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Making Your Space Pay

Leading commercial property consultancy, Sanderson Weatherall, is taking its own good advice on how to get the best out of commercial property, with the completion of a new refurbishment programme in its Newcastle offices.
At a time when many organisations are looking to work ‘lean’ or generate alternative sources of capital, the firm’s Agency and Architecture departments provide clients with advice on how to make the best use of their fixed assets.
 
Sanderson Weatherall’s associate director for investment and development, John Haley, feels that it is important to show clients what is achievable through a more efficient use of commercial premises.
 
He said: “Current market conditions and economic cost pressures are meaning that many organisations should, if they are not doing so already, take a long hard look at their assets and decide if they are getting the best value for money.
 
“An excellent place to start is in the bricks and mortar surrounding them. We decided to put our money where our mouth is internally and change the way we work and the structure of our space. While the development went on around us we remained in occupation to ensure there was no impact on servicing levels.”
 
Sanderson Weatherall’s internal redevelopment programme for its prestigious Grey Street address, has involved redesigning the office infrastructure, providing a more efficient working environment in which to accommodate its staff. By consolidating its work space from two floors to one single 4,430sq ft floor it has provided a more efficient working environment.
 
The move was developed and managed by a collaboration of the firm’s Agency and Architecture departments – with the refurbishment needing to be completed without any real effect to business operation, the departments worked closely to provide a contemporary styled refurbishment without impacting on the high level of service it offers clients.
 
Redevelopment on the ground floor has provided a new visitor reception as well as several client meetings spaces for the city centre location. As part of the works, the firm has also invested in new technologies and the latest IT support systems to provide hot desks which enable smarter working and improved occupational efficiency.
 
John added: “Property has often been low on the business agenda, as property costs such as rent and rates have been typically fixed and accepted.  But the costs of inefficient space usage are being highlighted due to the challenging economic climate.
 
“It’s vital for businesses to realise that not only can you recoup initial development costs through ongoing operational savings from this type of activity - it can also have a major positive impact on work practices and your organisational environment helping firms to grow and prosper.”
 
Lee Sanderson, of the firm’s Architecture department, said that although in some cases the most appropriate action can be to relocate, in many instances, businesses don’t realise the true operational potential of their commercial property spaces.
 
Lee said: “Within our offices, we have created a contemporary styled space which consolidates our services over a single floor. With many of Sanderson Weatherall’s clients requiring expertise from more than one department, the open-plan design allows for a better integration of departments which promotes cross-departmental working.

“The movement of our staff onto one floor from two has resulted in a 47% saving in rent, rates and service charges. Factor in the utility cost savings and it starts to make a huge impact, which in this current climate cannot be ignored.
 
“We provide a concept to completion service, which both responds to a clients existing working environment, as well as the building in which their business is conducted. Through several stages we are able to provide a design which suits both the clients’ requirements and budget. From this, we can then manage the development through to completion. We would be delighted to show people around our offices and see first hand what we have achieved through careful spatial planning and management.”
 
To find out more  about cost savings and building refurbishment plans, contact John Haley or Lee Sanderson on 0191 261 2681.
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