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

WestWon Leasing And TruckMinder Talk Security Systems At Tip-ex 2014

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WestWon Leasing attended Tip-ex 2014 (May 29th -31st) at the International Conference Centre in Harrogate. Tip-ex is the only UK event dedicated to the tipper and bulk haulage market, and attracts more than 2,000 industry professionals.

Tip-ex has been running since May 2007 and has grown in its success especially in the last three years. In May 2012, the Tip-ex show was bought by Road Transport Media, the publishers of Commercial Motor, Motor Transport and Truck & Driver.

At this year’s show there were almost 80 exhibitors, one of whom was WestWon Lease Finance Partner TruckMinder. The company was at Tip-ex 2014 showcasing its  innovative security alarm systems, which are designed to help protect a wide range of commercial vehicles.

The Truckminder anti-theft deterrent offers an alarm system to prevent Catalytic Converter/DPF, Fuel, ECU and Battery theft. Truckminder has invested extensively in researching and developing the unique technology behind its ground-breaking system, leading to the identification of specific frequencies associated with attempted theft.

Truckminder’s Managing Director Filip de Kock, seen here on the right of the picture at Tip-ex 2014 with WestWon’s Ryan Lewin, was understandably delighted with the Commendation for Innovation that the company received at the Tip-ex Awards 2014. The Tip-ex Awards dinner at the Majestic Hotel was attended by more than 350 people, with Keltbray Plant securing the title of Tipper Haulier of the Year sponsored by MAN Truck & Bus.

For more information about Tip-ex 2014, see https://www.tip-ex.co.uk/

For more information about Truckminder security alarm systems www.truckminder.com/

For more information about leasing security alarm systems or other equipment and plant seen at as seen at Tip-ex 2014 call WestWon on Tel: 01494 611 456. You can also DOWNLOAD a Free Guide To Leasing For Business Growth

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)

Business Leasing Grows As Bank Lending Dips Again in 2014

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Lending to businesses is down again according to the latest Bank of England report which indicates that lending to companies of all sizes fallen in the 3 months to February 2014, despite continuing pressure on banks to boost growth by investing more.  Net lending to UK firms fell by £500million over the quarter despite a small increase in February.

In total, lending was down by 2.1% in February year on year. Economists pointed to firms paying down debt and tapping into alternative sources of funding but expect businesses to take advantage increasingly of improving credit conditions to fund growth.

Small business groups raised concerns about the latest findings, while banks put the negative lending figures down to firms using large cash reserves to pay down their debts.

The Bank’s report said survey evidence indicates that pricing on loans to small and medium-sized businesses has remained “broadly unchanged” in recent months.

John Allan, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said this ” underlines the ongoing challenges small businesses face in accessing finance to meet their growth ambitions”.

He continued: “As the economy continues to gain momentum, ensuring small firms have access to finance is critical.”

At the same time, the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has pointed to the fact that new asset finance business has grown at the beginning of the year by 9% to almost £1.7 billion over the previous year. Expectations of new business growth in 2014 are particularly bullish. Nearly three-quarters of FLA members surveyed anticipated growth in new business this year, up from 54% in the previous survey last June.

Jeremy Hall, CEO of leading asset finance and leasing company WestWon, commented, “Asset finance continues to provide a lifeline for many businesses that wish to invest in business growth. As well as the tax, budgeting and flexibility advantages offered by leasing, businesses are also able to benefit from rapid decisions in principle and quick access to the funding they need compared to the typical process of securing a bank loan.”

The Bank of England quarterly publication presents the Bank’s assessment of the latest trends in lending to the UK economy. This report draws mainly on long-established official data sources, such as the existing monetary and financial statistics collected by the Bank that cover all monetary financial institutions, and other data collections established since the start of the financial crisis.

For more information about leasing for business please call WestWon on Tel: 01494 611 456 or download the essential guide to leasing – Financing Your Business Plans.

Why Leasing Can Give Warehousing And Distribution Companies The Competitive Edge

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The warehouse and distribution sector is a highly competitive market, so it is vital to optimise efficiency and keep costs low in order to deliver the best possible service to customers.

As any business grows, its requirements change and keeping up with the latest equipment or software can be an expensive challenge. As a result, leasing offers an excellent alternative to buying. With leasing, warehousing and distribution centre equipment can be added to or upgraded at any time during the lease period, so you will always have the option of having the most up-to-date and efficient equipment to ensure your business stays ahead of the game.

Unlike buying, leasing means you can pay as you use. After an initial payment, you can start benefiting from the equipment straight away and spread the cost over its useful life, so you can be paying for the asset with the income it generates.

Leasing can help improve your cash flow by keeping your working capital free. This leaves you with funds available to reinvest elsewhere in your business and you can take advantage of considerable tax benefits. With an operating lease, lease ‘rental’ payments are an allowable business expense that can be set against profit – thereby potentially reducing your tax bill. Other methods of equipment acquisition, such as outright purchase, do not have the same level of tax benefit.

What assets can be leased?

