Professionalism 
Having a space for your business to call its own can be a great opportunity to improve the professionalism of your business. Offering members of staff the opportunity to feel more integrated into the team, in a positive working environment, as well as providing you with a place to hold meetings with clients. Hope Park’s on site meeting rooms, breakout area and café provide the perfect space for doing this – with a welcoming, clean environment and all the facilities you could need to make the right impression.

Networking
Being a part of a workspace like Hope Park, whether it be in your own serviced office or one of our co-working spaces, gives you the opportunity to make connections with businesses in a similar situation to yourselves. The new contacts that you meet in these environments can be great for helping your business progress and to give a sense of community.

Growth 
Bradford already has a big economy, the eighth biggest in the country and third largest in the Yorkshire region behind Leeds and Sheffield. Despite this, Bradford is still a city that is flourishing quickly, with GVA increasing by 3.7% between 2014 and 2015, outpacing national growth of 2.6% and Leeds City Region growth of 3.4%. By making the move to Bradford now, your business could reap the benefit of what this growth brings to our city.

Like-minded People
Bradford District is already home to 17,620 businesses employing almost 200,000 people. Bradford is also clearly a hub for entrepreneurs, with nearly 35,000 people being self-employed. This brings more of a chance to work with a wider variety of companies and people. Bradford is also home to the headquarters of a number of major companies, such as Morrison’s, Yorkshire Building Society and Hallmark Cards, including two FTSE 100 companies.

Location
Hope Park Workspaces is in a prime location within Bradford, at the tip of the M606 motorway. This allows easy access to Bradford city centre, with all the amenities you need to thrive. For those who need to travel further, being situated just off the M606 allows you to easily reach nearby cities Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax and Manchester, making travelling to meetings, conferences or events less hassle and traffic.

If you’re looking to move into office space within Bradford, contact Hope Park for a professional, flexible and accommodating range of workspaces to choose from, sure to suit your business. Alternatively, take a look at our office spaces here or get in touch to find out more.

 

 

All data taken from Bradford Council website and correct at time of writing.

As the UK falls back into its second national lockdown in just under a year, most of us are wondering how our daily lives will change when it comes to our jobs. After many of us have converted our living rooms, kitchen tables and the lucky ones with spare rooms into part-time offices, many businesses are wondering – how will our office space evolve when the pandemic is over? Many companies are realising that whilst some prefer the workspace environment, many are happy in the comfort of their own home with a more flexible working lifestyle.

Due to the favourable working from home dynamic, our new satellite office service has proven popular with those who are changing their office strategy due to COVID-19. Having a satellite office can bring two or three locations together by having a central, satellite hub at the middle of all office locations. Employees can dip in and out of the office environment when required – attending meetings, workplace gatherings or simply to have a change of scenery. This gives you the advantage of having the office workplace without the need for several locations. You can read more about the advantages of satellite offices and what we offer as a service.

Here at Hope Park Workspaces, we have implemented various safety precautions to protect both our staff, tenants and visitors from COVID-19. We’ve set up clear Perspex screens around the reception and seating area. Two-metre distance stickers on the floor around reception and the café area, plus Perspex screens protecting the café service section. We have also set up hand sanitizer stations around the building including the main entrance and exit doors to the building. Our cleaning team operates each morning and evening, servicing around the building and antibacterial cleaning hotspot surfaces such as door handles, security door buttons and Perspex screens.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is still a very current issue for all workspaces, we will continue to do our very best to keep all staff, tenants and visitors safe on our premises, as this issue develops.

Whilst we don’t know when the pandemic will be over, what we do know is that the workplace will most definitely be different – with companies both expanding and downsizing their office premises, it’s set to be an interesting year for business.

If you would like to find out more about our serviced offices in Bradford or learn more about how we are adapting our offices for COVID-19, please get in touch with us today.

Unserviced offices

What are unserviced offices?

Unserviced offices are often known as leased offices or leased buildings. They involve renting from a landlord on a long-term contract.

What are the pros and cons of unserviced offices?

One benefit of this is it allows you complete control of the space, allowing you to be creative with layout and looks, creating a space that is uniquely your own. However, you will also be solely responsible for the upkeep, any repairs or maintenance and will also be tasked with installing any amenities that you need such as furniture, phones, internet and utilities your business needs as well as paying all business and water rates.

