Hattons of London
Hattons of London
LocationStoke-on-Trent
Project Duration20 weeks
Project Size15,000 sqft
SectorSales/Marketing (B2C)
Project Background and Objectives
Hattons of London, a leading retailer of gold coins, partnered with Opus4 to design and fit out a new office space in Stoke-on-Trent. The main objective was to create a standout “destination workplace” to attract and recruit the next generation of talent in a highly competitive job market. With neighbours like Vodafone and BET365 competing for a limited talent pool, Hattons needed an office environment that not only aligned with their brand but also offered a creative and collaborative atmosphere.
The office design had to strike a balance between functionality and inspiration, focusing on agile and collaborative spaces, relaxation zones, video conferencing rooms, and a client-focused boardroom. Despite a tight budget and timeframe, Opus4 was tasked with delivering an innovative solution that met Hattons’ ambitious requirements.
Solutions and Approach
To achieve Hattons’ goals, Opus4 adopted a collaborative and transparent approach, particularly as the designs were still being developed when the project began. The solution included:
- Creative Design Focus: Aimed to deliver maximum creativity and design intent within the constraints of the budget and timeline.
- Agile and Collaborative Spaces: Created flexible workspaces, including collaboration booths, a client-focused boardroom, and a video conferencing room, to support team productivity and innovation.
- Relaxation Zones: Designed spaces for employee well-being, fostering a sense of community and relaxation.
- Training Rooms: Incorporated functional spaces for employee development and team training.
- Mechanical and Electrical Installation: Delivered M&E solutions to support the functionality of the office environment.
- Furniture and Fitout: Provided bespoke furniture that complemented the overall design, adding to the high-end, welcoming aesthetic.
Challenges and Solutions
Concurrent Design and Build: Starting the project while designs were still being finalised required exceptional collaboration and adaptability.
Solution: Adopted a transparent, flexible approach, working closely with Hattons to refine designs throughout the process.
Budget Constraints: Balancing creativity and functionality with a limited budget.
Solution: Leveraged cost-effective design strategies, including innovative use of materials and finishes, to achieve high-impact results without overspending.
Tight Timeframe: Delivering a 15,000 sqft fitout in just 20 weeks.
Solution: Streamlined project management and maintained constant communication to ensure smooth progression and timely completion.
Results and Benefits
The project was successfully delivered within the challenging timeframe and budget, achieving the following outcomes:
- Destination Workplace: An inspiring office environment designed to attract and retain top talent, giving Hattons a competitive edge in their location.
- Creative and Functional Spaces: Flexible and agile areas, such as collaboration booths and relaxation zones, tailored to support innovation and teamwork.
- Employee Well-Being: Thoughtfully designed relaxation features fostered a sense of pride and satisfaction among the team.
- Seamless Integration: Scalable solutions and attention to detail ensured a cohesive and functional workspace that exceeded client expectations.
Key Takeaways
- Collaborative Approach: Demonstrated the value of transparent communication and flexibility when working with evolving designs.
- Creative Budget Management: Proved that high-impact designs can be achieved even within financial constraints.
- Talent Attraction and Retention: Delivered a standout workplace that aligned with Hattons’ recruitment and branding objectives.
I have never worked with a group of people who have made things so easy. They listened to everything about the business and what we were looking for and went away and came up with designs that fit Hattons of London perfectly.
Karen Barley Head of Sales & Operations
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