Connection Hive ‘Liquid WorkSpace’ Trends At Clerkenwell Design Week

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Clerkenwell Design Week (May 2014) hosted many ground-breaking furniture concepts. One furniture innovation that particularly stuck in our mind was the Hive System from Connection – nicknamed the ‘Liquid Workspace’.

Uniquely this particular piece of furniture is specifically designed to be dismantled and built exactly to each individual customer’s specification. There are various options ranging from staggered backs to circular pods and canopies to finish off an open breakout space. Along with an option to add shelves at the back of the pod

Dovetailing with another prevalent trend seen at Clerkenwell, the Connection Hive system range is also acoustically absorbent. In the showroom, Connection outlined the case study example of how a particular circular, covered meeting space was being successfully used in Education. The students were able to work at fixed desks located behind an enclosed seating area or pod. Those in the pod could be talking loudly and the students would hear nothing and vice versa.  This type of enclosed pod space allow for a high degree of privacy when talking confidentially or wishing to conduct meetings without disturbing others workers in compact open spaces

The Hive is available in a wide range of fabrics and colours and allows compete customisation from the end user. It is also configured for integrated technology components such as power modules, data points and TV and display units.  Laptops can be easily powered and plugged in to display systems for presentations.

As well as its impressive technology features, the Hive offers a number of cleverly designed accessories for every taste and application such as rotating work surfaces, round work surfaces, cantilever work surfaces and upholstered tables.

In short, the Hive offers a truly innovative, standalone workspace solution which is set to be extremely in the coming year on the back of the trend for flexible meeting space and break out area solutions and in-built acoustics.

For more information about leasing the Connection Hive Pod, or other office furniture and fit out solutions, DOWNLOAD a free office furniture leasing brochure now.

View the Connection Hive video

 

Making A Noise About Acoustics at Clerkenwell Design Week

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There is nowhere better to spot the latest trends in the Office Furniture and Fit Out market than Clerkenwell Design Week with its comprehensive collection of the latest designs by leading brands from the UK and around the world.

One main trend that was in evidence in many of the showrooms at Clerkenwell 2014 was a new focus on acoustics. Given the cost of moving offices and the extra overheads associated with larger premises, it is no surprise that many businesses try to maximise the use of space in existing smaller offices for as long as possible. And one way of creating a more effective working environment in compact surroundings is to minimise the echoes and ambient noises that often distract staff as they work.

Acoustics can solve this problem in a very cost efficient way. WestWon itself has recently invested in an acoustic solution that dramatically reduces noise and echoes in our busy sales office. Previously, if there were two or three people in the room on the phone, no one could hear themselves or the people on the other end of the phone speak, So we looked into the latest generation of acoustics and installed them in our office. Walking into our office now you wouldn’t know they were there and for reducing stress levels and increasing productivity, they are absolutely worth their weight in gold.

Many manufacturers are now producing innovative designs that look more like works of art than functional devices to control noise levels.  Acoustics can be hung from the ceiling, mounted like pictures or be used free-standing and suppliers can now use top of the range technology to determine exactly how many panels are required to obtain the ideal result.

The use of the acoustics is also spreading into the soft furnishings arena too. Combining soft furnishings and acoustics gives two great benefits in one purchase. Some of the main manufactures offering the panels of are: Assmann, Frem, Verco and even Herman Miller has released its own range of acoustic panels.

For more information about acoustic suppliers and how to lease soft furnishings and acoustics as part of your office furniture and fit out solution, contact WestWon on Tel: 01494 611456. DOWNLOAD the Office Furniture Leasing Brochure.

Leasing Assmann, Frem, Verco and Herman Miller accoustics

Brewing Up The Ideal Office Furniture And Fit Out Solution At Wagstaff’s Showroom

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Design Week has a reputation for showcasing the best creative ideas from the world of both design and architecture and one particularly successful addition to the event is Brewerhouse Yard.  Leasing Wagstaff furniture

Following last year’s successes at Clerkenwell Design Week, this year saw a celebration of the rich heritage of ‘Brewhouse Yard’, which, much to WestWon Leasing’s enjoyment, involved delicious food and presenting the long standing traditions of brewing tea as well as interesting product launches and a host of other entertaining events.

