UK Commercial Property News

The Difference Between Office Grades (Grade A, B and C Explained)

Posted on June 20, 2023

Office buildings in the UK are graded into three different categories, otherwise known as classes or grades. Understanding the differences between office space grades is essential for companies who want to ensure they buy or lease an office that meets their specific requirements.

The Concept of Office Grading

The idea of office grades is an integral part of commercial property parlance, representing an industry-accepted method of categorising office spaces. These grades, from A to C, form a hierarchical representation of the quality, amenities, and even the prestige associated with a building. Why is this important, you may ask? The answer lies in the fact that these grades shape multiple business aspects, from projecting your company’s image to affecting the rental rates you’re likely to pay. They are like signposts that guide you in navigating the diverse landscape of commercial real estate.

Tagged 2023, grade a, grade b, grade c, office grades, office space

The Role of Natural Materials in Sustainable Office Design

Posted on May 31, 2023

Welcome to a world where the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors are seamlessly blurred, where the hum of air conditioning is replaced by the rustle of leaves, and where steel and plastic give way to wood and stone. Welcome to the world of natural materials in office spaces. A world where nature and work coexist harmoniously, offering a breath of fresh air – quite literally – to office workers.

The integration of natural materials into office design isn’t just an aesthetic choice. It’s an increasingly popular trend that aligns with our innate desire to connect with nature – a concept known as biophilia. With an accelerated shift to remote working and flexible office spaces catalysed by recent global events, the focus has shifted to creating work environments that are not just functional, but also comfortable, calming, and inspiring.

This transformation goes beyond merely placing a few potted plants around the office or installing a green wall in the reception area. It involves a thoughtful infusion of natural elements into the very core of sustainable office design – from the choice of construction materials to furniture, and from energy efficient lighting to layout. The outcome? Spaces that promote wellbeing, creativity, and productivity, all while treading lightly on the planet.

Tagged London, natural materials, Office Design, office space, sustainability, Trends, uk

Exploring the Best Co-Working Spaces Manchester Has to Offer

Posted on May 17, 2023

The concept of coworking spaces has revolutionised the way we think about work and office environments. Once an obscure idea, coworking spaces have now become a thriving industry, providing flexible work environments for freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes. One city that has embraced this trend with open arms is Manchester.

As one of the UK’s most vibrant and dynamic cities, Manchester has always been a hub for innovation and creativity. It’s no surprise, then, that coworking spaces have flourished here, providing a fertile ground for collaboration, networking, and business growth. These shared spaces offer much more than just a desk and an internet connection. They provide a community of like-minded professionals, access to state-of-the-art amenities, and a stimulating environment that fosters productivity and creativity.

Tagged coworking, Flexible Workspace, Manchester

UK Economic Outlook: Late-2022

Posted on November 17, 2022

The IMF has announced that the global economy is facing a potential downturn, with rising prices around the globe as a result of the war in Ukraine. The organisation stated that “for many people, 2023 will feel like a recession”, and emphasised the need for international cooperation between governments and central banks to alleviate populations bearing the brunt of the coming economic downturn.

Based on recent forecasts, the United Kingdom is at a high risk of experiencing a sustained recession for the next three quarters. However, all analysts are in agreement that the Government’s recent intervention on energy bills has significantly decreased the likelihood of a severe downturn. High energy prices, rising inflation, and increasing interest rates caused by global economic weakness are the main reasons behind this predicted period of recession.

Some forecasts, such as Goldman Sachs’ revised analysis, outline that the United Kingdom is still likely to enter a deeper than expected recession in 2023. In an analysis released mid-October, the investment bank downgraded its outlook for Britain, forecasting the UK economy would shrink by 1% next year, lower than their previous estimate of 0.4%.

Tagged 2022, economic outlook, gdp, inflation, unemployment

Office Safety Tips | 11 Ways to Improve Your Workplace

Posted on November 3, 2022

You probably think of office safety as something that only matters if you work on a construction site or in a factory. The truth is, no matter what type of job you have, there are certain vital safety hazards you need to be aware of at all times. In fact, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, office workers are injured on the job more often than people in any other profession.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that there are more than 20,000 office-related injuries each year. The most common office injuries are slips, trips and falls, followed by repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. However, there are also a significant number of workplace violence incidents reported each year, with more than 1,000 employees being injured as a result.

