showroom features the Industrial Landscape collection by Tom Dixon as well as the new Rawline Scala collection. EGE is not the only supplier doing its best to ‘woo’ the design community with its wonderful products. You can expect to see at least half a dozen moves in Clerkenwell in the next three months – despite the fact that landlords have now pushed prices above £80 per sq ft. You have to wonder how long it will be before the price tips £100 per sq ft!
Opus 2 A London headquartered business that provides technology and court reporting services from locations on three continents. Size: 8000 sft Build time: 8 weeks
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Upfront
WORD
This month we to take a less than serious look at the greenest of all buzzwords – biophilia. It might be on the lips of many a designer right now, but you still get a red squiggly line underneath it when you write it down – and we reckon a few of you might still be a bit squiggly about it.
Biophilic Design BOSSING MILAN It’s been a healthy period for European airlines – thanks in no small part to this sector. We’ve just had Berlin’s International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) and the commercial property jamboree in Cannes that is MIPIM. The next exciting stop is the Internazionale del Mobile di Milano (or Milan fair). Boss Design will be there in force this year to show off a series of new products. We are told that each will support new and emerging workplace patterns and will provide specifiers with endless layout configurations. Brian Murray, Founder and Chairman of Boss Design, comments: ‘Salone del Mobile provides the perfect platform to launch our innovative new products and our continued expansion throughout Europe.’
End User Biophilia? Plants and stuff ? Like it. That’s really good for our wellbeing strategy and, let’s face it, plants aren’t going to break the bank. They’re how much? Really? Maybe we won’t go with the ‘living wall’ then!
Dealer You’ve got to be kidding! We’ve diversified and added on all these sofas and soft seating products and acoustic solutions – and now half the budget’s going on plants! Have any of you lot got green fingers? Maybe we can bolt it on and make a tidy margin?
Designer Love it! Let’s bring the outdoors indoors – it’s so good for wellbeing and gives a real focus to a scheme (breaks up that sea of desks our client is demanding). If it’s good enough for Oliver Heath then it’s good enough for us.
Manufacturer My head hurts. Isn’t wood a natural enough material? Surely, if they just specify loads of desks or chairs with wooden frames then that’s sort of biophilic isn’t it? I can’t believe the client’s going to spend all that lovely budget on bushes and shrubs. Maybe we should get into gardening.
THE KEY IS STORAGE On our travels up and down this fine country, we have seen an incredible emergence of locker space as a natural result of many workers not having a permanent base. KI has also noticed the trend, and has now introduced a contactless radio-frequency identification (RFID) solution. Bankcards, Oyster cards and access control are already part of our everyday lives – and we are now likely to see the same become commonplace in our workspaces. By integrating the technology into 800 Series Storage units, KI can help deliver an advanced, intelligent system that which will also help managers audit and monitor usage.
Mix Defined by biologist E. O. Wilson as an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world. Also described as a love of life and the living world. Studies prove that biophilic design does indeed improve employee wellbeing. Who are we to argue? Sorry manufacturers!
go@spatial.co.uk / 0161 260 0050 17
Upfront
IT IS ALL ABOUT
GOALS
INTERACTION
AND YOU.
Smarter together. USM helps you create collaborative work spaces: leveraging synergies and tapping the full creative potential – one spirit, one team, one table.
#usmmakeit yours Configure your individual piece of USM online! Available from selected USM UK Partners. Home: London Aram Store 020 7557 7557 Nottingham Atomic Interiors 0115 965 79 20 Oxford Central Living 01865 311 141 Stockport Innerform 0161 432 4040 Edinburgh Tangram Furnishers 0131 556 6551 Bournemouth So Furniture 01202 757600 Contract: London Aram Contracts 020 7240 3933, The Furniture Practice 0207 549 5454, Scott Howard 020 7724 1130, Wellworking 020 3110 0610 Manchester Ralph Capper Interiors 0161 236 6929 Irish Republic OHagan Design +353 1 535 8555 USM U. Schaerer Sons Ltd, 49 – 51 Central St London EC1V 8AB, 020 7183 3470, info.uk@usm.com 18
www.usm.com
Upfront
Perspective We are an inquisitive lot at Mix and are fortunate enough to work in an interesting sector – so lots of great people to quiz. This month we start our “perspective” series with a man who has been very busy over the last couple of years and by the sounds of it is going to be even busier in the next. Andy Kendall-Jones is the CEO of Southerns. Widely known as one of the biggest furniture dealers (furniture providers) Southerns has now been transformed into something quite different and has everyone talking. In 2015 Ralph Capper (Manchester) was acquired along with Southerns (Bolton), putting back together the company that separated in the 1990s. Then late 2016 we saw two more acquisitions that really got the market on high alert with the acquisition of Broadstock (Macclesfield manufacturer) and SpaceInvader (Manchester, design practice). In the last 12 months, we have had a couple of “did you hear that” moments. Herman Miller taking over Naughtone, Dovetail ending its run. Beyond Southerns our sources tell us more is likely in 2017; in the meantime let’s hear from Andy Kendall-Jones. WHAT WAS THE CATALYST THAT STARTED THE WAVE OF ACQUISITION IN 2015? I could see that there was a real opportunity to offer customers more than a single, stand-alone service – I wanted to create something revolutionary, something that had never been done before. So I’d worked for a while on my ideas, but everything really kicked into gear after a football match. I’m a massive Leeds United fan and so is my mate, Steve Parkin and we would often have a chat about business after the game. After one particular match I was talking with him about my expansion plans and how I could see the future for the company mapping out, and he said to me: “Do you want me to get involved?” From that moment on, with his investment and invaluable business advice, we’ve set ourselves on a path of genuine strategic growth. WHERE DID YOU USE YOURSELVES IN THE DEALER HIERARCHY? I’d say we don’t see ourselves as dealers. Our offering is unique.
Andy Ke n d a l l Jo n e s WHAT ABOUT SOME OF THE BIGGER FURNITURE SUPPLIERS, SHOULD THEY BE WORRIED? Far from it. We have good relationships with companies like Senator and Orangebox and we don’t expect that to change.
WHAT’S NEXT? We currently number 220 staff and a projected £45m turnover and in the next 18 months we will triple that – very possibly sooner, in fact. DOES THAT MEAN MORE ACQUISITIONS? You’ll have to wait and see; obviously our business strategy is confidential. However I will say this. Expect to see something very soon and be aware that whatever we do, everything complements our current position through the design and fit out chain. And whilst we have been active on the acquisition trail, don’t underestimate how much of the growth will be organic. WHAT DO YOU WANT SOUTHERNS TO BE KNOWN FOR? Being best in class. We’re a trailblazing business made up of world-class companies, each with its own unique offering, all of which makes the Southerns Group something that has never been seen before. It’s important to stress here that there is a carefully considered strategy underpinning everything we do. We know exactly where we want to get to, how we’ll get there, and who with. And being best in class is key to it all. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE QUESTION OF SPECIFYING ONLY YOUR OWN PRODUCTS/ SERVICES? We have very good relationships with key suppliers and don’t expect that to change.
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WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FROM A GEOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE? We are a national company with offices in Yorkshire, north-west England and London; our clients are located both across the UK and internationally. We’re excited to be creating what might be termed a Group showcase in Leeds, which will be located in the very heart of the city and will comprise a number of the brands within the Group. WHAT DO YOU SAY TO SOME WHO HAS JUST JOINED SPACE INVADER EXPECTING TO BE JOINING A DESIGN PRACTICE IN MANCHESTER? It still is a design practice in Manchester. It remains completely independent, with the freedom to specify from, and work with, any supplier. The difference is it is now backed by the Southerns Group. WHAT IS THE KEY MESSAGE TO THE MARKET? Every element of everything we do is driven by the determination to be best in class: the brands under the Southerns Group umbrella are, the people involved in each brand are, the clients we work with are. We’ve created something very special here and we’ve got big plans for the future. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL END GAME? I love what I do, and I’ve no intention of stopping.
Upfront
FORGET THE MILLENNIALS – WHAT ABOUT ME?
…BUT THERE ARE DANGERS CREATING AGE SUB-GROUPS
According to a new survey by Peldon Rose, the older members of the workforce are feeling less appreciated. This is revealed in the big differences in the wellbeing, attitudes and motivations of the workplace’s oldest and youngest employees. Peldon Rose warns that businesses are creating a ‘forgotten generation’ of older workers who, despite their experience and knowledge, do not feel their voice is being heard at work – less than a fifth of over 55s believe that their company values their opinion in the workplace, compared with over a third of the under 25s. The oldest and youngest employees also have different priorities and motivations, presenting clear challenges to businesses seeking to ensure the wellbeing and happiness of all their employees. While over three-quarters (76%) of the under 25s think social events and wellbeing packages such as gym memberships (63%) are important for supporting their wellbeing at work, the 55+ age group considers social events (56%) and wellbeing packages (39%) as the least important workplace benefits.
IN
Whilst the previous piece (left) gives leaders and designers some guidance, the use of terms related to age has some disadvantages. For many, Millennials are clearly defined: Demanding, stay in a role for two years, obsessed with social media, creative and so on. But is it true. Glenn Elliot, CEO of Reward Gateway, told the audience at our recent MixInspired seminar (page 93) that he felt we should stop obsessing about age. He himself would be regarded as Gen X by normal definition but has more in common with Generation Y. Katherine Neathercoat, Head of Interior Design at Scott Brownrigg, suggested at this month’s roundtable (page 68) that it is more relevant to define individuals by their activity. Therefore, when referring to those tech savvy individuals, we should use the term Digital Generation – which of course can mean old and young.
PARTITIONING WITH OCULA™ SYSTEMS The Imperial War Museum in Manchester was the venue of one of the many events we attended last month. A packed room of specifiers and contractors were given the opportunity to experience the unveiling of a brand new specialist partitioning brand, OCULA SYSTEMS. The brand will be delivered through eight regional sales hubs and available through the SIG Interiors branch network. Officially launched on the 1st March 2017, business Development Director for Ocula Systems, Kye Edwards was not surprisingly positive, siting the foundation of the brand being built on the Tenon and System 8000 product ranges and keen to emphasise the innovative options available, all good news for you designers out there.
THE ART OF FLEXIBLITY Over the last month, we have been busy with roundtables, MixInspired seminars, numerous case studies and some terrific personal interviews. One of the words that we have heard at pretty much every meeting is flexibility (see page 62, for our interview with the new UK boss at Gensler and the innovative solution the firm is providing for one client, which has flexibility at its heart). When we met David Shirley, MD of Brunner UK, at Orgatec, it was clear they were completely in tune with the need to provide designers with solutions that allowed for flexibility. As David suggests: ‘… conventional workplaces continue to disintegrate and develop into something new…working processes are becoming increasingly interactive and digitised and ultimately more flexible.’
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Maine storage & filing Upfront
Lockers were used to create a new agile working environment for a major bank
London Showroom 45 Great Sutton Street London EC1V 0DE
www.maine.co.uk 21
sales@maine.co.uk
T.
01908 271688
Noise – Naughty or Nice? Steve Gale wants noise to be like red wine – a good thing in moderation.
Quiet working is the biggest challenge for office workers. At least that is what our workplace surveys tell us, and our latest one this month was no different. It revealed that in offices across three European countries it was the biggest problem. People described how noise at work prevents them from concentrating, which wastes time, causes stress and lowers productivity. You might think that such a hot topic would be inflated by complaints about road noise, overhead aircraft or unpleasant acoustics in meeting rooms (which is something I really hate), but it’s not – this is a story about other people’s voices. If we dig a little deeper to find out why, people quickly blame their open plan environment and their colleagues who stand around a neighbour’s desk, or the person who speaks loudly on the telephone, especially if it’s a mobile. Next they describe how they cope. Finding a meeting room to work in is popular, and a good few say they stay at home if they need to concentrate. How many times have you heard people say 'I get so much more done at home'? And now more than ever, people have earphones, creating their own personal sonic zone.
Solutions to noise disturbance are invariably physical, because sound is physical. What it lacks in visibility it makes up for in other measurable qualities such as pressure, frequency and range. So we provide quiet rooms with solid doors, study carrels or small enclaves set away from the hubbub, or those high backed sofas which deaden the surrounding din. We provide an array of legitimate spots away from your desk to work without being disturbed. In practice this option is often turned
People really don’t like silence, they prefer a lively buzz, and yet they object strongly to being disturbed by noise upside down and the noise maker occupies the insulated space to protect his or her neighbours from distraction. They make the noise but their colleagues can’t hear. Callers and impromptu meetings migrate to a bunker, everyone else stays put. Both ways work, although I feel from my observations that the pendulum has swung in favour of quiet open plan areas with boltholes for noise makers – but I am happy to be corrected. And when I say quiet open plan areas, I even need to refine that. People really don’t like silence, they prefer a lively buzz, and yet they object strongly to being disturbed by noise. So how to square that circle? It’s not simply noise
Steve Gale is Head of Business Intelligence at M Moser Associates. SteveG@mmoser.com
22
that bothers us, because you can easily read a book on a noisy train or plane. Intelligible noise – nearly always language – is the sound that our brains find hard to filter out. Noise, like temperature, is never right for everyone. It affects people differently, as illustrated by Susan Cain, a lawyer who champions the needs of introverts. She makes much of their need to be protected from excessive noise in the workplace. So I was interested to read an interview with her last year where she described how she had written her recent book in a noisy café close to her home, not in the confines of her private study. Introverts, it seems, do like to be with other people, but they like control over their privacy. The alternative to ostracising chatty people is to mask their voices with background noise. This background can be just the normal conversation in an office. In fact, when this is at the right level, it is a near perfect solution. You get the feel of a busy and civilized space, without being able to focus on specific conversations, and you can work or converse with your colleagues in equal amounts. But this level of ambient chatter is very hard to guarantee, so you can inject it artificially in the form of random sound that comes in different colours – white, pink, brown, red and so on – and I think the human version of brown noise is the privacy that Susan Cain finds in her café. So choice of settings can help, and maybe local control too, which is why earphones work so well. With a combination of good design, technology and office protocols, we really can isolate two perennially conflicting activities. Let’s knock quiet working off the top of the workplace problem list.
at SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO Hall 24, Stand E06 4–9. April 2017
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24
Material Matters
In this month’s Material Matters, the team of experts at Material Lab explores surfaces made through high-quality craftsmanship. www.material-lab.co.uk Johnson Tiles’ Ashlar range combines texture and a neutral colour palette for contemporary schemes Created by Johnson Tiles to offer trend-led solutions for interiors with a difference, Ashlar captures the textural elements of nature for surfaces that are truly unique. The collection of matt ceramic wall and porcelain floor tiles, which utilise recycled material, are available in two sizes, 505x505mm and 600x300mm, and three calming tones of Warm Taupe, Crafted Grey and Weathered White. Ashlar adds a touch of sophistication and style to any contemporary environment. www.johnson-tiles.com
Studio Ilio’s Fabio Hendry & Martijn Rigters explore The Colour of Hair The Colour of Hair is an innovative process and printing technique that transforms abundant human hair into sustainable and resistant ink on a large variety of metals. Drawing inspiration from both old ceramic techniques and modern printing techniques – like etching and screen printing – locally sourced offcuts from hairdressers are processed in different ways to create decorative patterns and images. www.studio-ilio.com
Olivia Aspinall offers a fresh approach to surface design through colour and no little skill Olivia Aspinall Studio is an emerging surface design brand, offering fresh and exciting surface finishes for the interior design industry, characterised by colour, pattern and craftsmanship. Olivia founded the Nottingham-based studio in 2015, and has since worked on numerous bespoke projects, from a residential scheme with design duo, 2 Lovely Gays, to collaborating on the Everybody Campaign at Selfridges. Alongside offering a range of surfaces, the studio also runs a bespoke sampling service. All products are handmade in the UK. www.olivia-aspinall.com
25
Apilada Vorachart proposes a recyclable material for the future Apilada Vorachart is a Thai architect/designer/researcher with a multidisciplinary approach to projects concerning materials and the environment. Cornspan is a material first proposed in the 'Material Futures' Master Thesis called 'From Chiang Mai'. The thesis seeks to develop economically attractive uses for corn waste so as to reduce the annual atmospheric haze effect in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, caused by the burning of agricultural corn waste (corn husks and cobs) after harvesting. These resulting panels can be used for sound and thermal insulation. Charcoal from corncobs can be added to give scent and moisture absorption qualities. www.aplda.com
Upfront
Desert Island Desks
This month's castaway is proud Birmingham resident and Gensler interior designer Gurtake Singh.
