In this guide, we’ll explore the key benefits of mezzanine floors, their various types and applications, and the factors to consider when designing and installing one. Let’s unlock the potential of your space.

Why Choose Mezzanine Floors?

Maximise Vertical Space

In warehouses, offices, and retail spaces, vertical height is often underused. A mezzanine floor can double your usable space without requiring costly extensions or relocations.

Cost-Effective Expansion

Compared to traditional construction, mezzanine floors are quicker and less disruptive to install. They also require a much smaller financial investment, making them an attractive option for businesses on a budget.

Flexible Design Options

Mezzanine floors can be customised for diverse purposes, from extra storage and office space to retail displays. Their adaptability ensures they evolve with your needs, while careful design ensures they integrate seamlessly with your building’s aesthetics.

Types of Mezzanine Floors

Freestanding Mezzanines

Freestanding structures are versatile and independent of existing shelving or racks. They’re ideal for creating additional office areas, production zones, or storage spaces, and can be relocated if required.

Rack-Supported Mezzanines

Designed to integrate with existing storage racks, these mezzanines optimise vertical space in warehouses. They’re perfect for businesses needing to organise inventory efficiently while maintaining accessibility.

Shelf-Supported Mezzanines

Built on top of shelving units, these mezzanines provide extra storage or display areas, often seen in retail environments. They’re a practical solution for maximising space without extensive construction.

Key Considerations for Design and Installation

Structural Assessment

Before installation, assess the building’s load-bearing capacity and layout. Ensure there’s enough ceiling height and the structure meets all safety regulations.

Customisation and Materials

Design your mezzanine to suit its purpose, whether for storage, work, or retail. Choose durable materials such as steel, aluminium, or wood, balancing strength with aesthetic appeal.

Access and Safety

Plan access points, staircases, and safety features like railings. Compliance with safety standards is essential to protect users and ensure the mezzanine is fit for purpose.

Professional Installation

Work with experienced professionals who can handle design, installation, and safety checks. Regular maintenance post-installation will also ensure the mezzanine remains secure and functional.

Applications of Mezzanine Floors

Storage Solutions

In warehouses, mezzanines provide additional levels for organising goods, increasing storage capacity without expanding the building’s footprint.

Workspace Optimisation

Create extra office space, meeting rooms, or production areas. Segregating functions within the same building enhances workflow and productivity.

Retail Enhancements

Retailers can use mezzanines for eye-catching product displays or promotional zones, creating a unique shopping experience while optimising floor space.

Mezzanine Floor Safety

Compliance with local building codes is critical. Key safety measures include:

• Guardrails and barriers to prevent falls.
• Non-slip surfaces and handrails on staircases.
• Regular inspections and maintenance to address wear and tear.

Choosing the Right Provider

Select a mezzanine floor provider with a solid track record, offering end-to-end services from design to installation. Look for customisation options and a commitment to safety and compliance. A reliable provider can tailor a solution to meet your specific needs while ensuring the project runs smoothly.

Conclusion: Unlocking Potential with Mezzanine Floors

Mezzanine floors offer a versatile, cost-effective way to maximise your space. From storage and work areas to retail displays, their flexibility makes them suitable for various industries. As businesses continue to seek efficient, sustainable solutions, mezzanine floors are set to play a vital role in transforming how we use our spaces. Embrace the potential of vertical space and elevate your environment today.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Mezzanine Floors: Transforming Spaces and Maximizing Efficiency appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.

 

As part of these plans, we have decided that our branding and image should also reflect the direction we are taking. Our original branding was creating back in 2009 and has featured for well over 10 years, at the time it reflected our intentions and ambitions, gradually as time has passed and the company has expanded and developed.

 

The new branding features a contemporary, fresh and bold style, with a vibrant colour scheme that maintains the core values of the company but reflects the vision that we, company image is implementing to pave the path into the future.

 

Company Director Jonathan Smalley commented that “The Company Image brand was created in 2009, along with the company itself, and it has served us well. However, we feel it’s now time for a change – and chose this moment for a refresh.