Throughout the event Brewhouse Yard was buzzing with busy showrooms, bustling events and a multitude of opportunities to meet and greet as well as the pull of  iconic companies such as Wagstaff, Davison Highley and Interstuhl.

 

Wagstaff at Brewhouse Yard (Clerkenwell 2014)

Wagstaff’s brand new showroom was located at 9 Brewhouse Yard at Design Week 2014. It really was a stand out show room – a turnkey facility that could be used by architects, designers and specifiers alike and reflecting the fact that Wagstaff are truly unique within the Design and Build and Office Furniture market. The company allows their clients to specify any product or service and offers a seamless turnkey service that simplifies logistics and makes sound economic sense.

Wagstaff were established in 1903, and are now seen as one of the largest and most comprehensive independent companies in furniture, interior design, fit-out marketplace. They have regional offices throughout the UK with 8 Regional offices. This allows them to cater for the whole of the UK and allows Wagstaff to be close to the clients and suppliers making the business thrive.

At CDW the many visitors to the Wagstaff showroom were ‘treated like royalty’ throughout a fascinating introduction to a whole blend of flexible office solutions that could be adapted to customer needs and tastes. These included AV solutions, an Interactive Specifications and Finishes lounge, Commercial furniture & Fit-out showrooms, Wi-Fi/ My-Fi Spaces and Collaborative Working & Acoustic Solutions.

As far as leasing office furniture and fit outs, there is virtually no barrier to the blend of products and services that can be included in a lease agreement save imagination. And there were plenty of innovative and creative ideas here to inspire customers. For more information about office furniture and fit out leasing, simply DOWNLOAD your free Office Furniture and Fit Out Brochure now.

The Emphasis Is On Quality At Hands Showroom At Clerkenwell 2014

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The WestWon Office Furniture leasing team saw many interesting and remarkable things at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week, One showroom that particularly stood out was that of quality workplace furniture maker since 1906, Hands of Wycombe. www.hands.co.uk

First and foremost, the sheer quality of the furniture and materials on show here was truly second to none –and we were also immediately struck by the unmistakable aroma of top class leather. As we were shown round we admired two new executive desks that were the feature pieces. Our eyes were however drawn to the main desk called ‘Emphasis’ – a stunning executive desk designed to be made to be individually made to match the user’s exact requirements. According to Hands, the quality of the materials used in their bespoke manufacturing process enables the company to provide the best possible finish for each client, and having seen this exhibit, we can well believe it

Behind the stylish Emphasis desk hung an exquisite piece of leather – the source of the leather aroma previously mentioned – which turns out to have quite a story behind it. Hands, it seems, acquire the high-quality leather for their custom furniture from the same supplier that Morgan, the car manufacturer renowned for offering the automotive industry’s most personalised service, uses for its unparalleled luxury interiors.

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond is one customer to enjoy Morgan’s bespoke interior service. The TV personality picked out leather to his exact taste for his ‘dream’ car interior , and when the car was finished there was a hide of leather remaining, the last of its kind! Hands who have a close relationship with Morgan asked if they could acquire this special very special hide.  And this is the hide that was providing such a stunning backdrop to the equally amazing Emphasis desk.

What better way could there be to paint the picture of the quality and superb finish that Hands strives to achieve – and without a doubt, clearly succeeds in doing if the showroom at Clerkenwell is anything to go by.

For more information about leasing quality furniture download a free Office Furniture and Fit Out Leasing brochure here.

WestWon Leasing Gives The Low Down On the Assmann ‘Sit – Stand Workwall System’ As Seen At Clerkenwell Design Week

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Assmann – one of the leading office furniture manufacturers in Germany – is celebrating 75 years in the furniture manufacturing business. Known for their expertise in interior design, Assmann also have reputation for offering excellent levels of advice and service. Leasing Assmann furniture Leasing Assmann sit-stand workwall system

At Clerkenwell Design Week, 20-22 May 2014,the WestWon Office Furniture Leasing team were privileged to witness the first ever ‘Sit – Stand Workwall system’, executive furniture that ‘moves with you’. This innovative desk system features comfortable and flexible working environment, giving you the ability to sit or stand.

