Avison Young in Bristol has donated 2,852 items of office furniture and supplies to good causes following its move into re-designed office space and the introduction of new working practices.
The commercial real estate services firm, based in St Catherine’s Court, Clifton, has recently completed a major refurbishment of its office space and in so doing was keen to maximise social value through the donation of reusable furniture, equipment and materials.
Avison Young therefore worked with Collecteco, based in Easton, to donate all suitable equipment, including spare furniture, light fittings and even ceiling tiles, onto good causes. As a result, Avison Young donated 2,852 items so allowing 12.5 tonnes of kit to be reused by five good causes. The organisations benefitting are the Carmel Centre in Bristol, Faith Church Wales in Newport, Community in Partnership, The Children’s Scrapstore and The Chrysalis Project in Bristol.
The donations represented in-kind funding of £14,630, and importantly avoided sending items to landfill. By working with fit-out contractor Company Interiors, Collecteco ensured road miles were kept to a minimum by backhauling on existing deliveries of new furniture and other supplies.
Gordon Isgrove, Avison Young Principal and Managing Director of the Bristol office explains, “With the long-awaited refurbishment complete, everyone in the office is extremely proud to know that so much has been donated to good causes.”
Avison Young’s refurbishment introduces a new flexible way of working for the 70-strong office. The introduction of a hub for visitors in the reception area, with booths and desks available for visitors and staff meetings, replaces a series of small meeting rooms, while hot-desking and home-working has been welcomed by staff. Bright colours and a 70s style décor make an immediate impact on the work environment.
Gordon continues, “The work environment has been greatly improved following our move into a re-designed space. Staff are benefitting from flexible working arrangements, agile working and a lighter, brighter office. By reducing our floor space from two floors to one, importantly we’ve been able to reduce operating costs.
“We’ve created a good space for staff, a welcoming environment for clients, and we’ve been able to donate to five good causes as a result of the move.
“The move is a fantastic start to life as Avison Young, following the acquisition of GVA at the beginning of February.”