3. THAI BOXING SHORTS, BOXING GLOVES AND A HEAVY PUNCH/ KICK BAG! I’m not one for football but have fallen in love with Thai Boxing! It’s a beautiful sport saturated with history, religion and excitement. If I’m feeling over-energetic, frustrated or just fancy an alternative means of keeping fit, I cannot think of anything better than popping on my gloves and shorts and ‘touching’ the bag.
1. MY TURNTABLES AND A CHOICE SELECTION OF THE FINEST VINYL I believe music is life’s emotional conductor. I also believe the most satisfying way to listen to music is vinyl. Thanks to my DJing days, each song now has a story attached to it, which more often than not leaves me with a smile. One never feels alone while music is playing and it teleports you to wherever you want or chose to be. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love to have a good ol’ dance?
4. MAC BOOK PRO I recently crossed over from PC to Mac…I used a family member’s Mac recently, after much resistance, and not only did it visually capture my attention, with its sleek aluminum body and slender profile, but the user transition has been effortless! The ability to express myself as a designer, but more importantly as an individual, is easy with writing, illustrating, composing and storing. Plus it allows me to keep in contact with the rest of humanity – which is important for personal sanity.
2. TRACE PAPER AND MY LAMY PEN AND PENCIL By the very nature of what we do, there is no better way of expression than to draw. Mark making and illustrating design and design approach is important to me. I find it therapeutic and a wonderful way of expressing one’s emotions. The tactile nature and quality of trace adds to the flavour – and with the beautiful stroke and gliding quality of my Lamy pen/pencil – will help me relax.
26
Tel 01925 850500 Email info@sixteen3.co.uk Web www.sixteen3.co.uk
5. A SELECTION OF TURBANS Those who know me, know I love to mix things up with a statically selected coloured turban. My turban is a clear and beautiful illustration of my religion – Sikhism. I will always be seen with my turban and tie it in my own unique style, which is further enhanced with COLOUR! Colour is important to me and this is perfectly evident through my personal expression.
6. HANGING LOUNGER – DEDON ICONIC This is a no-brainer. Comfort and design all wrapped up into this beautiful droplet. Nestled and suspended amongst a beach front clearing, I cannot think of a more comfortable piece of furniture to sway the day away. Following a recent visit to a showroom, where this piece was installed, I immediately fell in love, and then shortly after fell asleep. The best thing about this is its multifunctionality. It’s a lounge ‘seat’ or you can relax back and put your feet up. One could sit and work with your laptop or, following a hard day dancing to music and ‘touching’ the heavy bag, kick back and have a little nap.
London Showroom The Gallery, 21-22 Great Sutton St. EC1V 0DY / Manufacture/Showroom Chesford Grange, Woolston, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 4RQ
23-25 MAY 2017
Visit the hottest event on the design calendar for a celebration of London’s Design district. Discover top international design talent in a unique mix of showroom activity, exhibitions and installations hosted across Clerkenwell’s distinctive spaces.
Register free at clerkenwelldesignweek.com cdwfestival #CDW2017 28
29
Upfront
30
Spotlight
Illustration By Georgina Nicklin
The Manufacturing Report
The Big Question
The Manufacturing Report
The Manufacturing Map
32
34
37
31
Q
THE BIG UESTION
Wh a t w i ll Art ifi c i a l Int e lli g e n c e re p l a c e i n t h e n e x t 5 y e a rs?
DUNCAN PEBERDY, DROITWICHNET
DAVID JUDGE, JUDGEXD
Technology that has revolutionised the
CHRIS MAGUIRE, EDITOR, BUSINESSCLOUD MAGAZINE
manufacturing processes requiring repetitive
In 2016 the Bank of England governor Mark
means that eventually the insurance firms will
accuracy, will now start to make inroads into
Carney said robots could take 15 million of our
prefer autonomous vehicles. A few going wrong
the hospitality sector. There are already a
jobs as automation is stepped up. There was a
every now and then will not be an issue. They
handful of ‘novelty bars’ where you buy pre-
huge intake of breath but it reflects the growing
are going to come, along with autonomous
paid cards and dispense your own drinks, but I
impact of technology. I went to to BAE Systems
trucks and vans. These could run non stop, they
can envisage many more self-serve bars – that
recently and saw a £83,000 robotic cell carry
will just text when they arrive, get emptied and
promise to maximise income and reduce human
out repetitive manual roles. The machine never
move on. That could take half the commercial
error – especially at concerts and sporting
needs a holiday, never needs a lunch break and
traffic off the road, delivery times would
events where huge spikes in demand occur
is never off sick. Technology will do more of the
improve along with efficiency and profit.
within short timeframes.
'boring' roles and free up humans to do more
The deaths due to human error whilst driving
skilled work.
C
NEIL USHER, SKY
ANGUS FOTHERINGHAME, FORBO
ANONYMOUS
The creation of workplace trade journals.
With the trend to increased automation and
Middle Management?
Case studies will be drafted by algorithm
improved air quality, we think that you will
Artificial: The fake laughter often displayed by
from a standard set of paragraphs about
start to see some goods being delivered on
Middle Management who’s only contribution is
chance encounters, agility and organisational
driverless trucks. If the trucks are equipped
laughing at their superiors jokes.
DNA and feature a mash-up of images of
with sensory systems that allow them to avoid
Intelligence: 50 plus, self-important, strutting
random workplaces with two friends of
traffic jams and have an engine management
around, talking about how good they were in their
the photographer, opinion pieces will be
system that turns the engine off when
last job. Typically dressed in oversized pointy
composed from the Twitter feeds of the half
stationary, it could have a positive effect on air
shoes, wearing the “timeless” pink shirt/ white
a dozen people who offer analytical comment,
quality. There’s just the challenge of loading/
collar shirts. The future, useless, odd looking
and a random graphics generator will create
unloading and the need for better sat navs to
machines moving up and down the corridor
adverts for any shape or size of felt-covered
overcome!
laughing at their own reflection, doing very little.
Umbrellasofa. editorial banner Mix Interiors March 2017 copy.pdf high-back
1 03/03/2017 16:11:32
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
32
Spotlight - Trends
trinetic.com
33
Hall 22 Stand A33
The Manufacturing Report Over the next 18 pages we will look at GB manufacturing in the context of our very own sector; things that are manufactured for the workplace. We counselled a broad range of views, which resulted in an outlook that was both challenging and positive.
ARE YOU MORE OPTIMISTIC AS A BUSINESS THAN YOU WERE SIX MONTHS AGO?
HOW MUCH HAVE YOU PROACTIVELY ADAPTED YOUR BUSINESS MODEL IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?
100%
0% Little
DO YOU BELIEVE CLIENTS (END USERS) ACCEPT THEY MUST INVEST MORE IN THEIR FIT-OUT THAN THEY DID FIVE YEARS AGO
68% 13% Dealer
NO
The age range of the Mix team is quite
the case of trade, as it was at the turn of the
significant – and we have very different views
century. Equally few would have predicted
on manufacturing and the relative value to
that the result of the two world wars would
the UK.
leave the country all but bankrupted with the
None of the Mix team is over 100 years old
obvious impact on manufacturing output. But
and therefore won’t recall when Britain was
things are not all bad; productivity is at its
the largest manufacturer and exporter in the
highest ever, perhaps not surprising due to
world, or, for that matter, was around in 1948
increased automation (for example, according
when manufacturing was still 48% of the UK
to the EEF, productivity in steel has increased
economy. A couple of the team were around
eightfold between 1978 and 2006), along with
in the 70’s when manufacturing output was
exports that saw an increase of 0.8% month-
still at 30%. It comes as no surprise that
over-month to £49.4m in January of 2017. This
manufacturing has continued to decline and
represents the fourth consecutive monthly
now accounts for less – in fact 13% of the
increase and the highest value on record.
national economic output.
Some
Significantly
WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT ROUTES TO MARKET?
76% 24% YES
14% 86%
June 23rd 2016 did give the manufacturing
Perhaps a little context is necessary.
industry something quite spectacular to think
Britain is no longer a land-grabbing imperial
about. Brexit. The Prime Minister will lead the
power, whose objective was to dominate for
UK out of the European Union with Article 50
34
A&D
19% Direct
Spotlight - Manufacturing
being triggered any time soon. However, the
give them a longer lasting foothold in new
British Furniture Confederation (BFC) stated in
markets. That being said, the message we are
its recent manifesto that ‘Brexit has galvanised
getting anecdotally and through our survey is
‘The case for UK manufacturing
our industry to take a fresh look at new export
that furniture prices will be going up; those
may be enhanced by our weakened
markets, most notably the USA, Africa and
price increases range from 3% to 12% the
currency, however the truth is that
India’.
average being 5%
the benefits of local production are
Our survey appears to agree with the BFC
In our survey, we asked about the ‘client’
broader than these conditions. Akin to
and suggests a more positive state of mind
wins (see page 56), and people’s significant
the automotive and aerospace sectors,
since the Brexit decision. Nevertheless, it is
moments in the last 12 months. You will
KI’s global expansion strategy for
clear that Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with
see that the responses varied enormously,
over 10 years has centred around local
the rest of the world are high on the agenda
however, investment in the latest technology
production.
for most. According to PwC, without a trade
appears regularly. Unlike areas such as the
This has been spearheaded here in
deal, goods exported to the EU would face an
workplace, productivity in manufacturing can
the UK. Similar investments have
average tariff of 5.3%.
be easily monitored and those in charge are
subsequently been made by the Group
looking at every opportunity to improve their
in Australia, India and China, as well
WHAT DOES THE FALL IN THE POUND
output. Our spies tell us that regular meetings
as greater capacity in KI’s traditional
ACTUALLY MEAN?
are taking place with academics to help the
North American market. The ongoing
Positive
Government understand the implications of
evolution of manufacturing automation,
•
where jobs will be replaced by robots.
or ‘Industry 4.0’ is reducing the
A weak pound means those that export can sell their products cheaper or increase
Industry 4.0 is gaining more traction,
reliance on low cost labour markets
their profit margins and therefore be more
defined by consultants at McKinsey as
around the world, bringing the
competitive
the ‘fourth major upheaval in modern
emphasis back to the benefits of a
UK firms who earn profits abroad (eg.
manufacturing’ and the ‘next phase in the
diversified, decentralised supply chain.
have manufacturing plants overseas) will
digitization of the manufacturing sector’.
By working with our UK supply chain,
benefit
It follows 'lean' in the 1970’s, outsourcing
we can better service KI’s global
Negative
in the 1990’s and more automation, which
accounts operating in the UK and
•
Firms importing raw materials
characterised manufacturing in the 2000’s.
continental Europe. We can quickly
•
Those who employ foreign workers
•
Industry 4.0 is driven by four disruptions
and effectively adapt products to
including increased data volumes, emergence
local requirements while delivering
of new analytics capabilities, new human-
consistent levels of product quality,
foreign workers, who may potentially choose
machine interactions and improvements in
aesthetics, warranties and customer
elsewhere in Europe (an unexpected bonus for
transferring the digital into the physical world,
service.
those Brexiteers who had an immigration focus
using technology such as 3D printing.
The ongoing strength and long term
Brexit may make the UK less attractive for
to their decision).
It seems that there has never been a
viability of the industry is dependent
more interesting time to be in the world of
on our investment in skills and
may be short-lived but many are hoping that
manufacturing, whether you are supplying or
infrastructure. ‘Made in the UK’ can
the nature and quality of 'Made in the UK' will
designing.
only continue to be valuable if we
Taking advantage of this fiscal opportunity
recognise, reinforce and promote the benefits of hosting a strong local ‘For me, the market is fragile; Brexit is presenting further unknowns and some of
production base.’
the wider public communications are depressing. At the same time, some great
Jonathan M Hindle, KI Group Managing
business is being done. The reduction in the exchange rate will be challenging the
Director, EMEA.
UK manufacturers who import a significant number of components but should equally assist with their products’ attractiveness in overseas markets – so long as they have the courage to get out there and export!’ Paul von der Heyde Chairman, Manufacturing Guild Mark Committee
Sources: Mix research, The British Furniture Confederation (BFC), EEF, House of Commons, PwC, The Manufacturer.
35
Spotlight - Trends
ALFIE by Sean Dare
INTRODUCING THE NEW EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER FURNITURE COLLECTION FROM KNIGHTSBRIDGE. Inspired by the 1960s film, the Alfie seamlessly combines angular lines and soft, textured upholstery. Exuding style and class it makes the perfect standalone feature for any workplace.
www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk
36
Spotlight - Trends
UK MANUFACTURING Our map indicates the main manufacturing locations of the key suppliers to the workplace. Whilst our map does its best to be comprehensive in our sector, it clearly doesn’t include the other major manufacturing areas that dominate the UK, such as: aerospace, automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical, food and drink and electronics. The table (Right), courtesy of The Manufacturer, indicates just where the whole manufacturing output in the UK sits compared to some of the other major manufacturing nations.
