3Sphere Blog

The following article appeared on the blog of our marketing agency – www.impress-media.co.uk/blog – in March 2009.

The Guardian’s New Premises – Author: Andrew Pinnell

Of course virtually everyone’s lives are now consumed by the credit crunch and the impact of a failing economy is hitting the majority of businesses very hard. Inevitably, companies are analysing the minutiae of the bottom line and in many cases the plans to move or expand offices are being shelved and budgets slashed as Directors’ survival instincts take over. The initial desire to reduce overhead and cut expenditure is natural, but so often a flawed strategy.

Frankly, the recession is long overdue as the economy had become fat on loss-making businesses, sloppy customer service and exorbitant pricing across many sectors, especially retail. Now we are in a landscape where only businesses that embrace changing consumer habits, deliver innovative products, plus exceptional levels of service will survive. And thank god for that. The benchmark had become too low, money to easy to come by and we were all being fleeced.

Cut if you will to an episode of the three-part Media Revolution series broadcast on BBC and presented by the excellent Janet Street Porter. The series is inspiring throughout and a joy to people like me who believe in the digital revolution. Sadly, the UK SME sector has been pitifully slow to catch on and attempt to benefit from the vast commercial opportunities that are now available at the click of a mouse.

When I was a crimped haired student in 1984, it was almost impossible to envisage the media theories of Marshal McCluan who wrote of  ‘The Global Village’ and ‘The Medium is the Message’  as long ago as 1953 (check).  Well, it has taken 25 years, but we truly do now live in a global village where the communication channels themselves define the audience. If you want to target anyone under 25, the Internet is your only real option short of buying ad. space in the breaks between Big Brother. I digress, but it is a crucial point. The digital age is now a reality and any business that cannot adapt, might as well pack it in now. With the banking system in crisis, you have the ultimate excuse after all!

Street-Porter analysed the impact of the digital revolution on Fleet Street. Newspapers are being hammered not just by falls in circulation, but also by plummeting ad. revenues. The recession has sounded the death knell for recruitment, property and automotive advertising streams which have propped-up the press for three decades or more. These incomes will never return. We are living in a different place. The internet is taking over and, in the words of Kevin Roberts (CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide), “the consumer is boss”.

It is not all doom and gloom by any means. Janet interviewed the editor of The Guardian in their swanky new offices in Kings Cross. The new media world shimmers on my TV and every element of the premises seems to scream style and cool. Shiny Apple Macs flicker, global images flash upon a myriad of plasma’s and every pair of eyes is glued to a screen of one sort or another. These screens now control us; we have started to touch them, they are talking to us – soon we will be talking to them!

The Guardian is responding to the digital revolution by redefining itself. 20 million people access their website every month, 7 million in the US. Video content posted online every minute; nothing is static anymore, half a million people can be on the Guardian’s site at any one time. Think about it.

The relocation of the business also represents a statement of corporate  intent, part of a massive rebranding exercise designed to cope with a fundamental shift in contemporary human behaviour; instant access, choice on demand, free content. Anything else is unacceptable to the urban consumer.

And as Alan Rusbridger, Editor of The Guardian predicts the demise of printed newspapers on my wall-mounted Sony Bravia, my eye is drawn to the beautiful interior design of the premises. Impress is delighted to be the marketing agency for 3Sphere, the company commissioned to source and install the stunning array of furniture in The Guardian’s new home. I am thrilled by 3Sphere’s contribution to such a ground-breaking project and marvel at the visionary working environment created by all those involved.

The digital age is paralleled by a design revolution where we are all demanding more from design in the broadest sense be it in the form of gadgets, furniture, architecture, cars and clothes. It has not yet touched everyone, but it certainly will.

Related Links
www.3sphere.co.uk
The Guardian Case Study with stunning images.

www.marshallmcluan.com
Visionary media commentator (1911-1980)

The Paragon - Bristol - Reception

3Sphere has successfully completed the fit out of Thring Townsend Lee and Pembertons (TTL&P) new BREEAM-compliant offices strategically located at the Paragon in central Bristol. The client is one of the South West’s leading law firms and their stunning new fourth and fifth floor premises mirrors the dynamic ethos of the company.

