Many projects, one source.

Appointed as Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) furniture supply and associated services provider, our duties are diverse: from wholesale office redesigns to replacement of single chairs.

Delivered by:

Kevin Ainley, Key Account Manager

Other members:

Jamie Wright, Client Account Manager

Mark Richards, Head of Product Development

Project information.

Client:

Department for Work and Pensions

Location:

UK-wide

Sector:

Public sector

Value:

Scope:

A nationwide, single-source supply partnership, requiring us to respond to varied briefs and environments to fully support DWP’s many functions and requirements.

Appointed as Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) furniture supply and associated services provider, our duties are diverse: from wholesale office redesigns to replacement of single chairs.

Project information.

Client:

Department for Work and Pensions

Location:

UK-wide

Sector:

Public sector

Value:

£7,100,000

Scope:

xxx A nationwide, single-source supply partnership, requiring us to respond to varied briefs and environments to fully support DWP’s many functions and requirements.

Delivered by:

Kevin Ainley, Key Account Manager

Other members:

Jamie Wright, Client Account Manager
Mark Richards, Head of Product Development

Project overview.

The DWP is one of the UK’s largest public service departments, operating across more than 800 locations with over 90,000 employees. We needed to bring best value to projects and support personnel at all levels.

Objective

BAU and big transformations.

Besides business as usual orders, we also handle large-scale transformational projects. Success is built on structured discipline across all activities, with outcomes monitored using strict KPI metrics. A key part of our role is to provide advice and updates on industry developments and best practice, not just in office workplaces but also customer-facing environments.

Target outcomes & Goals

Prevent highly reusable products from going to waste.

18%

Carbon footprint reduction

72%

Sustainable materials used

£145,000

Local community contribution

CCS / NEUPC

ISO 14001 accredited

Recognise the need to respond to a wide range of stakeholder goals and requirements, while ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to strict specification criteria.

Our approach.

The varying needs of the DWP estate can only be met through close collaboration between our team and internal stakeholders; but also numerous external partners we connect with during projects – architects, designers and workplace professionals who develop a cohesive, holistic approach.

What we did

Keeping everyone informed.

Regular contact with multiple stakeholders is critical. We organise structured meetings, which incorporate performance reporting mechanisms to assess how we’re doing against overall contractual requirements on a continuous basis, as well as providing visibility for individual projects. In addition, our position as a leading furniture specialist means we work with a diverse range of organisations and can call on our vast learnings and experience to add further value to DWP.

Key challenges

Minimising disruption.

Change management is vital within DWP. We support the implementation of new initiatives while also ensuring day-to-day work continues smoothly. Our teams design project plans to ensure this happens so disruption is minimised.

Custom solutions

A new metrics system.

We also applied resource management and contingency planning tools to ensure timely, effective dissemination of relevant information: current thinking, design ideas, working practices and new products. All of this knowledge supports the DWP’s commitment to ongoing improvement.

We designed approved key metrics to underpin all of our work for DWP. These included request handling, on-time delivery, management of defects and complaints, as well as contractual and sustainability criteria.
We also applied resource management and contingency planning tools to ensure timely, effective dissemination of relevant information: current thinking, design ideas, working practices and new products. All of this knowledge supports the DWP’s commitment to ongoing improvement.

Results.

Our thorough understanding of the organisation and its operations allows us to work to DWP’s exacting standards.

We recognise the imperative need to accommodate the many different requirements and priorities while working to the time, budget and specification criteria. Our highly experienced and dedicated account management team provides a main point of contact and is supported by a contingent of experts, who specialise in different disciples to deliver best-in-class performance and service.

Results.

By working with Casala, we were able to prevent landfill waste and buy the product back. This enabled Coventry University to redistribute its budget into another scheme.

The team was incredibly professional and attentive to every detail. Our project turned out even better than we imagined.

Working with Southerns Broadstock Interiors as our furniture consultants has been an exceptional experience. From the outset, they understood the importance of delivering a space that stayed true to the architect’s original vision while meeting the evolving needs of the building’s occupants and the University’s sustainability ambitions. Their expertise in managing change and integrating legacy furniture alongside carefully selected new pieces allowed us to achieve a seamless aesthetic and narrative.”

The final design was full of practical solutions that aligned with the needs of those who will use the building day to day. By reusing significant proportion of our existing furniture, the FF&E package delivered meaningful carbon savings without compromising on quality or functionality.

As our furniture consultants, SBI brought a structured and methodical approach to refining the FF&E specification and space plans, ensuring we had sufficient understanding of possible furniture options to complement the architectural vision, and to support needs of the building’s future users.

The team’s attention to detail and commitment to quality have delivered a beautifully furnished, functional and inspiring environment that perfectly reflects the aspirations of the project.

Working with Southerns Broadstock Interiors as our furniture consultants on the LaMB building has been an exceptional experience. We are delighted with the result — a beautifully furnished building that embodies the values of the University of Oxford.

Broadstock provided a good level of service throughout the entirety of the project. They were fully engaged, were able to offer invaluable advice and present opportunities to realise our aspirations, while remaining conscious of our principal requirements and budget constraints.

Broadstock’s strength was the team’s ability to work collaboratively with the client, providing quick responses in regard to drawing information, samples and cost advice. The team was professional and personable, delivering a good level of service. They were also able to remain flexible and worked hard to push every inch out of the scheme.