Jennor, UK

Jennor at the new St. Helens Rugby Stadium

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:56 +0000

Following our works at the new St.Helens Rugby Stadium [Langtree Park]. Jennor are now proud Board Sponsors of St. Helens RLFC.

Jennor [UK] Ltd new accreditations awarded

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:52:29 +0000

Jennor [UK] Ltd is pleased to announce the accreditation of ‘Thermoguard Approved Applicator’, as a direct result of the works undertaken at the Crown Prosecution Service at Burnley Wharf, Burnley. For the application of specialist fire protection to existing structural timbers [the site is a refurbished mill environment], to achieve 60/ 30 minutes and class ‘o’ fire protection.

Jennor achieves school and college contracts on programme

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:41:49 +0000

School and college contracts on ‘time’ and on ‘budget’.

Holiday periods demand projects to be completed within definitive time scales

Jennor [UK] Ltd has recently completed various refurbishment projects, competitively won, undertaken within tight time scales. The contract at Priestley College located in Warrington, Cheshire, involved major roofing works, including the removal of large span roof lights, new structural works and new roofing and Velux windows. Internal works included new electrical, data, ventilation, partitioning, underdrawing works, flooring, decoration and a new mezzanine installation. Jennor [UK] Ltd were given instruction to start 3 days prior to commencement of the programme. The project then required definitive completion within a 4 week timescale. Quick mobilisation, strict project management and a dedication of team operatives ensured the project was completed on programme.

During the same period Jennor [UK] Ltd was awarded the redecoration project of Palmerston School located in Livepool, Merseyside, again within a strict contract duration. The decoration works included for repainting of all internal finishes, while also undertaking some further refurbishment works to aid the schools requirements.

Here at Jennor we understand the demands made on Consultants, Building Managers, Councils and Diocesean Bodies in turning around refurbishment works in short periods of time and always endeavour to deliver.

Designs on the Environment, April 2011

admin — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:00:42 +0000

As the Government aims to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, there is increasing pressure on businesses to play their part.

UK businesses produce 40 per cent of the country’s carbon and to meet its tough targets, the Government is expanding the legal requirements of businesses ensuring they take responsibility for their environmental impact.

This will result in businesses having to prove they take their environmental responsibilities as seriously as their bottom line.

Environmental issues are more prevalent within the public consciousness, with issues such as global warming, CO2 emissions and carbon footprints making regular headlines.

Customers are now more informed with clear expectations of how the companies they buy from operate. And it’s not just customers who look at green credentials. Employees also want to work for companies that are environmentally aware.

Younger people especially expect better building practices and healthier office environments, and are making them happen by voting with their feet.

According to Monster.com, a popular job-posting website, more than 90 per cent of young professionals prefer to work for environmentally and socially-conscious employers.

Many businesses have responded to these changes positively, recognising the benefits of embracing a greener way of operating
- including the way they design their workplaces.

Balancing costs

There is now an emphasis on creating sustainable, environmentally sensitive offices, which explains why designers and fit-out suppliers are now awash with green products. At the same time, the difficult economy means that more than ever workplaces need to be efficient and long lasting.

So how do designers balance the need for eco-friendly workplaces with tough commercial choices?

Some companies believe this is a difficult conundrum to fathom.
Their greatest concern is that switching to a green workplace adds significant upfront cost.

Green design certainly can cost more in the short term, partly because it involves trading-up to quality products. However, these products are more usually more economical and eco-friendly in the long term than buying cheap and disposing of the item after a few years.

What is more, smart eco-friendly design creates potential for significant cost savings over the life of a fit-out. And that combined with the long-term health benefits for employees and reputational benefits for companies makes it questionable not to consider the environment on most new projects.

Creating eco-friendly value

The choices for the green office abound. From furniture made from recycled materials to low VOC paints that emit fewer greenhouse gases, and green roofs that have a layer of vegetation to reduce heat, improve air quality and provide a refuge for urban wildlife.

There are many complex and highly-engineered products available that can be incorporated into design when the budget allows, but we can also consider more simple methods.

One of the key themes in green design – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – brings together uncomplicated, common sense ways for companies to minimise the damage on the environment caused by their workplace.

