GRAHAM has been awarded a £3.5m contract by CMS to complete the interior fit-out of the international law firm’s new Sheffield office, located at 1 Charter Square. The privately-owned contractor will undertake the CAT A and CAT B development of 47,500 sq ft of space across four floors within the
Do you want something iconic for your garden or patio? You can choose the bean bag chairs. Remember, bean bags are making a comeback in different styles. These are perfect for every situation. Feel free to visit Zanui for bean bag chairs to buy stylish and durable furniture. Some high-quality
H2R DESIGN, was appointed as the interior design firm for Surround in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The award-winning design firm was tasked to create a fun and playful space with sophistication for the foodies of Riyadh to gather, have great food and to really celebrate life together. Primarily a chic burger
Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced the release of the 6” T2 Ceiling Pendant Set with decorator cover (GPEND62G2) and T2 Ceiling Batten Holder with decorator cover (GBATG2), two new ceiling accessory products fitted with additional decorators cover. The new accessories have
A coffee table can bring an aura of class and beauty into your living room. When creating your interior décor, a coffee table is one piece of furniture that can help you complete that elegant look that you desire in your living room. They come in many designs and colors,
Department, a new managed workspace concept, has launched, combining work, social and wellness facilities under one roof, as it introduces the new era of the workplace. The complete workplace offering, which is an evolution of the All Work & Social managed workspace operation, originally founded as the award-winning Hello Social,
Over the last two years, huge investments in infrastructure and machinery have enabled FGF Limited to restructure and focus on improving quality control, efficiency and communication. Recognising the value and importance of promoting Women in Construction, Kristy Driver-Gray was appointed Managing Director (The first female MD in 65 years). Along
For generations, many of us in Western countries have been obsessed with the idea that bigger is better. Needing more space, a bigger garden, two bathrooms… However in Japan, something very different is going on. There are an abundance of inventive interior designers and architects who are using the limited space that Japan has
Having recently released their highly successful back to work guide, workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors is advancing towards its next phase of company growth following the appointment of Mike McKeown as Client Services Director. Mike will join Rob Day, Chloe Sproston and Rachel Biddles on the management
How does a medium sized, niche business navigate through numerous conformance requirements to secure its place in today’s construction supply chains? The construction industry has always presented opportunities for the army of innovative and specialised small and medium sized business based in the UK. For every £1 spent by the
GRAHAM has been awarded a £3.5m contract by CMS to complete the interior fit-out of the international law firm’s new Sheffield office, located at 1 Charter Square. The privately-owned contractor will undertake the CAT A and CAT B development of 47,500 sq ft of space across four floors within the landmark building, which is situated in Phase 1 of Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City II regeneration project. Since March 2020, GRAHAM has worked collaboratively with CMS to develop the design to Stage 4 to ensure the dynamic new space meets the modern expectations of approximately 350 people, with the in-built flexibility to accommodate future growth in line with the firm’s strategy in the north of England. The construction programme began in August 2020 and is scheduled for completion in early December 2020. Discussing the detail of the fit-out project Sue Blanche, GRAHAM Development Director, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract with internationally renowned law firm, CMS. As part of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement, we have been working closely with CMS and its professional team to fine-tune the design so that it includes first-class facilities that promote a collaborative environment to enable CMS to continue to deliver exceptional services to its clients. “Some of the notable aspects of the complex fit-out include glazed and moveable partitions, state-of-the-art AV/IT systems, feature reception areas, bespoke joinery as well as wall and floor finishes throughout. It’s an exciting project, and we are confident that, once complete, 1 Charter House will perfectly represent CMS’s reputation as a global leader.” CMS has signed a 20-year lease for the new premises, with the relocation coinciding with the firm’s 30-year anniversary in Sheffield. Expertise GRAHAM continues to expand its interior fit-out presence across the north of England, and has recently completed projects for Apart Hotel (Liverpool) and (Leeds). Currently, it is delivering Leeds Building Society’s new headquarters in Leeds city centre, and has recently been selected to deliver a £10m interior fit-out development at Citylabs 2.0 – a world-leading precision medicine campus in Manchester. Notably, GRAHAM has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for a range of leading corporate firms, counting KPMG and Grant Thornton among its prestigious clients.
