A Lesson in Education Furniture

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I'm sure we all remember sitting in school at those wobbly, marked tables with the chewing gum stuck to the bottom. And there's the chairs: unsteady, uncomfortable and with a couple of screws loose. Not exactly the best of your memories from your days in education, but that doesn't have be the case anymore. We have a huge selection of furniture that is ideal for any learning environment - from reconfigurable and shaped tables through to a selection of seating options. 

IT equipment with a difference!

The latest selection of computer desking is becoming one of our most popular ranges, with integral screens allowing the user to switch between computer and paper work. As well as being an excellent space saver, the Smart Desks offer extra security and protection for technical equipment. These are perfect for integrating flexible computer work into your students' learning process, without having to potentially jeopardise other key elements of their education. 

Stackable and reconfigurable tables

More basic tables are also very popular of course, with stacking options allowing you to store and re-position them with ease. A variety of shapes and sizes encourage the creation of interesting configurations in your classroom, to help with group projects or individual work. 

Bases and colours to suit everyone!

Seating is an important part of any learning environment - particularly in schools, where we all know how fidgety children can be at the best of times! If they have chairs that fit their needs, they are more likely to relax and be comfortable in their education. Our selection of classroom seating ranges from age 3 - adult, so we will have something to suit every classroom. The colour options on offer also provide you with flexibility to mould your classroom as you please - with a selection of bright and exuberant colours, or more dulcet and calming tones. 

Glass Designs

Veneer tables with glass tiles

One recent trend that we've noticed is the increasing popularity of glass office furniture - whether for a boardroom, an executive desk or a reception segment, the ranges of glass furniture currently available are some of the nicest we've seen. 

It's hard to say exactly what makes this style so popular, but we've got a few ideas as to why we love glass so much. Glass helps to make a room feel light and more open, so if you're a bit stuck for space or want to make your office feel more welcoming then the use of clear glass is ideal for you. Alternatively, coloured glass provides the shine associated with glass designs, without necessarily requiring as much cleaning effort! 

Click on the image to see glass boardroom tables

Click on the image to see a selection of glass desks

Another variation of glass designs that are proving very popular is when it's put to use sparingly. For example, glass cable management tiles in boardroom tables or glass shelves on reception units help to keep the prices down, but still offer the stylish image provided by glass designs. 












The nature of glass desks allows the base to be seen more prominently, which has led to a big advancement in the development of a great range of styles. Glass desk tops with veneer or MFC bases provide a range of grand and executive options, whilst the selection of chrome legs that are becoming increasingly popular are also a fantastic way of adding variety to your office.

Coloured glass tops are available

 There is a huge variety of glass options on offer to allow everyone the opportunity to make use of it in their office, no matter what their budget. The development of new production techniques means that more interesting and varied styles of glass furniture can be manufactured much cheaper than ever before, making the designs much more widely available. 

There is a very eclectic mix of glass designs available, so if you click on any of the pictures you will be taken to various parts of our site to browse the options and styles that are available. 

Space Planning

We know how important it is to get the most out of your space - you need to make sure that you are working as productively as possible within all of your available room. With this in mind, Verve Workspace offers a space planning service that helps you to get the most out of what you have available. 

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Click on the image to see the product

We can come out to see you and measure up for you, or you can send us some dimensions and we'll draw you up plans and designs to help you to visualise how your space will look. We have a really creative design team that can help you to organise your office to suit all of your needs. This is a very popular service, that we offer for free without any obligation. 

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Our extensive catalogue of images allows us to put together some very accurate CAD drawings, so you can see 3D renderings of exactly how your offices could look. We can play around with finishes, styles and designs to illustrate almost any configuration to suit your needs. 

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Whether you have a simple square office and want to see how your ideas will look, or you have a more complex space that you want to make the most of - our team can help you out. We relish a challenge, so no matter what brief you give us, we'll always do our best to make your space work for you. 

Out with the Old, In with the New!

Out with the Old, In with the New!

