We are not the first and we’re for sure not going to be the last to talk about energy saving LED lighting. With the latest government regulation confirming that from 2025 all newly rented properties will be required to have an EPC rating of C or above, we’re here to support you through the changes.

This week, we’re discussing LED lighting, and how changing luminaries in your commercial property and replacing them with new and more efficient LEDs is a big step towards the “C” rating. As mentioned in previous posts we would prefer to look at this more from an energy efficiency approach than a specific rating score.

Let’s get started!

Imagine a normal office space with 10 fluorescent tube luminaires 1200×600 (normally fluorescent T8); these will probably consume roughly 72W/h each and produce roughly 4200lm. This means the efficiency lm/W is 58.

Assuming the cost of energy at least £0.30 per Kw/h, the cost of running these with an estimated use of 3060hours per year (12h per day per 255 working days) is equal to a total 4.4Kw per year or a running cost of £1.3K.

Let’s replace these with new and more efficient LED fittings…

For example: ITM805N01 ITALI UGR 1200X600 26.5W 4160lm 4000K CRI80 WHITE with an excellent efficiency of 156lm/W.

With 4160lm – but only 26W-  this will replace the T8 luminaire, and the total consumption will be now only 1.6Kw per year with a running cost of only £487.

The summary.

It is very clear that scaling this set up from 10 to 100, the savings will most likely cover the cost of replacing the luminaire within just two years. This by itself will not dramatically change the rating, but is most of the time the easiest, cheapest and quickest way towards achieving C rating.

Contact one of our representatives for a free quote and advice.

We recently announced a brand new service available at Manor Interior Solutions – an EPC certification service (provided by our independent team of EPC assessors) but more importantly a decade of experience in the refurbishment and fit out of offices and warehouses. Don’t believe us? Check our services page for more info!

I’m sure that if you are a landlord or an owner of a commercial building, you will be asking yourself…

What do the recent government changes in EPC requirements mean for me?

Well, the law now states that an increase in the minimum EPC rating for all commercial buildings across the UK is imminent, and any changes that reduce energy consumption are going to help the environment by reducing our carbon footprint towards a carbon zero position.

We have found that the best way to explain what EPC requirements might look like for a commercial property is by creating a case study – with a standard set of parameters which you can make assumptions on and change as you like.

Case Study: The Warehouse

Imagine…

• A typical 1985 industrial unit with metal cladding system, walls and roof.
• It’s a 180m2 warehouse that could also be considered a workshop.
• There is 36m2 of reception, office and other facilities with doors and windows throughout that comply with 1985 regulations.
• The 36m2 is central heated, and hot water is delivered by a combi gas boiler.
• Lighting is provided by T8’s light fittings to office, reception, and kitchen; while CFLs to areas such as the toilets. 
• Finally, there are metal halide fittings into the warehouse area.

Can you picture it? This building as it stands will give us a theoretical EPC rating of “G”.

Not to mention an emission rate of 146KgCO 2 /m 2 per year and an assumed energy consumption of 809Kwh/m 2.

Now, let’s identify the areas of improvement, and how improving them could affect the property’s EPC rating.

Starting Point: Rating G

Recommended improvements:

• Change all lights to LED 
• Change all the doors and window to latest regulations
• Upgrade insulation of external walls and roof to current regulations
• Remove central heating boiler and replace with Air Source Heat Pump
• System to provide heating to office and reception; use panel heaters to
• WCs and kitchen and provide hot water with instant water heaters for WC’s and Kitchen

All of these improvements combined will bring the building rating to C!

Now the emission rate is at 7KgCO 2 /m 2 per year and an assumed energy consumption of 74Kwh/m 2. We know it is a stretch but you can consider that the energy consumption will be reduced by 91% and the carbon emission by 95%.

If we then consider the cost of achieving those results as well as the consequent opportunity to save on running costs – the changes are no-brainer.

We all understand the ongoing debate on who pays for what and who benefits what; but we believe that the above case study proves that it’s time to start constructive conversations between landlords and tenants on how to share the inevitability of these “investments” for a greener future.

* We’d like to disclaim that we are not certified Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessors and whatever is reported below is the result of conversations with our team of independent and certified assessors.

