Month: May 2023

Connect Derby, the city’s primary managed workspace provider, has launched a new hybrid office scheme for businesses who enjoy the flexibility of working from home and the office.

The new schemeis aimedat businesses looking for quality office accommodation for up to three days every week.

Hybrid offices will be available for businesses who want to ease their way back into the workplace after working from home or new start-ups who are looking for a base for their business without the additional expenditure.

Businesses will be able to occupy a hybrid office at Friar Gate Studios or Sadler Bridge Studios for up to three days per week. They will occupy the same office on the same days each week on an initial 12-month contract. Another business will occupy the space on the remaining days.

The aim of the hybrid offices scheme is to provide flexibility, reduce costs and give businesses greater opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Businesses who opt for the hybrid working package will receive the same benefits as a full-time Connect Derby tenant and will have access to a range of services and facilities, including an on-site café, business support and mentoring, plus the use of seminar and meeting rooms.

The move has come as more businesses rethink their accommodation strategies and decide whether to give up their permanent office space in favour of a mix of remote and office working.

Connect Derby remains the city’s leading managed workspace provider and continues to innovate as it helps businesses face the new challenges presented by the evolving nature of the world of work.

As well as hybrid offices, it also offers fully furnished offices at its six workspaces across the city, which are available to rent on a one or three year lease term. 

Commenting on the launch of the hybrid offices, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said:

“We’re excited to be introducing hybrid offices at our flagship Friar Gate Studios workspace. Over the past couple of years, we’ve introduced a number of new, flexible ways of working to support businesses as they navigate the new world of work.

“The increase in remote working since the pandemic has encouraged a shift in the working environment, prompting businesses to rethink their accommodation strategies. By introducing our hybrid package, we aim to encourage a diverse range of businesses into the city and support the local economy.

“We look forward to welcoming new businesses to Connect Derby and providing them with the support they need to help their business thrive.”

Connect Derby, the city’s leading managed workspace provider, has published the results of its 2023 business community survey.

The annual survey measures the levels of service Connect Derby provides across all areas of its operation – from the quality of its workspaces and IT services to security and operational communication.

This year, the survey focused heavily on how Connect Derby has helped its 200 plus tenants in what has been a challenging year for the economy and businesses across the UK.

Connect Derby received an 88% response rate from office tenants surveyed across the six diverse buildings in its portfolio – Friar Gate Studios, Kings Chambers, Sadler Bridge Studios, Marble Hall, Riverside Chambers, and Shot Tower.

A massive 91% of respondents said communications from the management team met or exceeded their expectations.

85% of respondents reported that Connect Derby meets or exceeds their expectations for the support it provides with help from the business support team.

The management team have continued to provide small and medium enterprises across the city with valuable support, guidance and sign-posting to grant funding, training and professional advice.

85% of tenants said Connect Derby meets or exceeds their expectations, with 85% saying they would recommend Connect Derby to other businesses looking for managed workspace in the city.

Connect Derby has been supporting tenants over the past 12 months by offering new and flexible ways of working.

Furnished offices are available across all workspaces, and were introduced in response to the changing working environment brought on by the pandemic. In the coming months, there are plans to launch hybrid offices which will allow businesses to occupy the space they want for up to three days a week.

83% of respondents said Connect Derby workspaces were clean, safe, and secure buildings to work in. 80% of businesses said the IT network, internet access and Wi-Fi services meets or exceeds their expectations.

Connect Derby offers all tenants superfast Wi-Fi and telephony services allowing businesses to communicate with customers effectively. This has been particularly valuable to businesses who need to communicate with staff who are working from home.

Commenting on this year’s survey results, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said:

“The last 12 months have been extremely challenging for businesses and the UK economy, so we’re really pleased to have received such positive service ratings.

“I’d like to thank all tenants for being honest in their assessment of our services. We’re committed to providing all our tenants with the highest possible levels of services and support and will continue to work with businesses to help with their recovery in any way we can.

“There are always areas where we can improve, so we will be working with our suppliers and internal council services in the coming months to make improvements where necessary.

“We’ve received a high level of quality enquiries from businesses across a diverse range of sectors, many of who have taken space at Connect Derby.”

The multi-million Connect Derby project includes seven managed workspaces and provides SMEs, micro businesses and entrepreneurs with the high specification working environment, IT infrastructure and business support they need to act as a catalyst for expansion and growth.

For further information about the Connect Derby portfolio of buildings, contact Sonia Kang on 01332 742800, email lettings@connectderby.co.uk.