Well, 2012 was particularly busy for the Verve Workspace office! We were very lucky to have the opportunity to work with some fantastic organisations last year, with some rather exciting and innovative projects including University of Oxford, London Women's Clinic and Norbert Dentressangle. These projects were accompanied by the introduction of two new staff members in the office - Tanya and Lewis joined Verve in April and September respectively, and have brought with them a lively and enthusiastic approach. 

The changes aren't just confined to our offices, however, and we have noticed a significant change in market patterns. There has been a considerable rise in the popularity of white finishes over the past 12 months - a trend that has developed as offices try to modernise and leave behind traditional finishes. Alternatively however, a lot of companies are also trying to find a balance between the two themes by using contrasting finishes. To keep up with this fashion, many of our existing ranges are now available in these styles, and they're all looking really nice. In particular, we've found walnut and white (see the 120 degree Pure desk above) to be one of the most popular combinations recently, and you can see why!

Another project we've been working hard on recently is our 2013 catalogue, which features fresh new products and styles, and great discount opportunities as well. The catalogue is with the printers as we speak, so if you'd like to request a copy then please drop us an email with your details on: sales@verveworkspace.co.uk. Alternatively you can peruse the online version below:

A lot of work has gone into putting the catalogue together, so we really hope you enjoy having a flick through. Whether you're looking to modernise your office space, re-fit completely, or just be a bit nosy, who knows how you might be inspired!

Everyone at Verve is really excited about the progress made in 2012, and we hope we can work with you in 2013 and beyond to really get the best out of your office space!

How to make your office more welcoming!

Top Tips to Improve Your Office Space


We all know that we spend far too much time in the office trying to battle those mountains of paperwork, which doesn't help with our well-being. 

It is amazing how much your work environment can affect your mindset- for example, if your desk is cluttered full of paperwork you may feel exasperated at the work you need to do before you've even sat down!

Rather than dreading your next journey in to the office, here are some simple suggestions on how to make your office a more welcoming destination every morning!

Get Some Quality Lighting

Bad or unnatural lighting can be harmful to your eyes- it may be a good idea to swap the existing bulbs in your office for natural day light bulbs.  These bulbs give off more natural light, taking a lot of the strain off your eyes and they are also energy efficient!  Also, make the most of the natural light available within the office- this could save your office some pennies.

Reducing Noise


If your office is too noisy and you find it hard to concentrate, you might like to think about adding fabric desk dividing screens.  

These come in all shapes and sizes, from floor standing to desk mounted screens, and it is amazing how much sound the screens absorb.  These screens are also pinnable so that you have an extra surface to stick extra information and photos on to.

Heating and Air Conditioning

There is nothing more uncomfortable than sitting at your desk trying to do your work whilst you are freezing to death in the winter with your teeth chattering, or positively melting in the summer heat.  Even if you just add a little heater or a desk fan- make sure that you are providing an environment that is comfortable enough to work in, whilst also balancing the costs.


Battle the Computer Cables!

Loose cables remind me of tangle weeds!  They can make offices look particularly untidy if they are not kept at bay, but there are ways to keep things tidy!  There are many different types of cable management at different price points to suit your needs, including cable trays, trunking and spines.  Some desks also incorporate cable management within the legs, which can also be exceptionally helpful.  

Organise your Desk

It's a lot easier than you may think to organise your desk.  If you have a tool rail on your desk divider screen, you will be able to add various letter trays, which help you to keep your desk clear and your paperwork more organised.  

Under desk pedestals are also useful for storing your equipment- though beware, the more drawers you have, the more you will fill them!  It is also possible to add pen trays inside your pedestal drawer to keep your stationary organised.  


If you are looking to gain more desk space, you may consider mounting your computer monitor on to a monitor arm.  There are many different variations of monitor arms, including tool rail (screen) mounted, desk clamped and arms which are incorporated in to the cable ports.  

The monitor arms can be made height adjustable- this is particularly useful for desks with multiple users on various different shifts, as the monitor's position can be easily altered.