Having won a seven-way pitch, 3Sphere utilised their full repertoire of design, fit-out and furniture capabilities to create an inspiring working environment that is both contemporary and professional. The elegant space planning and stylised loose furniture combine to create an understated yet cool atmosphere which complements the very essence of the buildings architecture.

Knoll’s Studio Collection predominates with chairs also by Boss and Vitra; Haworth workstations, WJ White tables and Bisley storage solutions suggest a “restrained quality” throughout and soften the divide between client-facing spaces and the staff zones. Vibrant colours and modern stripes merge with sophisticated walnut and shimmering glass extenuating the feel of ambitious modernity, themes in parallel with the client’s brand.

The project was led by Brian Winward, Managing Director of 3Sphere, who enjoyed the scope and scale of the brief: After a feverish pitching process, we were ecstatic to win this project as it challenged every element of 3Sphere’s product offering; the whole build and fit-out process gives a satisfying glow, but it was the design process that was so inspiring. We had a joint creative vision from the outset and our honest relationship with the client enabled the project to flourish.

Staff moved into their new premises in September 2009 and TTL&P are delighted with their new working environment. Project Manager Alison Holdoway commented:

When selecting a fit out contractor, Thring Townsend Lee & Pembertons required a company with all the key skills of design, furniture supply, construction and post contract support. We also considered whether the relationship would work between the fit out partner and our in house team. Most importantly, we wanted a company who were really committed to our project. 3Sphere satisfied us on all levels which is why they were selected.

We have worked closely together over ten months on a project that has been complex and required a highly specialist set of skills. We have demanded high performance levels, high quality products and finishes and, particularly in this financial climate, value for money. 3Sphere have responded to our demands and been extremely professional throughout the fit out project. They have been generous with design ideas, time and advice and their professionalism has been matched by that of the subcontractors who have supported the fit out.

3Sphere have successfully completed our project on time and within budget, providing us with a fabulous, contemporary office space that creates a stimulating environment for our employees.

Notes to Editors

• 3Sphere is an independent design, build and furniture company based in Cirencester.
• The company was formed in 2007 following a management buy-out from Spaceworks.
• 3Sphere are an authorised dealer for Vitra, Haworth and K&N City furniture.
• The company have a prestigious corporate client base that includes Tribal Group, BDO Stoy Hayward, Invensys, Westinghouse Rail, Alcatel-Lucent and HSBC among others.
• In 2009, the company completed the loose furniture contract for The Guardian’s new offices in Kings Cross, London.
• 3Sphere have also recently launched Kontract Interiors to provide build-related services.

3Sphere Charta Chair Competition Generates Over 10,000 Entries

For Immediate Release

3Sphere have now announced the winner of their online Charta Chair competition held during May 2009. Amazingly, the competition posted on www.3sphereonline.com generated over ten thousand enquiries within a four week period and the lucky winner is Miss. Charlotte Richardson who works for the Renault Formula 1 Team based at Enstone in Oxfordshire.Charlotte entered the competition after reading about it on Martin Lewis’s renowned money saving expert website (www.moneysavingexpert.com) and freely admits to having little hope of actually winning when she entered her details online. In her own words:

I entered into this competition in the remote hope of winning an attractive office chair for my study as I have recently joined a creative writing course. I am spending hours in their now so winning the Charta Chair could not have happened at a better time. I am genuinely thrilled.

In her day job, twenty three year old Charlotte works as a Production Assistant helping the co-ordination and despatch of car parts. She has worked in the motorsport industry for four years and loves the fast-paced environment of the sector.

She also adopts an exhilarating approach to her hobbies playing for the Slough Phantoms ice hockey team and enjoying winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing.

