Creativity vs productivity : generating the perfect balance

WorkWell on March 1, 2017

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In Parts one and two of our ‘Creativity vs Productivity’ blog series, we established that not only is it possible to be both creative and productive at the same time, but it’s also important for businesses to encourage these skills as a means of nurturing company growth. In this blog – part 3 of the series – we examine how to be creative yet productive at the same time, and generate the perfect balance between the two.

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What tech equipment do you really need in the office?

WorkWell on February 5, 2017

The growth of tech has been nothing short of revolutionary for the business world. Digital tools such as video conferencing, mobile technology and cloud based software have changed the way we work. No twenty first century office set up would be complete without a great deal of thought going into the tech provision.

Of course, tech equipment typically represents a big investment, especially for SMEs and startups. If you’re currently looking into office suites and workplace options, you may be struggling to prioritise which equipment you need to buy. Below, we’ve put together a suggested list of the tech equipment we think is vital for any office.

High-spec computers 

Computers have long been an absolute necessity for the workplace. Whether you choose desktops or laptops, these pieces of kit will become the hub for your business. Modern-day offices rely on computers for both completing work and managing communications. Most businesses find it prudent to spend as much as their budget allows. Why not check out TechRadar’s top business PCs or top business laptops of 2017?

Wireless router 

A high-speed wireless router will allow staff to access the internet from wherever they are in the office on whatever device they are using. The average UK Wi-Fi speed is now up to almost 30 Mbps, but with growing capabilities, our tenants at WorkWell have access to upwards of 100 Mbps.

Phone system 

Though the majority of business communications now take place via the internet, a reliable phone system is still a very useful piece of technology. Ideally, you’ll want one that can be used externally or internally. If you want to keep things streamlined and not clutter up your employees’ desks, you may choose to use an internet-based phone service such as Skype for Business, or even just a portable office phone.

Screen/Projector

Conference rooms are much improved with the addition of a digital or projector screen. This can be beneficial for video conferencing purposes as well as for presentations. A screen can also come in handy during client meetings and pitches.

Webcams and microphones 

It makes sense to invest in webcams and microphones, in order to facilitate the rising popularity in video conferencing software. These tools give you the ability to be more flexible with your meetings. For example, you may have an informal meeting in your diary that could simply be done over a video conference, which could save both time and travel expenses. Of course, for more important meetings, we believe that face-to-face meetings are still the best option.

Many computers will come with these webcam and microphone tools already built in, but it’s often worth having additional devices on hand for use within conference rooms, or as a backup in case the built-in ones let you down.

Printer/Copier and Shredder

More and more offices are choosing to go paperless and therefore are forgoing providing employees with printing facilities altogether. Depending on the needs of your office, you may wish to follow suit. If not, a printer/copier could be a useful addition to your office. Just remember: if you plan to print documents, you’ll also need to take responsibility for disposing of them. Any sensitive data will need to be properly destroyed, so if you invest in a printer/copier, you’ll probably need a shredder too.

It’s key to note that these are just some of the essential pieces of tech equipment for your office. If you want to take it a step further, then check out these 8 amazing office gadgets. Are there any other essential pieces of tech equipment that we’ve missed out on? We’d love to hear! Why not let us know on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or in the comments below?

If you want to keep things even simpler, you could choose an office provider that will handle a lot of the tech provision for you. All our office suites and meeting rooms in Leeds and Harrogate are tech-ready, and we’re always around to offer advice on how to ensure your set-up is as productive as possible.

Futureproofing your office space: the most important thing to consider

WorkWell on December 7, 2016

 None of us has a crystal ball when it comes to our business. Though it’s certainly possible to make predictions and set goals based on sales data and market predictions, these often come down to little more than educated guesses.

Upswings in the market can take us all by surprise, as can unexpectedly quiet periods, new working styles and developments in technology. All of these things can demand a change in the way we do business, so we need to be prepared to act fast.

In other words: it really is vital to be flexible when making plans for the future of your business.

Choosing office space is a huge commitment, which can be key to the future success of your business. At WorkWell, we believe that flexibility is one of the most important considerations you will make when choosing office space.

