Category: Articles

Being your trusted workspace design and fit-out partner is a position we take great pride in.

We centre our values around delivering a standard of service from initial point of contact, through all our numerous engagements as the project develops, to the final furnishing to be installed which exceeds expectation. Our personable and diligent efforts continue on past the handover phase, and we aim to grow and develop our relationship over a long period.

Once we have delivered your new workspace, detailed Operation and Maintenance manuals will be provided, which identify product warranties, and cleaning schedules to support on-going maintenance. Our policies are very transparent, and a contract is signed outlining a period in which to identify defects and bring it to our attention. In this instance, we would return to site and rectify any defects completely at our cost.  

For your peace of mind, and to demonstrate our confidence that we will finish your project free from defects we have a retention payment policy. This allows you to withhold 2.5% of the contract value until the defects liability period is complete and that you are completely satisfied that the project has been delivered as promised. For clarity, defect periods can range between 3 – 12 months depending on the size, scale, and complexity of the project. We pride ourselves on displaying honesty, openness, reliability, and attentiveness through each stage of your workspace process and with all members of the AMH team, including our suppliers.

To note, there has never been a circumstance where we have lost our retention payment and our commitment to building long lasting relationships is demonstrated by our re-appointment to multiple sites and projects for businesses such as Newsquest Media Group, Bouygues, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, Plessey, British Heart Foundation and Permasense.  

We remain at hand to offer further guidance and support should there be any changes to your business and modifications needed over time. Our doors are always open and our friendly team ready to assist you.

Feel free to visit our offices in the heart of tranquil Somerset countryside only 30 minutes from Bristol city centre or call us on 0117 231 0077.

Understanding how to best utilise your workspace has become a more complex question following the pandemic. With many businesses adapting how their people operate, and with new preferences and requirements for the office, there are many more factors to now consider. We’ve complied a short video sharing some the experiences of what we’ve found working with our clients, and some design solutions to consider moving forward.

The design brief is the first vital step to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the aims, objectives and aspirations of your project.

Working with you we will extract and define a clear brief that helps us develop trust and understanding throughout this collaborative stage. We will challenge, support and advise you so that the brief is always at the heart of our goal and in turn will create and deliver a successful project. Below are some key areas that should be considered…

People and Culture

Your company culture is really important when thinking about the workspace. It links employee engagement, happiness, productivity and retention rate. Think about your company identity and purpose. This will create clear expectations from your employees and in turn create a positive workforce engagement, which drives productivity and creates a confident and happy atmosphere.

Supportive Workspaces

Your workspace should be designed around your people and clearly defining every single persons function so that they understand their contribution to the bigger picture. We will work with you to understand what is important, the nice to haves and must haves to create an intuitive and functional workspace. Promoting wellbeing can help prevent stress and create a positive working environment where individuals and organisations can thrive. Designing spaces or rewards is a great way to create a happy workforce.

Look and Feel

The look and feel of your office will be experienced from the moment you or a visitor walk through the doors. It’s not just about cushions and colours, it’s about how a space makes you feel. The workspace should be a clear reflection of your company and culture. Whether it’s a space for socialising in the office, quiet working zones or collaboration hubs, the design of each work setting must be considered.

Budget and Timescales

We understand that you may not have an exact figure in mind, but as experienced workspace consultants we will work with you to manage your expectations throughout the process. It’s important to have some idea of the desired budget spend so that we can work with you to achieve this and highlight any areas where additional / less spend will be beneficial. Timescales are also important, data gathering and analytical work takes time and we can’t stress how important this is to drive the brief and project. Clarifying any constraints and expectations upfront is necessary to an open and honest relationship.

Our friendly designers are here to support you through creating your design brief and getting the most out of it. Please get in touch on 0117 231 0077 to speak to one of the team and discuss your future workspace plans!

We know that deciding how you will pay for your project will be top of your priority list. While paying upfront in cash is certainly an option, many of our customers choose to pay via finance, spreading the cost over time.

We spoke to Louise Harris and Nichola Hawkins from our finance partner, Bluestone Leasing, to talk us through the most common questions and concerns that businesses raise when deciding whether to finance their project or pay in cash.

Why would customers use finance to pay for my project if they have enough cash?

There is a misconception that companies only use finance if they are short on cash; in reality, 8 out of 10 accounting firms, government bodies and 85% of the Times Top 100 companies all use finance, so you will be joining good company.

