Press Area

Business Environment, one of the UK’s leading serviced office operators, has launched a cutting-edge virtual office package, and is celebrating the launch by giving small businesses the chance to win virtual office services for six months.

Posted by Emma Butler 4/25/2013

Velocity Virtual is set to be one of the most technologically advanced packages of its kind, enabling start-up businesses to create a professional business image without the cost of hiring premises and full-time front-of-house staff.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs making use of the service can benefit from a prestigious office address, call handling, data storage and meeting room facilities. The flexible package allows customers to pick and choose which of these services they use.

Entrepreneurs can benefit from a front-of-house team answering calls using their business name, before putting the call through, giving the impression that they are a larger company – crucial for winning initial contracts and confidence.

Using super-fast industry-leading hardware, entrepreneurs will also be able to indicate at the touch of a button if they are busy, and request their virtual receptionist to take messages rather than put calls through to them.

Those using the data storage and virtual desktop service will be able to work from any computer or mobile device in the world with an internet connection, with full access to their programmes, files and data.

“We recognise the importance of supporting SMEs and their huge contribution to achieving a strong economy. With Velocity Virtual, we can provide entrepreneurs and SMEs with a fast, flexible and cost-effective solution that offers a professional business image without the usual costs and long-term contracts,” says David Saul, Managing Director, Business Environment.

Businesses wishing to win a free Velocity Virtual package can enter the launch prize draw at: www.velocityvirtual.com

Posted by Emma Butler 4/25/2013

With the appointment of new staff and a planned expansion programme, 2013 sets to be full of growth for Landmark Plc, which plans to continue to make its mark on the commercial property landscape.

Posted by Emma Butler 2/6/2013

Landmark, the leading provider of premium rated serviced offices in the City of London has appointed two new members of staff to boost their Sales & Marketing team to meet increasing letting activity within their City portfolio. 

Voted by The Daily Telegraph as one of Britain’s "Top 1000 Brightest and Best Businesses set to be the foundation of the UK Recovery”, it has placed a level of expectation and the Company is rising to the challenge.

The New Year welcomed in Sales Representative Holly Dwyer, a Property Degree graduate who brings her working experience from the residential side of the industry to the Company.

Holly Dwyer comments; “Having studied the industry, my business appetite lies within property innovation. I am career focused and want to be the very best at what I do. Joining Landmark was a natural choice and I am pleased they thought so too”.

Holly has joined the team in a mile stone week as the number of sales enquiries into the business has reached its highest level since April 2011.

Also joining the team is Marketing Manager, Hazel Merlino, whose extensive industry background includes the Marketing Portfolio within Centaur Media, publishers of Marketing Week. Hazel was recently honoured with a Centaur Media Business Innovation Award.

Hazel has been brought in to help strategically develop and manage the marketing department in line with the Company’s growth plans. First under the spotlight will be Landmark’s branding and digital marketing channels, including the business website, social media and email marketing communications.

Hazel Merlino comments “Having worked in marketing for more than a decade I felt it was time to invest my knowledge into a fast-growing business and with property  being a personal passion, the opportunity to work for Landmark Plc seemed a harmonious fit.” 

Under the stewardship of Alan Todd, Head of Sales & Marketing, Hazel and Holly, join recent recruit Dan Szweda. Dan won “Broker Representative of the Year” Award at the BCA (Business Centre Association) Industry Awards in 2011.

Alan comments; “Holly and Hazel join us at a critical time, with sizable growth plans and great business prospects on the horizon, Landmark is establishing a template of excellence whilst securing its place as the leading provider of premium rated serviced offices in the City of London.”

Landmark PLC is undertaking a considered expansion programme to include high-profile buildings to sit alongside their existing stock of over 2000 workstations. 

Posted by Emma Butler 2/6/2013

Available now, with 65% of the space already let the new London Bridge site is Ventia’s 10^th acquisition in central London since 2009.

Posted by Emma Butler 1/23/2013

An already popular location for serviced offices, Eight St. Thomas Street office is situated between the contemporary Shard building and bustling foodie destination Borough market.

Steve Foster, Commercial Manager of Ventia commented, “I’m delighted that Ventia now has a presence at London Bridge, this has always been a key area for serviced offices with a wide variety of options available. The new site on St. Thomas Street will offer something a little different from the mainstream offerings in the area. I am confident this difference will once again be the key to success for yet another Ventia location.”

The site spans across six inter-connecting Victorian buildings offering some 5,200 square foot over the ground and lower floors. The stunning period building has recently been restored and refurbished to its former glory creating a fantastic contemporary space brimming with period features – something many serviced offices in the area cannot compete with.

The site boasts a large outside courtyard area - a real luxury for any office worker in central London and one which really sets this development apart. As with all Ventia offices, Eight St. Thomas Street is unbranded and fully-furnished, offering a bespoke space which can be tailored to each individual business.

