magazine
08
agenda
IPSE, the Association of Independent
Professionals and the Self-Employed, is
calling on the Government to provide
improved access to workhubs, broadband
and 4G coverage so that those working
independently have the infrastructure
they need to flourish.
The representative body for the UK’s
self-employed freelancers, contractors,
consultants and independent professionals
says such measures are easy to implement
and would be relatively cost neutral.
Simon McVicker, director of policy and
external affairs at IPSE, said: “Without
collaborative working space and effective
broadband and mobile coverage the self-
employed will not be able to exist and
prosper as businesses.”
McVicker argues that councils should do
much more to enable empty premises to
be converted into workhubs, for example by
extending permitted development rights and
100% business rate relief to workhubs.
He said: “Community workspaces enable
the self-employed to build networks, share
contacts and work collaboratively. Despite
this, operating costs are high and those using
workhubs are essentially paying business
rates indirectly, while other small businesses
are exempt. Extending the 100% business
rate relief to workhubs will ensure the self-
employed who use workhubs are offered the
same incentive to grow their business.”
IPSE is also calling on the Government
to improve the UK’s communications
infrastructure. Its recommendations include
a commitment to a maximum ratio between
the fastest and slowest broadband speeds
to address the growing urban/
rural divide; accelerated 4G
roll-out through mast-sharing;
and freeWiFi on all trains for all
passengers.
IPSE calls for investment in workhubs
Avanta Serviced Office Group is trialling
a ‘sound room’ in itsWarwick Street,
Covent Garden, Devonshire Square and
Hammersmith offices. The Avanta Sound
Room created by The Sound Agency
and Adair Acoustic Design uses ambient
noise to neutralise office distractions
and enable people to concentrate.
Julian Treasure, chairman of The Sound
Agency, said: “Noisy workspaces may need
damping down to the ideal level of 45-55
dB, while very quiet spaces may need
masking sound to create some privacy
and reduce distraction when colleagues
take calls or converse. Masking sounds
are typically low density, requiring little
attention, and pleasing to work in. Examples
could be birdsong or gentle flowing water.”
To coincide with the launch of the
Avanta Sound Room, Avanta has released
the results of a poll of 1,000 office workers
showing that 80% are regularly distracted
by noise, with 31% choosing to work from
home or a local café or library to escape
from it. It claims that noise can reduce
productivity by up to 66%.
The Avanta Sound Room is the latest
multi-sensory workspace created by Avanta.
Previous examples include the Avanta
Aroma Room and the Avanta Light Room,
which is now being re-introduced at the
request of customers.
Running a business
The internet-connected Desk Treadmill from NordicTrack
enables corporate and home-workers to incorporate
movement into their working day.When you feel like
exercising, just unfold the treadmill, which can be done
without disturbing material on the desk surface, set
the incline at up to 10% and start walking/running at
speeds up to 10 mph. The desk height can be adjusted
to accommodate sitting, standing and walking/running
positions.
A sound solution to the problem of office noise
No substitute for business
insurance
Direct Line for Business is warning home-based
businesses to make sure they have appropriate
insurance cover, following research showing
that 145,000 home-preneurs are under the
misconception that their home insurance policy
will cover commercial activities.
The insurer points out that while standard home
insurance might cover office equipment, it will not
necessarily cover stock stored at home. Nor will it
cover loss of earnings due to an insurable event, such
as a fire or flood, or public liability in case a customer
is injured on their premises – one in seven home
businesses say they receive clients at home.
MoreWiFi please
ZyXEL has added its voice to those calling for improved
communications infrastructure in the UK, following a
pan-European study which found that UK workers were
struggling with poor connectivity even when at work.
The SMB Connectivity Report
states that more than
three quarters (78%) of UK workers experience
connectivity problems in the workplace. Almost
two thirds (65%) have no wireless internet at work
compared to one third of employees in the Netherlands.
ZyXEL argues that providingWiFi at work enables
employees to work on their own devices and when
away from their desks, benefitting productivity and
employee satisfaction.
ClubRooms are a network of
spaces created by The Office
Group where freelancers,
mobile workers, start-ups and
small businesses can work and
meet in a way that suits them.