Do you want something iconic for your garden or patio? You can choose the bean bag chairs. Remember, bean bags are making a comeback in different styles. These are perfect for every situation. Feel free to visit Zanui for bean bag chairs to buy stylish and durable furniture. Some high-quality bean bags are available in the market to fit in your home. Here are some essential considerations for the selection of the best bean bag chairs. Fabric is a Crucial Factor Beans bags don’t have any frame; therefore, you have to focus on the fabric. Fortunately, you can find bean bag chairs in different types of fabrics. Each fabric has its own qualities. Vinyl is a durable and common material. It may feel sticky and warm during hot days. If you are living in a hot climate, avoid getting vinyl bean bag chairs. Cotton may be a suitable substitute for vinyl, and it is breathable and comfortable. This material is not durable and resistant to stains. With kids and pets in the home, you can’t choose bean bag chairs. Polyester is another fabric with several benefits. It is economical and durable for homeowners. The expensive polyester may come with special coatings for stain-resistant, mold-resistant and water-repellent qualities. Moreover, polyester looks cheap. Leather is a durable fabric with a luxurious feel. It is expensive and needs proper maintenance. Moreover, microsuede is soft, comfortable and luminous-looking. Similar to cotton, it is difficult to deal with microsuede with stains and spills. Shape of Bean Bag Chair In the past, these were available in round shape, but it has different styles. Nowadays, plenty of shapes are available to fit your space and preferences. If you have limited space in your room, choose a rectangle bean bag chair. Moreover, the sofa like shapes can give an exclusive look to your bean bags. These add a unique element of comfort and fun. An oversized bean bag is suitable for a large space. It will decrease the emptiness of your space. On oversized bean bag chairs, you can rest your legs and bags comfortably. For tall loungers, it will be a suitable option. Best Places for Bean Bag Chairs By using a bean bag as an accent piece of your bedroom, you can decrease its chances of wear and tear. Consider the theme of your room while selecting a bean bag. Make sure to choose a durable and comfortable fabric. Moreover, you can buy a bean bag chair for children’s room. Polyester bean bags are suitable for kids room. For your gaming room, you will need a durable bean bag with lots of filling. You have to select a safe filling for your bean bag. If you have pets and children around, you can avoid polystyrene beads or bead beans. These may increase the chances of safety hazards. Avoid an easy to tear bean bag because these can increase choking hazards. Recyclable or wood shavings are pet-friendly options. Focus on the construction of a bag to ensure tight stitching.
