Summer 2017

ThisissueoftheOFASJournalisdedicated
tomyLateSister,SalyAnnChafey.
6thAugust1964–29thJune2017

OMEGA
Simplify and manage your desk with easy
access to power and data with the in-desk
or screen mounted Omega unit.
BROADPOWER
Telephone 01258 841001
www.broadpower.co.uk

29 DesignGuildMark
Aspartofourcontinuedrebranding,youwilshortlyseethelaunchofthenewOFASwebsite,
whichwilbepresentedinafreshervibrantway,butalsofocusingoneaseofnavigation
togetherwith thefacilityforvisitorstolocateproductsandservicesswiftly.
Inadditiontotheabove,wewilbepresentinga‘NewLook’journalfrom ourAutumnedition,
providingacleanandvisualfriendlyframework.Thisisbeing achievedbyworking alongside
oureditor,utilisingadditionalspace,topresentourmembersproductsandservicesina
morespaciousfashion.WelookforwardtoitbeingpublishedintheAutumn.
Withinthisissue,pleaseseeourneweducationalsection,comprisingofmanyinteresting
articles.Ifyouwouldliketobeincludedwithinthissectioninournextpublication,pleaseget
in-touch.
Sinceourspringpublication,wehavebeenpleasedtowelcomethefolowingnewmembers
toOFAS.DurableUK,Steelco,ABFWorkspace(Asplanned),PhoenixMecano.Welook
forwardtoworkingwithyoual,throughout2017andbeyond.
Onasombrenote,Iagainfindmyselfdedicatinganotherjournal.MysisterSalyChafey
passedawayonthe29thJuneagedonly52.Salybatledwithcancerforthelastthreeyears,
camethrougheachboutstrongerandbraver,butsuccumbedtothisdreadfuldiseaseinthe
end.ForthefirstthreeyearsofmerunningOFAS,Salywasinstrumentalintheproductionof
ourpublications,caryingoutin-depthproofreadingamongstothertasks.IthankyouSaly
foreverything,youwilnotbeforgoten.
Thankyou.
Kindregards,

Product News
Aaron would like to introduce the Timber
Plank. The Timber, a solid oak leg is already
a well-engineered structure capable of many
configurations. Added to this design is The
Plank a beautiful addition giving the set up an
“old School” feel. The detailed solid oak feature
on the desk top allows for many accessories
such as pen slots, power and lighting.
Contact Aaron for further details.
T - 01489 89 211
E - sales@aaron-desking.com
W - www.aaron-desking.com
London based Agua Fabrics are leading
producers of performance upholstery fabrics for
the Commercial sector. Agua has an impressive
portfolio of 30 collections covering soft fabrics
and faux leathers. All Agua collections are
fire retardant, hard wearing, impervious, antimicrobial
and supplied with a stain resistant
finish to maintain appearance.
T - 020 8205 0050
E - info@aguafabrics.com
W - www.aguafabrics.com
The PINNACLE Range
Alliance Seating’s new range offers you a
variety of functional and stylish options for the
modern office and conference facility. Available
in a multitude of seat and back combinations
including plastic, upholstered and mesh options,
along with a choice of frames such as an elegant
stacking chair, stylish swivel and robust bench
system.
T - 01422 231 300
E - Kylie@allianceseating.com.
W - www.allianceseating.com
Chip is a new 4A USB charging module set to
revolutionise the way we use on desk power.
With more and more devices using USB the
demand for traditional sockets on the desk is
falling. This stylish and fully integrated module
simply connects to your under desk power using
a Wieland or plug to offer 2 USB power supplies
capable of charging all leading phones and
tablets.
T - 01709 385 470
E - sales@cmd-ltd.com
W - www.cmd-ltd.com
There have been some exciting new additions
to Dams Social spaces range, designed and
manufactured in the UK. The best-selling Alban
range has been extended to include the new
Alban Top and Alban Pod and with so many
seating options and fabric designs available, the
new Alban breakout seating range will bring a
touch of modernism to any office space.
T - 0151 548 7111
E - sales@dams.com
W - www.dams.com
Durable have been one of Europe’s largest
business supplies manufacturers for almost 100
years. They are pioneers in producing innovative
solutions for the office, including award-winning
lighting, signage and tablet accessories.
Durable has presence in over 80 countries.
Their UK headquarters, situated in Dorset,
stocks over 1,000 SKU’s and provides a next
day delivery service.
T - 01202 897 071
E - customeroperations@durable-uk.com
W - www.durable-uk.com
4 www.ofas.org.uk SUMMER 2017

