Shoal Group
New Headquarters Designed for Future Growth and Sustainability
Shoal Group recently inaugurated its new head office, a state-of-the-art facility located in Butterfield Business Park, Luton. This facility encompasses 15,000 square feet of office space and an additional 70,000 square feet designated for warehousing.
In 2020, Shoal Group merged two established businesses to foster future growth and streamline operations. This merger necessitated the consolidation of various teams under one roof. Habit Action was entrusted with the comprehensive fit-out of the new facility, including coordination with the developer. The primary objective was to unify the diverse teams from the merged businesses, encouraging a cohesive culture. Habit Action focused on understanding the distinct business cultures and facilitating their integration. A crucial aspect was creating an attractive and collaborative workspace, especially important given the long commutes for some employees.
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The project involved creating a collaborative environment that promoted a single, unified Shoal Group identity. This was particularly challenging as they had never undertaken a project of this scale. Habit Action managed the developer interactions, significantly reducing the burden on their management.
The new facility has positively altered perceptions among suppliers and key customers, positioning Shoal Group as a significant market player. The environment is light, airy, and spacious, significantly enhancing employee satisfaction and enjoyment. Employees enjoy coming to work in a space that is both functional and inspiring, with a collaborative atmosphere that pervades the entire office spaces.
Watch the testimonial below to learn more about this exceptional project:
Habit Action played a pivotal role from inception, acting as both designers and project managers. The facility houses various departments including sales, marketing, business development, accounts, HR, and IT, all within the office space. Additionally, there is a light production area and a warehouse equipped with the innovative Geek+ robotic system for product picking and packing.
The consolidation required amalgamating three different locations into one central head office and warehouse. The challenge was merging three distinct cultures into a single, cohesive environment. Our involvement from the early stages with the development team and the main contractor was crucial.
The Shoal Group name inspired a design that embodied teamwork, akin to a shoal of fish. Nautical themes and aquamarine colors were employed to create a welcoming, calming environment. The design included flexible spaces to support ongoing and future business growth.
Shoal Group aimed to meet ambitious sustainability goals, achieving a BREAM excellent rating. Sustainability features include solar panels on the roof and advanced rainwater harvesting technology.
The new office space has streamlined their operations, facilitating business growth and scalability. A notable feature is the automation of part of the warehouse with a new robotic system called Geek+, enhancing efficiency.
Shoal Group's new head office represents a successful amalgamation of multiple locations and cultures into a single, thriving entity. The collaborative effort with Habit Action resulted in a facility that not only supports current operations but is also adaptable for future growth, thereby solidifying their position in the market.