By considering ways to reduce the amount of resources consumed by a fit-out or refurbishment, companies can cut both its carbon footprint and the short-term costs. For instance, choosing solutions that take advantage of existing natural light would cut a company’s reliance on artificial lighting and give the space a more natural, healthy feel. And there is a tangible financial benefit. Using energy efficient lighting technology can reduce lighting energy consumption by over 50 per cent.

The reuse element takes into account not only the more obvious idea of incorporating antiques and vintage items into a scheme but also considers whether the methods used to produce new goods are well managed and sustainable.

And when a product comes to the end of its life, companies need to consider the methods they use to dispose of it and whether it can be broken down into component parts to be turned into new products.

We all have a part to play in protecting our planet and companies need to adopt a long-standing commitment to sustainability to ensure their operations cause minimal damage to the environment.

The road to environmentally-friendly fit-outs is not based on good intentions alone. There is a strong business case to be made for effective schemes. Enlightened management will look at whole-life costs, rather than simply initial installation costs, and recognise the benefits of building a favourable reputation among customers and employees.

British Builder & Developer, June 2010

admin — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:33:44 +0000

The Future Office, Jennor (UK), a specialist construction and office fit-out company

The economic downturn is acting as a catalyst for design and fit-out firms to re-evaluate workplaces to help companies shave costs and function more efficiently.

The need for companies to reduce real estate and operating costs, while at the same time increase technology and connectivity, is forcing them to explore alternative ways of working.

Typically the biggest cost that corporate organisations face is real estate. Therefore, commercial design is finding ways to save significant amounts of money at the point of development and over the life of a lease by reducing the footprint of a building.

One of the primary ways they are achieving a reduced footprint is by creating workplace plans consisting of a uniform office and workstation configuration, with standard furniture and square footage allocation for each job type.

Historically, office size and location had been determined by the seniority of the employee. This meant that companies had multiple office sizes and inefficient floor plans. Those old methods are now being thrown out in favour of leaner, cost-conscious organisations that can thrive in this volatile economy. So, workspaces are being designed for function rather than for prestige.

This led to offices becoming more collaborative, open spaces with fewer solid walls and private offices. Instead, divisions in workstations are created by glass partitions and low panels for professionals who thrive on the energy and excitement of an active open office.

The downside of an open environment is that there may not be sufficient space for confidential conversations, client meetings or quiet space to focus on important projects.

To counter that, understanding how people communicate in a workspace is becoming increasingly important, particularly as offices now consist of several generations. The multi-generation office is creating a big challenge for design and fit-out firms. After all, the needs of the twenty-something generation vary greatly from those of the forty-something generation.

Designers now need to consider how comfortable different age groups are with technology, their ability to adapt to change, how they communicate, and the amount of space they need.

While design is focused on delivering fit-outs that maximise budgets, clients are still keen to enable employees to feel like they have some sense of personal space and individuality, and are rewarded for climbing the corporate ladder. This means that projects demand even more imaginative spatial know-how alongside technical skill and a wealth of project management experience to create an ideal working environment.

Power to Adapt

As well as fundamentally changing the floor plans of an office, the economic downturn is forcing flexibility to the top of the list of requirements for the future office.

Flexibility is synonymous with money saving and critical for developers to entice tenants in an economy where tenants are reluctant to commit to leases when their space requirements may change on a monthly basis. Being able to move people around quickly and cheaply has never been more important.

As many companies consolidate workers from several buildings into one or lay-off staff to cut overheads, they want to move around workstations and regroup teams without too much disruption.

At the same time as workspaces shrink to cut costs, common areas and office receptions are becoming ever more high-spec in a bid to attract tenants and fill vacant spaces. The glut of buildings on the market mean that tenants can be more demanding when choosing a space.

Even with the languid economy, design and fit-out firms are seeing increased investment in common areas. Developments need a wow factor to draw in tenants, whether it is the restoration of a historic building or a cutting-edge design in a new development.

Office image is important to convey the culture and values of a company at the front door. For designers, setting the mood and image is what corporate interior design is all about. In the past year, there has been a shift away from minimalist, neutral offices to bolder, more colourful spaces.

