What makes a workplace modern

What makes a workplace modern?

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Throughout the past few years, the view on what makes a workplace modern has drastically changed. Before the pandemic there was really no such thing as hybrid working.

However, most companies now provide options for both working in an office and from home. The shift that the pandemic has made has been significant. Businesses and staff are more flexible and the attraction for joining a company that offers hybrid working is on the rise. There is also a big push for recruitment. Companies are looking to not just attract but retain current employees with several incentives. One of these, especially for the younger generation is the drive for sustainability. This is why a lot of companies now and in the future are going to be very environmentally focused. For a company to be successful they will need a good mix from all aspects. But more about that below.

What do you offer your employees?

As mentioned above, one of the main things companies are now offering employees is hybrid working. This is where employees have the opportunity to work from an office or from home. Despite this being better for the employee to have more say in how they work, it isn’t always the case. You must want to give employees a reason to come into the office. They should want to come into work and collaborate with their colleagues. However, respecting their decision at the end of the day is the best thing to do. For more information on hybrid working please see our blog here.

Here at Fit Out Finance we have many benefits to working with us. We offer up to 27 days of holiday, great OTE and bonus schemes available, excellent training and career progression! These are just a handful of benefits to working at Fit Out Finance!

Importance of space

There are areas in an office that you can modernise to make a workplace better for your staff. This includes things like lighting, colours, branding and furniture. The importance of your branding in the office is essential. Having a modern look will also attract new talent as there is such a big push at the moment for recruitment. There is also a big focus on social spaces. This will definitely modernise your workplace and allow your staff to have separate spaces to work. Read more on our blog about the importance of them here.

You can also introduce elements of sustainability into your office. As mentioned in the introduction, new people, especially the younger generation, are now looking for companies taking their CSR seriously. You can do this by introducing more plants and greenery in your office, as well as highlighting your green agenda through the use of space and branding. This could also be achieved through the use of LED lighting and having recycling bins on every floor. Here at Fit Out Finance we have planted over 10,000 trees in our virtual woodland, which you can read more about here.

Use of finance

Although we may be slightly biased on this last point, finance really will make your workplace modern! There are many benefits to using leasing to cover your furniture and fit out costs. This includes things such as significant tax benefits and flexible rental terms. You can also preserve existing lines of credit and budget easier with fixed monthly payments.

Contact Us

If you would like more information on what makes a workplace modern, then head over to our contact page on our website to speak to a member of our team. Furthermore, if you would like to talk to us over the phone then please call 01494 506 385 or email hello@fitout.finance. You can also see more over on our LinkedIn page.

Are open plan offices defeating productivity

Are open plan offices defeating productivity?

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No clear solution to this question

Here at Fit Out Finance we know that every office fit out is different and tailored to you and your business. In this blog, we ask the question of whether open plan offices are defeating productivity. We know that for many of our clients, open plan offices are a way of modernising their workplaces. It creates a new sense of life into their working environment. See here for how else you can modernise your workplace. Open plan offices can create a feeling of togetherness and can in some cases boost creativity and conversations. It allows people to not have physical walls or borders between them. It also means all parts of an office can work together easier. However, despite these advantages there are arguments against introducing more open plan workplaces. If you would like to find out more, then please read on.

What does an open plan office do to your business?

According to a study by World Economic Forum “office noise created by open plan offices increased the negative mood of employees by 25%”. This is a huge proportion of people who say they are negatively affected as a direct result of working in an open plan office. This study was also carried out in only 8 minutes, meaning that in real life, the results could have been a lot worse. This shows that although there is still a need for large open plan areas, there needs to be a bit of both. As increase in technology may have also played a part in if open plan offices are defeating productivity. This is because there are less face to face interactions and more typing and emailing from across a room. This kills creativity which leads to decreased productivity.