Clients at Ventia’s new property will receive high-speed broadband as standard, with industry-beating IT and telecoms packages that are provided by Liquid IT. This alongside a dedication on-site team who act as company receptionists, assisting with the day-to-day running of an office.

Ventia worked with EA Shaw to broker the deal with landlord Great Portland Estates.

Posted by Emma Butler 1/23/2013

United Business Centres (Midlands) Ltd (UBC) is pleased to announce that it has recently launched a new site in Brentford to add to its portfolio of serviced offices across the UK. UBC Brentford occupies two floors of The Mille, 1000 Great West Road – a prominent site formerly operated by Regus and managed by Helix Property Advisors.

Posted by Emma Butler 10/15/2012

UBC already operates a growing list of business locations throughout the UK. Last year it opened a state-of-the art site south of Warrington on the prestigious Daresbury Park, which has already reached 70% occupancy. The new Brentford site is the latest development in its planned growth programme. More new sites at key locations are expected to be announced in the last quarter of 2012 and beyond. 

The Gateway to London

UBC Brentford is a landmark glass fronted building that is conveniently located just off the M4 on Great West Road. The postcode, the motorway access and the contemporary backdrop make it a tempting option for businesses of all shapes and sizes. It’s close enough to the Capital to feel involved, and far enough away to benefit from an attractive pricing structure.

First class service

The site comes with an end-to-end service offering that allows clients to have a fully functional office from the minute they move in. The proposition includes everything from furniture and telecoms, to IT and secretarial staff. Meeting rooms can be hired by the hour, refreshments are available and there are plenty of communal areas for more informal catch-ups.

Simple, flexible contracts

Contracts with UBC can be adapted to suit the client. They can be taken out for a month or up to three years depending on preference and with the ability to upsize or downsize as appropriate. There is also a flexispace option that allows businesses to select only the services they need.

Posted by Emma Butler 10/15/2012

Ventia Limited the Serviced Office Operator has added to its growing portfolio of serviced offices in London, Bristol and the Thames Valley with a new central London business centre in London’s West End

Posted by Emma Butler 9/5/2012

The launch of Thirty-Six Soho Square, Soho, continues on from the company’s recent openings in Covent Garden and Cannon Street and is the 15^th new property to be added to their ever increasing portfolio.

The new business centre is located in the thriving London media hub that is Soho Square, a quiet business haven just south of Oxford Street. The building is a beautiful Georgian property that comprises of 6000 sqft of prime office space set over 5 floors. Recently refurbished to a high standard the property still maintains it’s unique and original period features with offices that also boast lots of natural light and superb views over Soho Square. There is a dedicated reception area and meeting room staffed by a fully trained Ventia team member. Despite being located just off Europe’s busiest shopping area the inside of the centre offers tranquil working conditions in a smart environment. The building is Cat.5e cabled throughout and features the latest communication infrastructure.

The location of Thirty-Six Soho Square is in a prime position for easy access to all areas of London. Excellent travel links are close by with a choice of Underground and mainline stations all within a short walking distance.

Ventia can offer fully furnished, unbranded serviced offices with the latest in IT and Telecoms. The building has been setup to a high standard to offer space that tenants will be proud to work from and welcome their guests. At Thirty-Six Soho Square Ventia are able to offer modern and contemporary suites catering for 1 person up to 30 people, meaning there is a suitable office to meet every type of requirement.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ventia Director, Dan Wheble said “We are thrilled to be opening our latest business centre in Soho as it is a location we know will be a success for us. In addition, the business centre is another period property to our portfolio that once again offers businesses high quality office space in a boutique environment at affordable prices”

Posted by Emma Butler 9/5/2012

Zoopla Ltd and Digital Property Group Ltd have recently merged and have been hard at work over the past few months integrating businesses.

Posted by Emma Butler 9/3/2012

The driving force behind the decision to merge was the desire to create an online property marketing platform with an unrivalled audience, brands, expertise, products and partnerships to deliver a market-leading proposition to members and users across the UK. The integration is close to completion and is expected to be operating as a single business from the end of September. The newly combined business will be called Zoopla Property Group Ltd.

Posted by Emma Butler 9/3/2012

Lloyd Dorfman, Travelex founder and chairman of serviced office firm Esselco, has funded a management buyout of Bridges Ventures’ majority stake in The Office Group for £43.3 million.

Posted by Emma Mattin 10/9/2010

Dorfman, chairman of Esselco, said: “With interests in this sector already I was looking to diversify and it was evident that The Office Group had a very clear, differentiated proposition, an established customer base and a great vision for the future.”

The Office Group is a specialist provider of flexible office space with a portfolio of six sites in central London and one in Bristol, totalling 1350 workstations.  It has an average occupancy rate of 95% and forecast revenues of £7.29 million and EBITDA of £4.5 million for the year to December 2010.

The Office Group will be run by Office Group founders Olly Olsen and Charlie Green.  

Cavendish Corporate Finance LLP advised on the sale.