32 33 34 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67
Manufacturing output 2014 No
Country
$M
1
China
3,713,300
2
United States
2,068,080
3
Japan
850,902
4
Germany
787,503
5
South Korea
389,582
6
India
321,721
7
Italy
296,611
8
France
283,664
9
United Kingdom
282,675
10
Russia
248,481
11
Brazil
218,799
10 47
38
23 45/46 22
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
7/8
53 Senator GX Glass Quadrant Carpets PSI Gresham Imperial Office Furn Flexiform Knightsbridge Protocol Scottish leather gp James Tobias Panaz Triumph Orangebox Tangent Northern Lights Herman Miller face Composites Boss Hitchmylius Elite Interface Egger Verco Davison Highley Hands Connection Naughtone Dams Pledge Office
Altro Heckmondwike KI Broadstock Specialist J Group Silverline Maine Clarke Rendall Camira Frovi Godfrey Syrett Deadgood Comfort Bisley British Ceramic Tile Frem Ocee Canal Ulster carpets Forbo CMD Morgan Furniture New design group Nomique SpaceOasis Emsea Muraspec Johnson Tiles Era Sixteen3 Newmor Milliken
28 56
12
21
1 4/54
43/27/33
5/6
16
67
34
29
52
65
19
37
50/51
66 18 44
40 59/60 63
41/42
61
30/32
48
20
17
9 13/14
58
11 3 62 64
49
15
24/25/26 57
37
2
Spotlight - Manufacturing
KEY
Employees The Boss Factories Significant moment
Bisley
Johnson Tiles 400 Stephen Dixon, MD
Triumph
One – Stoke-on-Trent We’re always proud of our new products and efforts of the creative
Silverline
team, and have proved once again this year why local manufacturing matters
120
by being nominated for two Sentinel
Richard Ward, CEO
Business Awards.
Two The creation of the GROUP S brand, which incorporates both Silverline and sister company, Screen Innovations – highlighting our belief in and dedication to British manufacturing.
ERA 65 Terry Coleman, MD One The increased growth we experienced in 2016 activity based working products. Knightsbridge
38
Spotlight - Trends
AEON from
Also available in:
01254 673400
sales@psiseating.co.uk 39
www.psiseating.co.uk
Spotlight - Trends
#loveyourworkspace
KI’s portfolio of workplace furniture helps some of the world’s leading organisations to create happy, healthy, high performing working environments for their people.
The ideal working environment is different for every individual. This is why a better understanding of the relationship between personality types and office landscapes can help enhance productivity & wellbeing. Find out more: www.kieurope.com/loveyourworkspace
KI Europe New Fetter Place 8-10 New Fetter Lane London EC4A 1AZ E workplace@kieurope.com 40
Spotlight - Manufacturing
PSI 55 Siraj Mohammed, MD / Hassan Patel, MD One Brexit. The period up to the referendum created uncertainty and reluctance. The aftermath has had an adverse effect on the economy and has caused upheaval via price increases. On a positive note, we have gone through the process of dealing with this upheaval and are back on track doing some very good business, undergoing extensive product development and tapping into our customers' requirements more than ever before. Knightsbridge
Milliken 300+ employees across Beech Hill and Middleton
Mark Sefton, General Manager Floorcoverings, EMEAI Two Providing clients with a convenient ‘one stop shop’. In addition to a vast portfolio of carpet tile collections, we also offer a range of high performance Luxury Vinyl Tiles as well as innovative entrance flooring solutions.
Flexiform
PSI
Bisley 700+ John Atkin, MD / Richard Blackwell, CEO One Continued investment in manufacturing, education and processes. Opening of a new showroom in Madrid. Creation of Group marketing function/team.
Bisley
Knightsbridge
41
Spotlight - Trends
Positive spaces Contemplation, the latest addition to Interface’s modular flooring system, features a rugged artisanal texture and a subdued tweed like design. Combine Contemplation with the popular Composure Collection to transform your space into a Positive space. See Contemplation at Interface.com
Contemplation - Artisan Composure - Contemplate 42
Spotlight - Manufacturing
Ocee Design
Herman Miller 290 Brain Walker, CEO One The launch of the new Aeron chair in October 2016 – the chair has been completely remastered from the castors up, incorporating the latest technology and materials, bringing the original chair up to date for the 21st century.
Nomique 35 Ocee Design
John Ravenhall, MD One New London showroom.
naughtone
Buying more locally in the last
Matt Welsh / Mark Hammond / Kieron Bakewell One Last strategic Ocee Design
three years.
Bisley Design
summer
we
partnership
entered with
into
Herman
Miller. This new relationship will enable both companies to leverage each other’s capabilities and expertise in product design and development, production, and distribution across the globe.
Ocee Design 90 Alistair Gough, CEO One Ocee Design announced the purchase of Danish manufacturer Four Design, with the creation of the Ocee International Group. The acquisition will enable significant growth to be achieved in both Nomique
domestic and global export markets.
43
Spotlight - Manufacturing
KI 45 direct Jonathan M. Hindle, Group Managing Director, EMEA Four Knightsbridge
Bringing two new workstation and storage ranges to market. EC4 introduces a mixed material option for a more domestic feel, while Connect3 is a streamlined, simplified option where more traditional open plan benching is required. They complement our UniteSE, Work2, and Work2 sit/stand workstation collections and comprehensive 800 Series storage range, offering customers even more choice when optimising their workspaces.
Morgan
Morgan 80 Rodney McMahon, MD One Celebrating 25 years since acquiring Morgan in 1992 and turning it around from an ailing furniture company with eight people to the thriving British business that it is today.
Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge 122 Alan Towns, CEO / Peter Denham, COO One The launch of our new designer ranges aimed directly at the A&D community, corporate and hospitality clients – and winning the Mixology North Design Team of the Year 2017! Morgan
44
Spotlight - Trends
RUNNA design: DAVID FOX
mANUFActURINg
lONDON_shOwROOm
cONtAct_&_FOllOw
Pledge Office Chairs Ltd Mill Road Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 1BA
First Floor 21-22 Great Sutton Street Clerkenwell London EC1V 0DY
e: sales@pledgechairs.co.uk www.pledgechairs.co.uk
t: +44 (0) 1525 376181
t: +44 (0) 20 7253 7277 45
Spotlight - Trends
SPECIALISTS IN BESPOKE FURNITURE
HEAD OFFICE Platinum Park, Lynstock Way, Bolton BL6 4SA Tel: 01204 664422 LONDON SHOWROOM 65 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5BL Tel: 020 7242 5709 www.gof.co.uk 46
Spotlight - Manufacturing
Tangent 60 John Irwin, CEO One John Irwin was appointed Managing Director – John returned to Tangent in 2016 after almost 10 years as CEO at Bisley. He brings to the role extensive leadership experience, with an impressive track record in strategic business development, supported by over 25 years of industry knowledge.
British Ceramic Tiles
Flexiform
Godfrey Syrett 230 Mark Dixon, Executive Chairman / David Hall, Group Sales & Marketing Director / Nick Pope, Financial Director
Two In 2017 Godfrey Syrett celebrates 70 years of manufacturing in the UK. This achievement is testament to both the dedication of our staff and our continued investment in our business.
Knightsbridge
British Ceramic Tiles
British Ceramic Tiles 401 Tony Taylor, CEO
Three Opening of our first London Showroom, to enable us to engage with our core A+D user group and help them with upcoming projects. Godfrey Syrett
47
Spotlight - Manufacturing
Orangebox 415 Mino Vernaschi Four Moving into our flagship London Smartworking space.
Morgan
Boss Design 300 Brian Murray, Chairman Three UK, Four global Most significant moment in the last 12 months – up to Feb 2017 – has to be Brexit. naughtone
Hitch Mylius 95 Robin Phillips/ Ian Ashley One Ocee Design
Camira 701 Grant Russell, CEO Five An ongoing project for Cisco in San Francisco, supplying over 4,000 metres of Blazer so far – for a total of 21 buildings once complete. Knightsbridge
48
Spotlight - Trends
COMMITTED TO THE HEALTH OF ONE Layout 2112PL Frosting, 2130PL Icepop and 2118PL Oceanis
www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/layoutandoutlineplanks Sample orders: 0800 731 2369 49
Spotlight - Trends
New ILK ranges launching at:
ILK Lounge Two Seater
ILK Lounge
ILK Lounge
ILK Lounge
ILK Chair Two Seater
ILK Chair
ILK Chair
ILK Chair
4 leg
Swivel 4-star
4 leg
Sled
4 leg
Swivel 4-star
4 leg
Sled
ILK Family
Furniture for social spaces
frovi.co.uk 01608 652411 sales@frovi.co.uk Showroom_Broad Yard Turnmill Street Clerkenwell EC1M 5RR 50
Spotlight - Manufacturing
Forbo 575 (UK only) Angus Fotheringhame, General Manager, Benelux, UK and Ireland Five
ERA
Last year Forbo launched a new low-level loop Tessera carpet tile collection, which consisted of two ranges: Layout and Outline. The light and dark colour palette of Layout and the clean lines of Outline provide specifiers with the ability to combine the ranges seamlessly to create striking transitional designs.
Triumph 292 Andrew Jackson , CEO Two Introducing new technology – two laser machines and a laminator to help shorten manufacturing lead times and reduce scrap metal by 40%. Plus a major solar panel install, which generates 30% of our requirements. Flexiform
Boss design
Maine 195 Adrian Cook, MD Two Our stylish and flexible maineseries31 range was recently specified for new offices of an insurance company based in The Leadenhall Building. Lockers were used to create a new agile working environment for a major bank.
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Spotlight - Trends
New Offering From Imperial
imperial Office
furniture
3D Plywood Edging
Contact our specials department for more information Imperial Office Furniture Limited Bankfield Business Park, Quebec Street, Bolton. BL3 5JN
Tel: 01204 364602 Fax: 01204 381509 www.imperialfurniture.co.uk info@imperialfurniture.co.uk
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Spotlight - Manufacturing
Panaz 94 Tony Attard, Group Chief Executive One I am often surprised at our international reach, and so it's a great accolade to the team that our products can be used so globally. We recently completed a great hotel project in Kenya – an order out of the blue.
Boss design
Boss design Johnson Tiles
Gresham
Orangebox
268 Julian Roebuck, CEO One It’s impossible to pick just one – we celebrated our 40th birthday, launched the Gresham Design Collection, won Manufacturer of the Year at the Mixology North Awards
and transformed
our
showroom in Bolton.
Knightsbridge
Flexiform 150 Nick Hewitt, CEO One Easily the most important moment was the purchase of the factory and the land upon which it sits. This has provided long term security for the business and the employees.
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Nomique
CLIENT WINS
Stockport Homes, through Heatons. The installation includes 296 Pepi Mesh task chairs as well as lots of Lux soft seating and Joist bespoke cabinets. (2017) Derbyshire Police and Fire HQ through Spatial. Our products provided a better quality alternative at a more competitive price point. Including
... We also took the opportunity to ask the manufacturing world about some of their client wins
557 Pepi Mesh task chairs and 164 Colletta Mesh cantilevers. (2016)
Godfrey Syrett Triumph Ministry of Justice through the Crown Commercial Services RM1501 Framework. Inspiring Triumph to design new products for MOJ's agile workspaces.
In 2016 we secured furniture supply for the prestigious Guy’s Cancer Centre, a striking new build hospital near London Bridge. Also, Greaves West & Ayre accountants recently completed an office move to a modern, spacious and welcoming building in Berwick.
Orangebox Sainsbury's head office, Holborn. June 2015 saw the commencement of a three-year contract, designed by Chetwoods, dealer was Atlas. Land Securities PLC, Victoria Street. 55,000 sq ft, designed by KKS, Project Management by Land Securities and dealer was Hunters Contracts.
Maine
Milliken
Our stylish and flexible maineseries31 range,
Milliken Quadrus modular matting
Gresham
was recently specified for new offices of an
along with Milliken’s Consequence 2.0
MoneyPenny, Wrexham – a really
insurance company based in The Leadenhall
carpet tiles in the prestigious Grade 1
Building. Lockers were used to create a new
listed Lloyd’s of London building.
exciting project which allowed us to design and mass produce a bespoke desk and screen to meet the client’s specific requirements.
agile working environment for a major bank.
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Spotlight - Manufacturing
Johnson Tiles Our Brics and Savoy ranges helped
Tangent Wilo wanted to provide a fresh, contemporary working environment in Burton-on-Trent. Accomplished by installing over 42 Tangent Cosine sit/stand electric desks, plus pedestals, chairs, bulk storage solutions, media and technical tables over two phases.
create a luxurious setting at The Alverton Hotel’s Courtyard en-suites in Truro, for an interior scheme by Matt Hulme of Dynargh Design. Seeing our products help secure a RIBA Stirling Prize at Burntwood School, South London, where we worked with designer Morag Myerscough.
Morgan Morgan developed bespoke pieces from their Oslo and Hampton collections for the Champions’ Room at
naughtone
Wimbledon (AELTC).
Microsoft, Paris and Capital One, USA.
Tribe Africa Nandos St James Street By Craftwood Interiors
Mixology17 22 June 2017 Old Billingsgate London Mixology North17 7 December 2017 Manchester Central Manchester
Call: 0161 946 6262 Email: david@mixinteriors.com www.mixology-awards.com
Upholstery
Aviation
Hospitality
Office
Automotive
Healthcare
Marine
Yarwood Leather has you covered. sales@yarwoodleather.com
+44 (0) 113 252 1014
www.yarwoodleather.com
Spotlight - Manufacturing
Facing the challenge We asked Nigel Stansfield to give us his insight into the challenges faced by the manufacturing sector. Starting at Interface in 1997, Nigel has progressed through various roles in operations, research & development and product, design and innovation to his current position of President (EMEA), therefore we felt he was well placed to share us his thoughts. “As our planet will not provide a continuous supply of raw materials, manufacturers need to turn to more radical innovations in a bid to pioneer resource efficient ways of working. This is the challenge facing our generation generally, and manufacturing has a key role to play in tackling this. At Interface, for example, we are committed to our Climate Take Back mission. This means we don’t only want to stop global warming, but we also want to reverse it. As manufacturers, it’s essential that we constantly challenge and review every element of our manufacturing process to ensure it’s as efficient as possible. “The manufacturing industry also faces the challenge that markets are becoming unpredictable. Periods of fast growth
One of the most exciting aspects of working in the manufacturing industry currently is the opportunity to work with other industries to source more sustainable raw materials and really challenge what is possible.
can be followed by decline, which has the potential to affect the bottom line if not managed correctly. Again, focusing on making manufacturing as efficient as possible is key to providing as much stability against a constantly changing market. “With such challenges facing the industry, a key part of this journey towards more
sustainable and efficient manufacturing is knowledge sharing. The manufacturing industry will really flourish and succeed when we find ways to collaborate and share best practice, not only within our industry, but also across sectors. My role as EMEA president means I’m heavily involved in the UK and European manufacturing plants at Interface. As part of a global organisation, we also have the advantage of being able to share ideas and best practice across all of our manufacturing plants – which is essential to keep improving and finding new and more efficient ways of manufacturing. “One of the most exciting aspects of working in the manufacturing industry currently is the opportunity to work with other industries to source more sustainable raw materials and really challenge what is possible. For example, we recently developed a new way to fix yarn to the backing of our carpet tiles using polyvinylbutyral (PVB) recycled from the laminate used in car windscreens. It was thought, prior to this development, that it wasn’t possible to recycle this content in this way. Working with the automotive industry to challenge this perception and make use of a previously wasted resource really sums up the innovation which can make manufacturing such an interesting area to work in. The new material has a carbon footprint that is 80 per cent smaller than that of the traditional latex precoat it has replaced. “Focusing on developing skills within manufacturing is also essential for facilitating this drive for efficiency. Our Craigavon manufacturing plant in Northern Ireland is a key part of our global manufacturing operation, producing around five million sqm of bespoke, made-to-order modular carpet annually. We have around 190 staff within
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Nigel Stansfield, president, Interface EMEA
the operation and they are encouraged to constantly challenge the way we do things to find efficiencies in every element of our supply chain and manufacturing process. Our team is part of ambassador training programmes and we encourage young talent into the industry through our apprenticeship schemes. The Craigavon site also pioneered a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) network group to discuss sustainability and equality issues and we’ve doubled the female workforce in logistics and quality engineering roles. This focus on developing the skills of our workforce goes hand in hand with investing in research and development. At Craigavon, we’ve invested approximately £1.5million annually over the past five years to improve our facilities. We’ve delivered zero waste to landfill for a decade with 100% of our waste recycled on site. Over 60% of our incoming yarn is recycled and we hope this continuous investment in NI will allow the factory to have 100% renewable manufacturing processes in the next few years.”