The rebrand ‘sets the stage’ for future expansion, sustained growth, and future success. Whilst we are evolving, it is important to note our dedication to quality and reliability of service to our clients still is unchanged.”

The post New Vision – The Future appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.

As a nation we spend many hours every day at our place of work. From an employer’s point of view it’s clearly important that the surroundings encourage productivity; we’d argue that it’s also vital that they promote and support health & well-being.

At Company Image we believe that office space should suit the various functions of the work being done, but we also believe that functionality needn’t be introduced at the expense of comfort or make the atmosphere any less welcoming. 

Effective planning of office space can help to create both a healthy and productive work environment for all, and here are just 5 things that we suggest you think of when designing the perfect environment for your staff:

Productivity

The highest productivity levels will be achieved by those who are happy, healthy and contented when they come to work. As well as this however, thought should be given to removing as many distractions as possible (this may be co-workers or even just clutter) and ensuring that the tools that each person needs for their job are available and easy to access.

Posture

Whilst cutting-edge design may be a ‘must-have’, we’d recommend consideration of furniture which supports good posture. Choosing chairs with features such as lumber support, adjustable seat height, and perhaps even foot-rests, are a good starting point, but at Company Image we’d also suggest a number of different workstation choices, encouraging movement and giving staff respite from being seated (perhaps even standing desks).

General well-being

It’s not just seating which can affect health and well-being. Temperature is a common cause for complaint and variations in people’s ‘ideals’ means that flexibility is essential. Continuously circulating the same air can soon result in a very high concentration of pollutants, so if headaches, tiredness and illness are to be avoided, the aim must be to provide fresh air at all times (perhaps even aided by the inclusion of plants). And of course natural daylight is great for the health of both humans and plants alike!

Culture

In design, great impact on culture can be made through consideration of hierarchy, collaboration and individuality. Separate management cubicles sends the signal of there being a clear chain of command, whereas areas where employees from all departments can get together (e.g. common rooms or break-out areas) suggests that collaboration is welcomed, and allowing personal choice indicates that individuality is supported. The inclusion of company branding, mission etc. also subtly reinforces the business values.

Flexibility 

Best results are normally achieved when individuals can match their own needs to the area where they work. To ensure that employees can find their optimum working conditions there should be a variety of options available. This means different desk and chair combos (maybe even beanbags for more creative tasks) but it may also involve a choice between a buzzing environment and one where silence is guaranteed.

Need Help?

We hope that this list has given a few simple pointers on some of the more important aspects within good office design. If you would like to speak to one of the Company Image team or enlist our help to create the perfect working environment for your staff then visit our website at https://www.companyimageuk.net/

The post GOOD <span>DESIGN</span> appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.

As workplaces evolve and the use of space has been transformed in recent years, one problem that remains is noise. Open plan offices and both high level ceilings and suspended ceilings can result in sounds and conversations travelling further, disturbing your employees at their work. It is well known that higher levels of noise are disruptive for staff, compromising efficiency, productivity and ultimately, profitability. Employees need to be able to think and talk clearly without interruption or interference and also be certain that any meetings or phone calls that need to be confidential remain that way – as thinner partitions and ceiling voids do not block sound effectively.

Sound absorbing tiles

However, good news is at hand, with stylish solutions available to control noise levels without compromising on the design and layout of your office spaces. These days, wall and ceiling mounted sound absorbing tiles and panels come in a bewildering array of colours, finishes, shapes and absorption rates, which means that there will be a product that will work for you.  You could even make a feature of them or take it a step further with the option of adding bespoke imagery.  In addition to wall and ceiling acoustic panels, desk screens are another item that can be installed easily to help break up the sound.

Acoustic solution

We will visit your premises and help you assess the degree and nature of the noise and reverberation – remember, it’s not just the open spaces or thin partitions that allow sound to travel, but hard surfaces reflect sound waves too. With this information, we are then able to model and design a solution to complement your office space and company culture.

We’re proud of our recent installation in a brand new office building, part of a complete fit-out for data analytics firm Tessella in their Ashby de la Zouch office. Take a look at the photos and contact us to find out how we could help you too.

