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8 Things To Consider When Designing Your Laboratory Space - COEL
Industry Insight

8 Things To Consider When Designing Your Laboratory Space

At COEL, we love to work alongside our life sciences clients to deliver innovative laboratory designs specific to their bespoke business needs, from wet labs requiring specialised air extraction, to electronics and software labs needing multiple power-connected worktops.

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Biophilia: Nature's Influence on Office Design - COEL
Industry Insight

Biophilia: Nature’s Influence on Office Design

There’s nothing quite like a stroll through nature to boost your wellbeing! Simply feeling the warm glow of the sun on your face in summer, or the crunch of burnished orange leaves underfoot in autumn, can instantly lift your spirits. It’s something many of us grew to cherish during those long months of lockdown; the […]

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The Future of Office Design for Hybrid Working - COEL
Industry Insight

The Future of Office Design for Hybrid Working

The office has undergone a fundamental shift. Where it was once a place defined by desks, fixed routines and time spent at a workstation, it is now shaped by flexibility, technology and changing expectations. Hybrid working has accelerated this transition, giving employees greater choice in how and where they work. The result is a redefined […]

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The Future of Office Design: Bringing People Together - COEL
Industry Insight

The Future of Office Design: Bringing People Together

The role of the office has changed. Advances in technology, the rise of hybrid working and shifting employee expectations have redefined how workplaces are used. The office is no longer a default location for every task, but it remains essential as a place where people come together. The future of office design is not about […]

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Acoustic Booths - A Sign of the Times - COEL
Industry Insight

Acoustic Booths – A Sign of the Times

As workplaces continue to evolve, one of the most persistent challenges remains: how to balance collaboration with the need for focus and privacy. Open plan offices have transformed the way teams work together, encouraging communication and flexibility. However, they also introduce noise, distraction and a lack of private space. Acoustic booths have emerged as a […]

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Commercial Furniture Consultancy Process - COEL
Industry Insight

How Investment Across the Cambridge–Oxford Growth Corridor is Reshaping Commercial Fit Outs

Investment across the Cambridge–Oxford Growth Corridor is transforming commercial fit‑outs—delivering science‑ready, flexible, low‑carbon labs and offices.

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Industry Insight

Electrical Safety in Commercial Buildings: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants

Learn about electrical safety responsibilities for landlords and tenants in commercial buildings. Discover how EICR inspections help ensure compliance, protect occupants, and maintain safe workplaces. Find out what’s involved in an EICR, how often testing is needed, and how to stay compliant. Includes a link to further guidance and services.

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Statutory Electrical Obligations for Commercial Landlords (2026 Update) - COEL
Industry Insight

Statutory Electrical Obligations for Commercial Landlords (2026 Update)

Electrical safety has become a central consideration for commercial landlords across the UK. As buildings age, uses evolve, and regulatory expectations increase, the responsibility to maintain safe electrical systems is no longer a background task. Heading into 2026, statutory electrical obligations are playing a more visible role in compliance strategies, insurance discussions and tenant relationships. […]

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Guide to EICR Observation Codes: C1, C2 and C3 - COEL
Industry Insight

Guide to EICR Observation Codes: C1, C2 and C3

Electrical Installation Condition Reports play a central role in demonstrating electrical safety across commercial buildings. For landlords, managing agents, and property professionals, understanding the observation codes in an EICR is essential to meeting electrical obligations and maintaining safe environments. EICR observation codes are designed to provide clarity. They identify the severity of electrical issues, indicate […]

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Using EICR Data to Plan Your Property Maintenance Budget - COEL
Industry Insight

Using EICR Data to Plan Your Property Maintenance Budget

For commercial landlords, electrical safety is often viewed as a compliance requirement rather than a strategic planning tool. Yet the information contained within an Electrical Installation Condition Report offers far more than a snapshot of risk. When used effectively, EICR data can support smarter property maintenance budgeting, reduce unplanned costs and help maintain safer, more […]

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Change Of Use Requires a New EICR Inspection - COEL
Industry Insight

Change Of Use Requires a New EICR Inspection

Changing the use of a commercial building is a significant moment in its lifecycle. Whether a space is being reconfigured, refurbished or repurposed entirely, the demands placed on its electrical systems can change considerably. For commercial landlords, this makes electrical safety a priority consideration during any change of use. A new Electrical Installation Condition Report […]

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Industry Insight

2026 Compliance Countdown: What Landlords, Tenants, Owner Occupiers and Developers Need to Know

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Industry Insight

5 Ways to Make Your Office EPC-Compliant Before the Legislation Changes

As the UK tightens its energy regulations in pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, commercial landlords and tenants must prepare for stricter Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements.   In 2026, all rented commercial properties must legally meet a minimum EPC rating of E, with further upgrades to come in the near future. If your office […]

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COEL EICR Electrical Safety Testing in Cambridge
Industry Insight

Top 5 Commercial Maintenance Mistakes That Could be Costing You Thousands

Proactive seasonal maintenance isn’t just about comfort and cost efficiency - it’s important to review for safety, and compliance purposes.  