Spotlight - Trends
ENGINEERING A SENSE OF PRIDE SINCE 1946 www.bisley.com
Helping you work better anywhere
A trio of makers WE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY IN THIS MONTH’S MANUFACTURING SPOTLIGHT TO PROBE A LITTLE DEEPER WITH THREE FINE EXAMPLES OF GB MANUFACTURING. WITH OVER 120 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE BETWEEN THEM GRESHAM, FLEXIFORM AND SILVERLINE ARE GREAT EXAMPLES OF ORGANISATIONS ADAPTING TO THE ALMOST DAILY CHANGES IN THIS MARKET.
Flexiform
MOST SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT: The purchase of the factory is the biggest investment we have ever made! UK TURNOVER: £19.6m WHICH ISSUE CURRENTLY DEMAND MOST OF YOUR TIME? Skills shortage WHAT ARE YOUR EXPORT AMBITIONS? Currently only exporting on an ad hoc basis for specific client need but this is something that we are looking at for 2017/2018. We currently export to Belgium. Irish Republic, Belgium, The Hague, Hungary, Dubai and Nigeria. ARE YOU EXPORTING TO THE USA OR LIKELY TO IN 2017? We have only completed one deal to the US in the past 12 months but this is something that we are serious about for 2017/18. IF LIKE MOST GB MANUFACTURERS, YOU DIDN’T EXHIBIT AT ORGATEC, WHY NOT? As we are primarily a direct to end user business, exhibiting at Europe’s biggest trade fair is not for us. We do always attend though, it is important we are aware of current trends in the market place. WHAT IS YOUR SELL TO A&D ABOUT ‘THE BENEFIT OF USING UK MANUFACTURERS’? There are so many benefits! Shortening the supply chain, reducing product miles, dealing direct with the manufacturer face to face, having the ability to “bespoke “ the product to exact client need, reducing supply chain risk, engaging directly with a manufacturer with a “can do” attitude, experience of the UK market, reduced lead times, increased flexibility in finish and design, adherence to standards and higher quality, fast issue resolution – Environmentally dealing with UK manufacturers makes sense, Flexiform have always been committed to sustainable manufacture, by making the products ourselves we can control every aspect of the production, so minimising our environmental impact – need we go on?
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR FINAL PRODUCT IS MADE IN THE UK? Over 97% of all our products are UK made. We pride ourselves on being a true British Manufacturer. We make every effort to source products and materials from the UK and as local to us as possible. SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHT Sustainability should be a given for UK manufacturers as we can resource most of our raw material needs from the UK. Virtual manufacturers who ship components from around the world to an assembly plant in the UK are not sustainable, particularly in the current climate. Genuine manufactures that make products form raw materials are and we should be trumpeting their commitment to the UK economy and the industry. WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IN NEXT 12 MONTHS? Flexiform are focussed on increasing our client base in the Private Sector both directly and indirectly. Much of our product development is in this area and will continue to be so.
Gresham
MOST SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT: As a business we continue to invest heavily in the very latest manufacturing equipment to ensure we can maintain quality and limit waste. However, we are also in the process of expanding our production plant in Bolton following the acquisition of an adjacent site and this is sure to be the most significant investment the business has made in a number of years. UK TURNOVER: FY15/16 – £29m WHICH ISSUE CURRENTLY DEMAND MOST OF YOUR TIME? Skills shortage WHAT ARE YOUR EXPORT AMBITIONS? We have just returned from a successful trip to the UAE and hope to increase our activities and market share in this region. ARE YOU EXPORTING TO THE USA OR LIKELY TO IN 2017? Yes IF LIKE MOST GB MANUFACTURERS, YOU DIDN’T EXHIBIT AT ORGATEC, WHY NOT? The reason we don’t exhibit at Orgatec is that we feel the European market is oversaturated and so we choose to concentrate our efforts on the UK and Middle East. WHAT IS YOUR SELL TO A&D ABOUT ‘THE BENEFIT OF USING UK MANUFACTURERS’? The A&D market will always specify the products that fit within their vision for a scheme, but being a UK Manufacturer does have its advantages. We can work much more closely with the A&D to provide a more personal and tailored service, from designing bespoke items to fit a specific brief, right through to hosting clients at our production plant to allow them to see their furniture being manufactured. There is also the added benefit that, with most of our portfolio, we can be much more competitive in terms of lead times.
Flexiform
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Spotlight - Manufacturing
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR FINAL PRODUCT IS MADE IN THE UK? 100% We have always focused on sustainability and the reduction of waste in our manufacturing processes – and will continue to do so. WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IN NEXT 12 MONTHS? To continue to design and develop new products, particularly those within the Gresham Design portfolio. We would like to increase our brand awareness and share of the A&D market, and we will be expanding our production facilities in Bolton to increase capacity and aid product development. Gresham
OF YOUR TIME? Many issues demand time, in varying degrees and at various timescales – but currently the value of the pound is taking the lead due to the uncertainties it is creating, for everyone – but also due to the unexpected opportunities it is creating; most predominantly, interest from abroad to find UK suppliers and refreshed interest from UK businesses to source locally. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPORT AMBITIONS? Silverline have traditionally concentrated on the UK market but have ambitions to expand in the Middle East and Scandinavia for export in the short term. Having had some very promising meetings both in the UK and abroad with established dealers in both of these areas, we hope to form a strong presence in these markets.
a serious consideration. On the whole though, if you are genuinely supporting sustainability, that is what’s most important. WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IN NEXT 12 MONTHS? Growing Group S (both Silverline and Screen Innovations) across all areas in a stable manner. This includes not only growing the turnover and investing in new processes and machinery, but also growing the businesses by enhancing new product development and increasing brand awareness.
Silverline
ARE YOU EXPORTING TO THE USA OR ARE YOU LIKELY TO IN 2017? This is unlikely due to our current plans.
Silverline
MOST SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT: Our most significant financial investments are in plant and machinery. To pinpoint one as an example, we recently invested in a second state-of-the-art laser-cutting machine at a cost of £350K in our Mildenhall plant. Silverline sees this type of investment, which improves processes, increases capacity and enhances capabilities, as key to future growth and stability in the marketplace. It gives the business the backbone that allows us to invest our time with the people and departments that make the business progress. UK TURNOVER: Group S – £12.2m, Silverline – £11m, Screen Innovations – £1.2m WHICH ISSUE CURRENTLY DEMANDS MOST
IF LIKE MOST GB MANUFACTURERS, YOU DIDN’T EXHIBIT AT ORGATEC, WHY NOT? Truthfully, we didn’t exhibit due to the costs involved to be able to have any great impact at an exhibition of that scale. Instead we concentrated on smaller local exhibitions and events which we believe spread that element of the marketing budget more effectively given the size of our company. We’d have been lost there with so many large international players and so much to see! Orgatec was great though – the networking opportunity it provided was very positive, as always, and the sales team did go over to Cologne. WHAT IS YOUR SELL TO A&D ABOUT ‘THE BENEFIT OF USING UK MANUFACTURERS’? Obviously, the trend towards sourcing locally is a big tick but the environmental benefits, flexibility and consistant quality, across products and service is key. These factors attribute to the sensible move towards sourcing locally. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR FINAL PRODUCT IS MADE IN THE UK? 95% Sustainability highlight BREEAM accreditations are great and if, on certain projects, they are a prerequisite, then they are
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Silverline
Spotlight - Manufacturing
Making the right impact A DAY OUT TO SEE THE WORK IN PROGRESS AT ELITE'S NEW STATE OF THE ART FACILITY
We asked John Hull, CEO why he doesn’t slow down and perhaps put his feet up a little. His response? ‘Continued enthusiasm and a drive to progress the company, our products and people to elevate our market share and presence’.
New manufacturing plant 2017
On the face of it, driving virtually from the west to the east of England to look at a factory on Monday morning would sound like a particularly unappealing prospect. Half an hour from Hull, this year’s City of Culture, Elite are expanding their manufacturing bases – in a big way! Julian Jowett, Elite Sales Director, has been talking about their new factory for the last two years – and sometimes you must have faith in others’ exuberance. We met at a suitable junction on the M62, where we were asked to follow. Our first thought was that the building across the junction ahead appeared to be more akin to a tech manufacturer, but as you can guess, it was not. The new Elite factory, all 22,692 sq m (nearly 250,000 sq ft) is due to be completed in August this year and really befits the ambitions of the firm established by John Hull back in 1986. Elite are on a charge – although there is nothing elitist about this organisation. It was clear from our visit that they have very significant ambitions – but are very clear they want to do it in the right way for their staff, clients and the impact on the environment.
As you will have seen in the rest of this Spotlight feature, manufacturing is alive and well in the UK and this was in evidence at almost at every turn as we were shown around the new factory. Elite are keen to do the right thing and take advantage of the clean sheet that is their new factory. The mix of natural
Two factories Showroom in London Route to market - Dealers Five days turnaround Turnover £19m Number of employees: 137 light and LED technology means that this is far from the dark and glooming environment often associated with this sector. The LED lighting was sourced locally from Contrac Lighting. This approach to sourcing locally should make logical economic sense but we got a sense that the management team set out to genuinely provide a benefit to the local SME businesses, for example, the main contractor, L Harrisons
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(Eastoft) Limited, is based just nine miles away. Sustainability has many faces and the motivation for the company to focus on environmental issues usually falls into three categories; driven by costs and savings, driven by regulations or by the desire to do the right thing for the environment. Elite are very aware that, increasingly, clients will demand stricter environmental policies. However, again we were left with the impression that they thought a robust environmental policy was the ‘right thing to do’. An example of this is the recently installed Biomass plant (1Mw boiler), which will take excess wood and create heating for the factory, reducing Elite’s carbon footprint. Saving energy was also key. Using the most effective materials and systems, the new factory will be twice the footprint of the current factory – yet will have the same energy use. Efficiency was evident in the machinery that has already been installed. The powder coating line with its ‘quick change booth’ enables 10-minute colour changes (a three-stage cleaning process so the same water is used
continuously in order to conserve water) giving the flexibility to meet customer demand and to ensure Elite maintain their swift lead times and high service levels. In total Elite have invested over £4m in new machinery at this plant, including an angle plant, tube laser, flat bed laser, panel processing machinery with the ability to edge panels without a visible glue line, a CNC (BAZ) machine and the aforementioned power coating line. Yet further demonstration of Elite’s commitment to increase production capacity and ability to enhance their product portfolio. We walked through the vast halls to the three tiers of the front of the building; office staff will be on the first floor while the next two floors, all 14,000 sq ft of it, will be given over to showing off the furniture. Elite will be creating new ranges to fulfill the increasing need for more flexible and collaborative furniture. Whilst we aren’t allowed to say too much, expect to see some great new designs soon, which the firm hopes will show the market that they are making real progress. Currently, the clear majority of business goes through their network of dealers. However, the recruitment of an A&D representative is on the cards, with the hope that they will get the message across to those previously out of the loop. As we were walking through the cavernous building we met up with MD John Hull. A qualified electrical engineer, John has overseen the creation of the new factory – not surprisingly down to the detail of the wiring. Perhaps it could be argued that his time would be better spent doing CEO duties. However, like much else here, it is clear the Elite like to do things their own way – they believe the right way – and if you get a chance to visit the Goole factory you’ll undoubtedly see that for yourselves. For what it is worth, we feel that for the boss to get involved in something he knows all about to ensure they have a building that is going to run smoothly makes an awful lot of sense. We asked John why he doesn’t slow down and perhaps put his feet up a little. His response? ‘Continued enthusiasm and a drive to progress the company, our products and people to elevate our market share and presence’. We finished by asking Julian if there was one thing this new factory represents. Quick as a flash his response was ‘progression’. If you are in manufacturing you must be in it for the long term, so regardless of the uncertain world we are in, it is clear that Elite have nailed their colours to the mast – and to us, following our visit, that flag says progression.
'Work in progress' taken March 2017
Getting support for your bright ideas In the first of a series of columns R&D experts Jumpstart provides an overview on how architects can benefit from generous support from a Government, keen to see innovation in design Key elements required to claim • Jumpstart technical team talk to you or your technical team • A claim is prepared and submitted to HMRC • A payment or tax relief is received What are potential areas that can create a claim ? • Energy efficiency systems • Substitution of building material • Development of new or improved building materials and composites • Improving limits of what can be done using existing materials • Acoustic dampening/isolation/distribution within a structure or space • Development of new or improved modular construction techniques What issues you may face to fulfil your ideal design? • Previously existing technical data and design rules (structural, acoustic, aerodynamic, thermal, etc) not applicable to proposed design • Proposed design not technically possible according to existing industry knowledge • Proposed design might be safe, but cannot achieve one or more required technical performance criteria using existing knowledge and techniques • Experimentation/prototyping of rooms, walls or structures required to measure performance Jumpstart are the experts in reducing what is often a complicated and time-consuming process into a painless means of supporting your innovation. If you would like to discuss further we would be delighted to explain more.