As mentioned above the need for both collaborative and independent working areas may be the best solution. It may be more costly to add these 2 things to your office fit out. However, if it’s going to give your office more differentiation, it will be worth it. If you would like information on what other finance options are out there for you, then please contact us using the details below. At a time when there is a drive for recruitment too, having something that sets you apart is essential. This could be it!

Therefore there is no clear solution to this issue. However, as mentioned at the beginning of this blog, open plan offices have both their advantages and disadvantages. Get in touch with us below about how we can help finance your next fitout project. Whether that be a collaborative or independent space!

Contact Us

If you would like more information on whether open plan offices are defeating productivity, then head over to our contact page on our website to speak to a member of our team. Furthermore, if you would like to talk to us over the phone then please call 01494 506 385 or email hello@fitout.finance. You can also see more over on our LinkedIn page.

How can workplaces enable growth

How can workplaces enable growth?

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Ways to enable your business’ growth

  • Future proof your business – investing in things like technology is crucial for your business to grow. If you go back in time, technology has soared in recent decades, and it will only get bigger. We have introduced our new partner portal called advance. This an incredible new piece of software that allows all our partners and customers to be kept in the loop about their quotes and agreements. We also have our very own CRM system called DORIS which has allowed us to be a paperless office. This links to another growing investment, sustainability. If you would like more information on our green agenda, click here.
  • Work on your vision and company culture – learning to work on your company values will enable you to have a better vision for the future. Having a good company culture will make more people want to work for you and more people use you for business! These are essential parts of business growth. We also have 5* customer service, again essential for the growth of your business, and testimony to a good company culture.
  • Move with the times – Sustainability and flexibility are important parts of growth and relate strongly to the first point. Also working with staff and the way they work after the pandemic can be tricky to navigate. To find out more about this, read one of our latest blogs about hybrid working.
  • Plan for change – one of the ways you can make sure your business grows is by adapting and changing according to not only the industry, but your competitors too. For example, the introduction of Fit Out Finance was to plan for the expansion of WestWon Limited into the furniture and fit out industry. This could also lead your business to enter a stage of ‘hypergrowth’.

What is hypergrowth?

According to the source linked, Hypergrowth is “a phase of rapid expansion where companies experience a CAGR of 40% or higher.” Hypergrowth has three main components: product innovation, execution, and strategic focus. Due to the hard to attain criteria, hypergrowth only applies to a small number of companies.

How Fit Out Finance can help you

Here at Fit Out Finance we can provide you with leasing options that will enable growth. Leasing enables you to have flexible rental terms, over 1-5 years. This will enable growth because you have a longer period over which to repay the lease repayments. This means you will have extra cash in the business to be able to use elsewhere, possibly for larger projects. You will also preserve existing lines of credit. This again means that your business can grow without using up your bank facility. Other benefits of leasing include significant tax benefits, as well as making it easier to budget. These things are all essential if looking to grow and expand.

Contact Us

If you would like more information on how workplaces can enable growth, then head over to our contact page on our website to speak to a member of our team. Furthermore, if you would like to talk to us over the phone then please call 01494 506 385 or email hello@fitout.finance.

plants in the office are a good idea

Why plants in the office are a good idea

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In this blog we will be discussing the importance of plants in the office and the benefits that come along with them. There are many benefits to having plants around the office. This includes the easy installation process, the increase in productivity and satisfaction, the overall design and brand image it creates as well as showing your sustainability practices throughout the company. All of these are expanded on below. Therefore, if you would like to find out more, please read on. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us by using the contact details at the bottom of the blog.

Benefits of using plants in the office

The first benefit is that they are easy to install, as well as maintain. Whether you are looking to install an artificial plant wall, or have real ones lining your office floor, they are easy to maintain. Fake ones do not bring as many benefits as real ones do. However, depending on the placement and frequency of visitation, they can be easier to manage. The living and breathing plants on the other hand don’t require too much maintenance considering the health benefits that come of having them around. There’s a lot of flexibility about where they can be installed. It’s an easy way to add colour and life to any space.