As you can see, an unserviced office definitely has its perks, allowing you freedom of choice in the kind of space you move into, as well as how it looks and allows you to make sure the space is perfect for your business and its needs. Despite this, it is often a hugely underestimated option for a business and can be extremely time-consuming and costly. Plus, it can often entail hidden issues that you are not aware of when you first move in, which you are then tasked with resolving, often making it harder for independent or smaller businesses to manage.

Serviced offices

Serviced offices, which are most often found in business centres, provide most amenities for businesses that need a professional workspace. They come fully equipped and fully furnished, as well as having high-quality phone and internet services already installed, saving you a huge amount of time and money when looking to get your business into an office space. Another perk is the fact that serviced offices often include reception and support staff, such as cleaners and IT support. This allows you to not only get up and running in your office quicker but saves a lot of time and money on any problems you may face down the line.

How do you pay for serviced offices?

You can pay on a month-by-month basis, allowing flexibility if you need to leave the space, or if your business expands you can easily move into a larger space within the business centre. Serviced offices avoid the need for long-term leases or a large financial outlay with a traditional payment plan for a leased building such as deposit and quarterly rent.

What is included in the cost of a serviced office?

The price of a serviced office typically includes all rates, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, repairs, security, reception and IT staff. Plus you have the bonus of various meeting rooms to choose from, kitchen & restroom facilities and breakout areas.

In short, serviced offices guarantee a high-quality office solution for businesses – fully equipped with everything your business needs at a fraction of the cost of a traditional office set-up, whilst still offering complete flexibility.

If you are looking for a serviced vs unserviced office for your business, contact us here at Hope Park to find out more, or take a look at our range of serviced offices online now.

Wanting to hire more staff

From taking on your first staff member to introducing a new colleague into your ever-expanding team, your workspace size is an integral factor when it comes to growing the number of roles within your business.
If you’re planning to bring on new staff, you need to ensure you have the capacity to take on the new members within your business. You don’t want to find yourself in an overcrowded atmosphere as this will lead to colleagues feeling uncomfortable, cause a poor work ethic and may also risk breaking working condition laws.

 

Healthy Finances

The business has been going well for some time and now you’ve got room to stretch your financial legs. Your first workspace has been a great stepping stone for getting the business off the ground, why not consider the next step in growing your company by expanding into a larger, more professional office space?
Growing your workspace is one of those aspects of business that ends up being forgotten about. Other areas of the business take priority and you find yourself at the same location years down the line. Don’t let it fall to the bottom of the pile, make it a key priority to expand your workspace and take your business to the next level.

 

Frequent meetings

If you’re starting your business from home or have your own small business hub, making sure your workspace matches your business is key for first impressions. Meeting in local coffee shops is always great to start with, but as your meetings grow larger, you’ll want to have a space ready to facilitate your requirements.
Make your business workspace stand out with professional premises with us here at Hope Park. Alongside our great range of office spaces to choose from, you also have the option to rent our meeting rooms at discounted prices (if you’re a tenant in either of our locations). Whether you need or organise a brainstorming session with a few colleagues or a corporate meeting with clients, we have something to choose for any occasion. View our full range of meeting rooms.

 

Your office location could be better

Your first office will always have a special place in your heart, it’s where your business started, the place that made your idea real. That initial office location may have been ideal at the time, but you’ve taken on a few employees, you’re having more client meetings, and you’re realising your business hub is not evolving with your business. It’s just not working out anymore.
Your next office space should represent what type of business you are. Accessible, modern and inviting. Get your employees and clients excited to come and visit your business by showing off with an impressive workspace.

 

Your workspace lease is coming up to renewal

If your long-standing lease is coming up to an end, it’s a great time to consider your future business prospects later down the line. Many leases can last up to 3, 5 and even 10 years in certain business contracts.
Do you plan to take on another staff member? Will the business need more stock storage? Do you want to get into a new customer market that requires a location change? These are all factors to consider and could determine whether or not it’s the time to move to a new and improved office workspace.

 

Those are our top 5 reasons for when it’s right time to move into a new office space. If you’re considering moving or looking to open your first business office, get in touch with us today.