Ian Wolfendale Client Engagement Manager
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tel: 0131 240 2900 | mob: 07531 448 053 tel: 0370 218 5414 www.jumpstartuk.co.uk
PARÉ UP When we were recently asked if we’d like to meet up with the new man at the helm of the design direction for Gensler UK’s Work Sector, it must have taken tenths of a second before we responded with a resounding ‘Yes please’. Of course we wanted to meet him, to learn about his past, his hopes for the future, his take on the economy right now etc. So we set about diligently scribbling down ‘intelligent’ and hard-hitting questions. Almost immediately, however, we discover that Philippe Paré, Gensler Design Director and Principal, is very much a man after our own hearts, keen to share, to learn and, to put it very simply, to sit and chat. His passion for his work is instantly apparent. Philippe recently transferred from Gensler’s Los Angeles office to the London office, where he now leads the design direction for the firm’s workplace sector throughout Europe. ‘I think we’re now starting to get involved in the design process at a level we’ve never seen before,’ Philippe begins, showing that aforementioned passion. ‘We’ve recently started working with a fantastic company who are just establishing themselves here in the w
NVIDIA, Santa Clara, California
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Profile - Philippe Paré
C.V Principal Design Director at Gensler’s London office 70 accolades throughout his extensive career Designer for over 17 years 10 years at Gensler Workplace examples: Hyundai Capital, NVIDIA and Adidas. Achievements include: AIA’s Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture, Interior Design Magazine’s HIP and Best of Year awards, and the IIDA Global Excellence Award Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) from the Université de Montréal, Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Advisory Board member for the Art + Technology program at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Hyundai Capital
‘I think we’re now starting to get involved in the design process at a level we’ve never seen before
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Spotlight - Trends
T F A Tarkett Company
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Profile - Philippe Paré
THE ULTIMATE FLOORING EXPERIENCE
Gensler Global design firm grounded in the belief that great design optimises business performance and human potential. Over 5,000 practitioners 46 offices Example of innovative workplace design with power supplied directly from the ceiling at a UK HQ by Gensler
UK. They established themselves in Eastern Europe, but have global ambition. We’ve just started the process of designing their new headquarters in Barcelona. They don’t see themselves as a company that is looking to produce a building – they’re using this new headquarters as a laboratory of thought. Specifically, they want us to help them craft experiences. ‘For us designers, that’s a little challenging. It’s definitely taking us out of our ivory tower, for one. Two, you really have to be willing to have an open mind – and sometimes I think we designers are a little reluctant to do that. On the heel of that, I think it is important that we really look at workplace design from the standpoint of the user. It’s not good enough to have a beautiful looking workplace – is it also a highly usable environment? I think if we start to be really honest with ourselves, we can often be very prescriptive with the types of workplace that we are building. Of course you want things to align perfectly and have everything coordinating – but is that truly reflective of what your client is looking for and is that an environment that will allow them to
put their own touches on it and make it their own? ‘While a lot of the recent visual trends we have seen – such as industrial, imperfect, not pristine spaces – I think the next step, which is really fascinating, is going beyond what it looks like and how distressed it is. Can it in fact truly work for the user? ‘What we’re really starting to focus on is how these environments can help enhance wellbeing. I think sustainability was the first step in perhaps becoming more aware of how the working environment can have an impact on people’s health and now we’re looking much more at how this can impact all of our senses; how the body reacts to light, air quality, sounds and smells. I’m really, really excited to see where that will take us. Yes, it is about what it looks like, but it’s much more fundamental. We’ve done a lot of research on this. We’ve done some really interesting work with the Royal College of Art in terms of really understanding what this looks like. Imagine a working environment that not only has great places to work in, but also makes you healthier! That’s the ambition, right? Could
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“ we strive to make the everyday places people occupy more inspiring, more resilient, and more impactful”
you create something like that? It would certainly be pretty groundbreaking.’ So how is Philippe finding the grey-skies of London? ‘I think London is the design capital of the world. I’ll be honest, I’ve only been here for a couple of months, so my knowledge of the London market is evolving every day. I think there is a real opportunity here. I think London is miles ahead in terms of the co-working movement – and that has an impact on how occupiers and clients think about their workplaces. I think that is naturally spurring on an eagerness to embrace a more activity-based model. ‘There’s a blurring of the line that is enriching both the corporate office properties themselves but also the way people work. The exciting thing – and also the real challenge is how you take something that works really well in, say, Shoreditch and then see if it has a life in Canary Wharf or the City. ‘It’s interesting to see how certain industries are changing. You now have financial companies who are becoming w
Profile - Philippe Paré
Hyundai Capital
Hyundai Capital
increasingly tech based and their need to hire and retain the best talent hinges on them offering environments that will speak to that talent. At the same time, they need to present a face that doesn’t scare investors – that’s an interesting balance. ‘We’ve recently been working with Hyundai Capital in Reigate. They are a financial services company whose services increasingly hinge upon their tech guys. They wanted us to create an environment for them that I call ‘sophisticated industrial’ – so you can dress it up or dress it down. It has to be serious enough and polished enough to not scare away their financial partners, but at the same time attract the right people to do the job for them. It was a really interesting job.’ Although the project was started while Philippe was still in LA it has now also become
his first job since his move to London. As a Design Principal, Studio Director and Practice Area Leader, Philippe brings more than 17 years’ design expertise to each project and team he leads. During his 12 years with Gensler’s Los Angeles office he created a bestpractice studio that embraces the art of craft as a driver of innovation. Philippe’s commitment to clients has led to multiple repeat projects. With an uncompromising attention to detail, he has proven that aspirational design offers exceptional mentoring opportunities, improves communities and benefits the companies and institutions he serves. His idea-driven approach to design has earned Philippe numerous accolades (over 70!), including the AIA’s Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture, and he
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most recently was recognized with Interior Design Magazine’s inaugural HIP award. An art enthusiast, Philippe serves as an Advisory Board member for the Art + Technology program at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Philippe earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the Université de Montréal, with additional architectural studies at Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. We ask Philippe, considering his not inconsiderable remit and territory, how he sees his own role and working life here in London. ‘I’m always looking for challenges,’ he smiles. ‘There is so much competition here and I thought, ‘I need to go over there and give it a try’. I think this is what pushes us forward – challenging ourselves. The talent here is just incredible. For me, this is all about great work. It’s about finding the environments that will allow us to do the best possible work.’ Philippe is clearly not taking a step back from the design ‘coal face’, continuing to work closely with Hyundai Capital (he’s already headed projects for the company in Germany, Seoul, Beijing and the United States, as well as Reigate) – and he will also be leading the team that will undertake Gensler’s own London headquarters relocation. Well, he did say he likes to challenge himself. ‘It’s really exciting,’ Philippe says of the move to Moretown – the revitalised campus at Thomas More Square. ‘Well have our own address again and direct access from Thomas More Square. It’s a multi-storey facility, which will have an incredible interconnecting atrium with stairs and overhanging meeting rooms, it’ll have a co-working space – like I said, it’s pretty exciting.’
Spotlight - Trends
Kaleid
SCOPE
Imagine • Design • Create www.karndean.com 67
KD2892UK 01/17
Kaleidoscope is our latest collection, demonstrating the flexibility of Karndean and adding a new dimension to Designflooring. Available in six shapes, with numerous colour combinations, this collection offers an easy way to add a unique element to your design.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
THE RO U N D TA B L E
KATHERINE NEATHERCOAT, SCOTT BROWNRIGG
Last year we dipped our toes into the world of hospitality design and, following a fascinating and revealing Round Table session, felt that there was plenty more we would like to discuss on the subject. So we’ve once again taken over Hansgrohe’s fantastic Water Studio in Clerkenwell, assembled a number of key players from
THEO CONSTANTINIDES, GARDINER & THEOBALD
HOTEL
the sector and sat them around the table to talk about the latest trends, developments and issues affecting their businesses and hotel design. The following gives
Our timing for the session couldn’t have been better, and we start by asking those amongst our panel who have recently returned from the Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin to tell us about the major emerging trends from the event.
you a summary of what was a fasinating discussion. ALAN WILLIAMS, SERVICEBRAND GLOBAL
THEO: People were talking less about hotel styles and more about Millennials this year. It was all about what they want. It used to be that people primarily wanted a comfy bed and a great shower – now they want IT, a great bar and blackout blinds. There was a lot of talk about lifestyle – and I’m a simple man and I’d like someone to explain to me exactly what lifestyle means?
CLAIRE RICHMOND, GENSLER
TINA: It is a very difficult one to answer, I think. What it really comes down to is something that is aspirational – about how people want to live. What we talked a lot about this year was brands – how people differentiate between brands and how the brands differentiate themselves. The problem that we have is how you set the brands apart and create something that is original.
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The Round Table FEDERICO: I think that’s why we didn’t talk so much about styles. They broke things down more simply into luxury, lifestyle and entry levels. There was quite a lot of discussion about the luxury market and how that it is starting to take over and there was also a lot of discussion about lifestyle and aspiration. There was a lot of talk about how, if people want to stay somewhere on a budget that is not Airbnb, then you have to give a reason to stay there – to give something extra. KATHERINE: I think one of the things that people are very invested in right now is experience. It’s not necessarily about the decoration and the design of the space – it’s keying into what people value. They might want that perception of something that is beautiful and elegant and very highly detailed, or it might be the service they get or it might be about the environment… What the team that we sent out to Berlin reported back was that there is increasingly a massive crossover and blurring between the lines of how we design for hotels, workplace and residential. There was a real emphasis on designing for the digital generation – rather than talking about Millennials, which is almost
KRISTIAN PIOLET, HANSGROHE
MARK DOUGHTY, HOARE LEA
FEDERICO TORESI, 1508 LONDON
F OX T R O T HENRY REEVE, IHG
seen as a negative term today and covers such a broad age range. Hotel design now, for us, is very much more about thinking about the experience rather than the design. So it is experience-led as opposed to design-led – and we’re finding the same with workplace, which also continues to be driven by hospitality design. THEO: People are now working where they stay and staying where the work – there’s a real blending. KATHERINE: You go to a workplace now and they want their reception to look like a boutique hotel and they want their floorplates to look like someone’s home. That, for me, sums up what that lifestyle offer we were talking about earlier means. It’s not so much what it looks like, it’s the functionality and the experience that really counts. A lot of hospitality is now designed for that digital generation – and I’m not so sure that, at the luxury end of the market, there is a great amount of difference in the offer. w
BEN REED, HANSGROHE
It used to be that people primarily wanted a comfy bed and a great shower – now they want IT, a great bar and blackout blinds Theo Constantinides TINA NORDEN, CONRAN AND PARTNERS
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As we are lucky enough to have a major end user amongst our gathering, we ask IHG’s Henry to give us his views and experience on this differentiating of brands. HENRY: In terms of our core brands, we only really have five or six – as opposed to some other major groups who have many more than us. Our brands are split fairly clearly. We split quite specifically into luxury, upscale and mid-scale – and they don’t really blur too much, so we don’t have too much of a problem. Perhaps one issue we’ve had recently was that we completely redesigned our entry-level product in Holiday Inn Express (Generation IV), particularly with regards to work. So we removed the old-fashioned desk from the guest room – which was quite a bold thing to do. These are normally traditional L-shaped guest rooms with a desk in the corner – and we ripped it out! We did this partially because people are now working in a different way – on iPads and on phones, but also because it meant an optimized room footprint, so we could fit more rooms in, and the third outcome was that we could make our public spaces more appealing and lifestyle focused – and people would then go downstairs and potentially spend more money at the bar. By activating a public space in this way, people start to walk in and say ‘This feels great, I want to be here’ – and that includes locals and not just the guests. Once we had completely redesigned our entrylevel product, that did have quite a significant impact on everything else – you suddenly had a nice big bed, USB chargers, everything was very modern and even small things like using more design focused fabric suppliers and products really uplifted the product, and that made all the other brands look up. It’s a nice problem to have – it’s exciting to have such a good entry-level product and to then look to bump those other brands up. At the very top
When I first became a Managing Director of a hotel I thought, ‘These guys must have all the intel about their guests’. Alan Williams
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The Round Table
One thing we have seen in the hospitality sector is a big focus on energy use – people looking to drive down lifecycle energy costs and renewables. Mark Doughty
level, going back to the lifestyle point, there’s only so much marble, brass and gold you can have – and that’s where this lifestyle element really comes in. You stop thinking of it as a hotel and more as a destination where you can come in and work, meet friends, hang at the bar… BEN: For a long time you’d walk along the street, past a hotel and you’d think ‘I can’t go in there!’ Now, they positively encourage you in. They want you to use their bar and to bring the community around them into their space to increase their revenue. MARK: I’ve primarily been working in the workplace sector. I’ve worked on and delivered a number of hotels as well – and we’ve certainly seen how hospitality has come into the workplace and how that mixes across. It’s about home from home – it’s about having those spaces you’d have in your home, about lifestyle. One thing we have seen in the hospitality sector is a big focus on energy use – people looking to drive down lifecycle energy costs and renewables. THEO: We’ve worked on a couple of projects with American operators who really couldn’t give a toss about that. They want the air conditioning on and simply don’t care about that sustainable side. FEDERICO: When it comes to new buildings, I find that the green issue is very much linked with the fund – and whether they are likely to flip it in two or three years’ time. If you have
an owner who’s going to run it for 20 or 30 years, they are really keen to get as much in as possible that will save them money in the long run. If you’re working with a fund who’s going to look to flip it, like Theo said, they don’t give a toss because they want to cut the costs and make the thing work for two years! TINA: We did a hotel with Mark a little while back – which was one of the first BREEAM Excellent hotels in the UK – and they were very much a brand who wanted to keep the hotel and to own it as an asset, hence they were interested in making that investment. HENRY: That tends to come from the owner though and not the guests. One question we get asked a lot is, ‘Do guests really want eco-friendly showers?’ – or do they not care because they’re not at home and they’re not paying the bills. ALAN: When I first became a Managing Director of a hotel I thought, ‘These guys must have all the intel about their guests’. So I contacted head office in the States and asked whether there was someone who could tell me how much importance a guest attaches to this versus that versus the other. The answer was ‘No’. HENRY: That data does exist, though there’s an element of give and take of providing guests with what they want and doing what you can to help the environment, sometimes these two issues align well, and sometimes not. w
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
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ALAN: I think we should have a scientific understanding of what value a guest places on the various elements of their stay. Picking up on the earlier point of the experience, it will really assist the whole design world if there is a shift towards supporting the experience rather than just creating design for the sake of it. With ‘the experience’ still very much in mind, we move the conversation on to talk about how there has been a shift from hotels focusing on certain demographics to shared values. CLAIRE: This is something we’ve been really interested in lately. So instead of saying ‘Well, that person’s this old, they’ve had this education and they come from this country’, it’s about saying ‘This person’s really passionate about music, they’re really creative’. I think a lot of this has to do with changes in technology. People connect on social media and we are far more open to breaking down generational and social barriers. We now have to think about designing for individuals and for groups – both in guest rooms and in public areas. But designing spaces for likeminded people to meet. ALAN: ‘I’m not sure if you’re familiar with Pine and Gilmore’s Experience Economy in the 1990’s? What they did was they took coffee as an example; first it was traded as a commodity, then it became a good – so you could go and buy a bag of coffee beans, take them home and brew them – then it became a service, so you could go and buy a cup of brewed coffee. Then it became an experience; this is all the razzamatazz and the rest of it…but this was in the 1990’s! That’s nearly 30 years ago. I reckon we’re now entering the values economy – which is where you just want to do business with organisations that you have a shared sense of value with and you just want to be with people like yourself.’