The post Soundproofing your office: noise control achieved with acoustic panels appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.

The post Looking for ideas to refresh your office interior in 2020? appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.

At Company Image we do more than just create beautiful office environments. With careful thought and a deep understanding of the possibilities, we help our clients achieve the kind of atmosphere which can energise and inspire staff in their day-to-day activities.

Re-design is our ‘thing’. From the supply of flooring, lighting and decoration, through to complete office (or warehouse) refits, we utilise our specialist experience to get the most effective results for those we work with. Whilst we know that there is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ approach because everyone works on different ways, we do know exactly how to tailor the available space to meet specific needs.

In businesses where creativity is key, we can make sure that the workspace encourages and supports the generation of those all-important new ideas. We have lots of clever ways to do this of course, but here are just a few tips to get things flowing: 

Incorporate shared spaces
There may be a need for staff to work at their own allocated stations for a portion of the day, but the creation of communal areas where ideas, as well as space, can be shared (especially in a non-structured way) will allow closer collaboration – often a pre-cursor to the most creative ideas

Have moveable fixtures & fittings
The kind of space that you need may alter as your business expands or projects change. Having the flexibility to tweak the overall environment doesn’t just accommodate such changes, it also brings an element of freshness and offers new inspiration. Supporting walls may not be moveable, but partitioning can be altered, and moveable desks can give employees a fresh perspective.

Re-enforce company values
Many businesses want their work to reflect their missions and value – understandably as they are often the principles upon which the company has been founded. The emphasis of these within the office environment can ensure that they are deeply embedded within the culture and can be the inspiration for innovative, new ideas.

Create useable space 
Ensure that the layout will continue to work for you in the future by looking at the nature of the projects you undertake and how they are likely to change. Match the areas within the overall space to where and how employees will work on these projects and allow collaboration or individual private spaces accordingly. Giving employees the exact environment they need boosts productivity and unleashes personal creativity.

Use an inspirational palette
Colour creates mood. Whilst pastel colours can create a feeling of calm (and calm certainly beats stress when it comes to creativity), brighter, bolder colours can be much more stimulating. Oranges and blues are generally the most creative, but these may be a little overwhelming if overused so think about making ‘zones’ and colour accordingly.

How can we help? 
The ideas above illustrate how the design and décor within the workplace can create so much more than just an attractive environment. At Company Image we make sure that our designs cover your needs from every angle -not only addressing the ‘big stuff’, but also all the minor details which can make such a huge difference to the final result. 

If you would like to see this kind of thinking applied to your office project simply get in touch via https://www.companyimageuk.net/contact-us/

If you want to learn more about the services we deliver – get in touch! 

The post Make your workplace more creative appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.

It’s a double celebration for us at Company Image as we are marking both our 10^th year in business and the exciting new appointment of a Projects Director.

Whilst the position is new to the business, the person filling the role is not. Andy Dawson has worked with our Managing Director Jonathan Smalley for 5 years, running and delivering projects for the business which has fast become one of the UK’s most trusted commercial interior specialists, delivering space planning and turn-key refurbishment projects from design to completion.

The promotion to Projects Director reflects the hard work and commitment shown by Andy who has played a key part in the success of the company and the expansion of the client base – expansion which has already seen us double our turnover! With bold plans to continue this growth journey and double in size again, our business is thriving at a time when many organisations are standing still or, at best, forecasting very conservative growth.

10 years marks quite a milestone for any business and for us here at Company Image it has turned thoughts to just how far we have come. It has been a great year and the development and growth that we have achieved has been down to the team’s hard work and also the innovative interior solutions that they are able to provide for all of our clients. 

Andy’s personal experience in project development and delivery comes from almost 18 years within the industry where he has held roles including fabricator and fitter of bespoke joinery, CAD designer, estimator and, more recently, Project Manager. Having very much put his degree in furniture design to good use, Andy still gets a real buzz from the completion of a totally bespoke interior and it is this passion which will undoubtedly see him continue to contribute to the future success of Company Image.

