Keep your business in mind when you design – though this may seem like a no-brainer, once the renovation begins, keeping the specifications of your business in mind while designing sometimes falls by the wayside. Office renovation requires a design which:

• Follows standard regulations
• Reflects your business purpose and business model
• Complies with the Shop fitting budget
• Easily coordinates with your office’s dimensions and shape
• Can accommodate your employee count or the capacity of future employees
• Satisfies staff member requirements

Incorporate the future into design planning – when it comes to design, being ahead of the curve is viewed as original and innovative. Employees want to work in an environment that is geared toward a better future, and clients are looking to work with a company that’s on the cutting-edge. While your workspace should resonate with your current business model, it should also be adaptable for constant change.

Give a single overseer responsibility for the renovation – conflicts of opinion and decision-making arise when it comes to employing a team of overseers as opposed to a single entity. Though office renovation may seem a formidable task for one person to undertake, by employing a single overseer, you will be able to speed the process by avoiding differences of opinion and taste.

Moreover, it is of the utmost importance that you have complete faith in the abilities of this overseer, as he/she will be blamed should anything go wrong. Thus, suffice it to say, you should choose someone who has great interpersonal skills, and who is experienced, organized, self-motivated and responsible. This person should also be able to work within a set budget and timetable, and should be proficient at multi-tasking. Choose wisely.

Let everyone play their part – though you’ve chosen a single overseer, everyone should be encouraged to share their ideas and to help wherever they can in the renovation. Financial directors will decide upon a budget for the overseer to abide by; managing directors will approve the design layout and the costs of design; office managers know the working cogs of the business and will be able to offer valuable input; and operations directors will maintain the business’ operation while the workspace is undergoing renovation.

Communication is key – stakeholders – including board members, unions, department heads and staff – should be kept well informed of all renovations and how these changes may affect them. Also, be sure to obtain the landlord’s prior consent before commencing renovation.

Be smart, get a quote and get insured – avoid any hidden costs by asking for a quote on everything – including material costs and labour – prior to commencing renovation. Also, make sure that the company and everyone involved in the renovation is insured.

Health and safety – as with everything, health and safety of those involved in the design and the renovation process – contractors and staff members, alike – should be a priority.

Source: Bethel Shopfitting World

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Alternatively, if you just need a few individual items to complete your existing care home environment, you’ll find we can also provide exactly what you need with direct access to a superb range of furniture.

When it comes to a fit-out or refurbishment of a care home, we design to your precise specification. We liaise with your key people. We take charge of installing all fixtures and fittings. We supervise the decorating and flooring. We supply and install every piece of furniture and equipment. We stock cupboards and cabinets with medical consumables. We even add the finishing touches such as plants and pictures. All out furniture can be bespoke made at our manufacturing plant in Bolton.

It’s a unique process, and it is your guarantee of a successful outcome for every kind of care home fitout or refurbishment, whether in a new or established building.

The professional designs we provide for your care home environment are the basis for a supremely efficient, attractive working and living space.

Right from the outset, S2 Interior Fitouts takes time to discover your unique requirements through site visits and talking to your management, staff and clients. Only then do we put together our report and brief our talented senior designers to come up with their concepts.

To help you visualise it fully, we provide mood boards and layout plans. From the beginning, you’ll be able to see exactly how we are going to achieve an environment that can make a significant difference to the quality of your caring provision.

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A school refurbishment normally takes place when certain things need to be replaced or the overall status of the school in terms of furniture and other items need to be changed to conform to a new idea. When selecting interior designer options for schools, the task can be challenging. Students will always share information between their friends and relatives on the schools they attend and some of the aspects discussed are interior designs. Though public schools might also take the idea seriously, when compared to private schools, refurbishments in the private schools would be more. There are factors that contribute highly to the kind of school refurbishments to expect in your set objectives. For instance, school refurbishment contractors can vary from one to another depending on their competence and past experience in the said job.