1. Hope Park Workspaces Bradford

Top Features…

 

Ideal for…

  • Freelancers
  • Startups
  • Small, Medium & Large companies

 

Whether you’re a freelancer, a growing startup or a global corporate, Hope Park Workspaces has a solution that will suit you.

With both buildings located just off the M606, Hope Park is positioned perfectly. Just a stone’s throw away from Bradford’s city centre and provides easy motorway access to the surrounding cities of Leeds, Huddersfield, Halifax and Manchester.

Hope Park Workspaces was built with modern design, integrity and quality in mind. With fresh and vibrant appearances, futuristic breakout spaces and the ever-popular onsite Cafe, Sugar Snap Kitchen; the Bradford business park can really portray the professionalism of your company. Hope Park also works in partnership with Cedar Court Health Clubs to offer heavily discounted use of their Gym, Pool and leisure facilities to all companies and their staff residing in Hope Park Workspaces.

On top of this, Hope Park is a social enterprise. ALL of their profit is reinvested into their partner charity TLG, ‘Transforming Lives for Good’, which helps to give hope and a future to struggling children across the UK. By choosing to locate your office at Hope Park, you can help to transform lives too!

Find out more about Hope Park Workspaces.

 

2. Bradford Chamber of Commerce

Top Features…

  • Multiple locations to choose from
  • Superfast broadband
  • Listed heritage locations
  • Affordable pricing structure
  • Fully serviced offices
  • Workshop integration 
  • Meeting & board rooms
  • Skyline terrace views (at select locations)

 

Ideal for…

  • Small, Medium & Large companies
  • Start-ups
  • Freelancers

 

Created over 150 years ago, the Bradford Chamber of Commerce was founded with intention to support business in the Bradford district with funding, mentoring and networking.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce aims to provide a range of office spaces for businesses of all sizes. Their locations consist of Commerce Court, Chamber Business Park, City Hub, and Chamber Hub. Each location has a range of amenities from meeting to lounge rooms, hot desks, to workshops. Choose from listed buildings in Little Germany or brand new modern workspaces at Commerce Court.

Find out more about Bradford Chamber of Commerce.

 

3. Assembly Bradford

Top Features…

  • Super fast wifi
  • HD projector
  • Meeting room
  • Kitchen room
  • Modern open design
  • Affordable membership plans
  • Assembly hall available for business events
  • Beautiful listed building

 

Ideal for…

  • Freelancers
  • Startups 
  • Small businesses
  • Team sizes of 2 – 8 people

 

Situated in the heart of Bradford, you will be surrounded by local culture and beautiful architecture that Bradford has to offer. Assembly Bradford is located amongst the thriving bar & restaurant area so you’re never too far from a delicious work lunch or after dinner social.

Assembly Bradford offers a great working atmosphere amongst creative and like minded people. This place is the perfect location for startup companies or those who are beginning to grow their business and want to take the next step.

Find out more about Assembly Bradford.

 

4. Hub 26

Top Features…

  • Luxury office spaces
  • Virtual & day rate offices
  • Onsite Gym & Yoga Studio
  • Hot desking
  • Modern meeting rooms
  • Lounge with gourmet kitchen

 

Ideal for…

  • Small and Medium businesses
  • Freelancers

 

Based just off the M62 in Cleckheaton, Hub 26 offers a vibrant, luxury style office space for businesses looking to take their company to the next level. Situated in between Leeds, Bradford and Manchester, Hub 26 offers easy access to surrounding cities with both flexibility and accessibility for its clients.

Aiming to create a positive work-life balance, with modern offices, vibrant lounging areas and state of the art gym, Hub 26 has the all round package for your business. Hub 26 offers meeting rooms and lounge facilities which are available to anyone. They also offer both temporary or permanent contract with Hub 26 meaning you can have the best of both worlds.

Find out more about Hub 26.

 

5. Wizu Workspace

Top Features…

  • Superfast internet
  • 24/7 Office access
  • 1 – 20 People sized offices
  • Meeting rooms
  • Onsite parking
  • Stocked kitchens
  • Storage availability 
  • Virtual offices

 

Ideal for…

  • Small, Medium and Large businesses.
  • Startups
  • Freelancers

 

Wizu Workspace offers a fully managed office environment with a fresh and modern atmosphere suitable for small businesses, startups, freelancers and entrepreneurs. Situated in Clayton village, you’ll be surrounded by restaurants, cafes and other amenities nearby.