Why do they use finance? Finance has many benefits including tax efficiency, spreading risk, matching the cost of assets with ROI and, most of all, keeping all-important cash in the business.

Is paying via finance more expensive than paying in cash?

Paying via finance does involve paying interest (with rates typically falling between 3-10%) but this needs to be weighed against the financial benefits that financing can unlock. For example, many are able to access significant tax savings, and the cash that they are able to keep hold of can be invested in the others areas of the business to increase profits.

With a newly transformed workspace, state-of-the-art technology and other assets, you can attract and retain the best talent, streamline efficiency, increase productivity, and take your brand to the next level.

What can be included in a finance agreement?

A finance agreement can be tailored to include lots of different elements from the tangible assets such as furniture and IT equipment to labour costs, paint, and even the dilapidation costs of old premises. The total costs of the project can be rolled into one agreement so you only need to make one payment every month or quarter.

What’s involved in the finance application process?

Our job is to make the application process as quick and straightforward as possible, to take on the hard work and guide you through your options.

Applying for finance usually begins with a conversation between you and a Bluestone account manager. We will meet with you either in person or virtually to discuss your business, your project, and any relevant plans for the future that we should consider when arranging finance for you.

We will run some credit checks to ensure that finance is the right choice for you. We can then put together a bespoke financial solution; this might include more than one type of finance and/or multiple funders. When we have secured the finance, you will have the opportunity to read through all the documentation and terms of the agreement before signing the contract.

What happens if a business doesn’t have great credit – will they still be able to get finance?

It is important to note that having poor credit will not necessarily prevent you from accessing finance, as we have access to more than 50 lenders all of which have different acceptance criteria and preferences in terms of what they want to fund.

What about the small print – will the finance contract contain any hidden clauses?

Bluestone Leasing only transact business using clear, easy to read contracts regulated by the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) and approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We make sure all our customers understand the agreements they sign.

Does the customer have to pay a deposit upfront?

Any payment structures that AMH require can be facilitated, so the client can spread the cost and only make one monthly payment as their first outlay. Your account manager will work with you to create a bespoke finance solution that is highly cost-effective and tax efficient. 

How long would a typical finance agreement be?

Finance deals can be arranged over a term to suit your needs, subject to the assets and type of project in question. For example technology assets are typically financed over 3-5 years whereas plant and machinery could be significantly longer. Alternatively, finance leases could be as short as one year. We can advise you as to the most appropriate term for your specific needs.

What happens at the end of a finance agreement?

Just as there are several different types of finance agreement, there are several ways that a finance agreement can come to an end. Your Bluestone Leasing account manager will go through all aspects of the agreement with you to ensure that you fully understand its terms.

What’s the Super-deduction tax benefit?

As part of their response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has introduced the Super-deduction tax benefit.

Prior to the Super-deduction, under the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), companies could deduct 100% (up to £1 million) of the cost of “plant and machinery” from their taxable profits. Under the super-deduction, between April 2021 and March 2023, companies paying corporation tax can deduct up to 130% of the cost of new assets from their taxable profits.

According to the government, “Most tangible capital assets used in the course of a business are considered plant and machinery for the purposes of claiming capital allowances”, and the super-deduction still applies if assets are purchased via finance, as long as certain conditions are met.

So, whether investing in a new workspace and associated assets using cash or finance, the Super-deduction could deliver significant savings for many businesses.

When is the best time for finance to be discussed?

The earlier that finance is discussed with your design and build company, the better. They will put you in touch with us so we can work out how much finance you might be able to access, which elements of your project can be incorporated into the deal, and any tax savings you could take advantage of. With all the information at your disposal, you can decide whether to finance your project or pay in cash.

When considering moving offices, we always recommend giving yourself as much lead time as possible. Having the right team of experts assisting you is crucial to having every stage of the re-location flow seamlessly into the next.

Here’s a simple guideline of the key timeframes to consider:

15 months prior:

It’s important to understand the property marketplace as you plan for an office move. Commercial agents will be able to give you the best insight to available properties, market trends and useful advice around rates.

12 months prior:

Having analysed the market, you can now start your property search. It’s important to have a number of options to choose between so you will make an informed and evaluated decision.

9 months prior:

At this stage, a workspace design & build partner can assist you in establishing how the design of the space can contribute to the success of your business. Knowing what your office could look like and how your people will function within it before committing to a lease is so important. Once a suitable location has been identified you will begin negotiating the terms of your new lease.