When asked, about the new role and the future plans for Company Image the Managing Director, Jonathan Smalley, has said:

“We are delighted to announce Andy Dawson promotion to Project Director. Over the past 4 years Andy has shown exceptional project management skills, successfully overseeing many of our projects. His incredibly strong knowledge will be vital as we continue our ambitious plans to grow and develop interior solutions for our clients. As our business continues to grow, and as we expand the range of services we offer, we will be investing further to reflect our growth ambition”. 

This sounds very much like we should ‘watch this space’ and we will do, with anticipation of seeing many more bespoke office interiors being designed and delivered! 

If you want to learn more about the services we deliver – get in touch! 

The post Celebrating 10 years in business! appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.

We all understand the importance of maximising productivity. When the ‘bottom line’ is continuously under scrutiny it is increasingly important to get the most from existing resources – including premises, equipment, or indeed the employees themselves.

Productivity is usually linked with new initiatives, changes to working practice or staff re-organisation. At Company Image we know that modification of the working environment alone can often deliver the most beneficial uplift in output.

So, how can a change in office design and furniture boost productivity? 

Here are just 5 ways that Company Image can help you stay on trend and stay productive:

Considering the individual’s needs

Everyone has their own way of working. When staff needs are met, they work faster and more effectively. This includes comfort of seating (be it height adjustable chairs or beanbags!), location of meeting and desk space or the general atmosphere. Some thrive amongst colleagues, even with background music, whilst others produce their best work with space and silence. Good office design cleverly and considerately lets everyone reach their potential.

Optimising energy levels

Most of us experience peaks and slumps in energy levels and it’s no surprise that we are less productive when we feel ‘sluggish’. At Company Image we look towards new technology to find solutions and Stand Up Desks are one energising innovation we can incorporate into our office design – take a look at how beneficial stand-up desks can be in our blog. Standing for around 5 hours in total every day can keep you less fatigued and more alert – not to mention the reduction of back pain associated with slumping at a desk.

Increasing fitness

Those who visit the gym do so mostly because of the good feeling they get and the benefit to health in the longer term. Whilst it might not equal a 2 hour full body workout, the opportunity to move around or stand whilst working increases heart rate, burns calories, improves circulation and kick-starts metabolism. Increased physical health, improved mental well-being, greater productivity – good seating design is a winner on so many fronts.

Satisfying Environmental responsibility

We are all now very aware of our environmental responsibility and employees expect their workplace to consider factors such as energy use, recycling and sustainability. At Company Image we take care of all of these concerns upon our clients’ behalf, ensuring that the environmental profile of everything we produce is sound and that our office designs utilise resources well, with minimal wastage.

Making it a genuinely great place to work

When a good design is well executed it creates the kind of space which most people would want to work in. Simple as it may seem, happy employees are productive employees. In addition, they will feel highly valued and be more engaged; thus more likely to want to be part of the company’s future success.

When you think of office refurbishment you may instantly think about simply updating style, but at Company Image we bring cutting-edge style and productivity-enhancing substance together beautifully.

For more details on the full range of our specialist services visit https://www.companyimageuk.net/ or get in touch!

The post Transform your workplace productivity appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.

At Company Image we believe that office space should suit the various functions of the work being done, but we also believe that functionality needn’t be introduced at the expense of comfort or make the atmosphere any less welcoming. 

Effective planning of office space can help to create both a healthy and productive work environment for all, and here are just 5 things that we suggest you think of when designing the perfect environment for your staff:

Productivity

The highest productivity levels will be achieved by those who are happy, healthy and contented when they come to work. As well as this however, thought should be given to removing as many distractions as possible (this may be co-workers or even just clutter) and ensuring that the tools that each person needs for their job are available and easy to access.

Posture

Whilst cutting-edge design may be a ‘must-have’, we’d recommend consideration of furniture which supports good posture. Choosing chairs with features such as lumber support, adjustable seat height, and perhaps even foot-rests, are a good starting point, but at Company Image we’d also suggest a number of different workstation choices, encouraging movement and giving staff respite from being seated (perhaps even standing desks).