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Covid-19: Battleground

The global covid-19 pandemic has undeniably brought our world upside down. The ripple effects of the pandemic have already drastically changed economies and business systems, with companies around the world struggling to rethink and reconfigure their operations in order to adjust to the new pandemic pace. The economic and social turbulence has disrupted the supply chains, which have been moving unprecedently slow. More specifically, initial results from a nationwide survey reported that a staggering 68% of the UK’s most dynamic entrepreneurs have cashflow concerns (1). Consequently, the financial downturn has forced businesses to shut or minimize their operations, leaving thousands of employees unemployed. All in all, there is no shortage of disagreement that the pandemic has put businesses on shaky and uncertain ground. But have you ever thought that while production lines have stopped for some, others are pushing their productivity to the limits? Has it ever crossed your mind that the covid-19 crisis might have been a disaster for some, but yet a lucrative opportunity for others? As the pandemic continues to evolve and companies emerge from the initial shockwave, we ‘re quickly learning that while covid-19 has shuffled the deck for many businesses out there, there are still a large number of companies that have been standing strong, and even expanding their operations as a result of surging demand.

The other side of the story

Assessing the full impact is still premature, but yet, research from Startups.co.uk, for example, has shown that five new businesses were founded every day in April 2020 – representing a 60% jump on April 2019 (2). Meanwhile, the e-commerce order volume has increased by 50% compared to 2019 (3), driving significant growth to the e-commerce industry. What these numbers tell us, is that covid-19 has shone a light on particular industries and businesses, driving increasing demand and accelerating sales growth at an unprecedented rate. Therefore, for organizations in the e-commerce, construction, and other sectors that have been battling to satisfy the insatiable consumer demand, the global disruption has put forward a worthwhile opportunity to strengthen their infrastructure, lay the foundations for a transformative change, and move ahead stronger and better. 

Now is the time to reassess, reevaluate, and reshape operations to accelerate ahead of the competition in the post-coronavirus business landscape. For example, here at Manor Interior Solutions, we saw an opportunity emerging amid the chaos of the first lockdown period – and that couldn’t be any other than launching an e-commerce store that would cater not only for the needs of the ‘post-quarantine’ consumer but also for the unparalleled growth of the e-commerce industry. So here we are, 7 months later and with a fully functionable, user-friendly, and super convenient e-commerce site which you can find here.

Adapting to a new working environment

More than eight months have passed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared covid-19 a pandemic, and there is no shortage of disagreement that as the effects of the Coronavirus are felt around the world, the primary focus of businesses around the globe comes down the health and safety of their employees. We all know that the working environment has changed drastically for the majority of people, and we all know that it will probably never go back to what it used to be – at least for the next months. “We all know that work will never be the same, even if we don’t yet know all the ways in which it will be different. What we can say with certainty is that the sudden shift to distributed work has provided a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine everything about how we do our jobs and how we run our companies.” says Slack co-founder and CEO Stewart Butterfield.

Taking everything into consideration, organisation agility and business innovation are today more important than ever. This is the time to adapt to the new normal. This is the time to plan and learn for the future.

A time for innovation… and renovation

Any business can agree that the ramifications of lockdown and stay-home measures are overwhelming on both a physical and mental level.  As we start to consider what the future holds, it’s vital to rethink the office space through forward-looking ways that would firstly protect employees, and secondly make them feel safe returning to the office with as little disruption as possible. We are entering a new era of working, which involves larger space areas, physical distancing, new office layouts, and a heightened focus on office transparency. It’s now the time to think outside of the box in order to adapt your office space to the new post-covid world in which hygiene, health, and social distancing come first. And if the idea sounds like music to your ears, but yet the economic burden of such an investment is out of reach – you can leave the worry out, we are here to help.

A little bit about us

Here at Manor Interior Solutions, quality and durability come first. Our many years of experience and expertise in warehouse refurbishment, together with our dedicated team of professionals, are our signature blend for excellence.

Our premises are located in Northamptonshire, and our client base spans from commercial developments, public buildings, industrial properties, educational developments, and large drylining projects. 

We pride ourselves on high-quality interior solutions and exceptional communication with our customers, regardless of the project’s size. Whatever your refurbishment requirements are, we will meet and exceed your expectations.

How Manor Interior Solutions can help…

Mezzanine Flooring

Taking into consideration the new physical distancing norms, chances are you are running out of office space soon (if you haven’t already). While moving to a larger office space might seem the only solution, we have good news for you. Installing a mezzanine floor in your existing building would be a cheaper alternative to moving your office space, especially if you’re looking for more storage or partitions. Such an addition could also add value to your existing building and should provide a good return on your investment.