MODERN
INFORMATION
DISPLAY
The professional way to display:
DURAFRAME ® GRIP
THE INFOFRAME FOR TEXTILE SURFACES
> Present information professionally
> Insert and exchange information quickly thanks to the magnetic frame
> Attach to textile surfaces via unique fabric grip tape
> Available in black or silver A4 frames
TABLET HOLDERS
For offi ces, hotels, schools and more.
> For all tablets 7”-13”
> Rotates 360° with lock-in points every 90°
> Smooth tilt angle adjustment
> Anti-theft protection
> Manufactured in Germany
> Models available: Floor, Table, Table Clamp,
Wall and Wall Arm
www.durable-uk.com

Product News
HAWK
FURNITURE
Coming soon from Hawk – a new range of
A-frame tables available at both desk and
poseur heights. Three brand new MFC finishes
have also been added to the collection along
with new metalwork and edging options – call
01430 861 882 to be sent their latest newsletter
with all the details.
E - enquiries@hawkfurniture.co.uk
W - www.hawkfurniture.co.uk
James Tobias Quebix is a stackable storage
solution, easily configured to fit where and how
it is needed. With a huge range of standard
and special finishes to choose from, you can
make Quebix unique to your space. Individual
boxes can be bought and configured by you to
accommodate storage essentials.
T - 01278 437 300
E - sales@james-tobias.com
W - www.james-tobias.com
Challenge your inner creativity with mauser’s
award-winning element.x stackable steel
storage system. Available in different heights,
widths and colours, element.x offers unlimited
configurations to create the storage unit you
desire – for your office or home. So, head over
to their website to find out more about your next
favourite centrepiece.
Please contact mauser for further information.
T - 07789 356 012
E - info@mauser-office.co.uk
W - www.element-x.de/en
Steelco’s mobile 3 drawer, foolscap width all
steel pedestals, are ready to be used straight
out of the box. Either White or Metallic, they
feature easy glide drawer runners and a fifth
safety castor to avoid tipping. Each pedestal is
individually lockable and features a pen-tray in
the top drawer.
T - 01536 418 341
E - sales@steelco.co.uk
W - www.steelco.co.uk
Picture Racking is a specialist storage solution,
used to store growing collections of artifacts,
photographs and art work safely and securely
whilst maximising available storage space.
A modular system, Picture Racking is suitable
for; Art Galleries, Museums, Libraries, Schools,
Art Studios, Private Art Collections, and Public
Records Offices.
Moduflex have decades of experience in projects
where Picture Racking provided the ideal
solution to the storage of precious collections.
Organisations are increasingly using Art as
a way of creating inspiring work places, thus
building their own collections. Expert designers
from Moduflex will consider the nature of the
collection, available space, and space required
both now and in the future, before designing a
system to suit the client.
For further information or contact us on:
T - 01179 822 882
E - info@moduflex.co.uk
W - www.moduflex.co.uk
Introducing Triumph’s Comprehensive Seating
Range - triumph engineer three levels of
hard-wearing, stylish ergonomic seating to
suit all workplace environments. From task
seating for workstations to comfortable visitor
seats for receptions or meetings or even soft,
modular sofas, there’s an option to reflect your
organisations’ budget and brand.
T - 01685 352 222
E - marketing@triumphfurniture.com
W - www.triumphfurniture.com
6 www.ofas.org.uk SUMMER 2017

