Month: December 2022

Blog

3 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Office Balcony or Terrace

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date December 23, 2022

We recently had the opportunity to attend The British Council for Offices Winter Gathering where some of the UK’s most influential designers and architects met to discuss the future of the office. The consensus was clear: the role of the office has changed and there’s no going back.

The role of the office has changed

The traditional office model has remained largely the same for decades, but it is becoming increasingly apparent it is no longer sufficient for today’s workforce. These days, employees can be productive from anywhere and many choose to work remotely meaning businesses will have to adapt office to stay competitive in today’s economy.

This shift in thinking has led companies to reconsider what it means to create an office. Rather than just being a place where people go to work and leave at the end of the day, corporate spaces need to be a place where employees can be inspired and energized by their surroundings—a place where they can connect with friends and colleagues while taking advantage of natural light, fresh air, and greenery.

According to research from office rental platform Hubble, this has lead to a 238% increase in businesses looking for roof terraces in order to facilitate this need.

Hubble CEO Tushar Agarwal said: “In recent years, the everyday office has been completely reimagined as design becomes more important than ever and the facilities available increasingly impressive. Businesses are now very competitive when it comes to showing they can offer the best. The enormous leap in the searches for roof terraces is part of this – and who wouldn’t jump at the chance to work outside when it’s sunny?”

Beyond the typically impressive views, a rooftop terrace can serve a variety of functions which are beneficial to both the employer and employee.

Benefits of a rooftop terrace or balcony

Having the ability to escape from the confines of the office to enjoy some fresh air is a great way to soak up some Vitamin D whilst remaining productive. This essential nutrient is a powerful immune enhancer and protects us from colds and other infections which can cause periods of absence from work. Vitamin D is also a well-known mood booster and helps regulate your circadian rhythm. This is key to maintaining a healthy sleep cycle, and therefore, getting more done throughout the day.

Making the most of your terrace or balcony

If you’re lucky enough to have a terrace or balcony at your office, or are working on a project involving one, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you start thinking about the possibilities for the space. Some companies opt for additional features such as a barbeque or even a hot tub, however, you can still have a balcony that’s simple, elegant, and functional with these three minimum requirements:

Quality furniture

Whether this means chairs, benches, or stools; having somewhere comfortable and accessible is key when using your balcony as a productive outdoor space. We offer a comprehensive range of outdoor furniture that is both stylishly designed and made to last.

Lush Greenery

Balconies have different levels of exposure. Some are exposed to the elements while others are more sheltered by walls or trees – so we always recommend consulting an expert before investing in greenery for your outdoor areas. We can help you choose lush greenery which will thrive in your space as well as an extensive range of planters to complement the wider design.

Cleanliness

A clean rooftop terrace can be an inviting place to relax, play, and host guests, whereas a dirty, rundown and unkempt terrace will have the opposite effect. We’re experts in keeping your outdoor areas and greenspaces looking naturally beautiful all year long, throughout each transition of the seasons.

In the above example of a recent installation completed in Edinburgh, you can see the difference these three easy steps can make in just a few short hours. What was once an unused space is now ready to be an invaluable asset for the companies and employees using this building.

“We have been using Benholm as our office plants provider and also for our grounds and garden maintenance and have always received first class service as well as good advice and support when we need it. Good professional company that can safely be recommended.”

Christine Andrew

Get in touch

From the perfect furniture to that finishing flourish of greenery, our team are here to help you design the ultimate terrace or balcony for your office. To learn more, check out our gallery or contact us to discuss the possibilities of your outdoor space today.

Blog

What will the hospitality industry look like in 2023? – Six Key Trends for 2023

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date December 22, 2022

There’s no doubt that the hospitality industry is facing some big challenges amid tough economic conditions, societal change and technological advancements. However, there are also some big opportunities on the horizon.

To help you stay ahead of the curve, we’ve identified six key hospitality trends to consider for your venue or project in the year ahead:

Bleisure

Flexible spaces

Wellness

Biophilic Design

Technology: Personalisation, Automation and Virtual Reality

Sustainability

Bleisure

Employees are increasingly realising remote working doesn’t necessarily need to be done from home. With the rise of the digital nomad lifestyle, workers are combining business and leisure into one neat little package: bleisure.