6 months prior:

The preparation will have paid off with your new office now being secured, your trusted design & build partner assigned to the project, and all necessary steps being in place for a smooth transition out of your existing space, and into your home!

Our team are here to help you through every step of creating your new workspace, even if it’s long before we arrive at the design and build stage, so please get in touch on 0117 231 0077.

Helping you understand CDM regulations and what needs to be done to adhere to its requirements is possibly the least sexy and exciting element of guidance that AMH Projects will provide. However, it is just as important as every other step of the process, and part of our due diligence in delivering the most professional and thorough service as possible.

The reason why you need to comply with the regulations is simply that the project you are undertaking will inherently create risks, and these risks are your responsibility to safely manage. This is the importance of appointing competent and experienced professionals to assist with the management of said risks, namely a principal designer and principal contractor. This will help ensure that no-one is harmed during a project, and that your building is safe to use and maintain, whilst giving you good value for money. Effective planning will also help ensure that your work is well managed with fewer unexpected costs and problems.

Failing to comply to CDM 2015, means that your project could be putting workers and others at risk of harm, and that the finished structure may not achieve good standards and be value for money. If you don’t appoint a principal designer or principal contractor you will be responsible for the things that they should have done. Serious breaches of health and safety legislation on your construction project could result in construction work being stopped by HSE or your local authority and additional work may be needed to put things right. In the most serious circumstances, you could be prosecuted.

Here are 10 steps to follow to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible:

1. Appoint the right people at the right time

If more than one contractor will be involved, you will need to appoint (in writing) a principal designer and a principal contractor.

A principal designer is required to plan, manage and coordinate the planning and design work. Appoint them as early as possible so they can help you gather information about the project and ensure that the designers have done all they can to check that it can be built safely.

A principal contractor is required to plan, manage and coordinate the construction work. Appoint them as early as possible so they are involved in discussions with the principal designer about the work.

2. Ensure there are arrangements in place for managing and organising the project

The work is more likely to be done without harming anyone, and to be completed on time if it is properly planned and managed. Sometimes the work is complex and uses many different trades. Often it involves high-risk work. The principal designer should understand the types of risks and try to avoid them when designing your project. The principal contractor or builder should manage the risks on site.

3. Allow adequate time

Work that is rushed is likely to be unsafe and of poor quality. Allow enough time for the design, planning and construction work to be undertaken properly.

4. Provide information to your designer and contractor

Putting together a ‘client brief’ at the earliest stages which includes as much information as you have about the project, along with the timescales and budget for the build and how you expect the project to be managed can help you to set the standards for managing health and safety.

5. Communicate with your designer and building contractor

During the design and planning stage, you, your designer and contractor need to discuss issues affecting what will be built, how it will be built, how it will be used and how it will be maintained when finished. This will avoid people being harmed or having unexpected costs because issues were not considered when design changes could still easily be made.

6. Ensure adequate welfare facilities on site

Make sure that your contractor has planned for adequate welfare facilities for their workers before the work starts.

7. Ensure a construction phase plan is in place

The principal contractor has to draw up a plan explaining how health and safety risks will be managed.

8. Keep the health and safety file

At the end of the build the principal designer should give you a health and safety file. It is a record of useful information which will help you manage health and safety risks during any future maintenance, repair, construction work or demolition.

9. Protecting members of the public, including your employees

Discuss with your designer and contractor how the construction work may affect how you run your business, eg you may have to re-route pedestrian access; make sure signs to your entrance are clear; or change the way your deliveries operate.

10. Ensure workplaces are designed correctly

If your project is for a new workplace or alterations to an existing workplace, it must meet the standards set out in the Workplace Regulations 1992.

Please get in touch with our knowledgeable team, with decades of experience in safely designing and managing workspace projects if you have questions, on 0117 231 0077.

15.4 million working days were lost to work-related stress between 2017-2018, according to a report on work related stress and anxiety by The Health and Safety Executive.

Potential stressors include issues around job content and its demands, lack of support, organisational culture, bad management practices and the physical work environment. If these issues are excessive and prolonged, they can cause ‘Burnout’, a phenomenon recognised by the World Health Organisation caused by chronic workplace stress.

Studies have indicated that 95% of office workers say the quality of their workspace is important to their mental health, and 64% say their workplace has contributed to feeling stressed. Symptoms can be physical, psychological or behavioural and range from headaches, insomnia and irritability to depression, aggression and feelings of isolation. The design of the workspace, where employees spend 8-10 hours per day, plays an important part in positively influencing mood, engagement in their work, company loyalty, relationships with fellow colleagues and their overall wellbeing.