H2R DESIGN, was appointed as the interior design firm for Surround in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The award-winning design firm was tasked to create a fun and playful space with sophistication for the foodies of Riyadh to gather, have great food and to really celebrate life together. Primarily a chic burger joint, with other indulgent quality foods, the interior design of Surround is colourful, vibrant and an engaging space full of quirky design features which displays the character of the space. The brief was to create a fun and easy-going dining concept, where friends and like-minded people get together, catch up and relax over good food and good company. The venue is conceptually divided into two spaces: the workshop (open kitchen) the playground – is the restaurant area, depicting the recess scene at school, where groups of friends would congregate to catch up while enjoying a bite. H2R Design worked closely with the client to execute their vision for Surround which resulted in the minimal yet playful restaurant inspiring the sense of community. “We focused on making Surround a spirited ‘playground’ for adults, whilst retaining the elegant side. This can be seen in the wall grid, taking us back to school graph paper, with quirky sketches and ‘doodles’ that create a nostalgic language. As there is so much boldness on the higher level of the space with pink taking prominence, we wanted to keep it quite cool and neutral as we worked our way down”, explained Hasan Roomi, Co-founder of H2R Design. “Our methodology was to combine the different ways of harmonising the playfulness with the cultured. We didn’t want to scare people off by being too childlike, and we didn’t want it to feel too sophisticated either. The pink perimeter paint was initially alarming for the client, as it was so protruding. But once all the other materials and furniture coalesced, they loved it! As designers, we always have to remind everyone to be patient until the end, to really see the design as one holistic experience and to believe in it,” Husain Roomi, Co-Founder of H2R Design continued. The interior design features distinct use of materials and unusual amalgamations. For example, concrete micro topping was incorporated as a neutral canvas, and the space was built up with different tiles, marble and white, cut in different shapes and angles. Brave colours in the furniture on the higher level form the sense of boldness and fun, while the use of wood and rattan add a bit of temperateness. The bold colours were influenced by the original branding, in pinks and greens. H2R Design aimed to develop the identity of Surround holistically between the brand identity and the location. The space encourages each visitor to use it differently, as if it were an adult ‘recess’ area where guests can sit in a big group, as a pair or as an individual. “Whether it is the brazen pink paint, the tabletop grouting, or the concrete painted walls creating a cleansed canvas, the overall design skews sharply away from the expectation of what a burger joint in the middle of Riyadh should be. We believe we have pushed the boundaries by creating a more feminine orientated design that is loud and proud. We wish we could share the number of times and the comments we received from women walking past the venue during our site visits. They were very much drawn in by the identity, and really curious to know when it was going to open. This was a clear indication of the appetite for change and the new in the city,” Hasan Roomi, Co-founder of H2R Design said. Notable design features include: Colours The colour pink plays a pivotal role in Surround. It gives the space its bold identity, while the timbers and rattans to bring it back down to earth. The colours in the furniture portray a fresh feeling with variations of pinks and greens to reflect the branding. These assortments of colours are highlighted throughout the furniture and fabrics, the grouting on the tabletops, and the wall finishes as a datum. Tabletops Made of all square tiles, that tabletops are with pink grout, making the food and the packaging really pop out once laid on the tables. Graph Board Wall & Doodles Diners will discover quirky doodles playing on the school for kids’ nostalgic references. The stencil doodles throughout the space engage the guests and remind them of the fun and playfulness they once had at school. Lighting In addition to the wooden elements, warmth is activating with the terracotta wall and pendant lighting that are in line with the pinks and green. They are simple and warming. The pendant lights frame the central communal table and the perimeter banquette seating while the ones on the walls tie the elements together and create variation. Greenery The use of greenery in the suspended shelving gives the space a down to earth aura mirroring the other side where bookshelves have been placed above the high table. Guests are welcome to grab a book and enjoy consuming it while spending time at the concept. Open Kitchen The kitchen slot offers diners the transparency to see where the food magic happens increasing the ambience in the whole dining experience at Surround. Key materials used in the design include: Tiles The tiles do a of the talking for the space. They vary from glossy to matte and come in different shapes as diners walk through the space. H2R Design wanted to make it an apparent feature in the space so many variations were added. Oak Timber & Rattan These elements were added to give the space some warmth and a slight touch of sophistication. Marble Carrara marble can be found on the entrance walls and communal tables which create an elevated feel for guests walking in. Metals The brass in the furniture detail adds notes of elegance to the overall design. Black metal was used to add contrast between the pastel palette.
Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced the release of the 6” T2 Ceiling Pendant Set with decorator cover (GPEND62G2) and T2 Ceiling Batten Holder with decorator cover (GBATG2), two new ceiling accessory products fitted with additional decorators cover. The new accessories have health and safety in mind, addressing lighting fitting issues when decorating new and refurbished properties. The simple, safe and easy to install accessories provides electricians personalised control and added convenience for the homeowner. Both accessories are permanently fitted to both batten and 6” pendant and once wired simply clip into place covering the terminals. Any paint which would normally come in contact with the live terminals or any accidental contact by the decorator is safely protected with the cover. “Health and safety issues when decorating new and refurbished properties have grown in recent years. To overcome this, lighting circuits should be disconnected to avoid any risk of electrocution from contact between the uncovered terminals in the batten and the person painting the surface,” said Nico van der Merwe, VP of Home & Distribution at Schneider Electric. “Correct working practices require the lighting circuit to be fully isolated and temporary lighting installed, this can be time-consuming and can often result in uneven coverage of paint. The new ceiling accessories with integral decorators cover tackles this issue and ensures safety is at the forefront of decorating.” Van der Merwe continued, “The 6” T2 Ceiling Pendant Set and the T2 Ceiling Batten Holder puts total control in the hands of the electrician and decorator – allowing them to easily install the fixtures and ensure that all future decorating remains secure and time-efficient.” Installation and design The new accessories from Schneider make it ideal for retrofit applications and allows for electricians and decorators to efficiently install the products in any home. It enables the decorator to paint neatly around the fitting and when the outer cover is screwed back in place provides a neat painted edge, thus avoiding paint on the outside visible cover. To access the terminals, the inner cover can be unclipped using the locking tab but ensures with its locking method that it cannot be accidentally removed. The decorator cap remains in place, so all future decorating is consistent. Both 6” T2 Ceiling Pendant Set and T2 Ceiling Batten Holder with additional decorator covers also include functions such as: Slightly oversized base covers any unsightly witness marks when replacing existing fittings Raised mounting fit held to ensure the lamp holder is fitted to an uneven surface Clear terminals provide easy visibility of terminals during installation Large cable knockouts around the base moulding for ample cable entry Terminals are located around the perimeter of the fittings to provide maximum cable entry and wiring space
A coffee table can bring an aura of class and beauty into your living room. When creating your interior décor, a coffee table is one piece of furniture that can help you complete that elegant look that you desire in your living room. They come in many designs and colors, and you can also custom make your own to fit into your space. A mid-century modern coffee table is particularly one which you can use to make your room aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The tables range in a variety of designs allowing you to play around with your available space. Here are some of the cool ideas of how you can use such tables. 1. Having Coffee Having coffee is the primary use of these tables. With the table strategically placed next to your couch, you can use it to place kettles and coffee mugs and enjoy a warm glass of the same while relaxed on your sofa. You should always ensure that your table is the right height relative to your sofa. The table should be a little bit low, but too low to enable you to place your mug comfortably. 2. Placing Decorative Vases While your coffee table is in itself a decorative piece, you can add on to its beauty and the general outlook of your room if you place flower vases and other decorative items on it. Always ensure that the table is not cluttered and that you allow enough space for mugs and kettles. Depending on the shape and design of your coffee table, you can either place these vases at the edge or right in the middle of the table. Most people go with the latter option where you place a decorated bottle with artificial flowers in the middle of the table. 3. Books and Magazine Storage While you might have a shelf to place your books and magazines, coffee tables give you more space for this purpose. Of course, you do not keep all your books in the table’s storage compartment, but only those you are reading or the magazines you would want your guests to access. The idea is to have a place you can quickly retrieve your book from when you want to relax and read instead of having to go to your shelf often. 4. Resting Your Legs You can use your coffee table for resting your legs while relaxing on your couch. When you come home tired and just want to relax and catch up on a book or watch your favorite television sitcom, you can sit with your legs outstretched on your table, and enjoy. Just make sure the table is free of other items and is strong enough. 5. Placing Snacks There are those times that you just want to snack up as you enjoy your movie in the living room. You do not have to hold on to a bowl of snacks that you might even spill accidentally. A coffee table is an ideal place to place such snacks or even a vase full of fruits.