Originally invented for large corporate lawyer and solicitor firms to house any employee within the business, no matter their height or size, this unique desking system is available in 3 options. Fixed to the ground, for the more budget range of furniture, Click assisted which can be height adjusted manually or electrically height adjusted.

The Sit – Stand Workwall Desk is a free standing solution that also allows greater flexibility for both the supplier and the end user as the desk is easy to both at install and relocate. The Sit – Stand Workwall Desk also offers a range of adjustable meeting tables and traditional desks. It comes with a storage wall concept and free standing storage to meet requirements of the end user.

Available in standard, MFC or veneer finishes, the Sit – Stand Workwall Desk is aimed at high-end customers with prices in the region of £6,000. However a desk system at this price level could alternatively be leased over 3 years for as little as £200.25 a month*

Download free Office Furniture and Fit Out Leasing Brochure.

Tel: 01494 611 456 for more information and advice about office furniture leasing options.

*Based on (3+33 Monthly)

Where Can I Find A Comprehensive List Of Local Office Furniture Suppliers?

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No one knows exactly how many office furniture suppliers there are in the UK and the true list can potentially be doubled by the numerous office supplies companies that also advertise a range of “normally budget” office furniture via a catalogue.  There are various lists in circulation from organisations like the British Furniture Manufactures Association (www.bfm.org.uk) but even they will not have a comprehensive list.

Why is this the case? One reason is that many office furniture suppliers experienced a very tough time during the recession and, unfortunately, some of these went out of business. Secondly, any list of furniture companies can be confused by the presence of companies that have an interest in the residential market, furniture manufacturers, design and build companies, and more specialist flooring, office partionning and mechanical engineering companies.

Hence, for the typical business user wishing to acquire office furniture, the process can be anything but straightforward.

At the beginning of 2014, the WestWon office furniture leasing division undertook extensive research into suppliers of office furniture in the UK.

As a result we established that there are 1,660 companies selling furniture in the UK.  20% of these – 345 office furniture suppliers – are based in London, while just under 4% are based in Buckinghamshire. High Wycombe – a town that is renowned for its furniture production – has 23 furniture companies, which is more than most counties.

Counties such as Bedfordshire, West Midlands, Derbyshire, Essex and Nottinghamshire are all home to in the region of 30 office furniture suppliers. The furniture supplier ‘capital’ of the north is Lanarkshire, with the Scottish county boasting more than 46 suppliers, putting it on a par with Kent with 45. Counties with most manufacturers are Cambridgeshire with 57, Staffordshire with 60 and topping the furniture supplier research, Hampshire with 73.

For more information about UK office furniture suppliers contact the WestWon Office Furniture team on Tel: 01494 611 456

 

Choose WestWon As Your Office Leasing Partner

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Leasing allows your customers to acquire the office furniture and fit out services they need now … and pay for them over time.

And, of course, your business receives full payment straight away.

Why choose WestWon as your Office Leasing Partner….

  1. We SPECIALISE in the Office Furniture and Fit Out sector – download our DREAM OFFICE furniture brochure for more information. Or call Tel: 01494 611 456 to request a hard copy.
  2. We INVEST in generating business.  We consistently rank in Google searches for office furniture and fit out leasing.  If customers haven’t found a supplier yet, we pass leads to our leasing partners – businesses like yours!
  3. We fully ADMINISTER leasing deals on your behalf – from producing great rate instant quotes to paying out your invoices fast.
  4. We INNOVATE so you can be first on board with exciting new concepts such as our Online Furniture Leasing Shop.
  5. Many more benefits – just ask!

Call us now on Tel: 01494 611 456. We’d love to hear from you.

 

More about WestWon

WestWon is a leading furniture leasing company, providing asset-based finance for all types of organisations throughout the UK and N. Ireland.

Using the latest online technology our goal is to help our partners to grow their businesses through the provision of leasing services.

As a member of the NACFB and FLA, WestWon we fully endorse the principles of transparency in all our transactions, adherence to industry best practices and service excellence.