General well-being

It’s not just seating which can affect health and well-being. Temperature is a common cause for complaint and variations in people’s ‘ideals’ means that flexibility is essential. Continuously circulating the same air can soon result in a very high concentration of pollutants, so if headaches, tiredness and illness are to be avoided, the aim must be to provide fresh air at all times (perhaps even aided by the inclusion of plants). And of course natural daylight is great for the health of both humans and plants alike!

Culture

In design, great impact on culture can be made through consideration of hierarchy, collaboration and individuality. Separate management cubicles sends the signal of there being a clear chain of command, whereas areas where employees from all departments can get together (e.g. common rooms or break-out areas) suggests that collaboration is welcomed, and allowing personal choice indicates that individuality is supported. The inclusion of company branding, mission etc. also subtly reinforces the business values.

Flexibility 

Best results are normally achieved when individuals can match their own needs to the area where they work. To ensure that employees can find their optimum working conditions there should be a variety of options available. This means different desk and chair combos (maybe even beanbags for more creative tasks) but it may also involve a choice between a buzzing environment and one where silence is guaranteed.

Need Help?

We hope that this list has given a few simple pointers on some of the more important aspects within good office design. If you would like to speak to one of the Company Image team or enlist our help to create the perfect working environment for your staff then visit our website at https://www.companyimageuk.net/

The post The importance of good office design appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.

At Company Image, when we speak about building culture within in your business, we actually mean that WE CAN BUILD CULTURE WITHIN YOUR BUSINESS!

As specialists in the redesign of working spaces (be they offices or warehouses, or anything in-between) we work with you to create exactly what you want to achieve for your business and your employees. The Company Image service involves so much more than fixtures and fittings, decoration and furnishings; it involves the transformation of an environment where people actually want to work.

A valuable combination of innovation and experience means that we know the importance of company culture and understand how good design can be used to embed it within the working environment. Essentially you want your employees to feel and live the company culture as soon as they set a foot through the door, and that’s where our expertise comes into play.

Here are just a few of the areas we discuss and consider when we are planning for ‘Culture creation’: 

Hierarchy
If there is to be a rigid line between management and the rest of the workforce then private offices are a must however, if the idea is more along the lines of ‘teamwork across the ranks’ then the mixing of management and juniors in one common space might be a much better option.

Collaboration
When the work to be done requires a high level of collaboration between individuals, teams or departments, then a significant proportion of the working space should be open plan. Office furniture too needs to allow for the merging of large groups without the dragging of desks, chairs, cables etc. chaotically across the floor. Meeting or collaboration rooms are a great idea to encourage this to happen.

Sensitivity
There are certain sectors – legal and financial being just two which pop to mind instantly – which demand a certain degree of privacy when discussing matters which are not for general consumption. The inclusion of meeting pods, booths or individual rooms, with the necessary amount of soundproofing and visual barriers, guarantees that confidential conversations can be had with the minimum amount of fuss.

Timekeeping
If there is little need for workflow to keep to a specific schedule and if meetings are ‘as required’ rather than regimented, then the inclusion of more luxurious and more relaxing office furniture can do much to reiterate that a more casual approach to timekeeping is appropriate. Many businesses also find that soft, casual seating in common areas gives a real home-from-home feel and sometimes decreases the need for employees to rush away.

Individuality
You could consider encouraging people to cycle to work. Installing showers and lockable bike areas can help with this. Not only is this a greener way for people to travel to work it is also a great way for employees to keep fit. There are some great government schemes to help incentivise this, such as the cycle-to-work scheme.

Many businesses thrive on the back of the individual personalities within the company. In the creative industry, for example, it is often the ‘peculiarities’ which aid the flow of fresh ideas, and nuances in character are therefore nurtured rather than stifled. Where this is the case, allowing the personalisation of spaces within the workplace can be very advantageous but, if this is not considered at an early stage, it can be problematic to live with later.

If this has given you food for thought on how you might be able to use the space where you work to ‘culture a culture’ then get in touch today and let us help you take the first step in your transformation.

Contact a member of the Company Image team or take a browse through our website.

The post Culture by design appeared first on Company Image Commercial Interiors.