Be Quirky!

Add something interesting or out of the ordinary to your office- it helps to make your office a bit more creative, fun and it's a fantastic talking point for your customers or visitors.  For example, at our new Verve head office, we had an old red telephone box sunk in to the wall, acting as the entrance to our storage room!  The light within the telephone box still works, and gives the box a lovely glow from the outside!

The telephone box looks absolutely fantastic in the offices, and strikes up a conversation with all of our clients.  We made small, creative additions such as this in order to show people that offices don't have to be boring- it is so simple to add little quirky touches and the effect on staff and customer morale is brilliant!

Choose a Decent Chair!

This is one of the most important points- do not spend hours of your time in the office sat in a cheap office chair.  Even if you work from home, please do not try and sit in a normal chair for hours on end- these types of chair do not offer the correct type of support for your back and will repay you in discomfort, aches and pains.

Cheap office chairs may look like more expensive chairs, but the major quality difference is in the things that you cannot see, such as the foam used to cushion the chair.  They may be cheaper in the short term but cheap office chairs have far shorter product life cycles, meaning that you have to replace them much more regularly, whilst chairs of a higher quality carry much longer guarantees.

You don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a decent office chair either- there are many different types available at many different price points.  The difference with well designed office chairs is that they are shaped ergonomically to 'hug' and support your back, and they are fully adjustable.  

You may also add features to them, such as lumbar support, metal bases or seat sliding adjustments.  These chairs are much more comfortable and supportive to sit in, and they last much longer too, giving you peace of mind!

For more information about how to choose the right operator chair for you, please take a look at our article here.

May we introduce the new Verve Workspace offices?!

The Unveiling of Verve Workspace's New Head Office!

Managing Director Steve Allan (left) welcoming 
Councillor Suresh Patel in to the Verve building.

On 21st July, friends and clients of Verve Workspace Ltd. gathered expectantly for the grand opening of our brand new custom built head office in Northampton.  The building, situated in a quiet Northampton village, was designed entirely by the Verve Workspace team and really exemplifies our flair for creativity.


 We wanted to show people that offices don't have to be boring- after all, most of us spend the majority of our waking hours in the office so we should make them welcoming and engaging!

The London Map flooring in
the kitchen.

The building itself has an interesting history- it was previously an old betting shop that had been forgotten and derelict for years. Stepping in to the existing building before all of the building work started was like walking in to an episode of Life on Mars- minus Gene Hunt!  


There were old photos of race horses, old stamps, betting slips and the tops of the walls were all stained yellow from the tobacco that had been smoked in there years beforehand!  Our new building has tripled the size of the existing building and it is amazing to see the transformation in to our new head office!

A view of our woolly friends in the reception!

The walls throughout the offices are white, with a few carefully selected walls painted in a lime green shade (the Verve corporate colour)- the green walls help to brighten up the rooms, giving them a fresh look, whilst the white walls balance the rooms so that the greens are not overpowering.  

The Boardroom

The offices have lots of windows, with a few skylights in the boardroom- this helps us to maximise the natural light available to us.  Our lights also have natural light bulbs which prevent us from straining our eyes, and contribute to the light and airy atmosphere within the offices.

White office furniture
looks modern and sleek.

The furniture is sleek and white, with screens and chairs in a matching green.  Our boardroom is filled with modular flip top tables which fix together, rather than a boardroom table- this allows us to change the table configuration quickly and easily within the room depending on numbers.


We attempted to convey our own creativity around the office with a number of quirky additions, including a full size resin sheep in the reception, 'thumbs up' coat hooks, a top hat light and London map vinyl flooring in the kitchen.  

My favourite addition to the office though, is an old fashioned red telephone box which has been sunk in to the wall of the main office!  Like Dr. Who's tardis, it is indeed "bigger on the inside!" as it leads through to our storage room!  These additions aren't much, but they certainly help us to add character to the office and enjoy the office atmosphere!