 

Leasing Helps SMEs Access Latest Technology And Other Business Equipment

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Asset-based finance is an ever more attractive way for SMEs to acquire the machinery and equipment they need to run their businesses and invest in up-to-date IT technology to keep their infrastructure working efficiently.  Leasing is also available to cover the cost of office refits, fit outs and refurbishments, which form an essential part of most companies’ business plans.

Leasing allows companies to:

  • Preserve their cash reserves and existing lines of credit
  • Align costs with income over time rather than making a large upfront payment
  • Avoid technology obsolescence and the problem of disposing of old equipment.

 

These leasing benefits are particularly important for SMEs and Start Up businesses too as they enables them to manage the acquisition of equipment and related services as a predictable monthly or quarterly expense rather than a capital cost, offering  clear advantages in terms and tax and budgeting. After all, no business pays three years’ salary for its staff in advance, so why pay for the equipment they use upfront rather than over its useful life.

Whether for new business start-up or an established SME trying to stay competitive, leasing can generally be arranged in a relatively short timescale subject to status, allowing businesses to acquire the equipment they need when they need it.

SMEs looking at their finance options can obtain an instant leasing quote online using the WestWon lease calculator to help with budget planning. You can also email us with any queries at [email protected] or call on Tel: 01494 611 456. We are here to help you grow your business.

WestWon also provides a series of Leasing Fact Sheets for businesses wishing to find out more about leasing for their particular sector – for example, public sector leasing, catering industry leasing and medical and scientific industry leasing as well as general topics such as ‘Leasing Questions Answered’. You can also download the free guide to leasing – Financing Your Business Plans.

New Asset Finance Business Grows By 9% To Almost £1.7 Billion In January 2014

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UK Finance & Leasing Association members report that new asset finance business grew by 9% to almost £1.7 billion in January 2014, compared with the same month last year.

Geraldine Kilkelly, head of research and chief economist at the FLA said that key asset sectors reported double digit growth – with commercial vehicle finance, business equipment finance and plant and machinery finance up by 25%, 21% and 13% respectively.

IT equipment finance reported modest new business growth of 3% compared with the same month in 2013.

Kilkelly added: “The positive start to 2014 follows exceptionally strong growth of more than a third in December 2013 and reflects growing confidence in the sector.

“The FLA’s Asset Finance Confidence Survey for Q1 2014 showed respondents expect asset finance new business to grow by up to 10% over the next 12 months.”

 

Jan 2014

% change on

Jan 13

3 mths to

Jan 14

% change on

prev yr

12 mths to

Jan 14

% change on

prev yr

Total FLA asset finance (£m)

1,694

+9

5,705

+14

22,535

+4

Total leasing and hire purchase excluding high value (£m)

1,672

+7

5,603

+13

21,843

+4

Data Extracts:
Plant and machinery finance (£m)

343

 +13

 1,069

+9

4,513

+5

Commercial vehicle finance (£m)

420

+25

1,504

+38

5,285

+11

IT equipment finance (£m)

68

+3

412

+13

1,544

+14

Business equipment finance (£m)

159

+21

493

+12

1,961

+3

Car finance (£m)

505

-8

1,599

+1

6,707

-1

Aircraft, ships and rolling stock finance (£m)

6

-62

115

+42

297

-40

 

For more information visit the fla.org.uk

For more information about leasing equipment, machinery, IT resources or office furniture and fit out leasing please call WestWon on Tel: 01494 611 456.

 

How Much Does It Cost To Lease New Machinery And Equipment?

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A major cost benefit of leasing is that it allows businesses to spread the cost of new equipment over its useful life.  Payments for equipment finance can be made on a monthly, quarterly or even annual basis over a number of years, typically 2-5 years. But how much does it actually cost?

Well, it is now easier than ever to compare lease versus buy costs using WestWon’s instant online leasing calculator.

If you know how much the equipment you require costs, you can calculate the rental payments over your preferred rental period within seconds. Simply enter the capital cost and your chosen lease rental term, and hit the calculate button for an immediate answer.

You can also have a copy of the quote emailed to you or another person for easy reference.

Leasing versus buying? It’s certainly food for thought and so much easier to decide when you have the figures to hand. For more information about any aspect of leasing, please contact WestWon on Tel: 01494 611 456.

You can also download  Financing Your Business Plans – a guide to equipment leasing.

 

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