CONCLUSION: The guest has never had more choice and that choice is driving up the standards with both new and established brands at all ends for the hotel spectrum. Provided the operator and designer can agree on all aspects of the project, they have to focus on the guest ‘experience’ above all else; leaving the guest with the right impression, who will then go on to be advocates of the brand - and, like the workplace, it seems as though it's the pesky millennials that are driving change.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
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It’s not necessarily about the decoration and the design of the space – it’s keying into what people value. Katherine Neathercoat
Spotlight - Trends
MARK DOUGHTY, HOARE LEA
ALAN WILLIAMS, SERVICEBRAND
Mark is a Partner at Hoare Lea LLP, one of the
GLOBAL
largest firms of consulting engineers in the
Alan assists organisations to align customer
UK, offering a full range of design services
experience with the brand identity through
and specialising in mechanical, electrical
inspiring employees. Director Alan has
and public health (MEP) engineering and
particular experience in the service sector –
associated specialist disciplines. The firm
hospitality, retail, workplace and professional
focuses on projects in the UK and overseas, with an impressive project
services generally – and his focus is on the customer experience and
portfolio covering everything from simple feasibility studies to some of
translating strategy into outstanding employee behaviour.
the biggest schemes in the world.
Favourite hotel bar/drink: The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong Ozone bar for
Favourite hotel bar/drink: The Long Bar, Raffles Hotel Singapore. The
the great views from 118 floors above the city.
drink? Singapore Sling – what else? KATHERINE NEATHERCOAT, SCOTT TINA NORDEN, CONRAN AND
BROWNRIGG
PARTNERS
As Head of Interior Design, Katherine works
Tina is an Associate Director, who has over 19
closely with Scott Brownrigg's interior design
years' experience with Conran and Partners.
team, developing the studio’s multi-sector
She has extensive creative and project-
offering within the corporate, commercial,
running experience in most sectors with a
residential, hospitality and education
focus on hospitality and residential projects.
sectors. Katherine’s responsibilities also include setting financial
Tina has completed numerous exciting projects in the UK and abroad,
targets and developing the annual business plan, together with
particularly in Asia.
supporting Scott Brownrigg’s wider international growth initiatives.
Favourite hotel bar/drink: Classic Negroni at the Chateau Marmont
Favourite hotel bar/drink: My favourite in London is the London
in LA or Martini with a twist at Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn Palm
Edition at Berners Tavern. I would order a Campari and fresh orange.
Springs. THEO CONSTANTINIDES, GARDINER & HENRY REEVE, IHG
THEOBALD
Henry is Director of Design & Innovation at
Theo is Board Partner at Gardiner & Theobald
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which
and has been with the practice since 1998.
has over 5,028 hotels across nearly 100
Head of the Hotel/Hospitality Sector Group,
countries. Henry is working on new brand
he is actively involved in all aspects of cost
QO – a luxury eco hotel opening later this
planning and management on a number
year in Amsterdam – and Hotel Indigo, part
of high profile hotels for a variety of clients, including the recently
of a chain of boutique hotels. As Director of Design & Innovation,
completed Lanesborough Hotel and Sheraton Park Lanes as well as
Henry’s principal job is to ensure the team delivers an unrivalled guest
the soon to complete and eagerly anticipated The Ned and the iconic
experience.
10 Trinity Square.
Favourite hotel bar/drink: Bar U in Hotel Indigo Kraków, which serves
Favourite hotel bar/drink: The Beaufort Bar at the Savoy, sipping an
some potent local vodkas. My drink must be an Old Fashioned, long
Old Fashioned, without the fruit – and in a perfect world I'd have a big
before the Mad Men made it famous.
fat Cohiba too!
CLAIRE RICHMOND, GENSLER
FEDERICO TORESI, 1508 LONDON
As a Senior Associate, Claire believes designs
With two decades of interior fit-out
should challenge expectations and result in
experience, Federico is the Director of
cohesive, relevant spaces. She is currently
Hospitality and a registered architect and
responsible for leading interior design teams
interior designer looking after clients in
predominantly on 4 & 5* hotel projects, which
Oman, Morocco, Russia, Turkey, USA, Chile,
include public areas, F&B, conference facilities,
mainland Europe and the UK. He deals first-
spa & fitness and guestrooms & suites. Working with clients in Europe,
hand with both clients and developers on various sizes of hospitality
Russia, America and Middle East, Claire was also recently asked to
and residential projects and mediates between the two to ensure the
take part in The Sleep Set design competition at Sleep 2016 ('Which
timely, cost-effective and coordinated delivery of schemes.
she went on to win!'), to create a guestroom experience that pushes
Favourite hotel bar/drink: My favourite drink is a Negroni. Triple the
boundaries and explores new ideas for the future.
fun with three equal amounts of my favourite drink – gin, Campari
Favourite hotel bar/drink: It would have to be a cocktail at the
and Martini Rosso. A perfect blend of two parts Italian and one
Artesian Bar at the Langham. They're a fantastic concoction of
English – a bit like me! The place I love to drink it the most is at Funky
science, creativity and provocation!
Claude’s Bar, at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland.
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Case Study
HOME IS A CASTLE Cirencester is not the easiest place to get to. Thanks to Mr. Beeching back in the 1960’s, the town lost not one but two stations, leaving it without a direct railway network. Thanks to Roger the taxi driver, this needn’t be a major issue.
In Short money.co.uk is a free, online comparison service Established in 2008 by Chris Morling Website compares over 17,000 financial products Won Best Overall Website – Digital Media Awards 2014
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Indeed, this ‘minor inconvenience’ (Roger’s words, not ours) does not appear to have greatly affected this charming, quintessentially English town. In fact, from the very brief view we were able to take, Cirencester is in rude health. It is also finding a way to blend the old with the new, the traditional with the modern – and there’s no greater example of this than one of the town’s leading employers, money.co.uk. Established in 2008 by serial entrepreneur Chris Morling, money.co.uk remains the only independently owned and financed comparison website among the top players. This means the business can be agile and fast moving without having to answer to an external board of shareholders, and was recently ranked the second fastest growing business in the UK. Based in Cirencester and London, money. co.uk attracts millions of visitors every month to its website, which compares over 17,000 financial products and offers consumers the best tools and information in the industry. Furthermore, money.co.uk provides something different and fresh to employees in
Case Study - Money.co.uk
Reception h
the area – and its working home is a perfect reflection of its unique outlook and culture. Local firm Interaction was asked to create the ultimate workplace for money.co.uk, transforming its unique and characterful office in The Castle – and we’re met by the firm’s designer, Egle Bareikyte, Sales & Marketing Director Hayley Blacker and Digital Marketing Assistant Samuel Douglas-Jones. We’re told that, having not had any major work done in years, the 10,000 sq ft Grade II listed Victorian space money.co.uk occupied did not illustrate the current standing and vision for the future of the business. ‘We hadn’t worked with money.co.uk before,’ Hayley tells us. ‘They were delighted with how we were able to hit the brief and with our design capability – and liked the fact that we were a local option. ‘They also have a link with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen – who again is local – and he’s designed six meeting/breakout rooms throughout The Castle.’ ‘They were founded in Cirencester,’ Sam reveals. ‘They already occupied half the
Ice room h
We didn’t need to explore other options for office space. The fact that they worked in The Castle was the driver behind everything really.
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building and the other half was the local college. When the school left, the space became available and they looked to bring together the two separate spaces. It was pretty derelict at the time.’ ‘They really loved the fact that they were based in The Castle,’ Egle continues. ‘We didn’t need to explore other options for office space. The fact that they worked in The Castle was the driver behind everything really. They wanted to be really proud of where they worked.’ At the heart of the refurbishment was the money.co.uk team, with the firm wanting to reward the staff with the best possible working environment. This meant creating a space where their team could flourish, fulfill their potential and feel happy. Furthermore, the comparison company needed its new inspiring work environment to continue to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. ‘It was really worn out and a bit beige when we first looked at the space,’ Egle concedes. ‘They had tried to make it feel like w
Case Study - money.co.uk
Essentials Client money.co.uk Interior Design Interaction Artists Andy Council Zac Simmonds-Hurn Rob Draper Graphics Freestyle Designs Furniture & Finishes Connection, Ocee, Chorus, Orangebox, Boss Design, Senator, Vitra, Spacestor, Interface, Karndean, RB Flooring, 299 Lighting, Frovi, Sixteen3, SoundTech
Kithcen h
Library h
Cinema h
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a home but at the same time they have grown massively over the past couple of years. They really wanted their culture to shine through but simply didn’t have the workspace to reflect that. ‘There were loads and loads of rooms here – teams of eight and 12 and 16 were working in these individual rooms. Members of the same team would find themselves on the other side of the walls! We have now created open plan offices over three floors.’ ‘It was really important to open things up,’ Sam takes over. ‘The way they had been working didn’t encourage collaboration, so – wherever possible, bearing in mind this is a listed building – we’ve looked to give them open space to work in.’ The design team looked to juxtapose the traditional architecture of The Castle with a contemporary and unique decor. The building provides a characterful and quirky setting for a workplace setting – and it was therefore felt that the interior needed to reflect the eccentricity of the exterior. The list of original, bold and brilliant features is incredible – and includes an amazing bespoke Star Wars themed cinema (interestingly styled on the Death Star and not the more obvious Millennium Falcon) complete with popcorn machine, paint splattered suits of armour (think Stone Roses eponymous album) and a variety of themed bathrooms – such as ‘Rolling Stones’ and ‘Steam Punk’. The work on The Castle was completed with staff in occupation and delivered in two stages; the main workspace was completed in the first phase, and the meetings spaces and informal rooms delivered in the second. Major works included the fitting of a bespoke oak external staircase, which links the back of The Castle to the main entrance. We’re told that the staircase was removed years ago and its restoration was critical to unlocking how the space worked as it allows everyone to enter the main hub of the building. Interaction also gave a new lease of life to neglected basement rooms, creating two gyms (one for cardio/yoga and another for weight training), which are both linked to changing rooms with showers. Having a diverse range of teams (from programmers to content writers, each with varying needs) money.co.uk was keen to provide a facility that allows its people to work the way they want to work. ‘We explored the individual requirements of every employee, in order to design a multitude of flexible and adaptable workspaces tailored to the needs of the teams,’ Egle explains. ‘These spaces give people the freedom to work how they want. We had conversations with all the w
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Case Study - money.co.uk
team here to discover what they like, what they don’t like and how the teams work. We wanted them to have an input into how their space would look and work. I think those conversations proved to be a really useful tool for us. From there, we took those ideas, went away and created a series of visuals and then presented back to them. ‘A few of the spaces were left as a complete surprise to them. They were sealed off throughout the project and only revealed when we’d completed the entire building.’ ‘They didn’t really have breakout space before – they would eat at their desks and had no alternative settings,’ Hayley tells us. ‘Just by creating these environments, we’ve been able to completely change the way they work and interact.’ There are now a host of settings in which people can go for informal meetings, private work, training, relaxing or socialising. This includes the ‘ice cave’, which can be used for an informal meeting, or to eat and socialise. Then there is the ski lodge, which can be accessed through a secret door in the library. Perfect for relaxation or quiet work. With software and technology at the heart of the business, having the best technology to interface seamlessly with the work environment was imperative. Interaction installed SONOS in every room, with w
Board room h
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Case Study
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Case Study - money.co.uk
A few of the spaces were left as a complete surprise to them. They were sealed off throughout the project and only revealed when we’d completed the entire building.
iPads mounted on the walls to allow the team to enjoy a productive environment. There are no less than 30 TVs throughout the office, all linked to a HDMI matrix, which makes collaboration effortless. A new, grand ‘high-tech’ room boasts a 98” 4K TV with the latest video conferencing system, to allow money.co.uk’s agile teams to communicate easily, while outside every meeting room is a touchscreen booking panel. The Castle is a fun, unique and extraordinary environment that goes beyond convention. After nine months on site, the client is clearly happy with the results. ‘We very quickly realised that this was much too big a job to do on our own, and we made the right decision by bringing Interaction on board,’ Chris Morling, Founder and Managing Director of money.co.uk, says. ‘They opened our eyes to what was possible beyond just making the place look pretty. The workplace adds an extra level of motivation and satisfaction from working in such a stunning and functional environment. ‘I absolutely love the finished product and I’m really delighted, going above and beyond my original expectations.’ This project might raise a purist’s eyebrows and won’t be to everyone’s taste. Vitally, however, the space works for the client and is a perfect example of how to place employee wellbeing at the centre of the brief. We’ve smiled a lot while walking through the space and take our hats off to a client who genuinely practices what they preach and a design team who were willing to push boundaries. If we were budding programmers or entrepreneurs in and around Cirencester, we’d certainly want to work in The Castle. And not just because it’s got a Death Star cinema!
Gents in the lower groundh
Gentsh
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Whodunnit? Essentials We’re in central London to take a look at the new working home of Agatha Christie Ltd and we can’t help but get into the spirit of the most prolific and best selling author of all time by not revealing all until the cliff-hanging end.
Client Agatha Christie Ltd Interior Design ODB Group Workstations/Task Seating Techo Soft Seating/Breakout Table Connection Meeting Tables Brunner
Best known and loved for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Agatha Christie also wrote the world's longest-running play – murder mystery The Mousetrap – and six bittersweet tales under the name Mary Westmacott. In 1971 she was made a Dame for her contribution to literature, before her death in 1976 at the grand age of 85. Agatha Christie Ltd has been managing the literary and media rights to Agatha Christie's works around the world since 1955, when the company was set up by Christie herself. It is today chaired and managed by Agatha Christie’s great grandson, James Prichard. Recently, the company moved to new premises on Drury Lane – in the heart of London’s theatreland. Deciding upon the design and build route, a leading firm was asked by Agatha Christie Ltd to help create a new office environment – one which was clearly aligned with the Agatha Christie brand, which is rich in heritage and yet has a growing contemporary momentum. ‘As a brand whose roots are firmly embedded in literature it was important to our client that the extensive volumes of works by Agatha Christie and owned by the
organisation, should play an integral part in the design,’ we are told by a mystery design figure. ‘Our challenge was to take a neutral office in central London and give it personality and warmth and align it with the Agatha Christie brand values.’ As the company’s offices were situated on the third floor of an impersonal office block in London, it was important that, as visitors stepped out of the lift, they would immediately be aware that they had entered a creative and historic environment. The team therefore designed a feature wall directly facing the lift with Agatha Christie’s distinctive signature on a striking black background so that visitors would be in no doubt as to where they were. Other personal touches, which give a nod to the brand’s heritage, include the use of quotations from Agatha Christie novels, which provide a visual stimulus of her work and are reproduced at various strategic points around the office. Tactile bespoke wooden bookcases are used to display the company’s many (and when we say many, we mean many!) copies of Agatha Christie’s publications and to create warmth and personality. We’re told that we can find every single piece of Agatha Christie’s work here – and many of them in multiple languages. ‘They are integral to who Agatha Christie Ltd is, so they had to be on display. w
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Flooring Milliken/Amtico Bespoke Bookcases Profile Joinery
Case Study - Agatha Christie Ltd
In Short Chaired and managed by Agatha Christie’s great grandson James Prichard Set up by Agatha Christie herself in 1955 64% of ACL is owned by RLJ Entertainment and 36% is owned by Agatha Christie’s family.
