Tag Archives: Offices

Cleaning & Facilities Management, News

DuraClean secures landmark UK-wide contract with WGC

Fast-growing cleaning products company DuraClean has secured a three-year nationwide contract with cleaning and maintenance business WGC, which services hundreds of hotels, office locations and educational facilities across the UK.

The deal follows a successful trial and will see DuraClean supply WGC with cleaning consumables, equipment such as vacuum cleaners and floor polishing machines, bespoke staff uniforms and eco-friendly cleaning chemicals.

WGC services more than 300 hotels across the UK for a client base which spans brands such as Ibis, Novotel, Moxy, IHG, Radisson, Hilton and The Resident, as well as luxury locations in London including The Connaught, Claridge’s and The BoTree.

The company carries out the cleaning of hotel rooms and public areas, marble and windows as well as kitchen deep cleans and stone floor restorations, and operates a facilities management division offering repairs and maintenance.

Headquartered in London, WGC has 6,000 staff and annual revenues in excess of £100m.

Yasin Shariff, managing director of Birmingham-based DuraClean, said: “This is a landmark contract for DuraClean. It solidifies our position as a trusted supplier to the outsourced housekeeping sector, and demonstrates our ability to secure and manage large-scale, long-term agreements with precision, reliability and tailored, end-to-end solutions.

“The award of this contract follows a successful trial period with WGC, during which we showcased our capability to meet the client’s needs with tailored products and services.

“By combining our innovative technology platform, bespoke product offerings and dependable service, we’re committed to helping WGC drive operational excellence and deliver outstanding results. We’re proud to collaborate with WGC and look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

DuraClean supplies a comprehensive range of cleaning and hygiene products, including essential janitorial supplies such as microfibre cloths, dusters, sponges, mops and buckets, advanced robotic cleaning solutions and bespoke embroidered staff uniforms.

As a one-stop shop for outsourced housekeeping and contract cleaning businesses, it supports over 600 UK hotels as well as schools, commercial properties and industrial sites. Its wholesale division supplies retailers and facilities management companies. The company’s offering is underpinned by a technology platform which streamlines ordering and supply chain management.

DuraClean, which began trading in 2023, is trading ahead of expectations, with turnover for the current financial year projected to reach £1.8m. It is moving to new 10,000sq ft headquarters at Birmingham’s Rovex Business Park to support its expansion.

Yasin and co-founder Imran Khandhia are aiming to increase annual revenues to £5m within three years, fuelled by an expanded product range and growing customer base.

“The move to our new premises will enable us to scale our operations, meet demand from existing and new clients and secure further partnerships with industry leaders,” said Yasin.

“At the same time, we are investing to scale and enhance our technology platform to further improve the customer experience.”

Martin Birch, chief executive of WGC, said: “We chose DuraClean for its ability to provide a comprehensive, one-stop shop service and its seamless ordering system via a bespoke technology platform, ensuring ease of use and efficiency.

“Other factors were its consistent and reliable delivery, strong sustainability credentials and its ability to provide tailored reporting, ongoing support and demonstrations.

“We had a need for a more integrated, tech-driven supply chain partner as we grow the business. We now benefit from a dedicated account management team for tailored support, monthly reporting and analysis to drive efficiency, regular equipment demonstrations and bespoke uniforms that align with our brand identity.

“Collaborating with DuraClean marks a significant step forward for WGC. The company’s extensive product offering, spanning cleaning consumables, chemicals, uniforms and equipment, combined with its ability to tailor solutions to our specific needs, sets the company apart.

“This three-year agreement is a reflection of our shared values in operational efficiency and sustainability, and I’m confident it will bring immense value to our clients and our team.”

John Raponi, operations director at WGC, said DuraClean’s performance during the trial period exceeded expectations.

He added: “Its ability to align with our operational needs, deliver on time and provide a robust range of products made the integration seamless. DuraClean’s technology platform has simplified the ordering process for our team, and I’m looking forward to building on this partnership to enhance efficiency and service delivery across our sites.”

News

21st Anniversary for FlexSA member BE Offices

BE Offices is celebrating its 21st anniversary as members of the Flexible Space Association (FlexSA). FlexSA supports, promotes and represents the flexible workspace industry, and has member companies across the UK.

Andy Issott, Marketing Director at BE Offices states: “We were one of the first major operators to join the Flexible Space Association and have been big advocates ever since. It’s been a valuable source of information and has successfully remained relevant in a rapidly changing era of workspace. It’s a great platform for collaborating with other players in our sector, with the added bonus of kicking off Christmas with their annual Awards Dinner, in which we have been delighted to pick up eight awards, most recently Operator of the Year for our Barbican centre, and Community Engagement Activity of the Year.”