Criteria in selecting school refurbishment contractors

A properly furnished school will not only attract students, but it also sets the pace in the kind of academic services offered. Before embarking on the procedure, it is necessary to conduct research by first consulting on the appropriate contractors. A portfolio that showcases previous expertise and experience in related line of work will be able to help you choose the right person. In addition, the amount of money they will charge for the entire refurbishment procedure will also dictate the kind results to expect. Note that some companies whose reputation could be higher may tend to charge more though that doesn’t prove that the work received from them would be better that what a newbie would present to you. Either way, whether your budget is too fixed or not, it is wise not to choose contractors just because they charge too little. Unless such contractors have previous positive work history, bargaining with the costly contractors could be your way out. In addition to the decisions you make on the contractor, other important factors that would be necessary in the school renovations would also count a lot.

Does time matter in the school refurbishment procedure?

Whether you are renovating the school to attract more students or even stand out from the rest, time is an important factor to consider. However, if the school is in operation, it would be challenging to embark on the refurbishments during school days. This is where you sit down with the contractors to ask them about the timely completion so that you can set time for the renovations when the students are on their holidays. The results will be tabled on the account of a complete review based on the architectural designs, blue prints among other materials to be used to help restore your school to the anticipated design.

Design materials for school refurbishment

When selecting the anticipated design materials, this should be done carefully to avoid falling victim of expensive material although avoiding substandard products is also a necessity. Most importantly though you should ensure that the contractor you assign the work doesn’t subcontract the assignment because this could lead to poorly done work that would in return force you to do double work.

Why Choose S2 Interior Fitouts?

S2 Interior Fitouts have been supporting Schools around the Northwest with all types of refurbishments, from basic paint refresh projects to entire building refurbishments, why not speak S2 Interior Fitouts 01204 770511

Source (Officeman)

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S2 Interior Fitouts are one of the leading providers of Dry lining & stud wall systems in the Northwest covering major towns and cities such as Bolton, Preston, Manchester, Blackburn, Lancaster, Wigan, Liverpool, Wigan, Bury, Manchester, Lancaster, Leeds, Blackpool and many more.

A range of stud and plasterboard options are available to meet your performance requirements for acoustics, moisture, impact and fire resistance.

Services can be concealed within the stud cavity and partition walls can be installed to varying heights depending on construction, ie Jumbo stud walls up to 10 metres. Metal stud partitions are ideal for installing at the perimeter of a mezzanine floor to create additional office space.

Metal furring or stud wall liner can be used to line existing facades, to cover uneven, out of true external and internal walls. The advantages of using a wall liner system are providing a stand-off clearance between lining and background, where services can be run and insulation within cavity.

Types of Studwork Systems

• 50 mm metal ‘C’ & ‘I’ stud/track partitions
• 70mm metal ‘C’ & ‘I’ stud/track partitions
• 146mm metal ‘C’ & ‘I’ Jumbo stud/track partitions
• Wall lining stud/track

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Office partitioning is a popular choice when looking to renovate an old office as it can be used to divide up open plan office space into smaller useable areas and meeting rooms relatively inexpensively when compared to having building work carried out to a buildings structure.

Adapt your office space with Office Partitioning

Businesses are constantly evolving and so partitioning systems give you the flexibility to adapt your space to your needs quickly should your business grow or simply need to alter the layout as one office needs to be larger and another one smaller for example. Office partitioning systems are the perfect solution to a demanding environment where change is constant.

Relocating a business is very costly so re-designing your existing space is a very cost effective option.

We stock office partitions from the leading manufacturers to ensure our clients receive a quality product to go with our quality service.

Partitioning – solid, demountable and glazed office partitions – the possibilities are endless!

Demountable partitions come either in aluminium or timber and provide a fast solution when needing to adapt office premises or install new into open office space.

Office partition systems are also available from standard solid walls which can accommodate a variety of glazed options, single glazed, double glazed and full length silicone jointed glass partitions.

Some office partitioning systems have integral venetian blinds which can be incorporated within double glazed partitions.

Where noise can be an issue we can supply acoustic partitions which are designed and installed to meet the varying demands of any office environment.