The next benefit is that they increase both employee satisfaction and productivity. It has been proven that plants increase the physical and mental health of people. This in turn increases satisfaction and productivity. This is essential for any business to grow and succeed. Having plants in the office brightens the space, and therefore has an impact on those that work there. And as we all know plants produce oxygen, so they are also a simple remedy to clear stuffy office air!

The design of your office is also enhanced. You can express your brand image by making your office your shop front to the world. Having plants around can show that you have a sustainable and modern company culture. This is perfect when showing around new clients, partners, or suppliers. However, it’s also great for recruitment purposes. After all, everyone wants to work for a company that cares.

Sustainability

Lastly, it can show the sustainable side of your business to others. Today, with climate conscious customers on the rise, making sure you are part of the environmentally friendly driven shift is very important. And rightly so. A green agenda is essential for any business. Below is a bit more information on the work we have already done here at Fit Out Finance.

Green agenda

Here at Fit Out Finance, we are excited to have our own green agenda through our parent company, WestWon Limited. We now plant through an organisation called Plant for the Planet, as well as offset 25 of our employees’ carbon emissions through a company called Ecologi. So far this year, we have managed to plant over 10,000 trees and offset nearly 400 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere. We are thrilled to continue this scheme to do our part for the environment. No matter the size of your business, any change you make goes a long way.

We are aim high here at Fit Out Finance. We have an ambitious target to plant a whopping 100,000 trees, and subsequently offset 7,500 tonnes of CO2 through the WestWon Woodland by 2027. However, we believe that we, along with the help of our customers, can reach these. Together, we can make a difference to the devastating impact of climate change on our world today.

Contact Us

If you would like more information on why plants in the office are a good idea, then head over to our contact page on our website to speak to a member of our team. Furthermore, if you would like to talk to us over the phone then please call 01494 506 385 or email hello@fitout.finance.

advantages of using a fit-out company for your next office move

What are the advantages of using a fit-out company for your next office move?

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Several elements to think about

One of the main things to think about when discussing the advantages of using a fit-out company for your next office move is that there are several elements to think about. An office move is very different to any other kind of fit out project. These don’t come along all the time and so making sure it’s the best it can be is essential. When working on an office refurbishment, it’s not just your needs that you need to think about. It’s also your employees and colleagues.

This means there are several elements you need to consider. For example, how will people be working? Will you need areas for both quiet spaces and collaborative board rooms? Do you need a kitchen and a dining space, or somewhere for your staff to relax? These are all elements that come with the design aspect of an office refurbishment. Glass partitioning, sound proof walls, insulated ceiling tiles and brand image are all design aspects you will need to consider. Therefore, using a company who does this on the daily, and can help with any specific needs, will be beneficial. You also know if will be tailored to you, as after all, no fit out project is the same.

Knowledge of suppliers

We know how hard it is to find the right person to work with. When entering such an important decision, you need the best people around you to help. Therefore, here at Fit Out Finance we can provide you with a supplier. We can help you find someone that will be the right fit for you and your company. However, we are also happy to work with a supplier of your choice. This does depend on few small things, but generally suppliers chosen by you will have been researched well enough that we need not worry! We like to think of ourselves as experts in the industry here at Fit Out Finance, and so we are confident we can find the right supplier for you.

Keep your focus on your business

When planning a huge office move it can be daunting. It can also be hard to keep your focus on running your business. Therefore, having someone else take over at certain points can be a good thing. Making sure you have your creative input at every stage is essential, but so is running your business. Allowing someone else to take charge of certain aspects of the move can be a good thing as it relieves stress. It also means there is more input from outside sources, some of whom have been doing this as a job for years. Collaboration on a project can only bring more ideas to the table too. They will give you different ways of seeing things, and new ways to go about it. This leads me onto my next point.

Alternatives to leasing don’t offer you the same benefits

We know we are biased but using an external company can introduce you to different ideas, like asset finance and leasing. Financing your office refurbishments provides your business with a range of benefits.  This includes tax benefit, budgeting well and flexible rental terms. You can also preserve existing lines or credit and pay for the office move over its useful life. This makes your life easier and frees up your business’ cash flow.