Introducing elements such as moss walls, plants and natural materials to the design of the workspace, to connect our inherent need to affiliate with nature (biophilic design), have been proven to aid concentration levels and relaxation which has a positive effect on productivity at work.

Creating a culture where individuals are empowered to work when, where, and how they choose provides team members with a sense of trust and autonomy that they can tackle their responsibilities in a manner that they seem fit and is more conducive to completing the job at hand in a more efficient way.   Providing informal break-out spaces with comfortable seating has a hugely positive impact on collaboration and communication amongst colleagues, leading to better relationships at work, which evidence suggests leads to a happier workforce. They also provide a well-needed alternative away from one’s desk to recharge and recuperate, both mentally and physically, which means less likelihood of burnout and stress overload.

Considerations should be made to minimise distractions from noise, which can impact on one’s productivity levels and mood when at work, especially in open plan offices. This can be addressed with the implementation of specific work areas for quieter, more focussed, responsibilities, whether that be acoustic booths and acoustic panelling, small 2-4 person meeting rooms, or solo phone booths.

It is important to satisfy our fundamental needs too which includes access to natural light and fresh air, correct lighting and temperature, kitchen and eating facilities where team members can sufficiently refuel and socialise. The promotion of healthy lifestyles both inside and outside of the workplace will help to improve wellbeing at work. This includes providing cycle racks and drying racks to facilitate cycling to work, providing access to fresh fruit and healthy snacks, and encouraging movement throughout the day whether that be with sit-stand desks to work at, spaces which encourage physical activity such as yoga sessions during lunchtimes or even fully equipped areas to work-out.

Issues such as burnout, unhappiness at work, Britain’s productivity crisis which is currently costing the UK Economy £4bn per year are all reasons why improving staff wellbeing should be an important consideration for all businesses. The design of your workspace can influence your work culture, whether that to be more agile, more collaborative, more social, more inclusive, more active, or more empathic and ultimately, all and any of those initiatives can lead to happier and healthier employees.

Our team is here to help so please get in touch on 0117 231 0077 to discuss how to create a working environment that supports your team’s wellbeing.

Each project we undertake is driven by the desire to provide the best solution for your specific workspace needs. As we work as partners through your brief and budget, together we’re able to create your vision, through our expertise.

EXPLORE – THE POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR WORKSPACE PROJECT

It is essential that your new workspace adds value to everyone who experiences it. Our workspace consultation and analyses will explore the needs of your people and your business by understanding your culture, identifying your ways of working, being clear on your brand objectives, and forecasting any requirements which may evolve in the future. We invest our time in documenting your smallest preferences to your biggest passions, from your technical requirements to your dream requests. Developing a detailed project brief which comes from the heart and soul of your people, provides us with the basis on which to create a beautifully bespoke environment for you.

CREATE – A WORKSPACE DESIGN THAT REALLY WORKS

Well-designed workspaces will stimulate the senses and evoke emotions. As the look and feel of your new workspace evolves with every creative spark and thought-through idea, functional layouts begin to set the scene. Specified workplace settings inform about the function, purpose, and benefit of the space, whilst scheme finishes and mood boards capture the imagination. 3D visuals and rendered images unveils exactly how your workspace will appear as we walk you through every design concept.

Every detail will be considered including the finishes, fabrics and colour palette so that you can make sure you are happy with everything before you commit to a final design.

We appreciate that this will be a journey for you and so our design team will continue to support your project throughout the build phase so that if any updates are required as we move forward, they can be accommodated.

COMPLETE – DESIGN AND FIT-OUT SOLUTIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Having the correct foundations of idea exploration and design creation means your completed workspace will be built to last. With your workspace journey established our detailed programme of design development, working drawings, construction phases, and steps to completion, map the way to your new destination. Specialists from various fields collaborate to deliver a consistent level of service, as the project is managed to specific timeframes. Implementing furniture and furnishings are by no means the final part of the job, our commitment to you and the project continues even once you’ve finally settled into your new workspace.

Whether you are opening a new office, relocating an existing workspace or refurbishing the workplace you are in, our team will plan your project to ensure your business keeps running with minimal disruption.

Our team are here to help you begin your journey towards creating your new workspace so please get in touch on 0117 231 0077 to arrange an initial meeting!