As a natural office space theme, Wizu has kept the original feel of the building architecture after going through an intensive office refurbishment; with exposed brickwork and original mill beams tied into the office design.

Wizu has many offices located around Yorkshire, including Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford, offering professional workspaces that won’t break the bank.

Find out more about Wizu Workspace.

 

And those are our top 5 workspaces! If you’re interested in getting your first office or want to expand from your current workplace, get in touch with our friendly team at Hope Park Workplace and let’s take your business to the next level.

Unbranded Digital are branding and web design specialists, who focus on using their
expertise to help businesses develop, unlocking their potential to grow and reach new levels.
Founder Lee Hart heads up the team of four, which includes web designer Elise, and
apprentices Brad and Kyle. Working with everyone from local plumbers up to FTSE 250
companies, the business also includes an office in Australia and clients in France.
When the coronavirus lockdown came in March it was clear that the Unbranded Digital team
would need to move premises: unable to work from home or from their previous small, windowless
office.

That’s when Hope Park stepped in and offered the Unbranded Digital team an alternative,
where they could safely work and continue to run their business.

Lee explains “Daniel and Michelle have been great, and really helped our business get
working again. The flexibility they have offered is really good for us, especially with these
uncertain times. And now we have the opportunity to expand into a bigger space if needed.
The standard of the offices is great, the facilities are fantastic, and the ethics of the business is important to us.”

For Lee and his team, the commitment of Hope Park to maintain excellence as standard paired with their reinvestment of all profits back into the charity TLG transforming lives for good, was an important factor in their choice of office space. As was the Hope Park team’s drive to create a thriving community for businesses of all
sizes. He says, “The community element of being in the workspace is hard at the moment,
because of the coronavirus restrictions, but I think there is a lot to be said about how the
Hope Park team care about their tenants – they are always looking at how to make things
better.”

Going forward Lee says he is more confident now, after lockdown, about their business’s
growth. He finishes by saying “This year is looking to be a good year for us, and we are in a
fast growth stage, having doubled our turnover.
During the lockdown period the business has been kept busy, working with companies in
specialist niche areas, such as a skip hire company and wholesale haberdashery. Both
industries seeing a boom during the pandemic.
Going forward businesses will need to adapt and change, and I see that there will be plenty
of opportunity for Unbranded Digital to work with them.”

Surviving during the pandemic.

Initially, the coronavirus lockdown hit the Sugar Snap Kitchen team really hard. They love coming to Hope Park Workspaces, serving customers and doing what they do and having to suspend their service has been difficult! But they were quick to bounce back and with a positive growth mindset set began to look at what opportunities lay in the lockdown crisis.

Josiah who says “At Sugar Snap Kitchen we are passionate about transforming lives.  During lockdown, our team have used all the resilience training, personal development skills and critical thinking experience gained from the Sugar Snap project to motivate themselves. They have already identified others that they want to help, as well as thinking about how we can launch a food van, taking Sugar Snap Kitchen’s menu out to more people, in the future.”

Josiah Sulc, CEO Sugar Snap Kitchen

Looking forward to reopening.

Using locally sourced produced and fruit and veg from their community allotment garden, you’ll be seeing a new menu with daily specials. The team have been working closely with Hope Park to ensure the safety of their staff and others whilst moving towards offering their amazing food and drinks to Hope Park’s tenants. A perspex protective screen has been installed on the Cafe counter, extra sanitisation points and reduced staff who will receive extensive health and safety training will ensure that both staff and customers are safe.  A brilliant new initiative to order your coffee and food via their Instagram account and get food delivered straight to your desk is set to launch when Sugar Snap are aiming to return at the beginning of July. Discussions have begun about creating an outdoor seating area so customers can enjoy Sugar Snaps food whilst taking a well-deserved break from work to enjoy the fresh air.

A special relationship.

When asked about the relationship between Hope Park Workspaces and Sugar Snap Kitchen, Josiah commented: ‘Since the beginning, Hope Park have supported our cause and got behind our vision. We both agree that it’s less of a tenant and landlord relationship and more of a partnership between two social enterprises who are passionate about supporting businesses growth whilst helping to transform lives through the success of our respective organisations. Due to the recent lack in revenue, Hope Park has supported us to reduce operational costs which has enabled us to bounce back stronger than before’.