Kitchen, workplace or bookshop? h
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Case Study - Agatha Christie
It’s that visual reminder and it also breaks up the canvas here,’ we’re told. ‘Because of the nature of the space here – which is long and quite thin – we didn’t want to enclose the space and create more walls, so we have open-back displays, which still allow the light into the space.’ Artwork, photographs and memorabilia from some of the great Christie movies are also on display to create visual appeal and interest. Indeed, it was important to Agatha Christie Ltd that the new home was visually appealing and inviting. As the company is often visited by creatives from film and TV companies, the management team at Agatha Christie wanted the office and meeting rooms to have a contemporary feel. The space is therefore designed to feel very open with predominantly white walls and etched glass partitions creating a sense of light and space and with the books and artefacts giving it a heritage feel. Splashes of accent colour on some walls are used to create interest alongside the book covers themselves. ‘It is a very neutral canvas,’ we’re told, ‘and there is great natural light here, which makes it feel bright and modern.’ Modern is an important word for the company right now, with the team here helping bring those great works of the 20th century bang up to date. ‘Our aim is to tell Agatha Christie’s timeless stories to today’s audiences around the world,’ says Nikki White, Executive Assistant at Agatha Christie Ltd, who helped
Our aim is to tell Agatha Christie’s timeless stories to today’s audiences around the world.
facilitate the office move. ‘We’ve recently produced two brand new adaptations of ‘And Then There Were None’ and ‘The Witness for the Prosecution’, both of which have a real contemporary feel in their interpretation. Plus, we’re building up to a major Fox movie adaptation of ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ this coming November, with Kenneth Branagh directing and starring as Poirot, alongside Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench and many more. ‘We do get quite a lot of visitors here – including the production companies we work with, publishers, games developers…it has a fairly heavy footfall. That’s why we’re in this part of London. We’ve always had a central location, in and around the Covent Garden area, and our new office means we can really reflect the brand and its heritage.’ The space is designed as mainly open plan with a large modern U-shaped kitchen and an informal meeting room – referred to as the ‘library’ – at the far end. Both are used for social interaction and a more relaxed working environment. As mentioned a little earlier, open-ended bookcases are used to ensure that staff did not feel cut off from each other. The bright w
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Case Study
shimmer of a golden spring
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,,
Case Study - Agatha Christie
open space has a strong sense of the brand’s heritage, which serves to create a sense of belonging and ownership by the whole team. At the other end of the space we find two meeting rooms, which can be opened to form a single larger boardroom facility. ‘Again, we’ve kept the space mainly neutral, with artworks and memorabilia from the films and TV productions providing a bit of visual interest,' we're told, 'including a really cool clock and the original figures used in the recent ‘And Then There Were None’. ‘We also wanted to bring in a bit more warmth with the use of timber – and again we wanted to keep things subtle and neutral throughout. ‘It’s a lovely little project and there is only a relatively small team here. Therefore, flexibility wasn’t really a major issue. People have their own desks – and they wouldn’t want to work in any other way. We were slightly concerned that the kitchen/ breakout space was a little too close to the working area, but we’ve used different flooring and finishes to demark the area and it actually works really well.’ So, we’ve gathered in the boardroom here at Drury Lane for the big reveal. Whodunnit? It was ODB Group’s Design Director Andy Terry, with the design expertise. The reveal might not be up to the standards of Poirot – but there’s no doubt we’ve still managed to get a great result here.
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Case Study
Acoustic Solutions from Ocee Design
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In Short UK’s largest insurer and one of Europe’s leading providers of life and general insurance. The Aviva brand name was launched in July 2002 Approaching 30,000 members of staff 33 million customers worldwide
Aviva La Vida While lads in hard hats and hi-vis jackets sip coffee and chat about last night’s football, paying absolutely no attention to their surroundings, tourists stand and stare upwards at the awesome man-made structures that encircle them. Spinning around they first see the Gherkin, then Lloyd’s of London, then the Leadenhall building and, finally, St Helen’s – Aviva Tower. 88
Although the first three of these four towers may be better known to them, there has been something of a swan-like transformation here. And although this reworking is largely interior, at least a part of it is extremely visible from the central, streetlevel square. Aviva plc is a British multinational insurance company headquartered in London. It has around 33 million customers across 16 countries. In the UK, Aviva is the largest general insurer and a leading life and pensions provider. In addition, Aviva has a focus on five markets in Europe and, in Asia, the company is focused on the growth markets of China and South East Asia. Aviva is also the second largest general insurer in Canada. Amazingly, Aviva can trace its history back to the establishment of the Hand in Hand Fire & Life Insurance Society in London in 1696, while Winston Churchill took out a policy with one of its companies in 1896! Since 2013, the company has sought to bring new life to both its client experience at St Helen’s and to the adjacent square. Two giant screens are now clear to see from outside and, we’re told, have already been used to broadcast major sporting events to the community here in this part of the City. What the majority of those sports fans don’t know, however, is that the screens are merely the little brothers of the giant screen that is actually directly beneath them and the square – but more about that later. We make our way across the square and into the bright, open entrance of St Helen’s, where we meet with TTSP Project Architect Anna Rigoli. We ask about the origins of the project. ‘Aviva were not an existing client – we pitched in a competition,’ Anna tells us. ‘The original brief was – in one week – to come up with a transformation for the ground, basement and mezzanine floor, including ideas for the façade of the building, so we adopted an urban approach to looking at the building. We wanted to re-clad the façade and make the building interact with the outside, to create a dual focus and to make it look much more iconic from street level. ‘We introduced backlit glass portals to the front and rear elevations, which really grabbed Aviva’s attention in the first place. The nature of the existing structure worked in our favour, whereby we were able to reclad a doublestorey height façade with minimal impact structurally, but maximum impact visually.’ Although the initial pitch was extremely quick, Anna and the TTSP team have worked on this ever-evolving scheme for over two years. ‘There have been a number of changes in that time,’ Anna confirms. ‘It has evolved a great
Case Study - Aviva
Essentials Client Aviva plc Architecture & Interior Design TTSP
Floor to ceiling, wall to wall screen h
deal. Aviva has also evolved at the same time. They are proud of their history and heritage – and were keen that we included that in the scheme here on the ground floor – but they are also transforming into a digital company, so wanted to show that they are a modern, forward thinking business. ‘The original ground floor was drab and poorly lit, so we have opened all of this up and put in glazing throughout. The double-height glazed façade at the front is supported by full-height glass fins, which are almost 8m high. These were ordered before contracts were signed because they only produce this size of glass twice a year in Europe and we had to order it straight away, otherwise we would have missed six months on the programme! ‘I think this is really effective. I like the transparency. When you stand here it almost feels as though you are in the square itself. ‘The CEO of Aviva wanted something edgier – this is very much his vision as it were – and he wanted visitors and passers-by to be wowed by it. From the feedback we have received, this has indeed been the case.’ We head further into the space and discover that nod to the history Anna spoke about. ‘They wanted something that felt less conventionally corporate and a little more domestic or boutique hotel, with the soft seating for informal meetings and the muted colours,’ she tells us. ‘We looked into the heritage and have designed a hanging system to display artwork and artefacts from the incredible Aviva archive collection. Alongside this heritage, we also have an interactive digital history wall, which is good fun and a
Structural Engineer Cundall
I like the transparency. When you stand here it almost feels as though you are in the square itself.
Lighting Consultant Paul Nulty Staircase Spiral Staircases Furniture Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Cappellini, Walter Knoll, Koleksyion, Alias
nice nod to the modern business that Aviva is today.’ We move up to the mezzanine floor, where an impressive new working space has been created. Clean, bright and contemporary, with full-height glazing along the far perimeter, the space has apparently become a real favourite for Aviva’s staff. We can see why. Although we’ve been impressed by everything we’ve seen here at St Helen’s, Anna tells us that maybe the most impressive is still to come in the shape of the transformation of the basement. ‘We’ve opened up a new staircase constructed from ground floor to two basement levels below, framed in stainless steel rods and integral lighting,’ Anna confirms, as we make our way underground. ‘The basement wasn’t a very nice space before – it was extremely dark and dingy. We’ve really brought it to life. The Ante Room is the heart of the design – this is a generous space that can be used for conferences and for meetings. You’ll notice that there are no security barriers here. This has been one of the biggest changes. The CEO wanted this to feel like a space where people are welcome and w New staircase h 89
M&E Services GDM
Case Study - Aviva
for TTSP to create a new visitor experience that would connect with the entrance and had no barriers. At the back of the Ante Room is the biggest door we have installed.’ Anna opens the enormous door and leads us into the incredible auditorium/ conference centre beyond. Here we find the big brother of the screens in reception – a vast curved screen that spans the entire width of this impressive facility. Anna even asks a kind operator to switch the screen on for us, where we can see just how amazingly sharp the resolution is. ‘It’s a big telly!’ Anna grins. ‘The technology and the finishes here are high quality. Aviva were keen that the facilities here were of a high standard aesthetically, but with durability.’ Moving on, Anna takes us through to the adjacent meeting suite, which includes Aviva’s agora – a room, surrounded by bleacher style seating. ‘They have rolled out this innovative meeting concept globally,’ Anna reveals. ‘This is a meeting space where the speaker is at the centre of the action and everyone sits around. They tell me that this is really popular and is used a lot. It can also be used as a more informal space for staff training.’ The lack of natural light in the meeting suite beyond the Town Hall facility is completely overcome with an extremely effective lighting scheme. ‘They do have a need for quite a lot of meeting rooms, so it’s nice that people can
come together in this space. Again, these are really well used by the staff. We worked with lighting consultants to get the levels right. You do get a little bit of natural light coming through from the new staircase but we did have to work quite hard to get a comfortable balance.’ Anna tells us that beyond the meeting suite (we had no idea of the scale of this space!) is a brand new kitchen facility that serves the entire building, then to the other side of the winding staircase is a new gym, changing rooms and an exercise studio. ‘We did everything from the architectural elements such as the cladding and the staircase, through to the furniture,’ Anna concludes ‘It’s been really nice to work across all aspects. Aviva is a great client to work with and I think they are very happy with what we have done here.’
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Agora - literally means 'gathering space' h
Case Study
Drumback Task Chair Design: Martin Ballendat
Your Seating Companion. 91
For more information and a dealer list, call 07769 88 33 35 or visit www.viasit.co.uk.
Case Study
Ollin from CBS The next chapter in ergonomic refinement. Ollin, our revolutionary new monitor arm, supports the screen technology of today and helps you prepare for the screen technology of the future. Its unique technical cord supports weights from 0kg up to 9kg, helping you stay in touch as technology advances, and screens become lighter and more mobile. As you adopt and adapt your workspace to accommodate new technologies, Ollin can grow with you and evolve how you work.
info@cbsproducts.co.uk +44 (0)207 940 4266 www.colebrookbossonsaunders.com 92
Review - Mix Inspired
MIX INSPIRED LONDON
We recently held our 7th MixInspired event – and the second in London – at Milliken’s fantastic Clerkenwell showspace. Once again, we invited a selection of the Capital’s leading specifiers to come along to be inspired, informed and entertained by a wonderful panel of end users (clients). The following is a summary of proceedings.
Sponsored by
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We also don’t have any printers. The thing about not having any printers is that you don’t have to buy any paper...
Glenn Elliott, Reward Gateway
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For this edition of MixInspired, we’d like to think we excelled ourselves by compiling a brilliant trio of leading (and diverse) end users – ranging from an exciting Unicorn business through to one of the UK’s most established major associations. Our esteemed panel comprised: Dereck Dziva – Workplace Performance Manager at CIMA; Glenn Elliott – Founder & CEO, Reward Gateway; Mike Walley – Head of Workplace Experience EMEA, Criteo. We asked the panel to consider the people and culture shaping tomorrow’s workplace, and to discuss the future of the workplace and who is going to deliver it. Just as we’d hoped, the three gents weren’t backwards in coming forwards, offering fascinating and sometimes provocative insights into how their businesses currently work and how they would like to see them evolve in the future. Regular readers would have seen our focus on Reward Gateway’s new Tottenham Court Road home in last month’s Mix. CEO Glenn Elliott, we discovered, was very definite about how the space would look and, more importantly, work for the business – as he was
Review - Mix Inspired
The divisions between the office and the home are very much more blurred than they ever were.
Mike Walley, Criteo
happy to explain to our audience. ‘We’ve got about 95 people at Tottenham Court Road – and we’ve got about 40 desks and no pedestals. We also don’t have any printers. The thing about not having any printers is that you don’t have to buy any paper – and then you don’t have to buy any recycling bins and you don’t need to have a recycling contract…and strangely we’ve done all this and the company hasn’t collapsed!’ Mike Walley feels that, although the workplace and technology continue to evolve, it is not always easy to get people to shift mindsets and adopt new cultures. ‘Where we’ve seen a real change is in the experience side of the workplace. The divisions between the office and the home are very much more blurred than they ever were. One of the things I’ve had to do is to create a culture – and that revolves around the social aspect of work and how we connect everyone together and how we play. In that respect, there is a great difference between the older generation of people who work for us and the younger generations. Where I find there is no difference is in what I call the situational aspiration. Even the younger ones in our R&D world would love to be in their own little bubbles. ‘So I think a lot of the things that we think might be over and done with, people are still kicking against. We are, for all sorts of reasons, generally committed to being in the open plan or mixed zone environments. We don’t do personal offices any more. But that doesn’t mean that w
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people still don’t crave their own personal space. ‘I know a lot of people don’t like to admit this, but one of the glaringly obvious reasons for this is that we went from everyone having their own office at £250 per head to working in open plan at £100 per head. Open plan is also supposed to allow for interesting organic layouts and great communication and cross-flow and all those marvelous things – or at least that was the original concept. It doesn’t always work out that way. ‘In the world that we work in there is a really good reason for working this way. In our Paris headquarters we have 500 computer scientists over two floors who are constantly changing the groups in which they work – and they simply couldn’t do this if they weren’t working in an open plan environment. ‘We’ve been through a really interesting change in a very short time. As a start-up we could get our entire company in one room, we were one big family, really tight, working until 3am. Now we are 3,000 people with 33 offices across the globe! That means we’ve had to change the way we work. We’re finding that we’re desperately trying to hang on to that spirit at times – but that’s not easy.’ In Dereck Dziva’s experience, a younger workforce has led to changes in the way that CIMA works. ‘Millennials and Gen X do things very differently. One of the major issues we found when we moved from Victoria to the City, was
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Review - Mix Inspired
The challenge we had was how we kept the ‘old school’ happy and engaged, whilst still be able to attract young, new talent.