From a single item to an entire turnkey solution, almost any combination of tangible asset can be included in one lease agreement. Types of equipment that can be leased include:

  • Conveyor systems
  • Forklift trucks
  • Pallet lifts
  • Storage solutions
  • Warehouse Management Systems
  • Workbenches
  • Pallets and containers
  • Shelving systems
  • IT hardware and software
  • CCTV and security systems
  • Furniture

WestWon Limited has a wealth of experience in providing asset finance solutions for a wide range of equipment and industry sectors. For more information on leasing, download the free Essential Guide to Leasing for Business. Alternatively, please call us on Tel: 01494 611 456.

 

 

Top 5 Things To Look For In An IT Support Provider

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A good IT support provider is a company that is able to listen to and understand your businesses needs. It is also vital to partner with a company that you will feel comfortable working with on a regular basis. With a large increase in the number of IT companies to choose from, it can make the selection process much more problematic. WestWon Leasing IT partner, Tegen, shares its perspective on how to go about finding the right IT partner and suggests you consider the following 5 points…

How To Find The Right IT Partner

1. Take References

These provide a different point of view and therefore give you something to compare your viewpoints with – they may give also you a glimpse into a company’s work ethics and ‘habits’. This is invaluable information from someone who has already had experience with them.

2. Look at partners

The easiest and quickest way to check potential partners’ credibility is to have a look at their website and search for any certificates, qualifications and/or industry accreditations that back-up their IT knowledge and skills. A company with an array of partners signifies that they have access to the latest solutions.  By forming strong partnerships with big brands, their service quality should excel.

3. Expect clear pricing

It is always good to know how you will be charged, amounts may vary depending on the service that is being provided. Remember to always check what is included in the cost to avoid any hidden or extra charges, and also what IT lease finance options are available.

4. Look for competency proof  

Ask potential suppliers to provide their service level agreements defining response times and resolution targets. Or alternatively, why not personally test the service out yourself. An IT partner who keeps you on hold, or where you have to go through a variety of stages on the phone before you are physically able to speak with a member of the Service Desk team is probably not a partner you want to work with.

5. Book a meeting  

Companies that recruit the best staff will usually be able to deliver the best services. People do business with people, so look out for company/individual awards that may represent a good work ethic where employees are valued by the company.

For more information about IT support, and to see how Tegen could benefit YOUR business see www.tegen.co.uk

Technology Investment Sets Leading Leasing Companies Apart

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The second annual review of the UK asset finance brokers’ and independent lessors’ industry, authored by Asset Finance International and sponsored by Nostrum Group, reveals that UK asset finance brokers are experiencing a surge of new business demand in 2014 and this is coupled with a greater commitment to the benefits of investing in technology.

The soon-to-be-published UK Asset Finance Brokers & Lessors Review 2014  includes a unique host of interviews with broker practitioners as well as industry specialists and senior trade association staff.

It provides a fascinating comprehensive and forward-looking assessment of the market, its current and future drivers and key industry issues. As before, it has been compiled with the assistance and support of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and individual brokers and funders.

Investment in leasing technology

The review reports a surge in interest and investment in technology. Although investing in technology has steadily grown to be an integral component of a broker’s business in recent years – most UK brokers now regard investment in updating technology as vital to efficiency and maintaining a competitive advantage.

Many funders are looking at introducing or improving proposal systems, particularly in the broker space where speed of service is critical. As one senior broker stresses: “A key area for technology has to be in terms of speeding up the time it takes from enquiry to getting a deal agreed. The sooner you can take a deal out of the market the better.”

Another adds: “IT in hand and use of cloud technology for back-up is business critical. As long as IT infrastructure, e.g. fibre optic broadband, across the UK is robust, this will be sufficient for many brokers.”

Another broker told Asset Finance International that investment in IT has been necessary to suit the business set-up, and has reaped rewards: “We have invested heavily in IT over the last five years (£90k) and developed our own systems with the help of our own IT consultants. We have a remote home-based sales force and this investment has allowed them to work faster and smarter with minimal downtime, which in turn has allowed them to do more front-line selling!”

WestWon leasing technology

WestWon has long been at the cutting-edge of technology investment in the leasing sector with the development of state-of-the art web-based technology for its online proposal system. It has also created the highly-successful WestWon Parent Portal for school parental donation schemes for iPads and tablets.

WestWon CEO Jeremy Hall comments, “Just a few years ago, finance and leasing was largely-conducted face-to-face and by phone. Today, these channels of communication remain an essential part of our client services. But we are also very much a technology-driven operation with a state-of-the-art quotation system, which allows us, our clients and our business partners to obtain instant rates for any type of equipment based on their specific requirements and business parameters.”

“Our purpose built lease administration system has been continuously developed over the years and is, without doubt, one of the most advanced client-based asset finance CRM systems in the UK.  This powerful tool lies at the very heart of what we do, underpinning our success to date and future plans for growth, and offering  a smooth and seamless transition from initial quote to final funding for our many clients. We also lay claim to offering one of the industry’s most user-friendly websites at www.westwon.co.uk .”

For more information call WestWon on Tel: 01494 611 456

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