And for the designer in you – we can even powder coat the exposed aluminium sections in various different colours!!

Contact us today with details of your requirements, we would be more than happy to provide a no-obligation quotation.

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With all the current trends and styles in commercial office furniture, having your office fitted with new furniture may seem like an overwhelming task. A great amount of thought and consideration must be placed into selecting the most appropriate office furniture and fixtures for your office space. Having the right office furniture can reap various rewards including an enjoyable work atmosphere, increased employee productivity and even health benefits.

Your office fitout can also help create a good and lasting first impression. How you would like your clients and partners to perceive your business may be portrayed through its decor. Office furniture with sleek lines and basic colours speak professionalism while more modern pieces portray creativity.

Without a doubt, selecting the right office furniture is a job that can’t be overlooked. Here are some tips to help you find the office furniture you need for your business.

1. Know your budget
How much are you willing to spend for office furniture? There is a wide range of office furniture available with varying prices. But take note that high quality office furniture does not come cheap. Be ready to allocate a considerable part of your budget to invest in high quality office furniture. This actually enables you to save in the long run as quality office furniture will not need replacing or repair for years.

2. Study your office space
When furnishing your office, the office area is an important concern. Do you have a large or a small professional space? Larger office space may have more room for storage areas separate from workstations while smaller spaces must aim for slim, minimalistic and multi-functional pieces that maximise the space available. How many meeting rooms do you have? These will need to be fitted with appropriate boardroom tables and chairs.

Does your business require you to receive clients in your office? In this case, you will need to have an area fitted with client seating. Does your office space allow for a pantry or recreational area for employees? Furniture for client and recreational areas may be contemporary office furniture that includes sofas, cafe chairs and stools.

3. Set time restrictions
When installing new office furniture, it’s important to keep business operations running and employee productivity high. How much time can you spare for the set-up of new furnishings? Do you have a weekend for the job or do you need it to be set-up after work hours? If you have limited time for set-up, then choose office furniture and fixtures that are easily and straightforwardly installed.

4. Consider your industry
As mentioned previously, your office decor can speak volumes about your business. Consider the industry your business is in. Are you in the finance industry as a consulting company? Then perhaps your office space merits a more traditional look. Are you in the publishing or advertising industry as a fashion magazine publisher? Then perhaps your office furniture can be more contemporary to reflect a creative feel. Your office’s aesthetics needs to reflect the nature of your business.

5. Pay attention to office chairs
Many employees nowadays are spending more time at the office, working longer hours. Spending hours seated can be tiresome especially if they are sitting on an office chair that does not offer the proper support. Pay close attention to selecting quality office chairs that offer comfort and proper support to their backs and arms. Having the appropriate office chair will help avoid any health problems and discomfort from back strains and also enables your employees to work at their best.

6. Consider the lights
Lighting is another important factor that must be considered when installing new office furnishings. Make sure that the work area is well lit and that the lighting is not harsh on the eyes. Professional lighting consultants are available to help you with fixture arrangements and wattage output concerns.

7. Consult your employees
If you are still unsure of what office furniture to get for your business space, it would be helpful to ask your employees. Remember, these are the people who spend hours in the office so their input will be very important. Ask them what they are looking for in an office chair or what type of storage system they need. When you are able to provide office furniture that supports a healthy and productive work environment, you can rely on the best possible performance from your employees.

Some Final Words

There are various trends in office fitouts and office furniture today. To know which one is the most appropriate for your business, it will be helpful to consult with a professional and experienced office fitout provider.

(Source: Integrity Office)

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When a client visits your office for the first time, their first impression of your brand is set in stone as they enter through the front door.  This first impression is hugely important and depends greatly on the quality and professionalism of your office fitout.  Your fitout should reflect the brand you are aiming to project.  If you are an advertising company, then you need an office fitout that will reflect creativity and innovative ideas.  If you are a law firm or an accounting firm, then you need a fitout that will reflect professionalism.

If done correctly, your office fitout can complement and enhance your business image.   In this article, we provide some tips on how you can create an office fitout that reflects and strengthens your company brand.