Follow the Sugar Snap Kitchen team on instagram @thesugarsnapkitchen

Flexible working spaces are set to grow by up to 30% annually for the next five years across Europe, according to property giants Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL). Typically, flexible workspace operators tend to operate by offering shorter term licences as opposed to the traditional office take up strategy of longer term leasing. As a business developer for Hope Park Workspaces which offers both types of commitment, I’m often asked what the difference is. Each business’s requirements and needs are different so it’s important to know the Pros and Cons of both. 

 

What is a licence?

A licence is an easy to understand legal binding contract which gives the customer permission to occupy on easy in easy out terms and does not require a solicitor. A Licence is typically used for shorter term periods from rolling monthly agreements up to 2 years. A licence can be drafted and completed quickly resulting in a quick move in to your new premises. These are predominantly used for serviced office spaces whereby the monthly cost is inclusive of most features needed for a business to operate in an office environment i.e Internet, Furniture, all utility and maintenance bills etc. This makes the monthly cost easier to account for.

 

Pros

Licences tend to be much shorter agreements including shorter notice periods, this gives your business the opportunity to scale up and down to a larger or smaller office in the building and poses less risk of long term financial commitment.

Extremely short move in periods which mean on some occasions, you can move into your office the same day that the licence is signed.

Tend to include everything you need in one monthly cost which reduces variable costs and makes budgeting easier.

Cons

Doesn’t give exclusive possession to tenant meaning less freedom to make your space your own

No long term commitment to space which gives less security for your business.

Landlord can serve notice

What is a Lease?

A lease permits exclusive use, solely to the tenant, for a set period of time. The tenant assumes control over the property during that time. Usually, a lease tends to be a medium to long term commitment and are more difficult to terminate unless break clauses are agreed.

Pros

Prices are considerably lower although the price excludes all the extras that come as part of a serviced office package.

With exclusive occupation of the space, there is more freedom to brand the space and make it your own.

Longer term agreement mean more security for the tenant

 

Cons

Can be a long and intricate process. Involving ironing out details on  fit-out costs, dilapidations, service charges, other inclusives, break clauses and in some cases , agents fees

Can be long time to move in date

Whilst price is initially cheaper, when service charges, fitout costs, cleaning and maintenance as well as spending the time managing said charges. Prices can potentially be higher in total including the hassle of maintaining this in house.

 

What does Hope Park Offer?

Hope Park offers businesses completely bespoke workspaces. whether you require a private 1 person office or a whole floor we have a solution offering both licences and leases depending on the requirements of your company.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your business.

With the increasing availability of flexible serviced offices in the market, choosing the right space can become complicated and confusing when in reality, it should be an exciting process. Here are some questions that you should always ask your potential new office provider to help you get a better understanding of the value that they’re offering and to show them you know what you are talking about.

1. How many square feet are allocated to each desk space?

You may have heard office providers mention that their serviced office spaces are only X? amount per desk. Using a price per desk rate is now the most common way to advertise rented office spaces, and is a simpler way to work out how much you will pay for your space. However, It’s up to the office space provider to decide how many square feet (sqft) they allocate per desk meaning you could be comparing a selection of very similar  12 desk offices at the same price per desk, yet the actual size of the office can be completely different. Here is an example of how 2 different office space providers might vary;

Office space provider 1

Advertised desk rate: £200 per desk

Advertised office size: 12 desk office

sqft allocated per desk: 25 sqft

Actual office size: 300 sqft

Office space provider 2

Advertised desk rate: £200 per desk

Advertised office size: 12 desk office

sqft allocated per desk: 50 sqft

Actual office size: 600 sqft

As you can see from the breakdown, whilst they both advertise a 12 desk space, one office is half the size of the other. As a guide, anything below 40 sqft per desk would start to become quite tight and uncomfortable. 50 sqft per space is a healthy amount per desk to go by although the provider should be listening to your requirements which may differ from their default office set-up. To save time, always ask for the total sqft and the floor plan of the office so you can make direct comparisons.