Working with an experienced mezzanine floor contractor is paramount when investing in the future of your business. We ensure that your mezzanine floor installation has been constructed in the correct way to suit your business not only today but also with the future in mind planning for potential expansion and growth.

From initial site visit and survey to the mezzanine floor fitting service, we also install any office on your mezzanine, racking and pallet gates. In other words, we handle mezzanine flooring installation services end-to-end, so you can simply sit back and relax as we construct the mezzanine floor for you.

Warehouse Racking Installation

Similarly, if you are running out of warehouse space, racking installation can go a long way towards saving up some room. 

We use the best quality materials to build racks and shelves so that they last the test of time. To do that, a lot of planning and groundwork are involved, which we will do together with you. We will go over current and potential workflow layouts that may help improve your current production and picking processes in the future.

Glass partitions

We are almost 8 months into the pandemic, and it’s nowadays common to see temporary glass partitions in retailers, supermarkets, and customer service desks. The reality is that these measures have become a permanent measure for protecting staff and have been slowly rolling out to almost all office environments. 

The transparency of glass partitions allows optimal amounts of natural light to pass through while keeping your employees safe and protected. Interestingly, studies have shown that the amount of time spent in artificial light negatively impacts sleep cycles. Consequently, a glass partition that provides ample amounts of natural light actually promotes healthy circadian rhythms. 

Glass partitions also improve communication between co-workers. Why would a glass wall help to boost communication? People feel more comfortable approaching and talking with their co-workers when they can see the person that they will be talking with. It’s much more intimidating to knock on a closed-door because the person has no idea what is going on inside the office. Walls and doors decrease communication, but glass takes away those barriers to make people feel less awkward about talking with other people in the company.

We are happy to advise on selecting the most suitable glass partition system to suit your requirements. If you already have glass partitions in place, we can assess the existing type of glass partition and install a match. Whatever your requirements are when it comes to glass partitions, our glazing specialists will guide you through the process.

Industrial and Warehouse Refurbishment

An engaging and functional design is essential to help you make the most out of your industrial and warehouse space.

Many people think interiors are not important for industrial units or warehouses, but the reality is, good and pleasing aesthetics will go a long way in motivating your employees to be more productive. It gives them a sense of connection with the organization and a good interior design will provide a comfortable place for them to work. Besides, an eye-catching warehouse design is sure to reflect your business in a good light. For these reasons, industrial and warehouse refurbishments are an essential part of your business.

Many of our fit-out services also fall nicely into the category of warehouse refurbishment. Some of the areas we cover include:

• Suggest whether shelving or racking is ideal for your storage needs.
• Commercial floor painting services
• Warehouse redesign
• Commercial decorating
• Mezzanine flooring installation if needed to give you additional storage space.
• Do Cat A or Cat B fit outs, as needed.
• Refurbish and give a modern look, even if the building is old and dilapidated.
• Cold storage room installation.
• Pallet gate installation.

Warehouse refurbishments are time-sensitive, in the sense; they need to be completed quickly so you can continue with your usual warehouse operations right away. Spending a long time on industrial refurbishments could impact and slow your production productivity. Working with an expert warehouse refurbishment contractor that is used to dealing with these kinds of pressures and demands is of utmost importance.

We even make appropriate recommendations on the technology and other non-design aspects that you can incorporate when undertaking an industrial building refurbishment.

Reach out to us as your chosen warehouse refurbishment contractor, regardless of whether it is just a few hundred feet or spreads across multiple units in an estate, and we will deliver a functional workspace.

Need a hand with project funding?

Chances are that you haven’t predicted the covid-19 crisis to roll out like it did – and the same applies for almost every business out there. This means that you haven’t budgeted for larger office spaces or warehouse alterations and haven’t accounted for physical distancing measures. We know that unpredicted expenses can be overwhelming at first, but we ‘re here to help. 

Here at Manor Interior Solutions, we work closely with numerous partners and agents that could fund projects like yours. Also, we keep a close eye on any available local grants according to the country in question that could help your project set off .If your project meets the eligibility criteria, we ‘ll guide you through the funding process from the application submission to project execution.

Covid-19: The world ahead

As the covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve and work habits around the world are changing, it’s time to consider the future of the office. What is the post-covid new normal? What would make employees feel safe returning back to their office desk? What are the protective measures that need to be undertaken in order to comply with government regulations? What will team-working look like 5 months from now? This is the right time to rethink your business operations and reconfigure your office and warehouse layout according to the post-covid world – a world in which physical distancing matters the most. 