1. Be creative
Many large international companies such as Google and Microsoft invest in office furniture and fixtures that are a mix between modern and conventional, giving their office fitout a fun, creative yet professional feel.  It is important to incorporate more modern pieces and layout designs in your office fitout because this can reflect your innovative products and services  and can show customers that your company is thinking and moving forward.

Are you having your office renovation or office fitout on a budget?  You do not need a huge budget to get creative.  Try to incorporate your own products in your office fitout.  If you are a magazine or book publisher, then perhaps you can gather all the covers of your bestsellers, have them mounted on screens and use these screens as partitions.  If you are an IT company, perhaps you can showcase the evolution of computers by putting a mini-exhibit of the oldest to the most modern products you offer in the reception area.  In this way, not only are you putting your own products on display, but you are also showing how much your business has progressed.

2. Be consistent
Implement a consistent design and theme in your office fitout.  If you want to have an open office design, implement this across the entire fitout.  If you want to adapt a green, environment friendly theme, make sure all areas of your work space have this theme.  Being consistent makes your brand appear clean and professional.

3. Keep a clean office
A messy and cluttered office will translate to a messy and unorganised brand.  It will appear as if you and your employees have no regard to be clean and orderly and this will reflect very poorly on your products and services.  Implement a clean desk policy wherein employees are required to have their work areas clean and clutter-free before they leave for the day.  If they wish to have photos and other mementos on their desks, they may do so but limit the number of personal things they can display.

Also provide segregated trash bins, one for biodegradable and another for non-biodegradable trash, to keep the office clean.

Another tip for minimising the cluttered look of an office is to incorporate sleek and slim office furniture into your fitout.  This will create more space in your office, making the office appear less congested.

4. Have a well-thought out layout and design
Make sure that your office layout and design reflects the culture and values of your company.  If you want your company to be known as an advocate for the environment, then implement earth friendly pieces in your office fitout design.  Also, make sure to include items such as lighting, phone and power outlets and ventilation in your layout.  Providing items such as adequate lighting or office chairs that properly support the body will show that you care about the health and wellness of your employees.  Surely, a business owner who values his employees also values his products, services and customers.

5. Keep office furniture and equipment up-to-date
Make sure that your desktops, fax machines, printers and other equipment are some of the latest technologies today.  New equipment not only gives your office a more professional feel, but also tells your customers that you use the most modern technology in your products and services.  Again, having modern office furniture and the latest equipment and technology reflects that your company is thinking and moving forward.
(source: Integrity Office)

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The new building, called Home and designed by Mecanoo Architects, will house the Cornerhouse gallery and theatre and the Library Theatre Company in Manchester.

Construction is set to start this month for completion in 2014.

The structure will incorporate three existing viaduct arches that will house the venue’s education rooms. There will also be a 500-seat theatre, a studio, a gallery and a five-screen cinema.

The project forms part of an £80m programme at First Street North, which will also see a new hotel, multi-storey car park and restaurant area built around a new public square.

Wates was awarded the work through the North West Construction Hub following its appointment to both the medium and high value Hub frameworks in 2010.

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Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Willmott Dixon to redevelop Bolton Market as they have a long and successful track record with retail and refurbishment projects like this. They have worked on many retail projects in the North West which have required the sites to be remodelled similar to what we’re doing in Bolton. “We are now working closely with them on this project which will make our market even better. The market is one of our main shopping destinations and while work is underway it will still be open for business as usual, and we will make every effort to minimise disruption.” The Bolton Market scheme builds on the quality and strength of its food offer. Improvements that will take place include: refurbishing the roof on the fish market; replacing the roof on the eastern hall, which houses the non-food section; introducing additional indoor food stalls and a seating area in the eastern hall; and repairing the roof over the western hall, which contains the fresh fruit and vegetable traders. The outdoor market will be moved to New Street closer to the planned new transport interchange. The design team for the project is led by architects Davis Wetherill Partnerships who have recently completed the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Accrington Market Hall for Lancashire County Council.

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