The Flexible Space Association speaks on behalf of the industry, working to ensure it has the conditions needed to thrive. It provides information and support to its members and provides opportunities for them to come together.

During an unprecedented last two years, FlexSA offered members support and guidance as home-working ended and hybrid working became much more popular. According to ONS figures the proportion of hybrid working people rose from 13% in February 2022 to 24% in May 2022.

Having joined in 2001 when FlexSA was known as the Business Centre Association, BE Offices has scooped a number of Flexible Space Association Awards over the years, including 2019 – Community Engagement Activity of the Year, supporting Rays of Sunshine; 2019 – Flexible Workspace of the Year – Barbican; 2015 – Flexible Workspace of the Year – Minories; and 2011 – Flexible Workspace of the Year – Wembley.

Nick Gandy, Director of Business Centres at BE Offices, has been a member of the Flexible Space Association Board since 2018, and Founder & Co-CEO, Simon Rusk, was a Board member from 2010 to 2015.

Jane Sartin, Executive Director at the Flexible Space Association, comments: “BE Offices has been a very supportive member of FlexSA over the past 21 years, always getting involved in our activities, and working with other workspace operators for the benefit of the wider industry. We are hugely grateful for the company’s involvement, and are honoured to be celebrating this milestone with them.”

Commercial Property, London News, News, North of England

Flex Space to increase 50% in four years

Hybrid working policies are driving demand in the flexible workspace market as companies are using coworking and serviced offices at record levels.

In its annual UK Market Research Report, The Instant Group’s data shows that demand for flex space across the country is up 22% in the last 12 months. Regional cities – such as Leeds and Manchester – are leading the way in this increase but the latest market data shows a recovery in central London.

The size of the space being taken with flex operators has also increased by 44% since the pandemic as larger companies incorporate more flexible workspace in their real estate portfolios.

With demand for flexible space eclipsing pre-pandemic levels, the result is that the supply of new centres is growing and diversifying at a rapid rate. New supply is primarily coming from traditional landlords. GPE has announced that it aims to grow its flex offering from 13% to 25% of their total portfolio by 2027, and CBRE have taken over 40% of Industrious to boost their flex product. Many other landlords are already following suit, shaking up the flexible landscape in the UK.

Supply of new workspace grew at 5% throughout the pandemic but that rate of growth is expected to double this year. The number of flex spaces will double by 2026 and account for more than 150m sq ft of office space in the UK, or 10% of total UK office space.

Despite the increase in supply, average workstation rates are up 4% on H2 2021, currently averaging £408 pcm across the UK. This is primarily due to demand in major cities picking up as well as operators increasing rates to cover inflationary costs.

Lucinda Pullinger, UK Managing Director, The Instant Group, said: “Flex space is now a critical component of most companies’ office strategy. Hybrid working has entrenched the role of serviced offices, coworking and meeting rooms. After the ups and downs of the past two years, it is very exciting to see growth in markets such as central London again.

“However, we would sound a note of caution that recessionary fears are likely to see some organisations put their office moves on the back burner in H2 as they watch the wider macro-economic picture play out. With more landlords entering the market in the next 24 months, there will be an increase in supply to meet current demand levels with the flex market set to become an increasingly competitive market.”

Instant’s data is based on its market leading flexible workspace platform which placed customers in flexible workspaces in over 225 cities and towns across the UK in the last 12 months.

News

Construction begins on new Watling Street boutique offices designed for hybrid workforce

The Boutique Workplace Company is transforming the unloved but iconic building at 73 Watling Street into stylish, boutique offices aimed at SMEs with a hybrid workforce, post-Covid. 

Set to open this spring, all offices feature smart TVs to connect workers with a hybrid or remote workforce. Smack bang in the heart of the City, the characterful and historic location of Watling Street promises occupants a spectacular view from the building’s rooftop terrace and easy access to the popular shops below, including the renowned Porterford Butcher’s.

SMEs can move in from 1st March 2022 and enjoy the building’s ample amenities, as well as access to 11 of The Boutique Workplace Company offices and meeting rooms across the capital.  

Dan Wheble at The Boutique Workplace Company, comments, “The way we work has evolved massively in the last two years and we’re thrilled to see more and more businesses understanding the benefits of working for smaller, boutique companies offering flexibility, adaptability and responsiveness.   

