I have been working at AJ for nearly 30 years and in this time we have moved to a new office four times. Each location has been in a building of character. Starting in a grand property in Bridport then on to beautiful Georgian buildings in central Bath. Most recently, we occupied an old Malthouse next to the lovely Kennet and Avon canal.
I asked the team for one thing they would change about AJ when I began ‘flying solo’ after Ann retired. A common request was a new office with more space and more light. With business thriving, and the team expanding, it was clear that we were outgrowing where we were. As our lease renewal was approaching it seemed like a natural time to start to think about moving on.
From one Malthouse to another…
When I started looking, the rental market had very little in terms of ‘beautiful buildings’. There were plenty of purpose-built, characterless new spaces but that didn’t feel right for AJ. Frustrated by the lack of choice for rentals, I started looking at properties to purchase. Again it was pretty slim pickings but there was a building that caught my eye. Despite the fact it was bigger than we needed, a total renovation project and over budget, I kept coming back to it. Like our old building, this was also a former malthouse. It began to feel like fate…
The Old (or new?!) Malthouse won me over but it certainly wasn’t going to be an easy journey. Just settling on a price took a LOT of haggling. The purchase process was anything but straightforward. The survey uncovered a few horrors that nearly made me run for the hills. But with a lot of support and encouragement from my partner, colleagues, the surveyor and agent I stuck with it. I thought getting the sale done would be the stressful bit – it was just the beginning!
Who said moving to a new office would be easy?…
And so the project began, to say that the building needed a little love was an understatement. The previous owner had moved in 20 years ago and not picked up a paint brush since (or opened a window it seemed!). However, through the neglect and the grime it was obvious it could be an amazing space. I could see the potential for an opportunity to give the team what they wanted: a light, bright, contemporary space that really works as a modern office.
And so the work began. Wiring was ripped out, walls knocked down, the paint pots came out, the black ‘old pub’ style beams started turning white. The Velux windows were cleaned & refurbed and the dreaded carpet (which was so disgusting it will probably give me nightmares for the next 12 months) was ripped up.
Once the basics were taken care of we got to the more fun bits. Choosing colours, fixtures and fittings, picking the new kitchen and carpets. Most crucially we needed to work out the new layout. We had this amazing space but we needed to ensure it worked as well as it could for us. We ended up with more floorplans than I can count but a team effort, led by Sam, delivered us the ideal office configuration that really optimises this fantastic building.
Moving day!
3 months later, moving day arrived. Whilst I would love to say it all ran like clockwork, when the removal van didn’t turn up, it all got a bit stressful. This was when the AJ staff showed that they really are a team.
We hired a van, Jack went to and from the new and old office with the rest of the team loading and unloading at each end. Our handymen/women also assembled the desks as they arrived. There was a big push over the weekend to ensure we were up and running first thing Monday morning and there was no disruption to our client servicing. Everyone really went above and beyond!
Coming in on Monday morning was wonderful. Seeing the excitement and enthusiasm for our new home really made all the blood, sweat and tears worth it.
New office, new home
We now have a wonderful new office space that really works for us. I’m a firm believer that a pleasant office makes for a happy office. Being somewhere light, airy and modern is a real mood booster! There are more practical benefits too. Not only do we have the room we need as we continue to grow, our upgraded photography and creative areas will help us deliver client work more efficiently. Flexible working space gives us greater freedom to collaborate and share ideas, allowing us to work together more effectively.
The business has changed a lot in recent years and this really does feel like the start of an exciting new chapter. We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of clients and suppliers so if you’re passing, call in!
We hope to see you soon!
Alice