Matthew Ellis, 3Sphere’s Sales Director is delighted with the success of the campaign:

We were intrigued to see how a proper digital marketing campaign would work and through building a great site, blogging and online PR, we feel we have given vast exposure to the new Charta Chair from K+N City. We could never have hoped to reach over ten thousand people so cost-effectively using traditional media and the response has been staggering to say the least.

3Sphere is one of the most dynamic design, furniture and fit-out companies in the industry who have worked extensively for a portfolio of high profile clients including The Guardian Media Group, BDO Stoy, Hayward and Tribal Group among many others.

The company has earned a reputation for innovative office design and their dealership status with Haworth, Vitra and K+N City ensures they integrate leading-edge furniture solutions into each project.

The dynamic nature of their work is also reflected in a marketing strategy that embraces digital communication techniques to build relationships with new and existing clients. The success of the Charta Chair promotion is indicative of the web’s unrivalled potential and the classic Haworth Zody chair is the next product to be featured on www.3sphereonline.com in July 2009.

Notes To Editors

1. www.3sphereonline.com was launched in May 2009 to promote specific high-profile products from the office design industry.
2. The online competition was devised to promote 3Sphere’s new status as a dealer for K+N City who manufacture the Charta Chair range.
3. Both the site and the completion were extensively promoted via digital PR campaign with exposure secured on industry blogs, business websites and design forums.
4. The campaign was also advertised in the June edition of On Office magazine and featured within the titles digital newsletters.
5. The design and build of the website and the instigation of the marketing campaign was managed by Impress Media Limited (www.impress-media.co.uk)

Relevant Websites

1. www.3sphereonline.com
2. www.3sphere.co.uk
3. www.kn-city.co.uk

Relevant Links

1. FX Magazine
2. Office Design Blog
3. Impress Media Blog
4. Wiltshire Business Online

Media Contact Information

Impress Media Limited

andrew@impress-media.co.uk

It may seem that all we do at 3Sphere is have fun?

Not quite true as we all work very hard, but we do also really enjoy some of our social passions; croquet, cricket and my personal favourite, trout fishing.

Of course, company life often over spills into social pursuits as many of our clients and suppliers share the same the same hobbies. It is also great to get out of the office to relax and many of our key business relationships are cemented either on the sports playing fields or, in this case, on the chalky lakes of Lechlade which is Gloucestershire’s 5Star trout facility.

The hard work and networking had been complete over a few smokey ones the night before and our guests and the 3Sphere management team definitely deserved a mornings’ fishing. You just can’t beat the anticipation of catching a monster trout on a crisp, misty early November morning which ranks alongside those hazy sunrise dawns’ in pursuit of the elusive 8lb tench, or the night-time garlicky dry-mouthed mayhem of leviathan (spoken in a voice of awe, or is it a behemoth?) French carp. But, at Troutmasters, just like the American roach trap motel, they check in, but they don’t check out! For some, oh dear….

So, imagine the scene, the 3Sphere Three, the Interflor Two, the Flogem One and the Glass Fish trophy up for grabs. Pitched-up, tackled-up and ready to do battle we tripped along the muddy path to…. the lake! Dreams of 10lb trout were close to reality and numerous questions fueled our optimism; what fly to use? How deep is the water? Where are they?

Everyone spread out. It was soon becoming apparent that this was no festival of fish. …… Hold on, I can see Will calling Matt over to the front end of the lake. Mark, Brian and Tristan were still flogging the upper lake. Couldn’t see Andrew……….. Will started catching! ……….. What ho, we all sensed we should bunch up pretty close to Will and his ‘blade of grass’ (silly rod, fab fisherman).

Will was catching well on his way to four fish. Matt landed a monster eleven pounder. Tristan lost two from the boat (no good blaming your knots in a do or die competition, mate!). Andrew got the largest roach of the day – we all thought is must be the 15 pounder by his reeling action… hard luck Andrew. Mark? Brian? …. Well, we enjoyed it, honest.

Hup Ho… the Glass Fish trophy went to Matt, however this has to be returned by Mark as he drove off with it to show Mel. Tristan won’t be beaten and will return, I guess we’ll have to join him sometime before Christmas.