Contact Us

If you would like more information on what the advantages of using a fit-out company for your next office move are, then head over to our contact page on our website to speak to a member of our team. Furthermore, if you would like to talk to us over the phone then please call 01494 506 385 or email hello@fitout.finance. You can also see more over on our LinkedIn page.

4 steps to an office refurbishment success

4 steps to an office refurbishment success

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Below are 4 steps to an office refurbishment success. In this blog we will cover how to make your next project count. It will include how to budget well and finding the correct design for your company. We will also cover why it’s important to listen to your employees as well as the research needed before you go ahead with the job. If you want to find out more, then keep reading…

Budgeting well

One of the first things you need to think about when starting to plan your office refurbishment has to be your budget. This not just ensures you stay on track of your costs, but others do too. For example, any external companies you use for the build can know early on what your budget is so they can set up a clear plan from the start.

If you choose to finance your project, then you will pay fixed monthly payments over the term you choose. This will allow you to budget easily as well as making it easy and quick to pay. There also may be a large upfront cost for the total of your fit out which could out you off the project altogether. Breaking it down into monthly repayments will make it easier for you to make decisions. More importantly, the right ones.

Here at Fit Out Finance this is the part of the project we can help you with. We provide finance options for office refurbishments that include spreading the cost over a 1–5-year term (although for fit out projects it’s normally 3-5 years). This is to go in line with your lease. If you would like more information on this type of finance, then please get in touch using our contact details at the bottom of this page.

The right design for your company

The right design for your company is essential. We have spoken before about the importance of your brand image and your office space. Being the first thing clients see when they enter your office, you must take care of it. Showing key things such as your brand identity, your working environment, your collaboration styles and the general feel of how your company operates should all be visible when you first walk into work.

Listening to your employees

Listening to your employees is an essential part of an office refurbishment. For obvious reasons it means your new office design will be the most productive as you have taken advice from those who will be using the space. An input of more people will also lead to new and innovative ideas. In a previous blog we did about hybrid working, employees are now changing the way they work. Therefore, office spaces are needing to adapt more, and listening to your staff will help and even accelerate this process.

Research

The importance of research has never been more important than when planning an office refurbishment. Planning such a big project usually means an input of a lot of time and money. Making sure you research well in terms of external companies, financial advice companies, as well as finance services (such as ourselves) is crucial. No matter the case we will always want you to find the best fit for your company. This is all part of our 5* customer service, allowing us to make sure you always receive the best possible care.

Benefits of office refurbishment leasing

There are several benefits of office refurbishment leasing. These include things like tax benefits, flexible rental terms, preserving existing lines of credit, and making your monthly budgeting easier.

Contact Us

If you would like more information on these 4 steps to an office refurbishment success, then head over to our contact page on our website to speak to a member of our team. Furthermore, if you would like to talk to us over the phone then please call 01494 506 385 or email hello@fitout.finance. You can also see more over on our LinkedIn page.

Co-working space

What is a co-working space?

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What is a co-working space?

A co-working space is a place where freelancers can come together to work in a traditional work environment. The co-working space concept came about in 2005. People realised that there was a gap in the market for a communal office space for independent workers. So, by paying a daily, weekly or monthly fee, independent workers can combat isolation and the distractions that come with working from home.

 

But why not just work from home?

As many that work from home will say that they feel less focused in a home environment. Whilst at home, your mind associates where you are with rest. Therefore, it is important for many to have a contrast in spaces for different purposes.

Not to mention, humans are social creatures. And a communal office offers people the daily social interaction that you would find in a regular office. These workplaces create community whilst also allowing networking. So, co-working spaces can potentially lead to valuable professional relationships too.

Despite the concept being introduced in the early 00s, co-working spaces have become more prevalent over the past decade.

 

Who else can use these spaces?