Department, a new managed workspace concept, has launched, combining work, social and wellness facilities under one roof, as it introduces the new era of the workplace. The complete workplace offering, which is an evolution of the All Work & Social managed workspace operation, originally founded as the award-winning Hello Social, by Allied London, will give businesses of 1–200 people space to work, scale and grow, providing everything a company needs to thrive in one place. Department offers members fully customisable spaces, from single and clusters of desks, to private studios, allowing flexible working and giving companies space to evolve and change with their surroundings, providing the ultimate workplace solution for businesses in all sectors. Each of Department’s sites will offer members a varied inventory of wellness and social spaces and opportunities, developed in collaboration with local business, with gyms, coffee shops, bars, tap houses and a gin distillery all on-site. Department will operate seven sites in the heart of three UK cities – Manchester, London and Leeds. Manchester will be home to four operations – Department XYZ, Department Bonded Warehouse, both set to be fully operational in 2020 – with Department ABC and Department Piccadilly fully operating in 2021 and 2022. Department Casino Leeds and Department London will open in 2021. Michael Ingall, founder of Department, said: “Our view is that the future is all about the workplace, rather than workspace. Each company will inevitably want something different from their workplace, and we believe in providing the diversity businesses now seek under one roof, at a single destination. The workplace means something different depending on the sector a business operates in, and most importantly its people, so varied amenities will fit many variations of business. “A number of recurrent trends have emerged in each industry, for example, financial services businesses are considering moving teams into flexible space, split between distinct projects. While tech and media businesses report missing agile working and collaboration, with open and quiet spaces helping them to do this. “Department is not a direct result of COVID-19, but its design and philosophy has certainly been influenced by the pandemic. Over the last two months, we have undertaken significant research into remote working, considering how people are coping, what they have missed, and how they now feel about their workspace. We have used this to inform us as we create the new era of the workspace, and design a confident, safe and secure return to work. “Rigid workplaces with rows of desks must now be a ‘no-go’ with much more varied spaces for working in teams, or collaborating one-on-one, combined with much more space to work on individual tasks. Flexible office provision with a choice of locations is also a key factor, which in turn will help the working hours spent in the office. Anthony Powell, managing director at Department, said: “Our conclusion from the extensive research is that the workplace that was already evolving before COVID, has evolved 10 years in 2 months. If we are to successfully persuade people to enthusiastically return to work, and most importantly, if we are to persuade businesses to locate into our buildings, the design and philosophy of the office needs to develop into the complete workplace. “Department will fully embrace the results seen from these surveys, as well as incorporate our group experience of designing and managing workspaces over the last 20 years. The changes we now need to make, will establish a successful and sustainable workplace that will endure what is in store for at least the next five years.” Department launches with consumer finance Auden in the Bonded Warehouse site, joining Klarna, Levitt Bernstein, Reform Radio, Manchester Camerata and Jist Studios. Department XYZ members include Rowan Partners, IOD, Hurlingham Polo and Sportsology. For more information on Department and to find out how entrepreneurs and businesses can become members, visit: www.departmentuk.com
Over the last two years, huge investments in infrastructure and machinery have enabled FGF Limited to restructure and focus on improving quality control, efficiency and communication. Recognising the value and importance of promoting Women in Construction, Kristy Driver-Gray was appointed Managing Director (The first female MD in 65 years). Along with the experienced senior management team, Kristy has implemented numerous progressive changes across the business, including relocating the North West operation to new, much larger premises. Kristy said “We play an important role in the construction and engineering industries, manufacturing and supplying products across the UK. Customer service is at the forefront of our organisation and our diverse knowledge on sectors and products makes FGF a unique business” With over 65 years servicing the industry, FGF manufactures and supplies products including facades, insulation and fire protection along with a vast range of bespoke cut, machined and bonded products. A fleet of FORS accredited and Moffett vehicles provide a nationwide distribution service straight to site. One of the owners, Gerard Abbott Drake says “In the current climate, we have the opportunity to prepare and plan for the future. Sustainable, profitable growth can only be accomplished by constantly evolving and improving our quality and customer service. I am confident the team we now have in place will deliver that”. FGF Limited supplies non-combustible cladding, insulation and fire protection products, and provides value added services such as manufacturing, CNC machining and fabrication services to the construction and engineering industries.