Checklist for choosing office space

Here are some things to consider when choosing office space for your business:

  • How much space do you have to grow
  • The cost of overheads, and the potential to increase or decrease as required
  • How your clients and potential clients perceive you, and having the right-sized high-quality office space for their expectations, as your business changes over time
  • The facilities you have available, and whether flexible service packages are on offer to meet your needs
  • The working hours you can offer your employees, and whether you can access a serviced office out of hours
  • How happy your employees are at work, and the desirability of your business office space

The best office venue providers will give you the option to develop your business with them over time. This may mean taking on more office space to allow for extra employees, or it could even mean having the freedom to downsize should you decide to reduce your team or switch to a remote-working-based model.

A truly flexible serviced office facility will also have additional services on offer such as meeting rooms, parking, conference facilities, IT infrastructure, meeting rooms, catering staff and administrative support. Having these services readily available is incredibly valuable, even if you don’t need them when you sign up.

Demand for flexible office space is increasing.

It’s not just us that thinks that flexible office space is the way forward. In fact, research shows that more and more business owners are seeking flexible options with demand up 24.3% nationwide. Businesses in Yorkshire are particularly keen to find workspaces that will work of them: demand for flexible office space in Leeds was 17.3% higher in 2014 than in previous years.

But it’s not just business growth and development that can benefit from flexible office space. Study after study has shown that employees prefer flexible provision too. One of the major reasons behind this is that the more flexible a business’s office space is, the more of that flexibility they’ll be able to pass onto their team.

When a business is run in a flexible environment it makes it much easier to offer benefits such as flexi-time, hot-desking and remote working.

Reduce workplace stress and increase productivity.

Seven in ten workers believe that these types of working options help to reduce work-related stress, and it’s believed by many that they can also significantly improve employee engagement and productivity.

If your business is currently searching for a new base, make sure you take flexibility into account: both in terms of what your office provider can offer you as a changing business and what benefits it will allow you to pass on to your employees.

Is flexibility as important to you as it is to us? Take a look at our serviced office provision to see how we make this work in practice.

If you are looking for flexible office space in Leeds or Harrogate with all-inclusive office space, Leeds-based WorkWell is a cost-effective, high-quality serviced office space provider. Book a visit with us today to see what we can offer.

UK’s hottest new financial business centre? Leeds! 3 reasons why

WorkWell on August 11, 2016

We’ve always believed that Leeds is a great city for businesses to thrive in, but did you know that Leeds is Britain’s second-largest economy? Given its status as the country’s largest financial centre outside of London, it’s hardly surprising that the Yorkshire city is a leading location for financial services firms.

From bankers to accountants, bookkeepers to financial advisers, more and more financial firms are moving to Leeds, keen to get a slice of the unique business opportunities the UK’s second financial hub provides.

We look at some of the reasons why a growing number of financial firms are making the move to Leeds:

1. Cost-effective office space

 It’s no secret that in recent years, commercial property rents have skyrocketed in London. According to research by JLL and CBRE, commercial property rental prices in the capital have continued their sharp upward trend—prime West End rents have now reached up to £160 per square foot in 2025, while average City core rents hover around £94.25 per square foot, marking a significant increase from previous years. To put that into perspective, between 2010 and 2015, the average rent of commercial property increased from £33 to £55 per square foot—yet by 2025, we’re looking at nearly triple that 2015 figure in prime areas. Due to these rising prices, finding affordable office space in London can be a challenge for many financial firms.

In contrast, Leeds offers a much more cost-effective solution for businesses, regardless of whether they’re established organisations or start-ups – even some of the best offices in Leeds now command around £40 to £42.50 per square foot, offering exceptional value when compared with the capital. In short, offices to rent in Leeds would provide financial firms with much more for their money than if they were renting in London.

As Leeds City Region writes:

“Leeds City Region is a prime location for financial and professional services, proven by the wide range of companies we have already attracted, from global banks to innovators in financial technology. Our unparalleled and cost-effective access to the right skills, infrastructure, business networks and innovation has seen our region named the UK’s second centre for banking, and a Financial Centre of Excellence.”