We understand that this might feel daunting at first, so our mission here at Manor Interior Solutions is to make this as easy for you as possible. With many years of experience and expertise behind our back, we know exactly how to make it work. It all comes down to re-examining the future of work and transforming the office strategy accordingly.

Demountable partitions: Here’s why they matter

Office spaces are continually evolving and advancing, and so do the tools used to create them. Demountable partitions, or more commonly known as demountable walls, are a great tool to create a functional working space while maintaining privacy, safeguarding a productive work environment, and integrating technology.

But let’s start with the basics. What exactly are demountable partitions?

Demountable walls are movable partitions mainly used to separate indoor spaces. They are most commonly used in large, open space offices in order to create privacy and organise space efficiently and ergonomically. 

Here are the top 5 reasons to go for demountable walls instead of dry walls or any other space configuration solution:

1. Demountable partition systems provide flexibility
   

   When it comes to office spaces, there is no shortage of disagreement that flexibility is a top priority. Although standard and dry walls might ensure privacy, they nevertheless lack the ability of quick re-configurations, restraining the pace of the business compared to the fast-changing needs of the office. However, demountable walls are ideal for modern office spaces and start-ups, whereas adjustability and flexibility come first.

   Without a doubt, the number of people in an office space varies depending on the number of employees, the size of the company, and the organisational structure. Some teams may require a large meeting room while others may need an individual office area to work on their own devices. These moving walls allow for quick reconfiguration of space to suit your company’s needs, without the fuss of an actual construction. As a result,  a variety of different working spaces can be created, substantially increasing both productivity and employees’ work satisfaction, with little to no additional cost.

    

2. Demountable partition systems offer a wide spectrum of options

   The manufacturers of such walls have created a diverse range of demountable partition systems, allowing for an absurd amount of customization. This implies that no matter how complex or unique the idea you have in mind is, you are very much likely to find it.

   A few ideas include:

   – Atrium wall systems create a sense of openness.
   – Frameless partition systems are comprised of single or double-glazed walls, with the double-glazed wall enabling for blind installation and improved soundproofing.
   – Freestanding partition walls that can be placed theoretically anywhere, creating a wall system where it is most needed. Their huge advantage is that they can be taken down in a matter of minutes and re-installed in another location with a different configuration.
   

3. Partition walls complement the design of spaces
   

   Due to this huge range of options and designs, demountable walls can be chosen to upgrade the aesthetic of the space while at the same time being effective and ergonomic. Whether you are building an office from scratch or re-designing your space to add demountable partitions, customization of these structures can complement the existing design or the one you have in mind.

   A small sample of their customizable nature is that they can be placed in a straight, curved, or even angled configuration to complement and fit into the surrounding space they are placed. Based on the type of demountable system chosen, the walls can be freestanding, moveable, or frameless.

   Another example of custom-made demountable partitions consists of the glass partition type. These movable pieces of glass can be chosen to be lightly frosted so that natural light enters the room, fully frosted to ensure privacy or even include a design. A great idea is to include a smart glass incorporating an LCD display. This allows for alteration between a fully transparent glass to a translucent one, in a matter of milliseconds, saving you from the fuss of moving around offices depending on the type of meeting you are having. 

   Looks don’t lie so, we have to state that demountable glass partitions are aesthetically pleasing by nature, irrespective of where they are placed.
   

4. Demountable walls are cost-effective

   Due to the fact that there is no contract with a construction crew to take down and rebuild dry walls in a change of office configuration, demountable partition systems are extremely cost-effective. Keeping in mind that you only need to purchase them once and then reconfigure them to endless combinations to meet your needs at any time, demountable walls are economical and cost-effective in the long term.

   Whether you are building an office or moving to a new space, it is difficult by default to predict your office’s needs ten years down the road. You may even end up in a position where substantial space changes need to be made sooner than that. Demountable partition systems will help you in this kind of situation by making the needful changes without having to remodel the whole office, saving you both money and time.
   

5. Demountable Wall Partitions Are Sustainable

   The extra cost and amount of waste that emerges from business office remodelling is neither environmentally, nor budget-friendly. Considering the fact that businesses incorporate environmental impact in a variety of performance indicators, the low environmental impact of demountable partitions compared to rebuilding an office, cannot be overseen.

   Instead of carrying out an expensive remodel of your office, you can create constant sustainability growth with the installation of a demountable partition system, incorporating flexibility by adjusting to the needs of your business. As your company changes, so can the formation of the demountable partitions, saving you both time and capital, while having less impact on the environment.