For generations, many of us in Western countries have been obsessed with the idea that bigger is better. Needing more space, a bigger garden, two bathrooms… However in Japan, something very different is going on. There are an abundance of inventive interior designers and architects who are using the limited space that Japan has to offer to its full potential. Tiny living has become the norm, and you’ll find full-sized families living happily in 50m2 apartments. From the outside, such minimalist-inspired design tends to use pure geometric forms in their construction such as rectangles, triangles, circles and cubes, and with simple and plain materials. Everything tends to be neat and perpendicular, whilst it embraces the idea that repetition and homogeneity offers a sense of unification and tranquility. Simple, open spaces may or may not be for everyone. There’s no doubt that modern furniture is often built in a versatile way to have multiple uses. Examples of doubling up and maximising space It’s about doubling up and versatility. An example would be a rolling wall divider to help demarcate rooms temporarily. The kitchen can be smaller than the living room in the daytime, but when hosting a dinner party in the kitchen, the rolling wall can change the ratios and double the size of the kitchen. This allows construction to be more simplistic in its foundation, because the owners of the home can actually design the rooms. Another great example is the wall bed. If living in a studio or a small 1-bedroom apartment, the bed can sap out 30 square feet of precious space. A wall bed allows you to fold the bed into the wall, and thus only invading 1 foot into the room. Once in its vertical position, the wall itself can now have uses, where it wouldn’t otherwise. Perhaps a simpler example of this is the sofa bed, but these seldom save as much space as intended. Storage is often inspired by tiny homes and minimalists for its practicality. Instead of packing household items into drawers or a cupboard, try being more inventive. For example, each stair, often goes unused, as does inside a sofa. Many have taken to using rolling boxes as chairs for guests, too. Some other examples of multi-use furniture Convertible/extending dining table Coffee table book case Mirror ironing board Bike shelf Matroshka Dining table/pool table It is said that genius comes from simplicity — so why over-complicate a home? In times of population density, we should be embracing the ingenuity that comes from getting the absolute most out of something that appears to be limited, whether it’s a small apartment or even a recreational van. And with vans being converted to tiny homes on trailers, the line between van life and ‘normal’ apartment living is becoming blurred. Whilst construction will react to the reality of our limited space as well as the economics of flat-building, interior design is currently failing to keep up with such changes.
Having recently released their highly successful back to work guide, workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors is advancing towards its next phase of company growth following the appointment of Mike McKeown as Client Services Director. Mike will join Rob Day, Chloe Sproston and Rachel Biddles on the management team to strengthen the Board of Directors as part of an ongoing strategic focus on winning more workplace consultancy projects. Although the appointment was agreed prior to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the quality of projects already in the pipeline meant that Blueprint Interiors had the confidence to invest in this additional expertise and influence at a time when companies will need expert advice to prepare their workplaces for the future. Commenting on Mike’s appointment, Blueprint Interiors Founder and CEO Rob Day said, “Even before the pandemic hit, we’d set out to prove that office design comprising rows and rows of desks was an outdated concept. We firmly believe that these environments are as toxic as those in which battery farmed chickens are kept. There is a growing realisation that people can work more effectively and are far happier, healthier and more productive when given the choice to work from home with options to visit agile office spaces when they need to meet people or innovate and share ideas. The pandemic has merely accelerated this change in attitude and our theory that ‘free range’ employees are a greater asset because they are healthier and more motivated has become much more widely accepted. Having Mike on board will strengthen our reputation and ensure we are well placed to advise companies who want to transform their workplace to be fit for the future.” As a former board director of Paragon Group between 1999 and 2017 Mike was responsible for sales growth and key account management during Paragon’s successful period of growth. More recently he has been working in London as a Project Director for a leading interior Design and Build business. Mike, who is married with two children has also worked in Dubai and Japan and recently re-located to Stanton by Dale in Derbyshire. In his new role he will oversee a sales and marketing programme that is intended to position Blueprint Interiors as thought leaders in office design. He will also help Blueprint Interiors capitalise on the increased demand from companies who want to create better environments for their employees as well as offering leadership and coaching to the existing sales team. Mike added, “Blueprint Interiors is on a journey of phased transition to becoming the region’s leading consultative led office interior design company. The aims and goals of the business are very aligned to my personal style and approach to transforming office spaces. I am really looking forward to identifying new clients who could benefit from this consultative approach to creating people centric workplaces. My aim is to ensure that both existing and new clients receive an exemplary level of service in all the interactions they have with our business.”
