Simons Group Ltd
Simons have responded to the dramatic reduction in commercial workload in the UK, by reshaping for the years ahead.
The result is that it has released space in its office on Doddington Road, and as a consequence potential tenants can enjoy some of the best served office facilities in the country.
When Simons moved its seven office locations in Lincoln into the Doddington Road location, the world was still expanding and the commercial property market was “never going to stop”! They chose to refurbish and refresh the old Dynex building, rather than build new. This allowed them to meet the sustainability targets achieved by using a second-hand building; whilst also giving them the best car parking ratio available in the city of Lincoln. Planning legislation for a new building would have halved the ratio; as it is they benefit from a 1 car per 150ft2 ratio that will be available to the prospective tenants.
This environmentally sensitive building has running costs that fit well with comparable offices in the city. Harvested rainwater, energy synchronisation and efficient layouts all allow the occupants to run the building at a carbon footprint that is significantly lower than comparable projects. At 8.62kgCO2/sqft/year (92.79kgCO2/m2/year) it matches the best in class of similar facilities; and will mean that any co-occupier of the building will be able to claim to be in a truly 21st century facility.
With limited local eating and entertaining facilities Simons wanted to make sure their staff were well served when it came to catering services. Too often the business in the past had had to go offsite to get their lunch, and as a result could not respond to the modern 24 hour service standards expected by their national and international clients. As a result they created the “Knowledge Café”. This unique fully catered facility allows the staff to eat in great surroundings or enjoy the latest “barista” style coffee service. Simons staff can bring clients into the glass walled spaces around the restaurant for a catered lunchtime meeting or indeed open up the whole space to client or supplier events, with full technological support and facilities. The excellent car parking and its proximity to the ring road, plus only 10 minutes from the A1 national artery, all make it the ideal location for customers, consultants and suppliers when considering where to locate events.
The new tenants will be able to share in the excellent catering and facilities management service. The outsourced facility is a national Centre of Excellence for Eurest (part of Compass Group plc) and has been specially tailored to the high standards that Simons and its customers require; but at costs which are commensurate with both the local market and national standards of service.
With its prominent location on this busy business road, new occupants will be able to indicate their occupation of the building by sharing the prominent totem signage location.
Visitors will be greeted in the light and airy reception entrance by the continuously manned reception staff. Using modern audio visual communication, visitors are inducted into the building prior to entry by proximity cards that monitor both staff and visitors in and out of the building.
Whilst the top floor of the building is available in total (15,000 ft2) the footprint is also available in lots of 3,000 ft2 for smaller occupancy requirements. The high quality contemporary furniture previously used by Simons own staff, is still available, making it very easy to occupy the space to the highest standards and with minimum fuss and delay.
Meeting rooms in open plan offices are no problem in this fantastic building. New occupants will have a choice of 26 meeting rooms. Some of these are exclusive to the office area, others are available for booking through the online system. The quality of space varies from small, comfy chair meeting space to stand up meeting areas (popular with Americans!) to video conferencing facilities for small or large groups.
This is a fantastic office facility which is of really good quality, but not so plush or extravagant as to put off customers or suppliers. It’s a great environment and has helped Simons change its culture and present a modern face in challenging times to the market both regionally and nationally.
Further information available from:
William Wall, Banks Long & Co (01522 544515)
