Assura goes agile

The TSK group is helping Assura, a key provider of property, pharmacy and medical support services to the nation's GPs, to enjoy office premises that break new ground in terms of their cost efficiency. The innovative office design and delivery specialist has just completed a project at Assura's brand new HQ at Daresbury Business Park, Cheshire, where the focus was on the creation of an agile working environment.

Andrew Burns, joint-Managing Director at TSK explains more: "With office premises being one of the largest fixed costs for almost all organisations, we are increasingly called upon to deliver 'agile' working environments. Such environments do away with the concept of each individual having a set workstation and instead employ concepts such as 'team village' working backed up by computerised space booking systems. The net result is invariably the ability to house more people in less space with obvious benefits in terms of property overheads, but interestingly productivity is improved."

The project has seen TSK design and deliver a workplace that will act as a base for 300 people. Conventionally, such a headcount would require around 30,000 sq ft of space but TSK has actually enabled Assura to reduce its property costs by using an environment measuring just 20,000 sq ft. It was able to do this as some of the individuals concerned work in transient roles, moving between the company's offices.

To ensure this agile environment works effectively and that employees can count on a worksetting when they do need one, TSK has specified an advanced, web-based workspace management system. Using highly respected Condeco software as a platform, this technology was customised to Assura's specific requirements and installed by proAV - a sister business to TSK and a leading provider of audio-visual services.

The system allows the booking of individual desks, meeting suites (which feature the latest AV equipment including web and video conferencing facilities to reduce the financial and environmental costs of unnecessary travelling) and quiet areas. These later areas include breakout zones and a cafe space which have been incorporated to increase the likelihood of staff bumping into each other and catching up informally rather than waiting for formal meetings.

Aside from its agile benefits, the new environment is also purposely designed to encourage communication and collaboration. In marked contrast to Assura's previous offices which were split across a number of floors. This has been complemented with high-quality furniture, a fresh and vibrant colour scheme and original artwork - all ensuring the overall workplace reflects the dynamic nature of the company's business and its brand,

Speaking further on the project, Andrew Burns at TSK added: "Agile workplaces may sound like a novel concept but they're set to be as popular in the future particularly in today's financial climate. Considering their ability to maximise space and in turn cost efficiency, they are a highly attractive proposition to both public and private sector organisations. We are delighted to be helping Assura to enjoy the dividends of an agile environment and wish them every success in their new home."