Covid-19 forced many into a virtual realm through which many have chosen to remain. Therefore, as you could probably imagine, the amount of remote and hybrid workers has surged since then. But this doesn’t mean that they won’t go days without missing a conventional work environment. So, co-working spaces are perfect for those that are feeling nostalgic over an office environment! So, with many co-working spaces offering daily charges, this is the perfect remedy for remote workers craving socialisation or just a distraction free zone as and when they feel like it!

An appealing atmosphere is vital

It is crucial that a co-working space has an attractive aesthetic that people will be motivated by and look forward to spending their working days in. Additionally, they need to be flexible spaces that cater to a variety of needs. So, whether that’s meeting rooms, quiet areas, or networking zones. It needs to be a place that surpasses a home office and that people want to return to.

 

Contact Us

Co-working spaces are an innovative way to adapt to the increase in remote working. Additionally, they are a fantastic way to meet the demands of freelancers.

Are you looking to start-up a coworking space? Or perhaps you are just looking to revamp a current co-working that you manage?

Either way, we have financed hundreds of furniture and fit outs requirements of businesses across the nation. So, it’s safe to say that we know our stuff when it comes to fit outs. Give us a call today to find out more about how we can help you get started 01494 506 385. Alternatively, send us an email to hello@fitout.finance and a member of our friendly team will get back to you shortly! You can also see more over on our LinkedIn page.

office fit out categories

What type of office fit out matches my needs?

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A good place to start when planning for your office fit out is identifying the office fit out category that matches your needs best.

You might be wondering what we mean by ‘category’ of office fit out. So, let’s break them down. There are 3 main categories when looking at office fit outs. Throughout this blog, I will be listing the categories and what elements are generally included in each.

The office fit out categories

CAT A

This is the most basic type of office fit out. This type is usually appointed by a landlord who wants to sell on to prospective tenants as opposed to an actual business owner looking to create an office space for their employees.

CAT A fit outs usually provide the following:

  • Raised floors and dropped ceilings
  • Basic internal finishes
  • Basic electrical and mechanical services
  • Air-conditioning and ventilation (HVAC)
  • Fitted smoke and fire alarms, as well as carbon monoxide detectors
  • Lavatories

Therefore, these types of fit outs aren’t furnished and only provide the bare necessities that set the foundation for a fully flourished workspace. This will then require the next step for an office designer to come in and work on the furnishings of the office.

 

CAT A+

This is a relatively new category that is perceived as the happy medium between CAT A and CAT B fit outs. It merges elements from both categories making it a more generous setup alternative for landlords to provide their tenants.

In addition to the CAT A elements listed above, the features of this category usually include:

  • Desks and workstations
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Basic interior decor
  • Breakout spaces

 

CAT B

This is the most bespoke category of all 3. And usually undertaken by the tenant/ business owner. This is the process that fully shapes the workspace tailored to your end vision. Therefore, this is the stage which allows you to inject your brand image into the work environment, enabling you to incorporate brand values and additional employee needs/wants.

As well as the CAT A+ elements, CAT B features can include:

 

  • Office furniture
  • Meeting/ conference rooms
  • Company branding
  • Partitioning
  • Floor finishing
  • IT Equipment
  • Reception area

 

With a CAT B fit out, it allows you to cater to the needs of your employees. You might be surprised of the outcome of investing into a further developed and personalised fit out. And as the result of an inviting and aesthetically pleasing workspace, you will most likely see a boost in employee productivity and morale.

Contact Us

If you would like to be advised on which office fit out category will suit your needs the most, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with a member of our team on 01494 506 385. Alternatively, head over to our contact page and fill in the form outlining your needs and we’d be happy to help!

Why social spaces are so important

Why social spaces are so important

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What is a ‘social space’?