So how can businesses capitalize on this trend?

This could involve…

offering special rates for business travellers
group packages
loyalty schemes
partnering with local businesses
targeted advertising

Due to flexible work styles, Forbes reported an uplift in interest for workcations and bleisure trips by over 25% compared to recent years. And it’s not just millennials who are driving this trend – business travellers of all ages are looking for ways to combine work and play and we expect to see more hospitality businesses catering to this market in the coming year.

Wellness

There’s no denying that the hospitality industry is tough. Long hours, late nights and early mornings are just part of the job for many bartenders, servers and hotel staff members.

The hospitality industry is all about taking care of others – and this should also include taking care of employees. Increased emphasis is being placed on creating a work environment that supports and promotes staff wellbeing.

There are several reasons for this shift. Firstly, the hospitality industry is increasingly competitive. In order to attract and retain the best talent, employers need to create an attractive and supportive work environment.

Secondly, as our understanding of the link between physical and mental health grows, so too does the recognition of the importance of staff wellbeing. A happy and healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and so it makes good business sense to invest in staff wellbeing.

Finally, as consumers become more health-conscious, they are also increasingly looking for brands that align with their own values. By promoting staff wellbeing, hospitality businesses can show that they are committed to creating a healthy and sustainable workplace.

If you are considering implementing wellness programs in your hospitality business, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Consult with your staff to find out what they would like to see included in such programs. Secondly
Consider the needs of your guests and ensure that your offerings are in line with their expectations.
Remember that wellness is a journey, not a destination, so be prepared to continue to evolve your offerings over time.

No matter what approach you take, incorporating wellness into your hospitality business is sure to pay off in the long run.

Biophilic Design

Continuing the trend of wellness, we expect biophilic design to continue to gain momentum in hospitality spaces in 2023.

Biophilic design is the incorporation of plants and nature into the design of a space. It is a response to the increasing disconnection that people feel from the natural world.

As our awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing continues to grow, we will increasingly seek out environments that support these values. More and more, we’re seeing hotel, restaurant, and bar design that incorporates natural elements into the space. This could be anything from using natural materials like wood and stone, to incorporating plants, greenery and even water features.

There are many benefits to this design technique. For one, it can create a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere for guests. Plants can also help to improve air quality and reduce noise levels. In addition, they can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space.

Flexible Layouts

Today’s hospitality industry is all about flexibility. Gone are the days of traditional, stuffy bars and restaurants. Instead, we’re seeing a trend towards flexible layouts that can be easily adapted to different needs and events.

Interior designers are playing a big role in this trend, as they are able to create flexible spaces that are both functional and stylish. By using movable furniture and modular design elements, they can create layout options that can be easily reconfigured to suit different needs.

For example, a restaurant might have a different layout for breakfast, lunch and dinner service, or a hotel might have a different configuration for events, parties and conferences. This flexibility not only allows businesses to better meet the needs of their customers, but also makes the most efficient use of their space.

Of course, flexibility doesn’t just apply to the physical space. It’s also important to be flexible in your operations. For example, you may want to offer a special menu for a holiday or event. Or you may need to adjust your hours to accommodate your guests’ schedules.

The bottom line is that flexibility is key in the hospitality business. By being flexible in your space, your operations and your offerings, you can make sure that you’re always on trend and meeting the needs of your guests.

While some may see this trend as a challenge, it’s actually an opportunity for businesses to get creative and really think about how they can use their space to its full potential. If you’re looking to update your hospitality business, then consider a flexible layout – it could be just the thing you need to stay ahead of the competition.

Technology: Personalisation, Automation and Virtual Reality

As the world becomes more and more digitized, it’s no surprise that the hospitality industry is following suit. Technology is changing the way we interact with bars, restaurants, and hotels, and it’s only going to become more prevalent in the coming years.

Personalisation

Customers now expect a much more personalised experience when they visit a bar, restaurant or hotel. Guests want to feel like they are receiving a unique and personalised experience that is tailored to their needs.

Whether it’s a virtual concierge who provides 24/7 assistance, smart room features like using voice technology to turn off the lights and play music, interactive walls and mirrors or keyless room entry; these technologies should all enable greater personalisation of the guest experience.