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Industry Insight

Green and Eco-Friendly Choices: Sustainable Commercial Office Furniture Solutions

The way we furnish our workplaces says a lot about how we do business. In the UK, companies are under growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and show clear Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibility. One area often overlooked is office furniture. From the desks we work at to the chairs we sit in […]

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A person on a blue stepladder installs a ceiling fixture in an office with white ceiling tiles and burgundy dividers in the foreground.
Industry Insight

Commercial Building Maintenance: 5 Things to Check Before Winter Hits

Proactive seasonal maintenance isn’t just about comfort and cost efficiency - it’s important to review for safety, and compliance purposes.  

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A long white table with wooden chairs is centrally placed under pendant lighting in a modern room, featuring shelves, large windows, and cushioned seating with blue and gray pillows.
Industry Insight

The Benefits of Partnering with a Commercial & Contract Office Furniture Supplier

Choosing the right office furniture supplier is more than just about finding stylish desks and ergonomic chairs. Businesses that partner with a commercial and contract office furniture supplier can gain access to industry expertise, a wide range of high-quality products, streamlined procurement processes, and long-term cost savings. Whether you’re furnishing a corporate office, coworking space, […]

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Spacious, modern laboratory with clean white walls, large central workstations, black cabinetry, and ceiling-mounted ventilation units.
Industry Insight

Best Practices for Creating a Laboratory Plan

Beyond placing benches and equipment in a room, creating a modern lab means designing a space that promotes safety, innovation, adaptability, and wellbeing. Whether for academic research, diagnostics, or commercial development, the right laboratory plan sets the foundation for long-term success. Defining Objectives and Requirements Every effective plan begins with a deep understanding of what […]

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Corner lounge area with a grey L-shaped sofa and a round table, surrounded by large windows showcasing an urban street view, decorated with potted plants and framed botanical prints.
Industry Insight

What to Look for When Choosing Commercial Office Furniture

Selecting the right commercial office furniture is vital to creating a productive, comfortable, and visually appealing workspace. It can have a significant impact on employee wellbeing, enhance efficiency, and even reinforce a company’s brand identity. Before making a purchase, businesses should consider multiple factors to ensure they invest in high-quality, functional pieces that meet their […]

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Industry Insight

What Is the Difference Between an Office Fit Out and Refurbishment?

Whether you’re moving into a new space or revitalising an existing one, understanding the difference between an office fit out and refurbishment is essential. Both projects aim to optimise your workspace, but their approaches and objectives differ significantly. Familiarising yourself with their purposes, processes, and benefits can provide you with clarity for your next project. […]

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A red pool table with balls and cues is placed in a spacious recreational room featuring a dartboard, lounge chairs, a bar labeled "Golden Gnome," and artwork on the walls.
Industry Insight

10 Ways Your Office Design Can Increase Productivity 

The look and feel of your workplace – whether it be an office or a laboratory – has a direct impact on your mood and productivity levels. Yes, there’s a reason why clever planners incorporate pool tables, vintage arcade games and massage rooms in their designs. But it’s much more than popping a ping pong table […]

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How an Inclusive Office Fit-Out Supports Disability Inclusion in the Workplace - COEL
Industry Insight

How an Inclusive Office Fit-Out Supports Disability Inclusion in the Workplace

Businesses today are increasingly recognising the importance of creating inclusive environments where people of all abilities can thrive. An office fit-out designed to accommodate the needs of all employees, including those with differing abilities, is a critical aspect of fostering this inclusivity. Beyond compliance, office interior designs promoting disability inclusion in the workplace reflect a […]

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Sustainable Office Fit-Out for an Eco-Friendly Workspace - COEL
Industry Insight

Sustainable Office Fit-Out for an Eco-Friendly Workspace

Creating an eco-friendly workspace is more than just a design trend. It’s a commitment to environmental stewardship, employee wellbeing, and being invested in the future. By integrating eco-friendly principles and pursuing a sustainable office fit-out, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, foster a healthier work environment, and showcase corporate responsibility. What is a Sustainable Fit-Out […]

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Modern meeting room with large windows, wood paneling, a cushioned window bench, and a long table. Minimalist decor with soft lighting and a plant
Industry Insight

Collaborative Workspace Solutions: Exploring the Benefits of Bespoke Office Seating

The modern office is no longer defined by rows of identical desks and chairs. Instead, businesses—not just in the UK but also in many parts of the world—are embracing open, collaborative spaces designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and flexibility. In the ever-changing world of business, standard office furniture often falls short of meeting these goals. […]

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