   Each time you are reusing the demountable office walls partitions you are saving money you would otherwise spend on new materials every time you wanted to adjust your space.

Demountable partition systems for the win!

All in all, demountable partition systems offer your business the flexibility it needs for growth, without having to compromise on design. They lift the aesthetic of the space by fitting to their surroundings, without making you dig deep into your pocket. The best part is that you can have all of these benefits without regrets, as any other option in terms of renovation or remodel would have a larger environmental impact.

Interior glass has been gaining ground in the workplace and office design. And it’s not without a reason. Glass partitions have been recognized by architects, interior designers, but most importantly employees, for their practicality, adaptability, and transparency. But let’s take a closer look at the reasons why glass elements have been gaining such momentum; a momentum capable of replacing traditional walls and dry walls one and for all.

Glass elements allow for natural light

It all comes down to two words: natural light. Often underestimated, natural light can provide measurable health benefits such as improving sleep, boosting vitamin D, and keeping those Monday blues at bay. 

More specifically, according to Future Workplace’s survey, over 1,600 employees ranked “access to natural light and views of the outdoors” as their number one desire for a workplace environment.

With that being said, using glass partitions within the workplace creates a brighter, healthier, and more enjoyable workplace. If that’s not a good way to boost employee morale and productivity, then what is? Food for thought.

Glass elements promote accessibility and transparency within the workplace

The days of bureaucracy and micro-management are gone for good. Modern corporate culture calls for openness, accessibility, and transparency; and glass interiors are just the perfect tool for bringing such a corporate message to life. 

Without a doubt, we would all feel much more comfortable walking up to a colleague we can already see. We would all feel much more welcomed and much less intimidated to drop by our manager’s office for a quick question compared to having to knock on a closed door. Glass doors and interior glass walls can alleviate such barriers by allowing for eye contact and a greater sense of openness within the office environment.

Modern and elegant glass elements for an aesthetically pleasing workplace

The average full-time employee works 1,800 hours per year, most of which are likely in an office. In other words, a minimum of 8 hours per day are spent at work. But, have you ever thought about what difference it would make if you absolutely loved the aesthetics of your workplace versus if you absolutely hated it? Well, let us tell you this: it does matter. 

Put simply, the design and decoration of your workspace can significantly impact your productivity and motivation levels. In fact, a recent survey suggests that virtually all (97%) employees believe that their existing workspace design drains their ability to focus, with nearly half (46%) describing it as ‘impacting heavily’ on their productivity.

Taking the above into consideration, having an aesthetically pleasing environment is a must for your peoples’ health, wellbeing, and motivation.

Glass elements are long-lasting and resistant to time

There is no shortage of disagreement that a primary factor for choosing the office’s interiors is cost-effectiveness. With this in mind, it’s vital that one invests in materials that stand the test of time without high maintenance bills. 

Glass partitions, including walls and doors, not only are incredibly durable but they are also resistant to coloring or staining like other materials. This means fewer replacements and maintenance visits, and of course, fewer costs.

Glass partitions can reduce electricity bills

Having mentioned the importance of natural light within the workplace before, it’s also equally important to refer to the monetary equivalent of energy-efficient glass walls. 

Simply put, installing glass partitions within your office space would allow more natural light to come in, which would, in turn, translate to smaller electricity bills.

Glass elements provide a wide variety of design choices

Sleek, sound-proof, or modern? Or how about all in one? When it comes to glass partitions, design choices are endless. Glass can be coordinated and matched with a wide variety of different fabrics, woods, stones, walls, and just about anything else. The choice is yours to decide. 

So, whether you need a sound-proof meeting area, a sleek open-plan office space, or a contemporary kitchen for lunchtime, glass partitions have it all!

Final thoughts

People spend most of their time at work, which means that the office space is their second home. And this is exactly how it should feel like. 

The work environment can significantly affect employees’ daily mood, productivity levels, and motivation; so, it’s, therefore, important to be functional, pleasing, and welcoming.  

Glass partitions have been recognized around the globe for improving the aesthetics of the workplace, and they are undeniably here to stay. Yet, businesses choose glass walls not only because they offer contemporary and sleek aesthetics, but also because of their numerous financial and non-financial benefits. 

However, keep in mind that an office design that is suitable for one organization might not be for another. Considering that each and every business out there has different needs and requirements, glass partitions can be customized to meet your expectations.