Automation

By automating administrative tasks such as reservations, check-in, and billing, hotels can save time and money while providing better customer service. This helps businesses to better manage their resources, track customer feedback, and increase the guest experience. Automation can also help hotels to keep up with industry trends and create innovative solutions to challenges. It even allows for remote management, enabling hotels to monitor multiple locations from a single dashboard.

As more and more venues embrace automation, customers can expect a pleasant, seamless experience from check-in to check-out. With these benefits, it’s no wonder so many businesses are turning to automation for administration in their premises.

Virtual Reality

With Virtual Reality, businesses can create captivating visuals that draw in potential customers and give them a taste of what to expect before they even visit the venue. This is especially useful for events and weddings where a more of an investment is involved and it should reduce travel and time previously spent scouting appropriate venues.

VR is also becoming increasingly popular for interior designers and architects, allowing closer collaboration with clients and to move projects forward with increased confidence.

Looking to the future, it’s exciting to think about all the possibilities that hospitality technology holds. As technology advances, we can expect even more customisation and personalisation in the years to come.

So whether you’re a hotelier, a restaurateur, or designer, keep your eye on these trends – they’re sure to shape the future of hospitality.

Sustainability

It’s no secret that sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers.

From reducing waste and energy consumption to choosing sustainable materials and sourcing local produce, there are many ways to make your business more sustainable. And with the right planning and foresight, you can make your business more sustainable without sacrificing anything in terms of quality or service.

There are many ways that hospitality businesses can become more sustainable. For example, some businesses are choosing to use recycled materials, energy-efficient appliances, and low-flow water fixtures. Others are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as sustainability means different things to different businesses within the hospitality industry. However, some common themes are emerging as the industry looks to the future.

One of the biggest trends in sustainable hospitality is the move towards using more environmentally-friendly materials and products. This includes everything from using recycled or recyclable materials to using more energy-efficient appliances.

Another trend is the focus on local produce and ingredients. This is not only more sustainable, but it also supports the local economy.

Finally, many hospitality businesses are looking at ways to reduce their water and electricity consumption. This includes things like installing solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.

No matter what steps a business takes, it’s important to communicate their efforts to guests. In today’s competitive market, sustainability can be a major differentiator. Guests are more likely to choose a business that they perceive as being environmentally responsible.

With so much innovation and growth, it’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved in this dynamic and ever-changing industry.

At Benholm Group we’re passionate about keeping up to date with the latest hospitality design trends. We work closely with interior designers to deliver beautiful arrangements, floral designs and plant displays to restaurants, bars, hotels and spas across the UK.  

We can do everything – from living walls to hanging baskets, from branded signage to planters, from interiors to outdoor dining. You can get everything you need from us, from design to installation to maintenance.  

If you would like to talk to us about what we can do for your venue, get in touch today.

News

December Product launch: Pots with a purpose

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date December 21, 2022

We are delighted to announce we now offer Ocean Plastic Pots, and they are available for use on all interior design projects.

As well as being beautiful to look at, we fell in love with the story behind Ocean Plastic Pots.

Designed in Glasgow and made in Scotland, Ocean Plastic Pots is Growing Awareness of Plastic Pollution. The pots themselves although durable and built to last can also be recycled again, creating a circular economy.

In an interview with The Retail Bulletin, company founder Ally Mitchell spoke of his inspiration for starting the company:

“I decided to set up Ocean Plastic Pots after I was asked to join a salvage operation in the Isle of Sky in Scotland for a ship that had run aground on the first day of lockdown last year. I’d been a commercial diver for the last 13 years and with this job, the ship we were salvaging was carrying around 2,000 tons of shredded plastic.

The Isle of Sky is one of my favourite parts of the world and it was the first time I’d seen the risk of plastic waste entering the seas that I really loved. It was a real eye-opener for me and an inspiration for starting the business.

Like many families, we would grow things in the windowsill in the kitchen, like tomato plants and chilli plants. I had read an article about how you couldn’t recycle black plastic plant pots because of the colour, the black polypropylene can’t be recognised by the sorting systems used in most recycling plants. This got me thinking about the plastics I’d seen over the years and on my salvage operations. We were putting tons and tons of green and blue polypropylene rope into waste.

