Search Results for: business

Greenest commercial building in the world opens for business

The Bullitt Center, proclaimed as the greenest, most energy efficient commercial building in the world, is opening in Seattle. The goal of the Bullitt Center is to change the way buildings are designed, built and operated to improve long-term environmental performance and promote broader implementation of energy efficiency, renewable energy and other green building technologies. Tenant are now moving into the six-storey, 50,000 square-foot building located at the intersection of Capitol Hill and the Central District in Seattle, Washington. (more…)

Cloud computing set to transform business models

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As an issue explored in our own briefing on the technologies that will do most to transform the workplace during 2013, we know the Cloud is set to be adopted (and understood) by more and more organisations and individuals in the coming year. Doubtless it will follow the usual process of technological adoption as people begin to understand its unintended consequences as well as its uses but it pays to know what some of its implications will be for office designers and managers as shown by this programme from Deloitte.

Shift to a low carbon economy could create millions of jobs but risks widening global divides

Shift to a low carbon economy could create millions of jobs but risks widening global divides

The shift to a low carbon economy is expected to reshape labour markets across the world over the next five years, with almost 14.4 million jobs set to be affected by 2030The shift to a low carbon economy is expected to reshape labour markets across the world over the next five years, with almost 14.4 million jobs set to be affected by 2030, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum. The research suggests that while 2.4 million roles will be phased out, the emergence of new industries and technologies will generate around 12 million new positions, resulting in a net gain of 9.6 million jobs. Yet the report warns that the scale of disruption, combined with persistent economic and geopolitical pressures, could deepen existing inequalities both within and between countries. (more…)

Creativity improves company performance, claims new academic research

Creativity improves company performance, claims new academic research

The two-year Creative Leap project found that companies with above-average individual creativity and an organisational culture that supports creativity were more likely to perform betterCompanies that prioritise creativity are more successful, claims new research from Aalto University School of Business. The two-year Creative Leap project found that companies with above-average individual creativity and an organisational culture that supports creativity were more likely to perform better financially than the industry average. The project involved researchers from Aalto University School of Business and School of Arts, Design, and Architecture and corporate partners such as the Finnish Post Office, Health food company Raisio Group and Global chemical company Kemira. (more…)

Tony Attard named as new chair for British Furniture Confederation

Tony Attard named as new chair for British Furniture Confederation

After ten years in the hot seat, Jonathan Hindle is stepping down as chairman of the British Furniture Confederation (BFC). The new chairman is Tony Attard, OBE, DL, founder and chairman of the Panaz Group. The BFC was set up in 2006 by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers Company (WCFM) to be the voice of the industry to government. Since its formation, its chairs have traditionally been Past Masters of the WCFM– Tony was Master in 2022-3 and President of the Furnishing Industry Benevolent Association (FTBA) prior to its merger with the FMC in 2012. (more…)

Prime office costs rise as rents drive global growth

Prime office costs rise as rents drive global growth

The cost of prime office space continued to climb in the third quarter of 2025, rising by 0.8 percent worldwide, according to Savills’ latest Prime Office Costs report.The cost of prime office space continued to climb in the third quarter of 2025, rising by 0.8 percent worldwide, according to Savills’ latest Prime Office Costs report. The increase takes the total average rise in costs over the past year to 3.3 percent, with rental growth now the main factor behind the trend. Savills reports that 25 of the 40 markets it tracks recorded higher average net effective occupier costs, which include rent and fit-out expenses. While global rents increased by an average of 0.9 percent during the quarter, fit-out and associated costs were largely unchanged, rising only 0.03 percent. (more…)

Government issues new guidance on managing surplus property

Government issues new guidance on managing surplus property

The UK Cabinet Office has published updated functional guidance titled Managing Surplus Government Property, setting out how government departments should identify, evaluate and dispose of surplus real estateThe UK Cabinet Office has published updated functional guidance titled Managing Surplus Government Property, setting out how government departments should identify, evaluate and dispose of surplus real estate within the central government estate. The document was released on 10 November 2025. The guidance replaces the earlier Guide for the Disposal of Surplus Land and reflects a broadened scope, placing greater emphasis on reviewing multiple options and combining factors when considering disposal or reuse of property assets. (more…)

HR leaders don’t really get why people are worried about the changing workplace

HR leaders don’t really get why people are worried about the changing workplace

A quarter of UK employees have considered leaving their jobs because of the constant pace of change in the workplaceA quarter of UK employees have considered leaving their jobs because of the constant pace of change in the workplace, according to new research commissioned by Investors in People. The nationally representative survey, conducted by Censuswide, found that nearly 20 percent of workers feel worn down by the volume of organisational change. More than a third said they can cope but find it increasingly exhausting. The findings form part of Investors in People’s latest white paper, Finding the Frequency [registration], which explores how British organisations can manage change more effectively and build resilience among employees. (more…)

Government report warns of growing health-related economic inactivity

Government report warns of growing health-related economic inactivity

The Government has published its final Keep Britain Working report, warning that the United Kingdom faces a continuing rise in economic inactivity linked to ill health, disability and long-term sicknessThe Government has published its final Keep Britain Working report, warning that the United Kingdom faces a continuing rise in economic inactivity linked to ill health, disability and long-term sickness. The report, issued by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Business and Trade, sets out evidence that more people are leaving the workforce because of health conditions, reducing productivity and increasing costs for employers and the state. (more…)

The successful implementation of new ideas can come at a cost, says new research

The successful implementation of new ideas can come at a cost, says new research

New research from King’s Business School has suggested that too much success can be a problem, at least when it comes to the implementation of new ideas.New research from King’s Business School has suggested that too much success can be a problem, at least when it comes to the implementation of new ideas. The study, carried out with colleagues from University of Liverpool Management School, University of Hohenheim and Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and published in the journal Research Policy, suggests that employees who experience exceptionally high levels of success are less likely to see their next ideas implemented. (more…)

Workplace design that supports health, learning and growth

Workplace design that supports health, learning and growth

In 2025, workplace design looks to prioritise employee health, learning, and growth.In 2025, workplace design looks to prioritise employee health, learning, and growth. This article will investigate how contemporary environments enhance wellness, handle technology, and adapt to the fluctuation of work. You will learn the techniques businesses use to amplify productivity and participation. The approaches and fundamentals that construct dynamic work environments are the focus of this article. (more…)

UK regions receive additional £20 million to support science and technology growth

UK regions receive additional £20 million to support science and technology growth

Three UK regions will receive an additional £20 million each to support science and technology development as part of a government initiative to drive innovation outside London and the South EastThree UK regions will receive an additional £20 million each to support science and technology development as part of a government initiative to drive innovation outside London and the South East. The Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City regions will see their total funding rise to £50 million each through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. The announcement coincides with the first Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham, where government ministers, local leaders and business representatives are discussing ways to strengthen regional economies through research, innovation and private investment. The funding is intended to help local partnerships expand projects in areas such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences, translating research activity into commercial growth. (more…)