BT's office of the future

Citation

(2001), "BT's office of the future", Property Management, Vol. 19 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/pm.2001.11319aab.020

BT's office of the future

BT's office of the future

John Laing Property (JLP) is the first company in the UK to test trial BT's revolutionary Futurespace wireless office system.

By cutting its space needs by 50 per cent as a result of the benefits of Futurespace technology, John Laing has been able to relocate from Borehamwood in Hertfordshire to considerably higher-rent offices in Central London with only a limited impact on overall costs.

The property company's management division has moved into 46 sq. m (500 sq. ft) at 25 James Street, just off Oxford Street and if the trial delivers the anticipated benefits, it will roll-out the system to the rest of JLP. With space requirements considerably reduced all of JLP could move into one office.

Futurespace consists of a wireless Local Area Network and cordless digital telephones. Personal filing is stored in tram containers on wheels, replacing old desk pedestals. The totally wireless equipment reduces the requirement for raised floors and all work surfaces and desking is flexible.

Susie Gray, associate director at John Laing Property says:

Because of the flexible way Futurespace allows us to use our offices, we have moved into an office half the size of our Borehamwood office but in a central London location and with limited additional cost. Flexibility is key to our move. With the Futurespace system we can configure the office furniture together with the wireless computers and phones to comfortably accommodate however many members of staff are in the office at any one time. It is the ideal solution to our needs.

I am extremely happy to be involved with this project as it has enabled us to relocate closer to our colleagues in JLP. Productivity, as a team, will be increased as we will be encouraged to consider the ways in which we work together in a smaller space and our time will be used more efficiently. Also, BT are giving us the benefit of their experience through training in flexible working practices which will ensure that this radical change occurs smoothly.

Steve Cherry, head of workplace technology at BT Property, comments:

We are delighted to be working with John Laing Property and to have the opportunity to evolve the Futurespace technology still further. This trial will take place under genuine workplace conditions and provide us with vital information that will help us to launch Futurespace in the autumn. It is a really exciting opportunity to see how flexible working allows occupiers to take smaller offices, thus giving them the freedom to locate in areas where, with traditional office set ups, rent levels would have been prohibitive.

BT Futurespace is in the process of being developed further and in the lead up to the concept being launched as a product, JLP will be invaluable in the feedback it gives. The trial is to last 12 months.