Sustainable Influence

Another significant characteristic that is shaping the future office is sustainability. It is no longer an option in new construction or significant office renovation. Indeed, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is becoming a required code development or refurbishment.

The awareness of LEED and sustainable practices is so acute that organisations are using their “green” workplace as a recruiting tool with more job seekers looking to work for environmentally-conscious companies.
Companies are not just looking at sourcing some recycled and reclaimed materials within their offices, but as much as possible they want floors, furniture and lighting that is sustainable and hard wearing.

One example is flooring. Flooring is one of the top decisions to be made in a building because it characterises a space and is less transient that other parts of the fit-out. Sourcing floors that can age with the building are the ideal. That means developing hard, durable products like aggregates, resins and polished concrete, and reconstituted and recycled materials including glass, polymers, and engineered timber products that form a hard surface create more visually interesting products with a longer life.

Sustainability is also a key consideration for lighting. The move to a more open environment is increasing the amount of natural light that can flow through an office, reducing the need for harsh overhead lighting. Increasing natural light not only improves the aesthetics of an office, it makes workers more comfortable and creative.

Today, designing an office is an analysis of how employees and business plans align with the work space. Gone are the days of simply unloading a bank of workstations into a whitewashed shell. Clients now see office design as creating an environment that enhances the ability of employees to work smarter, sharper and be more productive.

Jennor wins tender to refurbish two buildings for Crown Prosecution Service

admin — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 16:16:23 +0000

Jennor, a leading contractor and office fit-out company, has won a contract to refurbish two buildings for the Crown Prosecution Service (‘CPS’).

St. Helens-based Jennor was appointed by Managing Agents DTZ Manchester to revamp the CPS buildings in Carlisle and Manchester city centre including internal structural alterations, redecoration and mechanical & electrical works. The contract is worth almost £200,000.

Jennor works with government agencies, property investors, developers and high net worth individuals to fit-out high-spec developments. So far this year, Jennor has won a string of high-profile contracts including a £1.4 million contract to refurbish the historic Cunard Building on Liverpool’s waterfront.

Sean Artess, Managing Director of Jennor, said:

“The difficult economic conditions and the scrutiny on public sector spending mean that many organisations have delayed refurbishment projects. However, clients in the public and private sectors are now taking advantage of the shift in prices in the office fit-out market to invest in their workspaces.

Jennor is focused on ensuring that we are competitive, consistently provide the highest standards of finish and are genuinely innovative in the way we approach projects. That is paying-off and we are optimistic about the increase in enquiries and new business wins in the past quarter.”

Jennor secures contracts to refurbish Liverpool’s historic Cunard Building

admin — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 16:13:51 +0000

Jennor, the leading design, construction and office fit-out company, has won two contracts worth a combined seven-figure sum to refurbish the common areas in the Cunard Building, a World Heritage site on Liverpool’s waterfront.

Jennor was appointed by Managing Agents CB Richard Ellis to restore the original interior of the Cunard Building, while at the same time giving it a more contemporary edge.

The extensive project involves bringing all of the ornate ceilings and fluted columns, which were originally built with marble imported from Italy and Africa, back to their early 20th Century glory. Jennor will also restore the mahogany panelled doors and brass ironmongery throughout the six-storey building.

Sean Artess, Managing Director of Jennor, said: “The Cunard Building has been a landmark on the Liverpool waterfront for almost a century and is one of the most prestigious projects that Jennor has won in our 31-year history. Our role will focus on bringing the building into the 21st century while restoring the many original features to ensure that the Cunard Building is attractive and sustainable for the future.”

Known as one of the Three Graces, the Cunard Building was built during the First World War as the headquarters and main passenger terminal for the world’s most famous shipping company, the Cunard Steamship Company.

The steam ships, which included the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, sailed from the Cunard Building to Canada and the US. Now owned by Merseyside Pension Fund, the building is occupied by a variety of public and privately-owned organisations.

Project manager for the contract, Neil Rogers at CB Richard Ellis, added: “The high-spec refurbishment of the Cunard Building will make it one of the most exciting office developments in Liverpool. Its heritage combined with the new bold and contemporary design, excellent internal facilities and superb location is a winning combination.”