“Our model is based on quirky buildings that fit small-medium sized businesses. They have character but needed careful planning to refit and are suited to smaller companies. This is where a building like Watling Street really shines. Plus it has amenities such as outdoor areas and smart TVs in every office, making it an innovative space post-covid.” 

The Boutique Workplace company offers a curated collection of iconic buildings in London and beyond.  

*Source: The Future of Flex report: https://cdn.worktechacademy.com/uploads/2021/07/AFK-Report-The-Future-Flex-Office.pdf 

Commercial Property, Midlands News, News

New Birmingham Boutique offices ready for launch – 102 Colmore Row offers over 400 “home from home” workspaces

The final touches are being made to the new co-working space in the heart of the city, ahead of welcoming occupiers to move in from December onwards.

Just minutes from Birmingham New Street and Snow Hill train stations, 102 Colmore Row will offer 423 new workstations across 26,000 sq ft in a historic, listed building with fully modernised facilities.

The new 24/7 workspace aims to meet the needs of SMEs and individual workers , with costs starting from a competitive GBP70 pcm for access to the co-working membership lounge. Fitted out in The Boutique Workplace Company style, the workplace is designed with flexibility at its heart, and offers a range of facilities including onsite gym; showers; front of house; aircon; a roof terrace; a glass-covered courtyard and a number of breakout spaces and meeting rooms. It is cyclist- and dog-friendly.

Dan Mcleod, Commercial Manager at The Boutique Workplace Company, says: “Birmingham is now a destination for small to medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs, and COVID has further accelerated the remote working trend across businesses of all sizes.”

“Set in a thriving district, 102 Colmore Row will offer all the amenities you could wish for within a characterful period building, yet one SMEs can also put their own stamp on. We’re confident we’ll be offering workers competitive rates, plus all members will gain access to our London sites which are perfect for commuting, or the occasional meeting in the capital.”

The Boutique Workplace Company signed for the new space in June in a joint venture with property developers, Cervidae. Boutique currently operates 30 workplaces across London, Kingston-upon-Thames and South Oxfordshire.

News

This is what Brits are searching for around returning to the office, according to Google

New research has identified what employees and business owners alike are wanting to know about returning to the office, with employers starting to gear up for fully re-opening workplaces from the summer. 

Analysing Google search data, leading training providers Virtual College have found that some people are worried about returning to work, with searches for ‘not comfortable returning to office’ and ‘are offices safe during coronavirus?’ proving popular.

Two aspects of the working environment that appear to be causing the most concern are bathroom facilities and air circulation as research has revealed high searches for ‘how long does coronavirus live on toilets?’ and ‘does office air conditioning spread coronavirus?’

Data also highlights numerous searches for ‘can I be forced to return to work’ and ‘forced to work during coronavirus’, indicating that some Brits are reluctant to return to the office environment any time soon.

Interestingly, in the last week of March this year, ‘working from home forever’ reached its highest score on Google Trends since the pandemic began, suggesting that many office workers have enjoyed, and even preferred, being remote. 

Yet, as offices do prepare to open up again, research shows that keeping staff safe is high on the agenda for employers. With a high volume of searches for office-return protocols and training, data highlights that employers want advice about ‘checklists’, ‘best practices’, and ‘risk assessments’. 

Hannah Brindle, Managing Director at Virtual College, said: “After surveying our own staff about a return to the office, we understand that there are real concerns about health and safety in the workplace, particularly after having been working in a safe and secure home environment for so long. Moving forward, all organisations have an increased duty of care to ensure their employees have a safe space to work when they return to the office.

“As life begins to return to ”normal”, getting back to some form of hybrid office working and reassuring our people that we have taken all the correct steps will be crucial. Lots of employers are actively putting in place measures to ensure a safe return and we have seen a big increase in popularity of our Covid-19 training course and various Health & Safety courses, so it is clearly a high priority for most.”

Virtual College has also shared some internal data that suggests employers are preparing to welcome back staff. In the week commencing 5th April, the training provider saw a 41% purchase increase of Health & Safety related courses, a 72% purchase increase of their ‘How to Carry out Portable Appliance Testing’ course and a staggering 127% purchase increase of their ‘First Aid at Work Course: Primary Survey’.

In order to support businesses returning to work following the coronavirus pandemic, the leading training providers have designed a range of new courses across a variety of industries including Manufacturing, Retail, Office, Food Manufacturing, Food Retail, Food Catering and Seated Service.