2. Access to the right talent

Leeds and its vicinity is home to a whopping nine higher education establishments – in fact, Leeds has the largest number of universities outside of London. With many students deciding to stay on in Leeds after graduating, a large proportion of the region’s 40,000 financial service employees are made up by the huge graduate population.

There are currently over 100,000 students in Leeds, providing no shortage of potential talent for businesses to pick from. With this vast number of graduates on-board, financial firms, such as banking institutions and accountants, put themselves in a much better position for sustained, high quality growth.

3. Helping to rebalance the UK economy

A report published by the government in 2015 noted how Leeds is at the centre of Yorkshire and the Humber’s financial services sector. At the time the report was drawn up, the sector employed 128,000 people and generated more than £10 billion for the British economy annually.

As a financial business centre, Leeds is at the heart of the government’s ongoing drive to create a Northern Powerhouse and rebalance the UK economy.

Harriet Baldwin, Economic Secretary to the Treasury at the time, said of Leeds:

“Yorkshire’s thriving financial sector is a great success story for the region, helping to build a strong Northern economy. It is great to see first-hand how Britain’s financial sector is thriving in Leeds.”

Being the UK’s largest financial hub outside of London, the importance to sustain growth within the financial sector in Leeds is a priority. Consequently, businesses in Leeds can take advantage of the strong sense of support the city offers to companies of almost every sector and size – for example, the Leeds government offers business grants to encourage growth.

The savviest of financial firms in the UK recognise the status Leeds preserves in being a key Northern Powerhouse driver. Such firms are taking advantage of the advice and other business support provided to companies which are either relocating or starting up in this buoyant business hub.

With continuing investment in Leeds, a consistent barrage of talent entering and staying in the city, and cost-effective offices to rent in state-of-the-art business centres, it’s not difficult to understand why there has been a surge of financial firms relocating their services to the vibrant city of Leeds.

If you are a financial firm looking to relocate to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered in Leeds’ business scene, WorkWell’s business centre can provide the perfect home for your relocation to Yorkshire. To learn more about our high-quality offices to rent in Leeds, arrange a viewing at Carrwood Park or Brookfield Court.

Do business mistakes make us stronger? Business tips for success from famous entrepreneurs

WorkWell on August 7, 2016

“Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It’s best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations.” – Steve Jobs.

We all make mistakes; it’s part of life. The key to moving forward is learning from them and changing our approach so that we increase our chances of future success.

Business tips for success: Chris Spencer, CEO of EMIS Group, will be giving a business advice talk at Carrwood Park on 19th July 2016 on overcoming business challenges and learning from mistakes, as part of our Connect Gazelles programme of events. Find out more by clicking on the link below.

The famous entrepreneurs below learned from their business mistakes to achieve later success.

Read on to find out how mistakes in business can shape us as business leaders and bring future success.

Henry Ford and his business blunders

Henry Ford is a name synonymous with global business success. But even one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs led a number of failed business ventures before hitting the big time.

In 1901, Ford’s first business venture, the Detroit Automobile Company, went bankrupt. Low quality products combined with above market-rate prices provided the ultimate recipe for business failure.

Intent on not giving up, Ford reinvented his first company and gave it a new name – the Henry Ford Company. However, this venture also collapsed due to a dispute Ford had with a business partner.

Even the resolute entrepreneur’s third company was destined to go down the same route of failure, principally due to low sale figure.

It was only thanks to the help of an angel investor that Henry Ford was finally given another chance to shine. The Ford Motor Company was rescued and went on to become one of the biggest symbols of business success.

Richard Branson and his start-up stumble

With more than 8 million followers on LinkedIn, Branson is hailed as the most popular entrepreneur in the world. But even he isn’t immune to making mistakes – Branson’s early career start-ups were beset with mistakes, problems and setbacks.

His first business venture, a student magazine, saw the entrepreneur get arrested for breaking laws that prohibited publishing advice on remedies for venereal disease. His second venture, Virgin Records Shop, didn’t fare much better, being hit with cash-flow problems. According to Real Business, Branson even pretended to buy records for export in order to avoid paying excise tax on sales!

Even Branson’s Virgin Atlantic venture didn’t run smoothly. During the company’s early days in the 1980s, a bird flew into an uninsured plane engine during a government certification flight, resulting in an explosion.

