Case studies - business accommodation
Company: Royal Docks Recruitment Ltd
Entrepreneurs: Roger de Casanove, Paul Anthony Barrow
When Roger and Paul decided to start their own recruitment agency it
was thought that it would be a year before their business
would be up and running, but dedication and hard work allowed them to take
their concept from the drawing board to first day of trading in just three
months.
Finding
the right premises was one of a number of hurdles in this process however. There are numerous requirements
and concerns which must be addressed before a new business can start trading -
and finding appropriate premises is equally as vital as finding finance.
“We considered every borough in London and after many hours of research
decided that the Royal Docks and the borough of Newham was the ideal location.
The area has the highest expected growth and investment in London and it
was our intention to lay foundations and gain a good reputation before the
local market became saturated with new businesses and premises grew too expensive.
We then agreed a name, Royal Docks Recruitment, and decided on a motto which
reflected our business philosophy, a modern company with traditional values,
it was then time to find the right premises.” explained Roger.
“We wanted Royal Docks Recruitment to be a “Modern Company with
Traditional Values” and so our offices had to reflect this. We knew exactly
the type of premises we required to match our corporate image and marketing
strategy, it was just a case of finding it. We were looking for smart
clean and smart offices which we would not outgrow in the coming years. Good
transport links and pleasant surroundings were essential to ensure visits
by candidates and clients would be convenient and pleasurable. Unfortunately,
the majority of premises which matched our criteria in the area catered for
larger companies and the minimum office space available was far greater than
our requirements. Our lucky break came when Paul was driving through Royal
Docks when he saw several flags, fluttering in the wind, advertising a new
business development, Waterfront Studios.”
They immediately made contact with Wendy Powell, GLE Property Development
manager, owners of the development who supplied all the information they required.
“Even though the site was not fully completed we immediately saw the
potential. It offered exactly what we were looking for; a fully serviced new
building of contemporary design, with medium sized cost effective units. The
interior was of high quality and stylish interior; with facilities such as
a conference room and restaurant facilities upon completion. Ample secure
parking and its proximity to DLR and Underground stations and the views across
Royal Docks made it ideal. We were also very impressed with the enthusiasm and
professionalism of Daniel Cowling who was our direct contact for Waterfront
Studios. He provided all the information we needed, quickly and accurately,
instilling complete confidence in him and the development.”
Within two months, Roger and Paul, had moved into Waterfront Studios and are
very satisfied.
“Moving into Waterfront studios was certainly the right decision. We
are more than happy with our office which has a stunning dock view. Being
located amongst numerous expanding businesses has allowed us to tap onto a
growing market and we have been able to win contracts with several large companies
in the area. The Docklands Light Railway has proven to be a lifeline and we
have enjoyed watching the DLR extension grow closer to completion which will
further improve transport links with south London and bring a new station
to within five hundred yards of us. The management team at the business centre
are excellent and have overcome all the usual teething problems associated
with a brand new business centre. They are always friendly, polite and willing
to take the time to help. Clients and candidates who have visited our offices
have been impressed with the location and premises which has definitely helped
promote a professional, positive, image for our company. We could have not
chosen a better starting point”
For more information visit www.waterfrontstudios.biz and www.royaldocksrecruitment.com