Why Office Safety Should Be a Top Priority for Any Business

Office safety should be a top priority for any office-based business for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, a safe office environment is a productive office environment. When employees feel comfortable and secure, they are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. Additionally, a safe office environment helps to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Even small accidents can lead to lost productivity, tension within the workplace, and increased insurance costs. Finally, prioritising office safety sends a message to employees that their health and wellbeing is important to the company, helping to build morale and cultivate a more positive working environment. When it comes to running a successful business, office safety should be at the top of the list.

Tagged 2022, cleaning, HSE, lists, office space, tips, workplace, workspace

Hybrid & Flight to Quality – Changing the UK Office Landscape

Posted on October 10, 2022

Numerous key factors have dramatically impacted the UK office space landscape in recent years. Changing employee demands and ever-evolving communications technologies have resulted in a world of work that is much more diversified, decentralised, and agile than seen in years prior.

The adoption of hybrid working practices and the flight to quality seen within the UK office space market stand as two such factors that have undoubtedly altered the landscape across multiple industries. This article will explore these two concepts and provide a general explanation of the way in which these two concepts have changed the market, whilst also providing insight on potential future events.

Tagged downsizing, flight to quality, hybrid work, Office Requirements

UK Regional Office Market Report 2022

Posted on October 7, 2022

How is the UK’s Regional Office Market Performing in 2022?

After two years of uncertainty and upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK regional office market has regained footing in the new, changed working world. Each regional locale is experiencing different conditions, with some faring better than others, making it essential to be aware of key regional variations.

In this article, we assess the overall performance of the regional office market in recent times, whilst also looking into the factors that have defined this market throughout 2022. We’ve generated our insights from the latest data out of market leading sources, such as CBRE, Savills, Avison Young, and Cushman Wakefield.

Tagged 2022, availability, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, office reports, office space, regional office market, Statistics, take up

28 Clever Ways to Organise Your Desk for Maximum Efficiency

Posted on September 16, 2022

A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind, right? Not necessarily. You can be just as productive with a messy desk as you can be with a clean one – as long as you’re organised! Whilst TikTok, Instagram, and interior influencers like Marie Kondo might tell you that less is more, many office workers simply can’t afford to be minimalists when it comes to their workstations. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 28 clever desk organisation ideas for maximum efficiency. Whether you’re looking to fully optimise your workspace or just want some new ideas, we’ve got you covered! So let’s get started!

Tagged efficiency, office desk, office organisation

UK Businesses Embracing the 4 Day Work Week

Posted on September 13, 2022

calendar outlining a 4 day work week

The 4 day work week has been a hotly debated concept in recent years, particularly in response to ongoing discussions surrounding employee experience and work-life balance. JLL’s 2022 Workforce Preferences Barometer, which delves deep into the desires of post-pandemic office workers, highlights a prominent gap between the flexibility currently being offered by employers and demand from employees. Currently, 56% of employees express a desire for a 4 day work week option, whereas it’s only provided under 29% of companies’ Employee Value Propositions (EVPs).

This 27% gap between workforce expectation and market supply clearly illustrates the need for more businesses to consider leaving the five-day working week behind, or at least attempting to do so through a considered trial period. With various studies highlighting the benefits to business productivity, retention, and overall employee life satisfaction that such a shift can provide, it’s no surprise to see a groundswell of support.

Tagged 4 day work week, employee benefits, employee preferences, four day work week, future of work, uk

Rising Demand in the UK Flexible Office Space Market

Posted on September 2, 2022

empty chair in front of a desk with a half-opened laptop on it The events of 2020 caused substantial disruption to the commercial real estate sector. The office space market in particular was heavily impacted by lockdowns and other pandemic-related restrictions, still struggling to get back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels more than two years on.

Prior to the pandemic, non-traditional working models had already gained some prominence. Having now emerged on the other side into a ‘new world of work’, the adoption of flexible workspaces has accelerated interest in both hybrid and remote working models. An ever-increasing number of businesses are now finding themselves entering the flexible workspace market, increasing uptake in tandem with society-wide changes towards remote working, heightened mobility, and the overhauling of workspace design.

Although demand and activity levels for traditional offices are still lagging behind pre-pandemic expectations, opportunities for growth are emerging in other parts of the office space industry. In this article, we discuss the increasing demand for flexible office solutions seen across the UK, and the impact of this trend on wider CRE and labour markets.

Tagged 2022, Birmingham, Cambridge, coworking, demand, flexible office space, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester

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