That was my lightbulb moment that we should turn them into plant pots.”

It is estimated 8 million tons of plastic enters our oceans ever year, a terrifying amount.

All pots come with an A6 display card so you can play your part in raising awareness of the global ocean plastic problem. They are available in a range of beautiful colours from recycled rope and are perfect for use in hospitality and retail settings, or even corporate spaces looking to create a more homely feel.

Benholm has been building beautiful, sustainable displays for our clients all over the UK and beyond for the last thirty years. Get in touch to discuss your next project today.

Blog

Fresh evidence underlines the connection between green walls and employee health

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date December 20, 2022

The pandemic has changed the way we work in many ways, and one of these changes is the need for healthier offices. Living green walls have become increasingly popular in offices around the world, as more and more companies recognize the benefits of having plants in the workplace.

A study by Finnish scientists has provided fresh evidence that indoor green walls can have a positive impact employees’ health.

Conducted between Natural Resources Institute Finland and two major Finnish universities, the study is the first of its kind to link exposure to living green walls with improved skin integrity and enhanced immunity against pathogens and allergens. The results were published in the journal Scientific Reports and is based on 28 office workers who were divided into two groups in urban office environments in the Finnish cities of Tampere and Lahti.

Eleven participants had their workspaces fitted with air-purifying green walls, while the 17 remaining participants formed a control group with no green wall exposure. Subjects in the test group were only exposed to the green walls of the office during working hours. Three skin and blood samples were taken from the experimental and control groups to study the effectiveness of the green wall.

Over the course of the 28-day study period, those working alongside air-circulating green walls experienced an increase in both the number and diversity of friendly bacteria on their skin, compared with workers in the control group. These beneficial bacteria help defend skin against harmful pathogens and inflammation. They also boost immune system responses, which indicates that working in spaces with green walls has a positive effect on health-supporting skin microbiota as well as the immune system.

“The results indicate that we can support people’s health with relatively easy nature-based solutions. However, urban societies need, in addition to these types of solutions, broader societal changes to maintain and increase healthy and useful contact with nature,” says Marja Roslund, environmental scientist at Natural Resources Institute Finland.

While it’s important to keep the workplace clean and hygienic, excessive cleaning which eliminates all bacteria and germs can often create an environment that is less healthy. Exposure to bacteria and other microbes can be beneficial for our bodies, as it helps to boost our immune systems and keep us healthy. Studies have shown that children who grow up in environments with more bacteria tend to be less susceptible to allergies and other illnesses. Likewise, office workers who are exposed to a variety of microbes may find that they are better able to resist illness.

“From an evolutionary and biological point of view, we are not meant to spend our lives inside concrete boxes – and that’s what most office spaces are like. Whether we humans know it or not, there’s an in-built need in us to be in the middle of nature. In Western societies – due to things like increased hygiene level and biodiversity loss – our natural exposure to environmental microbes has decreased. This is seen as one of the major reasons for the rise of autoimmune diseases and allergies,” says Aki Soudunsaari, co-founder at Naava, a Nordic indoor nature technology company who provided living walls for the study.

Soudunsaari founded Naava after falling ill due to poor indoor air quality and believes it’s important to find a balance between hygiene and health: “Science has told us that children should be in daily contact with microbes via dirt and soil to boost their immune systems—and it’s no different for adults. Isolating ourselves completely from positive microbes will only harm our health and well-being. Sanitization serves an important function in disease prevention and employee safety, but most workspaces have gone overboard with sterilization via chemicals.”

As someone who grew up in Lapland, surrounded by some of the most pristine surroundings on earth, Soudunsaari hopes more designers, office managers and decision makers will prioritize our human need for connection with the natural environment: “Our goal should be to flow in tandem with nature, not against it.”

Want to transform your office into a healthier and happier place to work?

At Benholm Group, we have a vast range of plants that allow us to design living walls to complement any setting and industry. We offer bespoke green wall design and installation across Scotland and the wider UK.

Click here to learn more about our Green Walls and Ceilings or get in touch to discuss your next project today.

Source: Forbes

Read the scientific study in full here