But as we’ve seen, Branson took everything on the chin and learned from his mistakes. The CEO of the Virgin Group now has a net worth of approximately $5.1 billion!

So, how do business mistakes make us stronger?

(1) Tenacity 

The valuable learning experience that mistakes give can help make us stronger and wiser in the long run. The key is to keep trying and not give up.

As Henry Ford proved, tenacity is a valuable quality for business success. If at first you don’t succeed… try, try and try again!

(2) Problem-solving proficiency 

The most successful entrepreneurs and business owners are proficient in finding solutions to problems and setbacks.

CPA Australia CEO, Alex Malley, believes mistakes make you stronger and smarter:

“Taking a moment to solve the problem, or at least making an effort to do so, will garner you a lot more respect from your manager and colleagues. Think through the issue rationally and objectively. Ask yourself: What caused the mistake? Who will need to be made aware of it? And what is a potential solution?”

Mistakes develop our solution-finding skills, as they force us to seek out better alternatives.

(3) Courage and accountability

Overcoming mistakes helps us to fear them less and face them with courage. Having the courage to step up and be accountable is a key trait of a great business leader.

(4) Composure under pressure 

The most successful business people remain calm in a crisis. Composure under pressure is one of the key symbols in business proficiency. Repeated exposure to high stakes decision-making (and dealing with the occasional big mistake as a result) brings valuable business experience.

Experienced business leaders are then able to avoid making rash and impulsive decisions and instead find a solution or change direction. They take the time for emotions to subside and to rationally think about the situation and how to remedy it successfully.

Learn more about this topic at this month’s Connect Gazelles masterclass at Carrwood Park:

Chris Spencer, CEO of EMIS Group (UK leaders in healthcare software and services), is no stranger to business challenges and the experience they can bring.

Chris Spencer masterclass: ‘What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger’

On 19th July, Chris Spencer will be giving a masterclass related to how business mistakes can make us stronger. This free event explores how we learn from the challenges we have to overcome.

Chris Spencer will look at how EMIS Group has had to face many challenges. Since becoming CEO for EMIS Group in 2013, the company has seen its net profits increase from £20 million in December 2012 to £32 million in December 2014.

The event is taking place at Carrwood Park on 19 July 2016 from 17:30 until 20:00.

For more help in Leeds for business owners, ask about other WorkWell business networking events in Leeds.

WorkWell on the outskirts of Leeds provides stylish, comfortable, modern and well-facilitated meeting rooms for hire in Leeds.

To help improve the image of your business through quality serviced offices in Leeds, get in touch with the team at Carrwood Park to book a viewing.

7 Reasons we love to do Business in Leeds

WorkWell on August 2, 2016

“Leeds is probably the best place in the UK to be working right now.” Now there’s a statement and it was one made just this time last year by BahGum, a social network for careers, companies and job seekers.

It’s no secret that in recent years more and more of Britain’s top employers have been setting up a home in Leeds. And being home to the likes of HSBC subsidiary First Direct, Yorkshire Bank, more than 200 law firms, not to mention a myriad of innovative technology companies and start-ups, it’s hardly surprising Leeds has gained a justifiable crown of being regarded as being probably the best place in the UK to work right now, where jobs are “plentiful, meaningful and successful.”

WorkWell takes a look at how and why Leeds has become widely known as the ‘London of the North’ and whether you’re starting a business in Leeds or are already well-established, seven reasons why it makes sense to do business in Leeds.

Leeds’ thriving business history

Even in the medieval times, Leeds showed entrepreneurial vision. Medieval Leeds was flourishing, with carpenters, bakers, butchers, blacksmiths and a weekly market, crafting a colourful commercial medieval landscape. Though the main industry in Leeds in medieval times was wool-weaving.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the woollen cloth industry started to flourish in Leeds, which escalated and grew more prosperous throughout the 17th century. The city began to experiment in other industries and in 1770 Leeds pottery scene began. As Local Histories writes, craftsmen such as clockmakers, booksellers, jewellers and coach makers, all set up shop in Leeds.

