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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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Cozy, minimalist office nook with peach walls, a small white desk, laptop, plant, and peach chair, evoking a calm and focused atmosphere
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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Modern office lounge featuring a circular chandelier above elegant seating, with plants and contemporary furniture near large windows showcasing an urban landscape.
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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Seating area with modern chairs surrounds a glass coffee table, situated by large windows in a bright lobby. Text on door reads "Granta Centre." Potted plants add greenery.
Industry Insight

Office design trends: COEL’s predictions for 2025

2024 saw a stronger return to the office motivated by employers wanting to bring teams together in one physical location and boost collaboration. Enticing employees back into the office is no easy feat though, as employers have had to think more creatively about how to create spaces that inspire their workforces back.  There was, and […]

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Modern cafe with light wooden tables and pastel seating inside cozy, house-shaped booths. Soft lighting creates a calm, inviting atmosphere
Industry Insight

Office Refurbishment Made Easy: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Successful Upgrade

Office refurbishment is a crucial step for any company looking to modernise its workspace, enhance productivity, and reflect its brand values. Whether you are aiming to accommodate a growing workforce or incorporate sustainable practices, a well-planned office renovation can significantly impact your business. In this comprehensive office refurbishment guide, we will walk you through each […]

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Industry Insight

How Collaborative Furniture Drives Workplace Innovation and Productivity

Fostering a culture of innovation and productivity is key to staying competitive, especially in today’s ever-changing and highly competitive business landscape. To achieve this, rethinking the physical design of your office can help. A significant part of this change is switching to collaborative furniture, which can help create workspaces where employees can easily communicate, brainstorm, […]

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Panel discussion takes place in an auditorium, with speakers seated on stage. A large screen overhead reads, “The Future workspace: How the tech evolution is shaping Milton Keynes.” Audience listens attentively.
Industry Insight

Future Workspace – Growth and Opportunity in Milton Keynes

Following the 2024 Milton Keynes Artificial Intelligence Festival launch event at Bletchley Park on Monday 28th October, our co-hosted event with Bidwells kicked off a week of AI seminars and hackathons celebrating the artificial intelligence and innovation ecosystem in Milton Keynes.  COEL and Bidwells hosted ‘The Future Workspace: How the Tech Evolution is Shaping Milton Keynes’ networking breakfast […]

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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

Key Principles of Achieving a Minimalist Interior Design

Known for its clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and serene ambience, minimalist interior design has become a prominent office design trend in recent years. This design philosophy emphasises the importance of simplicity and functionality, making it particularly suitable for office environments, however, every client is different and will desire varying degrees of this.  Let us take you on […]

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Cozy, minimalist office nook with peach walls, a small white desk, laptop, plant, and peach chair, evoking a calm and focused atmosphere
Industry Insight

Breaking Down Office Fit-Out Costs: What to Expect and How to Budget

Understanding office fit-out costs is essential for creating a workspace that reflects your brand and fulfils your functional needs. By breaking down these costs and learning how to budget effectively, you can transform your office without overspending. What is an Office Fit-Out? An office fit-out involves transforming a raw or existing office space into a […]

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COEL EICR Electrical Safety Testing in Cambridge
Industry Insight

What is Planned Preventative Maintenance?

Essential guide for office and lab building management  Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) is a proactive commercial property management strategy that schedules regular Electrical, Plumbing, Gas and Air Conditioning and Ventilation maintenance to prevent equipment failures, aiming to reduce reactive maintenance costs and extend asset longevity. PPM’s also enable companies, landlords and letting agents to demonstrate […]

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Stylish office lounge with orange armchairs, glass coffee tables, pendant lights, and large windows overlooking rooftops.
Industry Insight

Designing for Brands: Why Commercial Interior Design Services Are Crucial for Office Rebrands

Transforming your office space with commercial interior design services can significantly impact your brand’s perception and employee satisfaction. Successful rebranding matches your office interior with your company identity, ensuring that every visitor and employee engages with your brand or business on a deeper level. By incorporating these services, you can create a cohesive and immersive […]

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Contemporary lounge with mixed seating, black coffee table, blue rug, and a view into a modern bar-height dining area.
Industry Insight

Crafting Inspiring Environments with Workspace Design

In today’s work landscape, the importance of inspiring workspace design cannot be overstated, as well-designed lab or office environments can serve as catalysts for creativity, productivity, and employee wellbeing. From vibrant colours to ergonomic designs, they can help foster enthusiasm and innovation amongst workers, improved collaboration, and a stronger brand identity. By prioritising inspiring environments, […]

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Industry Insight

Office Interior Design: Guide to Creating Productive Workspaces Through Clever Space Planning

Unlocking the potential of a workspace involves more than just office desks and chairs. It’s about orchestrating an environment where productivity thrives and creativity flourishes. When it comes to office interior design, effective space planning is certainly a vital tool. From optimising layouts to strategically placing collaborative zones, effective space planning lays the foundation for […]

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Two chairs, one green and one gray, face a round white table in front of vertical wooden slats, with a hanging light bulb above, in a modern room.
Industry Insight

Prioritising Functionality in Modern Workspace Design

Creating highly functional workspaces is essential for fostering productivity and creativity amongst employees in your office or laboratory. A well-designed workspace not only enhances staff well-being but also significantly impacts business success by streamlining workflows and improving efficiency. However, amidst various considerations in workspace design, prioritising functionality is crucial. That said, how do you ensure your workspace effectively serves its purpose? […]

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Stacks of "showroom map" brochures rest on a glass counter in a modern showroom, featuring white shelves with plants and a wall-mounted TV.
Industry Insight

Clerkenwell Design Week: Office Interior Design and Furniture Highlights of 2024

Clerkenwell Design Week is one of the highlights of our events calendar. We were thrilled to be able to join around 40,000 other industry experts at this leading independent design festival in London’s bustling Clerkenwell area. Over 200 global exhibitors display furniture, lighting, flooring, kitchen and ceramic products in more than 130 open showrooms.  Our […]

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