The head office will act as a design studio, where clients can see for themselves a small selection of the products we are able to offer, rather than just looking at pictures.  This gives our clients the chance to see and test products for themselves, without just taking our word for it.  They can sit on two chairs and feel the differences for themselves, making informed decisions about the products that are best suited to them.

Our Sales Director Steve Cooper (left), MD Steve Allan (centre)
and John Hagerty from the Glasgow office (right)

The opening of the offices also gave people a chance to meet our new Sales Director, who is based in our London office.  Steve Cooper (yes, another Steve!) joined the Verve Workspace team earlier this year after nearly 20 years in the industry.  He has already made a shining contribution to the company with his wealth of knowledge from interior refurbishment to furniture manufacturing.      


We would like to thank everyone who came to the launch for making it a wonderful afternoon, and also for the lovely comments about the new offices.  

The key to a well-designed office

Things to think about when designing the layout of an office


Planning the layout of your offices can be an extremely daunting task; after all, you need to come up with a solution which will best maximise your businesses productivity as well as being a comfortable working environment for your staff.


Essentially, the key to a well designed office is that there is no 100% correct answer or a 'one size fits all' solution.  Every business is different and so is every building.  The most important element of a well designed office is that it does what it's supposed to do for your business.  Of course, there are basic parameters that must be met in terms of health and safety, and legal observance, but ultimately, an office should reflect company values, and look after its customers and staff.


There are so many things to think about, but to make it easier for you, we have compiled a brief overview of the different factors you should consider within your designs:-


Space


Think carefully about the space you have available.  Are there any specific areas you need to accommodate, such as boardrooms or a canteen?  Make the most of what is immediately available to you- such as the natural light.


How many staff do you need to fit in to your offices?  Do your staff work individually or do they work better in groups?  You should decide whether you need to separate specific groups of staff; perhaps the managers will have their own offices away from the rest of the staff, or you might need to accommodate teams who deal with confidential information more privately.


Will there be high traffic areas with lots of staff coming and going?  Have you allowed enough corridor space for these areas?  Is there anything that you could do to reduce noise within these areas?


Storage


You should allow for a reasonable amount of storage space, depending on the needs of your business.  If your company deals with a lots of paperwork, you might want to consider using a mobile storage option, which will maximise the space available for storage, whilst also using a very limited amount of room.


How much storage room does each member of staff require?  There are many different storage options available including pedestals, open radial storage units, side filers and  cupboards.


Flexibility


You should also think about the flexibility of your office's design; in today's economic climate, most companies like to future-proof their workspace plans so that they can expand effectively.  If your company grows in future, you should consider the furniture's continuity when choosing office furniture- if you need more furniture in five years, will your furniture range still exist, and will the finish match?


Atmosphere


What kind of atmosphere would you like to maintain within your office?  More recently, we have seen many companies make a conscious effort to keep office layouts informal, promoting a more social and communicative approach to work with break out areas.  It is thought that furniture which encourages communication in the desired direction enhances the effectiveness of the company.


A key example of this approach can be found within Google's offices.  Opposite, you will see an example of how the company have balanced formal working areas with more comfortable, informal working areas, so that workers can choose how they would wish to work most effectively.  Google also incorporate 'think pods' within their offices, which encourage meetings to be held privately, but in a more relaxed atmosphere, without the hospitality costs.


Technology

Recent technological advances have been one of the key factors in driving office furniture design forward.  Furniture is becoming fully integrated with technology whilst mobile working becomes more common.  At one point, corner workstations were used regularly because it accommodated the huge computer monitors without compromising the space that you lost.  Nowadays, flat screen monitors are the norm and they can be fixed to desks/screens through the use of monitor arms- a really useful space saver and they are usually adjustable too.


If you have any queries, or would like more advice about your office, we would be happy to help you.  We do offer a free space planning service and CAD plans as well.  Contact us on: 08450 69 79 89 or email us at: sales@verveworkspace.co.uk.