Springboard – 3rd Fit-out
Case study
Based in Cambridge, in the St John’s Innovation Park, Springboard specialises in the development of devices for regulated markets and is earning an outstanding reputation for success.
Optrys had already successfully worked with Springboard on two previous office design and fit-out projects, so we were delighted that they came back once again for help with their most recent project.
The Challenge
During the covid lockdowns, Springboard bucked the commercial trend and grew in numbers by almost 50%, outgrowing their space in the Jeffreys Building. When returning to the office, they found themselves without enough space to accommodate all their staff. This included both office and practical lab space. Implementing social distancing protocols exacerbated these requirements.
The impact of lack of space meant that development projects were being run in separate temporary premises negating the ability to effectively collaborate between teams–a Springboard core value. This meant staff were being isolated from colleagues and not able to foster a positive team culture.
It was immediately obvious to Springboard the impact this was causing on project effectiveness. In addition, they decided to plan much further ahead, incorporating bold future growth predictions when looking for new rental space. The brief was that the space needed to be the right mix of comfortable office space, well-equipped labs, inspiring social spaces, and well-presented meeting rooms.
Springboard’s premises also act as part of their showcase as a consultancy firm, and thus needed to be professional and welcoming to existing and potential clients.
The Solution
In conjunction with Savills, Springboard selected the Platinum Building within the same Innovation Park as their previous premises. It was natural for them to choose Optrys to manage the design and fit-out, having worked with us on their previous refurbishment. They knew Optrys understood their brand and values, and we were able to take their sketched layouts and turn these into detailed plans, resulting in an excellent final result.
Platinum Building, St Johns Innovation Park, Cambridge before fit-out
With projects like these, there can be many sub-contractors to carry out all aspects of the fit-out, from building work and electrical and data connections to decoration and furniture. As well as fit-out components, Optrys worked with Springboard on the appropriate furniture selection for their meeting and breakout spaces to help foster a positive work environment.
Optrys engaged with all relevant suppliers and contractors and managed this project to make sure everything was done to a standard which reflects Springboard’s ethos, and also that was on time and within budget.
For Optrys, we pride ourselves in making sure that all parties know what is happening and when, and it is key that communication is kept flowing. Questions and queries were answered as swiftly as possible, and challenges were resolved effectively via full consultation with all parties. Springboard felt listened to and knew that Optrys were working for the best outcome for them at all times.
The Outcome
Springboard are immensely proud of their new premises. They are future-ready and have the capacity to cope with another 50% growth when the time comes by being designed with flexibility at their core. The space is comfortable for employees–so much so, that staff are proud of their space and have taken responsibility for their own workspaces to ensure they continue to function as well as possible.
They are professional and well-presented which gives a good first impression to clients, interview candidates, and visitors of all kinds. Take a look at the quote from Philip Howie, Springboards Facilities Manager to see what they thought of it.
As a technical consultancy, we need our premises to be not just comfortable office space, but also well-equipped labs, inspiring social space, and well-presented meeting rooms. Optrys have been our fit-out contractors of first choice through three premises moves. They have always been responsive to our needs, both at the design phase and throughout the fit-out itself. With their help and support, we’ve ended up with premises well-suited to our current and future needs, and that we can be proud to show off to clients. We look forward to doing great work here, over the years to come.