Insights into how office work and spaces are changing and more were discussed at a talk at Reading’s premier business networking forum.
The First Friday Club is held, as the name suggests, on the first Friday of each month as a place for businesspeople to network, build relations and collaborate.
Each event has two guest speakers from the community who share what their business or organisation is doing.
This month, Debbie Balman from Active Workplace Solutions held a talk about the business and what it can provide to clients.
Active Workplace Solutions works with companies big and small, with famous clients include Bauer, Virgin Media, O2, Porsche, Kia, Nationwide and more.
Debbie said the business helps "bring ideas to life" with solutions to suit every budget.”
Services it provides include property management, assistance for flexible workspaces and fittings installation.
Debbie then gave the company's insights into the changing work environment.
Since the pandemic, there has been a big shift to hybrid working arrangements, with some workers being rudely referred to as 'TWaTs' who are in offices on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Debbie stated that offices are increasingly becoming a social destination for staff to gather and collaborate, with businesses rationalising their estate since the pandemic.
She also said the company runs a ‘waste not want not’ scheme to limit waste going to landfill.
Active Workplace Solutions was founded in 1999 and is currently based at the Headley Road East in Woodley, and has become a trusted name in the office interiors market.
The First Friday Club rotates venues, with this months' being held at the Revolution bar in Station Road.
After the speech, guest host Andy Briggs commented that it's important for businesses to stay local, along with making some charming quips to the audience.
Guests also recieved a speech from Fiona Brennan-Scott, who's book 'Breathtaking Communication: Tools and Techniques for Everyday Leaders' was published this year.
Fiona heads 'Bespoken', a company that assists employees of other businesses
She said: "I've been in business for seven years as Bespoken.
"I work with businesses to help with audience engagement skills, generally I work with the STEM industries [Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics].
"Helping people who are experts in their field communicate that.
"Our brain is a funny thing. When we stand up and speak, even if we're an expert, when we speak to an audience we can be mumbling idiots and the audience will not differentiate between your competence and your confidence.
"I help close that gap."
Explaining what the book is about, she said: "This is 23 years worth of my knowledge and expertise, it takes all I know and the experiences I've had with clients and captures it in one book."
Clive Young of LocalIQ, a host of First Friday Club, then informed guests of a Living Magazine deal limited summer promotion where businesses can adverts featured in both the Oxfordshire and the Buckinghamshire & Berkshire Living magazines for the price of one.
Those interested should email clive.young@localiq.co.uk.
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