How does a medium sized, niche business navigate through numerous conformance requirements to secure its place in today’s construction supply chains? The construction industry has always presented opportunities for the army of innovative and specialised small and medium sized business based in the UK. For every £1 spent by the industry in the UK, around 90p remains on-shore, and on top of that, 99.9% of businesses in the sector are classed as SMEs.[1] But large main contractors and public sector organisations are operating under increased demands for accountability, and that means requiring high standards of conformance from every business in their supply chain. How does that look for a medium sized, niche organisation? Founded nearly fifty years ago, Wiltshire manufacturing company Audience Systems is the UK market leader in a very specialist industry – retractable and auditorium seating. Employing around 120 people in the UK, Audience Systems turns over around £11m, with a growing export presence, particularly in North America and Australia. The company tends to work directly with main contractors on new builds and major refits, and with venue managers in sport, education and the arts on refurbishments. Many of its projects are in the public sector. “Ten years ago, the quality landscape was very different for us,” says Managing Director Keith Ritson. “We had strong relationships with clients, and healthy scores on contractors’ databases based on a good record of work. Our products were tested to the relevant standards, and we had an internal quality systems and training schemes in place, supported by industry-wide training such as CSCS.” “But main contractors are being asked by their clients to hold their entire supply chain to the same standards which apply to themselves, and this means that smaller businesses are being held to the same rigorous obligations as large corporate organisations.” Change has come from multiple directions, and Audience Systems has had to innovate to keep up. Some changes have benefitted them – for example, when the Department for Education issued their latest design brief for school premises, it included a requirement for auditorium seats to conform to the relevant British standard at the highest level. That gave the company an immediate advantage. They had always emphasized strength in the design of their products, and most of their range was already certified to that level. Other requirements have proved more onerous. “In the UK, many of our clients have moved to Constuctionline Gold accreditation as a minimum requirement for subcontractors. It’s been a jump up from the Silver accreditation we already had, asking about issues from BIM to GDPR to modern slavery, and although the vast majority of the work has been around creating more official documentation of processes we already had in place, it’s still a big undertaking for a small management team.” Another unexpected challenge was the exclusion of the seating installation trade from the general CSCS scheme. Audience Systems had to innovate quickly, leading the industry in creating a bespoke NVQ programme for all site staff to ensure ongoing access to sites. Again, a major project for a medium-sized manufacturing business to take on. The compliance landscape continues to evolve and work is ongoing across the company, from R&D to Quality to Purchasing to anticipate and meet future requirements. “Of course, much of this work brings benefits – the NVQ scheme for instance, is far more fit for purpose than the old CSCS card scheme. Developing products that conform to US standards has helped us open up a major new market. But it’s also essential for us to still have time to do the things that enthuse us – improving products, developing new products and applications and continuing to expand our export businesses. We don’t just want to be meeting requirements, we want to be doing the exciting things – and doing them well. “The key to it is to make sure that where our customers ask more from us, we accommodate them in a way that works for us. That’s the only way we can avoid being overwhelmed by compliance issues, and use them to our advantage.” [1] https://www.bsigroup.com/Global/BSI%20UK%20SME%20Landscape%20Report%20-%20Stage%201.pdf