A social space is essentially a breakout area. It’s somewhere that employees can go to relax, socialise, and sometimes even work with others. They are designed to create a different setting away from the desk. They make sure that breaks are optimised and taken in the best way for employees. It will differ depending on the type of business you work for; however, they all try to reach the same goal. Over the years there have been several wacky and wonderful ideas, such as foosball tables, beanbags and even vending machines. However, these are not usually found in most UK businesses breakout areas! However, if your budget allows, your employees’ expectations are met, and productivity levels are kept intact or even improved, then a few beanbags might be just what you need! Below are a few more reasons why social spaces are so important.

Enabling employees to work together

Arguably, one of the most important reasons to have a designated social space is to improve communication between employees. Stepping away from the desk and entering a space where you can socialise will help improve creativity. Allowing you to communicate with others around you will allow you to connect with your fellow colleagues. This has many major benefits including a better environment when working, increased productivity and increased collaborative work. It can also take out the broken communication that can sometimes occur between departments. Taking out the more formal setting allows those who wouldn’t normally work together to do so, again improving communication and increasing the likelihood of working together in the future.

Importance of a well rested break

We all know that formal settings such as meeting rooms and boardrooms are important for work. However, social spaces are just as important during those times when you’re not working. Making sure your staff take well deserved breaks to relax are so important. Taking yourself away from the desk at lunchtime for example can lead to a more productive afternoon and increased motivation, perfect for business! In this day and age, the importance of mental health and well-being is also on the rise. Therefore, the importance of breakout areas are all the more prevalent.

Design layout of your workspace

Lastly, the design and layout of your workspace is equally as important. This includes things such as acoustics, lighting, food and drink objects, filling spaces and partitioning. The acoustics of a social space can be changed by the introduction of soft furnishings and lower lighting. Food and drink machines such as vending and coffee machines will increase productivity. It will also give your staff their much needed caffeine hit! Filling the spaces can also be tricky when planning an office fit out, so adding small things like beanbags and sofas can keep the budget low, but add colour and populate the area. Partitioning is also important, read why here in a previous blog of ours.

Contact Us

If you would like more information on why social spaces are so important then head over to our contact page on our website to speak to a member of our team. Additionally, if you would like to talk to us over the phone then please call 01494 506 385 or email us on hello@fitout.finance. You can also see more over on our LinkedIn page.

Why are office refurbishments so important?

Why are office refurbishments so important?

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Why are office refurbishments so important?

Office refurbishments are so important when it comes to furniture and fit out leasing. This is because of the importance of what a workplace means for a business. Here at Fit Out Finance, we recognise how integral an office refurbishment can be.  It’s the first thing that clients will take note of when walking into the room. This is critical as it allows them to leave with the first impression you wanted to push. If this impression reflects your brand, looks smart, successful and vibrant it will be easier to persuade the client to work with you. This in turn will lead to more sales, leading to a larger cash flow, which is ideal for any company!

Not only can a refurbishment help with the impression you make upon clients, but it can help your team also. A workspace is a place that employees will spend a significant amount of their time, with the majority spending 35hours+ a week in the office. And this is the primary reason that a harmonious work environment is crucial. When an office gets a fresh lick of paint, you might be surprised in the surge of employee productivity and morale.

It isn’t always necessary to do a large refurbishment like this, but depending on the size of your business, you know what’s best. It also doesn’t happen very often, so making sure you get it right is essential. This includes paying for it the right way too. More companies are now leasing their fit outs all whilst spreading the cost over 3-5 years. Some of the benefits to leasing are seen below.

Benefits of office refurbishment finance

  • Pay for the interior project over it’s useful life
  • Significant tax benefits
  • Do not compromise your office interior project due to budget constraints, as leasing makes monthly budgeting easier
  • Flexible rental terms over one to five years
  • Preserve existing lines of credit

Contact Us

If you would like more information on why office refurbishments are so important then head over to our contact page on our website to speak to a member of our team. Furthermore, if you would like to talk to us over the phone then please call 01494 506 385 or email hello@fitout.finance. We hope that throughout this blog, you have been able to learn a few key points to financing your furniture and fit-out projects. You can also see more over on our LinkedIn page.

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