Dereck Dziva, CIMA
how would people accept new ways of working and the impact of new technology. The challenge we had was how we kept the ‘old school’ happy and engaged, whilst still be able to attract young, new talent. Our brand was changing – we wanted people to see us as forward thinking. We had to create a workspace that supported everyone and still encompassed the new technology and working practices that would move us forward. Even though it was a big challenge, I think we’ve been able to really achieve this.’ Naturally, different organisations operating in different sectors will face different challenges and issues. Glenn’s own take was slightly different – and, through his own experience with Reward Gateway, he felt that the divide between generations was not necessarily at the forefront of the debate. ‘I think the whole thing about generational divides is slightly ludicrous. It’s a fantasy that an entire group of people – from introverts through to extroverts – all born within 15 years of one another will all be the same. We should be looking way beyond this – we should be creating great working environments for everyone. ‘We have a really wide spectrum of people. I’m a Gen X – but I probably act more like a Millennial. Then we’ve got Millennials who are still petrified of change. The starting point has to be to aim to provide great work experiences for people, period. Then you can start thinking about issues such as introverts and extroverts or generation types.’ w
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‘It was our former CEO who said ‘I don’t need an office’,’ Dereck reveals. ‘Before this he had that corner office – but he really set the one by saying that he no longer needed his own office. Everyone was sold on the idea – after all, if the CEO doesn’t have an office, why should anyone else. Even the people who had, up to this point, said that they needed an office because of confidentiality had to accept this. We were going to change the way that we work – and that had come right from the top. ‘People did adapt to this. They soon realised that there were places they could go, things they could do and ways they could work which would maintain confidentiality – they can take their laptop somewhere else, they can book a meeting room...’ ‘I think that’s a key point,’ Glenn agrees. ‘We had someone who was worried about confidentiality – and we told her that, if she did have something that was confidential, then she should walk away from her desk and go and sit in a meeting room. People think this way of working is strange – but isn’t it stranger to say, whatever you’re doing, you should do it from the same desk, chair and workspace? To think that is appropriate is far stranger to me! ‘I think technology is the enabler for all of this. I think the catalyst, however, is that the world is getting increasingly competitive and we all need to be on our ‘A game’. I need people to really perform, to collaborate, to be engaged and to do amazing stuff. Technology enables them to do this.
... but isn’t it stranger to say, whatever you’re doing, you should do it from the same desk, chair and workspace?
Glenn Elliott, Reward Gateway
‘I want our people to work really hard and I want them to focus on their products and their clients. I don’t care where they work or whether they’re in the office at 9am. We never, ever close – we’re open all the time because we are global. Technology has broken down the barriers between work and home – and our staff all have their phones and their laptops and I think it’s wrong for me to tell them when they should be working. If they can, I want them to pick up their phones on a Friday night if a client calls.’ We would, of course, like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors – Colebrook Bosson Saunders and Milliken. We are extremely grateful for their support and encouragement. Also, we should give an extra thanks to the incredibly convivial Milliken for allowing us to host the event in their showroom and for looking after our guests so wonderfully.
CONCLUSION It really doesn’t matter which sector a business operates in – and even how diverse its workforce is – it will still face the same challenges and will have to address the same issues everyone does. The chief of these challenges is how to move the culture of a company forward, whilst retaining existing staff (and keeping them contented) and attracting the next generation of workers. Criteo, Reward Gateway and CIMA are three very different operations with very different cultures – and yet each has taken that key challenge and addressed it successfully.
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Review - Mix Inspired
DERECK DZIVA WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE MANAGER, CIMA
GLENN ELLIOTT FOUNDER & CEO, REWARD GATEWAY
MIKE WALLEY HEAD OF WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE EMEA, CRITEO
Dereck is the Workplace Performance Manager for CIMA, the world’s largest and leading professional body of management accountants. Dereck has a varied background in logistics, facilities and project management. He is responsible for implementing CIMA’s workplace vision of creating and maintaining an enabling workplace environment that projects CIMA’s brand ambition of owning the management accounting space.
Glenn is an employee engagement expert, entrepreneur and co-author of Build It: The Rebel Playbook for Employee Engagement. He has a decade of experience in company culture, engagement and leadership development. He runs Reward Gateway, the employee engagement technology company and is also an investor and advisor to boards on getting the best out of their people.
After 3 years at Westminster Hotel School, Mike Walley started his working life in the Hospitality Business. Later career diversions as a Commercial Pilot, Aid Worker and Corporate IT manager left him with an eclectic skill set that sits well in the new world of Workplace Experience.
ABOUT CIMA
ABOUT REWARD GATEWAY
ABOUT CRITEO
World’s largest and leading professional body of management accountants
Offices in 5 countries with over 350 staff
Founded in 2005 by Jena-Baptiste Rudelle, Franck Le Ouay and Romain Niccoli
Partnership with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Total income generated in 2015 was £54.2m
Founded in 2006 by Glenn Elliott 3.5m employees use their employee engagement products Leading employee engagement platform provider in the UK
Acquired 30,023 new students in 2015
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Personalised retargeting company 30 markets around the world with HQ in Paris Added over 900 net clients in Q4 2015, while maintaining client retention at over 90%
Review
Spotlight Live by Maria Ana Vasco Costa
SURFACE WITH A SMILE Armatile
Innerspace
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Review - Surface Design Show
Main stage, designed by Anne Kyyro Quinn
Pintark by Loco Design
Visitors came in force to discover the best in surface design as the Surface Design Show returned to London’s Business Design Centre last month. Occupying both the ground floor and the entire gallery level and featuring over 170 exhibitors, thousands of professional visitors attended over the 2½ days – and were not only able to discover the newest products and the latest trends in surface design but were also treated to seminars and talks from leading experts within the industry. Visitors came from across the architecture and interior design world, including practices such as Ron Arad Architects, Zaha Hadid Architects and AD Associates, as well as project managers from brands such as B&Q, Clarins, the Natural History Museum and Next. The accompanying Light School also saw a wide range of senior professionals from across the lighting industry attend. Since its inception in 2005 the show has become the destination for the industry to see, touch and explore the latest materials for the built environment. 2017 reinforced the shows reputation as one of the most important design events in the UK with visitors describing the show as ‘exciting’, ‘a fountain of knowledge’ and ‘dynamic’. The Main Stage was the home of the headline acts with topics that appealed across the spectrum. The stage was designed by Anne Kyyro Quinn and created a stunning platform for talks from Houzz, colour and trend expert
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Sally Angharad, and the Live Debate, hosted by David Michon. The ever-popular PechaKucha Evening was a highlight of the event programme and saw record numbers attending with a dynamic set of panelists, hosted by Phil Coffey. The final day of the show saw the presentation of the eagerly anticipated Surface Design Awards, hosted by our very own Mick Jordan, The Broad was declared the 2017 Supreme Winner. The Broad is a new contemporary art museum founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. The museum is home to 2,000 works of art in the Broad Collection, which is among the most prominent in post-war and contemporary art worldwide. The 120,000 sq ft building, which features two floors of gallery space, was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler. Arup provided a range of multi-disciplinary building services, including lighting design and acoustic consulting. The stunning building was described by the judges as ‘environmentally and technically great’ and an ‘awe inspiring space, seamless with a clever use of light and form’. The Surface Design Awards recognise examples of progressive design and the use of innovative surfaces in projects both in the UK and internationally. 33 projects were named as finalists for the 2017 awards with 45% of shortlisted projects coming from overseas. Each project was judged on a range of criteria including the type of surface, the use of materials and aesthetic design. 13 winners were announced from seven different categories, with most categories being divided into both an interior and exterior section. With project admissions including private residencies, billboards, restaurants and even a car park, the judging panel had a difficult task in selecting the finalists and winners ofeach category. The range of exciting and creative projects inspired a lively debate with projects being described as ‘accomplished’, ‘clever’, ‘effective’, ‘innovative’ and ‘delicate’. w
Review - Surface Design Show
V4 Wood Flooring and is the Panneau Craft wall panel collection h
The judging panel was co-chaired by Tina Nordon, Project Director of Conran Partners and Ab Rodgers of Ab Rodgers Design, while the judges included Jenny Jones of Studio Jenny Jones, Sacha Leong of Studiolise, Bethan Wood of Studio Wood, Christopher Ash of Project Orange, Arfroditi Krassa of ArfroditİKrassa and Fiona Thompson from Richmond International, all of whom are experts in their fields. Pavlina Akritas, Senior Lighting Designer at Arup, whose project The Broad was declared the supreme winner said: ‘It’s clear that this is an incredibly special, visually stimulating building and it’s great for it to have been recognised with this award. The airy, honeycomb-like ‘veil’ that envelopes the structure effectively filters natural daylight across the space, which was a unique and exciting challenge for us to work with. I really believe that this project wouldn’t have been possible without the close collaboration between the client, the architect and the design team.’ Christopher Newton, Director of Surface Design Show said: ‘The Surface Design Awards continue to go from strength to strength. The quality of projects entered and there global perspective reflects the importance of design and materials in the surfaces of buildings. The winners deserve recognition for their success.’ Our Editor Mick added: ‘It was a real pleasure to host this year’s Surface Design Awards and I was genuinely impressed by the extremely high standard of the shortlisted and winning projects – not to mention the extremely knowledgeable and courteous audience.’
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MODULEO EXPANDS TRANSFORM TILE RANGE WITH ADDITIONAL STONE-EFFECT OFFERING
STYLE DELIVERS SHOWPIECE MOVEABLE WALL
Moduleo has unveiled a new range of stone-effect tiles within its
inherent flexibility thanks to a combination of sophisticated moveable
Transform collection. The new products extend the existing range and
wall systems designed and installed by Style. Adding aesthetic
will feature four new designs in 14 options. David Bigland, managing
impact to a prestigious reception, a fully glazed DORMA Varitrans
director of Moduleo UK and Eire, explains: “Our new tiles have been
partitioning wall glides effortlessly into place at the press of a button.
launched in response to continued demand for stylish, flexible flooring
“In the conference room the acoustics were critical and, thanks to the
in the commercial market.” The Jura Stone product offers the epitome
great performance of the Moveo system client meetings take place
of an authentic finish without the hefty price of the real thing.
undisturbed in a room that can be reconfigured quickly for different
Meanwhile, the Azuriet and Brushed Metal styles are realistic options
events” said Style’s group managing director, Julian Sargent. www.style-partitions.co.uk
The new London offices of international law firm, Goodwin, deliver
in settings where a statement result is the objective. www.moduleo.co.uk
FX Feb 2017_FX magazine 20/01/2017 13:07 Page 1
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ARCHITECTS LED DESIGN
MIX IT UP WITH MODULYSS
Maine were challenged by leading architects practice to create something
With the new Millennium Nxtgen and Txture x Mxture carpet tile
different for their client. They liked the original Mainepure handle but
collections, modulyss lets you mix it up with styles and compatible
wanted something similar but different. It had to be manufactured
colours. Millenium Nxtgen offers a refined elegance with a broad palette
from steel and not plastic. This design won the clients approval and was
of 36 colours, ranging from classic shades to bright pop tones, that can
replicated on drawers, cupboard doors and sliding door units to suite all the
be used in any combination; or mixed with the nine compatible colours
units into their design. www.Maine.co.uk
in the two tip-sheared patterns found in Txture x Mxture. The result is a dynamic floor layout that meets the multi-purpose requirements of today’s office spaces. www.modulyss.com
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Drying up Mark Eltringham ponders the question of whether we fit the work roles we occupy – or do they fit us? ‘Imagine a puddle waking up one morning and thinking, ‘This is an interesting world I find myself in — an interesting hole I find myself in — fits me rather neatly, doesn’t it? In fact, it fits me staggeringly well, it may have been made to have me in it!’ This is such a powerful idea that as the sun rises in the sky and the air heats up and as, gradually, the puddle gets smaller and smaller, it’s still frantically hanging on to the notion that everything’s going to be alright, because this world was meant to have him in it, was built to have him in it; so the moment he disappears, it catches him rather by surprise. I think this may be something we need to be on the watch out for.’ This was the typically stylish way in which Douglas Adams dispensed with the teleological argument that underpins a great deal of religious belief and sustains us in many other aspects of our lives. What it all boils down to is the idea that, because we so closely fit the world in which we live, it must have been designed just for us. This argument dates back at least to the time of Aristotle and you can see why it is compelling. Indeed, if you’re working on the assumption that we animals don’t mutate over time in response to changes in our environment, you can’t really come to any other conclusion. The classical idea of fixed
living forms as pieces of a divine cosmic order persisted until the Enlightenment and was then completely overturned when Charles Darwin demonstrated that animals don’t just change slightly – as a growing number of thinkers began to conclude in the 18th century – but turn into completely different animals given enough time. This was simply somebody telling the puddle it was a puddle, but resistance to the idea persists. It is possible to be sniffy about
What it all boils down to is the idea that, because we so closely fit the world in which we live, it must have been designed just for us.
this intransigence in the face of the evidence, but the truth is that we all fall back into teleological fallacies in our everyday lives. Perhaps the most common mistake we make is the idea that, because we have found a role for
ourselves in a particular profession or part of the market, it’s because the role was designed for us, when the truth is that we have adapted ourselves to fit the niche. As Douglas Adams suggests, this is something we need to be on the watch out for, not least because the holes we find ourselves in may soon fill up completely with the new generation of robots and automated systems. The signs so far are that we are incredibly complacent about the implications of what is about to happen, especially in the longer term. As the researcher Roy Amara put it when coining his eponymous Law, ‘We tend to overestimate the effect of technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run’. The problem we have now is defining what we mean by long term. What we can say about automation is that it is not as long as we might assume. Driverless cars are already on our roads, waiting for our attitudes, the legal system and insurance companies to catch up with the technology that will emerge over the next two or three years. Similar forces are at play in almost all facets of the world and we shouldn’t underestimate what they do and how individually subject we are to them. It may appear we are at the centre of things, but it’s an illusion.
Mark Eltringham is the publisher of workplace design and management website Office Insight. mark@officeinsight.org
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ZÜCO SIGNO – ELEGANCE IS NOW COMFORTABLE
The main focus of the latest innovation from Züco is on design, comfort and quality. The upholstery of the backrest is not based on conventional upholstery materials but on a frame structure covered with flexible material. Thus, a very slim cushioning system and the high seating comfort can be achieved.
NEW ADDRESS LONDON OFFICE Dauphin HumanDesign® UK Limited 1 Albemarle Way I GB London EC1V 4JB Phone +44 207 2537774 I Fax +44 207 2531629 www.dauphinuk.com I info@dauphinuk.com
With more and more devices using USB the demand for traditional sockets on the desk is failing. This stylish and fully integrated module simply connects to your under desk power using a Wieland or plug to offer 2 USB power supplies capable of charging all leading phones and tablets.
Head Office
London Showroom
Contacts
Eastwood Trading Estate Rotherham South Yorkshire S65 1EN United Kingdom +44 (0)1709 829 511
99 Charterhouse Street Clerkenwell London EC1M 6HR United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7251 7080
t: 01709 385470 e: sales@cmd-ltd.com w: www.cmd-ltd.com