Posted by Emma Mattin 10/9/2010

Company proclaimed ‘Trade Supplier of the Year’ by Britain’s serviced office and managed workspace providers

Posted by Emma Mattin 8/12/2010

UltraSoft Technologies has been voted „Trade Supplier of the Year 2010 by the Business Centre Association – the umbrella organisation representing Britains serviced office and managed workspace sector.

Harun Biswas, managing director, UltraSoft Technologies, received the award from Julie Grieve, chair of the BCA, at a glittering ceremony held in the Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, London.

The Staines- based company, which took the same title in 2007 – beat off stiff competition from across the UK to win this year?s award. The finalists were nominated by occupiers of serviced offices or managed workspaces in response to levels of service and support which went well beyond their expectations.

Mr Biswas said: "We are very, very happy to have had the service we provide to the serviced office industry recognised in this way. The fact that we have already been winners of the Trade Supplier of the Year award does not in any way take the shine off this latest honour. In fact winning a second time is every bit as much an achievement as the first as it shows that we are staying ahead of the game.

We are dedicated to providing the best possible service to customers and this is award recognises how much our own employees have striven to achieve this."

UltraSoft has had a long and successful business relationship with members of the BCA, automating and simplifying business centre sales, licensing and billing activities through its UltraSoftBIS software. In addition it also provides software business solutions to government departments, universities, architects, solicitors and engineering companies.

Jennifer Brooke, executive director of the BCA, said: "BCA Trade Suppliers provide the membership with a wide range of quality products and services. UltraSoft Technologies joined the BCA in February 2007 and since that time they have successfully delivered their software solutions to a wide number of serviced office and workspace providers, always supporting their products with premier levels of customer service.

"There were some very impressive nominations for the Trade Supplier of the Year

Award and - for a second time, the panel of judges were overwhelmingly convinced that UltraSoft were the most worthy winners."

Recently, UltraSoft Technologies announced a new addition to their software, Contract Service Agreement (CSA) module, which provides business centres with the choice of producing one agreement for office space and contract services or producing two separate agreements.

"Adaptation of CSA within UltraSoft System reconfirms our understanding of business centre needs today," Mr Biswas added.

Posted by Emma Mattin 8/12/2010

Ventia is set to launch a serviced business centre in South Kensington to add to its portfolio of serviced offices across London and the Thames Valley.

Posted by Emma Mattin 5/10/2010

The centre, located in Glen House on Old Brompton Road above a Ferrari and Maserati showroom, is being refurbished and is due to be completed in early September.

Leo Patching, director at Ventia, said: “The building is in a great location in an area of high prospective demand and very limited supply for what we will be providing.”

Posted by Emma Mattin 5/10/2010

Orega, the flexible office provider, is set to launch its first London office space in High Holborn.

Posted by Emma Mattin 5/10/2010

The managed and serviced offices firm has entered into a 10-year management agreement for 20,000 sq ft at 16 High Holborn, and will open up the office space on 1 October.

The management agreement is with Nine Court, the financial vehicle owned by Keith Beresford, and is worked off an equivalent rent of £28.50/sq ft. The targeted net return to the landlord, under the management agreement, is £37/sq ft.

Orega will operate the five-storey business centre and will manage the whole building on Nine Court’s behalf, including facilities management, cleaning and catering, telecommunications and front of house.

The property is owned by patent attorney Beresford & Co which will continue to occupy the 5,000 sq ft third floor of the building.

Zach Douglas, joint managing director of Orega, said: “16 High Holborn fits the bill and is in an area of high prospective demand from legal and financial occupiers to whom the flexibility of our offer is likely to appeal.”

He added: “We will continue to look for further opportunities in London to build on our presence.”

Last year Orega opened business centres in Manchester, Birmingham and Gatwick. It has seven UK locations in total.

Alex Peers of PPC advised Orega, Savills and Kinney Green advised landlord Nine Court.

Posted by Emma Mattin 5/10/2010

Simon Taylor, head of property at Yell, describes how flexible working has helped save costs

Posted by Emma Mattin 5/10/2010

“Five years ago, when I joined Yell as head of property, we had 52 offices in the UK. Today we have just nine offices, and have reduced property costs by 50%, despite having the same number of 4,000 employees.

“Our regional sales offices were underused because the sales staff spent most of their time out of the office. The good thing is we had short leases of an average of four years on most properties, so getting rid of them would not take long.

“In August we signed a deal with serviced office provider Regus, which enabled our 700 sales staff to use any of its offices in the country.

“The staff have a “bronze card”, which they use to gain access to Regus’s business lounge, where they can plug into Yell’s servers through Regus’s IT infrastructure. They can also book meeting rooms, make conference calls and print documents.

“We pay Regus a monthly retainer fee and for any additional services. This arrangement is estimated to save us £1.5m a year but in reality the savings will be higher, because once you give people flexibility, they find ways to be even more flexible. So a lot of team meetings are now held in coffee shops.”

Posted by Emma Mattin 5/10/2010