During the early 1900s, engineering and tailoring were amongst the many industries in Leeds prospering, with big brands like Montague Burtons and Hepworth’s making Leeds their home. By the end of the century Leeds had also become a primary hub in the UK for banking, insurance, pubs and hotels, and remains so today.

Leeds Business School

Another reason doing business in Leeds makes sense can be pinned on the presence of Leeds Business School. Leeds Business School is a faculty of the University of Leeds and is a member of the Russel Group of research-intensive universities. The School of Business and Economic Studies was established in 1997 and the Faculty of Business in 2003.

This ‘triple accredited’ Business School is placed in the top one percent of business schools across the globe and according to the findings of the Research Excellence Framework 2014, Leeds Business School is a top ten UK business and management research institution.

Each year, Leeds Business School sees undergraduates, Masters, MBA, PhD and executive education level students from over 80 countries graduating with great qualifications. Some of its most notable alumni include Peter Jackson, former Kingfisher plc CEO and Chairman, Stephan Daintith, Chief Financial Officer of the Daily Mail and general Trust, and John Hirst, former CEO of the Met Office, amongst many more.

Fantastic networking scene

Being such a business-centred city, Leeds is awash with opportunities for networking. In fact barely a day goes by without some kind of business networking event going on.

If you’re looking for business networking in Leeds, look no further than the Yorkshire Mafia. Putting on numerous networking events, the Yorkshire Mafia encourages executives and stakeholders from the Yorkshire business community to network, meet, greet, share experiences, learn, build and do business.

The Yorkshire Mafia was founded in November 2008 and is built around the LinkedIn community. It provides a fantastic opportunity for small business to acquire the necessary skills to take their business further from established entrepreneurs.

Leeds is home to great A-level results

If you’re looking for exceptionally bright new recruits brimming with ideas and innovation, then you’ll be pleased to know that Leeds tends to nurture great A-Level results. Or if you are looking for a college to assist you in getting good A-Level results, Leeds has a lot to offer.

For example, Leeds City College has a reputation for achieving good A-Level results. In 2014 Leeds City College garnered a 98% overall A-Level pass rate, with two thirds of A-Level programmes achieving 100% pass rates.

Great travel links to and from Leeds

Another reason it makes sense to do business in Leeds is due to the fact the city enjoys a comprehensive travel network.

As we wrote in our blog about city centre offices versus those located on the outskirts of town, with major motorways leading into Leeds, a major railway network and with a myriad of bus routes taking travellers in and out of the city centre, travel to and around Leeds is easy.

Visit Leeds states the merits of Leeds’s travel links, saying:

“Getting to Leeds is incredibly easy. Located in the heart of the UK, Leeds is one of the country’s most accessible cities.”

Reap the benefits of a city centre

We also love to do business in Leeds due to the fact you can enjoy all the benefits of conducting business in a vibrant, busy and pioneering city. What’s more, Leeds is a happy city. A recent poll, by The Sun we hesitantly admit, voted Leeds as the second happiest place to live in Britain.

As the Guardian writes in its report titled ‘Living here in Leeds to happiness’:

“Leeds is big but small, a city but green, Yorkshire but every bit as diverse as London.”

And we all know what a happy workforce nurtures…. A more loyal and productive workforce – that’s definitely good business!

Business parks in Leeds

The final reason we love to do business in Leeds is because of the many quality, well-facilitated, well-located and professional business parks dotted in and around the city.

If you’re looking for a business centre in Leeds, you never have to travel far until you find a first-rate business park designed to help a company do what they do best – carry out their business.

One such place is WorkWell, where you’ll find premium serviced offices and meeting rooms on the outskirts of Leeds. We provide first-rate services in our offices and meeting rooms, with easy access to the M1, M62 and City Centre.

Download our travel and meeting rooms guide for more information about WorkWell.

Inspiring stories from the National Women in Business Awards 2016

WorkWell on June 12, 2016

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Last week, some of the UK’s most exciting businesses gathered together at the Royal Armouries right here in Leeds to celebrate the final of the National Women in Business Awards 2016.

First of all, congratulations to all of the winners! (See full list below). The report below was put together by the team members from Carrwood who attended the event (pictured below).

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