Will… looking forward to the smoked trout for the up-and-coming festivities.

A wonderful day in great company and I am thrilled that we can still do business in such an enjoyable fashion knowledge even in the current economic climate. Perhaps more people should try it!

Me? I’m off to work…..

Brian Winward
Managing Director

21st-25th October – Cologne, Germany

…the crucial momentum for boosting productivity originates in the office. This is where innovative ideas take shape, where plans are developed and where decisive discussions take place..

The aforementioned quote has been lifted from the opening page of the Orgatec website (www.orgatec.com) and it seems to sum up both the very essence of the office furniture and design industry and, in particular, 3Sphere. Of course the industry has pure design excellence at its heart, but it is the desire to create stimulating, inspiring and contemporary working environments that remains the sectors ultimate purpose. We know that the office-based business community is slowly understanding the direct relationship between staff productivity and stimulating work spaces. Spending lavish budgets on cool, funky offices has for too long been the preserve of the cash-rich corporates, but design trends are now permeating the consciousness of smaller operations who just want their offices to be stylish, inviting and memorable.

Orgatec 2008 was held in the distinctly modern city of Cologne that appropriately conjures up images of a sophisticated European chic in the minds eye. For five days, the industry flocks to the vast expanse of the event which featured over 700 exhibitors from forty countries attracting a mammoth 60,000 visitors including three happy souls from 3Sphere; Matt Ellis (Sales Director) and uber-babes/ Account Managers, Sarah Burkhill and Lisa Preece. Quite apart from giving them a break from the distinctly gloomy UK economic climate, Orgatec provided the 3Sphere team with an opportunity to view the latest products and ideas that are driving the industry.

Quite apart from the obvious social benefits, Matt, Sarah and Lisa immersed themselves in the galaxy of innovation that characterises the event. Matt has waxed lyrical about the Vitra presence ever since on account of the futuristic vision of the workplace that comprised their stand. A jaw-dropping (predominantly) white colour scheme provided the landscape for Vitra’s design brilliance incorporating furniture, work stations, lighting and soft furnishings.

Almost resembling a scene from Star Trek, Vitra once again set the standard for aspirational work environments and cultures. As a respected Vitra dealer, it is particular gratifying that 3Sphere can access these breathtaking products and concepts in the course of their own work with a discerning UK-based clientele. Highlights included the luxurious softshell chair from Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Fog office systems from the ultra-fashionable Frank Gehry and Matt’s personal favourite, the Basket (which resembles a hammock) designed in association with Werner Aisslinger to create an “island retreat” within an open plan office.

Sarah was particularly taken by Allermuir’s new soft seating Bison tub chair range designed by Simon Pengelly for use in informal, lounge and breakout areas. Compact, but deceptively comfortable due to a subtle flexing of the arms, backrest and sprung seat, Bison is a welcome addition to the Allermuir portfolio. As is the funky and fun range of Jaks seating solutions created by John Coleman that comprises a variety of interlocking modular shapes, playful colours and tessellated patterns to form a ‘cross’ configuration.

For Lisa, Camira’s new range of fabrics took her eye including fabrics actually manufactured from nettles which takes the green theme to a new level. Brilliantly titled the Sting range, these fabrics combine the raw fibres of the common stinging nettle woven with pure new wool to create a unique, high performance, fire retardent upholstery fabric. Launched in September 2008, Sting comes in a variety of natural colours inspired by the English countryside and is perhaps the ultimate Eco-friendly statement.

An exhausting trip for the 3Sphere trio, but they came back to the office energised by the Orgatec experience. Witnessing at first hand the next generation of products that will soon grace offices the world over is essential for a company like 3Sphere who place great emphasis on being ahead of the game. We have added a gallery of images which both illustrate the products that inspired the team and highlight the pleasurable element of the trip.

Particular thanks to Matt Ellis, Sarah Burkill and Lisa Preece for their contributions to this blog entry.