2. What’s included in the monthly price?

This may seem like an obvious question, but that’s down to it being the most important one. For any business, variable costs pose a risk to their growth and make budgeting difficult. Make sure to get a full breakdown of what is included and whether the inclusive monthly price is fixed. If there are any variables, be sure to find out the exact costs. Certain items could or could not be included for a variety of reasons. This choice is down to the office provider. Ask whether the following are included for a full picture;

  • Internet
  • Furniture
  • Service charges
  • Parking
  • Heating/air conditioning
  • Cleaning
  • Kitchen facilities (tea, coffee, sugar etc)
  • Meeting rooms
  • Maintenance
  • Telephony
  • Business rates
  • 24-hour access
  • Security
  • Building insurance
  • Contents insurance

Some of the above won’t always be expected to be included in the monthly price (contents insurance, business rates, meeting rooms) but the provider should always be open to sharing and give a full breakdown so that you can evaluate and make an accurately calculated decision.

3. What are the benefits to my employees?

Any forward-thinking business will know that its most valuable asset is its employees. This means that they will want their team to enjoy where they work as well as have a workspace that will attract new talent. Always ask what’s in it for your team. Is there a gym on-site or nearby where tenants get preferable rates? Parking? Cafes and coffee shops? Breakout areas? Does the workspace put on events that would be beneficial for investment in your employees? Your business should have a home which your team love.

4. What’s the deal with termination?

I’ve heard horror stories of clauses that have forced businesses into additional 12 months, so make sure you ask this question and read the small print before you sign. It goes without saying but what is said to you in person should be honoured in the lease or licence. A fair agreement would be a month or two written notice before the end of the agreement which means the client can leave on their expiry date. Watch out for terms that state you can only hand in the notice after the agreement making which would make what was agreed as a 12-month agreement, in reality, a 13 or 14-month agreement. In the case of a flexible rolling monthly agreement or long term lease, double-check how many months’ notice you have to give, typically you should only have to give a month’s notice.

5. What’s your parking ratio?

This question isn’t applicable to all workspaces, just those that have onsite parking. The office provider should be able to tell you how many spaces you will get with your chosen office, although this depends on how they manage their parking system. Some prefer to open parking on a first come first serve basis, however this only benefits the tenants that start work earlier than others. In terms of assigning a number of parking spaces per office. This means that you always are guaranteed your assigned parking spaces. All providers will have a parking ratio which is calculated by the maximum amount of people against the number of available parking spaces. For most outskirts and out of town locations anything above 3:1 is a healthy amount of parking (2 people per 1 space). this may not sound healthy but due to most companies not having all their employees in at one time, you’ll tend to find that this should allow for parking to be available for you and your staff.

Managing Safely is unlike any other course. You’ll find a practical programme, full of step-by-step guidance, and a sharp business focus. But you’ll also find that the highly innovative format and content engages and inspires your staff – critical to getting safety and health embedded across the whole organisation. Who is Managing Safely for? Managing Safely is designed for managers and supervisors in any sector, and any organisation worldwide. They won’t suddenly become safety experts – but they’ll get up-to-speed on the practical actions they need to take, and gain the knowledge and tools to tackle the safety and health issues they’re responsible for. Importantly,  Managing Safely makes a powerful case for safety and health being an integral part of day-to-day management and business

 

What does the business get?
– Peace of mind from training that’s designed and quality-controlled by the Chartered body for safety and health professionals.

– Flexibility – the programme can be delivered flexibly so that it suits your business

– Efficient and effective learning

–Health, safety and environmental basics are covered in a single programme

– Globally-recognised, respected and certificated training for your managers and supervisors Memorable and thought

– Provoking facts and case studies from across the globe help drive the points home over the whole course. Each module is backed by crystal-clear examples and recognisable scenarios, and summaries reinforce the key learning points.

Managing Safely covers…
– Assessing risks
– Controlling risks
– Understanding responsibilities
– Understanding hazards
– Investigating incidents
– Measuring performance

Successful delegates are awarded an IOSH Managing Safely certificate.

What results can I expect?
– Greater productivity, from fewer hours lost due to sickness and accidents
– Improved company-wide safety awareness culture and appreciation of safety measures
– Active staff involvement to improve the workplace
– Enhanced reputation within your supply chain

Price: £375 per person for the 3 day course

If you would like to book a place for you or your staff, please contact Alison on 01302 288044 or
email – training@amsafetyservices.com