Ofas June 2017_MaineFXadvert 22/06/2017 12:44 Page 1
Product News
Maine storage & filing
www.maine.co.uk sales@maine.co.uk T. 01908 271688
L ondon Showro om
4 5 Gre a t Sutton Stre e t
London EC1V 0DE
Looking For a
Comprehensive &
Consistent
Furniture Supplier
? ?
Look No Further Than Woodstock
Office furniture distributors
Full In-House Delivery and Install Service
Next Day Delivery
A Range of Furniture and Seating For Every Budget
Worldwide Procurement Service
Sales and Marketing Support
Huge Stock Levels
Contact our sales office now to request your 2017 catalogues and pricing
Tel: 0161 494 5868 Email: sales@woodstockleabank.co.uk Web: www.woodstockleabank.co.uk
www.ofas.org.uk
SUMMER 2017
7

Product News
PATENT
I N G
P E N D
NOW
FUTURE
USB Type A 5A
USB Type A+C 20W
Choose TUF-R to ensure your
office is USB future proofed!
Only OE Electrics’ TUF-R allows you to
upgrade your USB charger without the
need to change your power unit.
Call Now: +44 (0) 1924 367255
8 www.ofas.org.uk SUMMER 2017

Product News
Viasits Drumback chair sets a new standard for sitting by combining
quality, good design, class leading ergonomics and affordability, with
a unique backrest concept that delivers the structural integrity of an
upholstered back chair, with the support, comfort and aeration of a mesh
back.
Contact Alan Stanton for further information.
T - 07769 883335
E - alanjstanton@viasit.com
W - www.viasit.com
Cobal Signs offers a range of office furniture
accessories including nameplates, pin boards and
dry wipe boards and letter trays, all available in a
range of colours to fit any workstation tool rail.
They also have a comprehensive range of
desk/locker number plates.
t: 01635 570600 www.cobal.co.uk
Company News
yuno – The Smart Alternative to the Folding Table
yuno by Wiesner Hager impresses with its minimalist elegance and
innovative design concept which adopts the positive features of a folding
table whilst avoiding its weaknesses. It stacks easily and compactly
without the need to fold the frame, thus saving valuable time and space
when setting up, dismantling and storing tables.
T - 020 7490 3627
E - london@wiesner-hager.com
W - www.wiesner-hager.com
ABF Workspace Ltd is a trade only supplier of products imported from
the Czech Republic. They supply seating, acoustic solutions and table
frames and are seeking strategic partners. All products are tried and
tested over Europe, yet virtually unknown in UK.
Please contact them for further information.
T - 01382 669 174
E - chairs@ldseating.co.uk
W - www.ldseating.com
Being a top supplier of Chair and Furniture Feet, Vital Parts hold
a large stock of sizes and variations to suit individual needs,
whether you need a Ferrule or an Insert. Offering free samples
and delivery on all orders, why go anywhere else?
T - 01233 713 581
E -Sales@vital-parts.co.uk
W - www.vital-parts.co.uk
ABL are delighted to welcome Sean Crysell and Stacey Dunn as their
newest Area Sales Managers covering the South West and South East
areas respectively. ABL are also pleased to announce two promotions.
Paul Mckenzie steps up to become Finance Director and Adrian Marston
becomes National Sales Manager. We wish Sean, Stacey, Paul and
Adrian all good luck in their new positions!
T - 0800 082 1444
E - sales@abl-uk.com
W - www.abl-uk.com
www.ofas.org.uk
SUMMER 2017
9

Company News
High and Mighty Office Seating,
European distributors of BodyBilt
office chairs, provide ergonomic
solutions to a vast range of specialist
needs, from big and tall to bariatric
to petite. They offer ergonomic
workstation assessments, in-house
repairs and corporate accounts.
T - 020 7486 7393
E - sales@hmergoseating.co.uk
W - www.hmergoseating.co.uk
With their Manchester showroom now in its
second year and continuing to succeed and
thrive in the industry, they have added further to
their extensive portfolio.
Imperial Furniture invite you to take a look at
their updated range of furniture on display.
Please contact your Area Sales Manager to
arrange your viewing.
T - 01204 364 602
E - info@imperialfurniture.co.uk
W - www.imperialfurniture.co.uk
Nomique’s new London Showroom is now open
in the heart of Clerkenwell, featuring new and
existing products in a clever workspace setting.
Come on in and see a variety of task, meeting
and soft seating options today.
Visit us at The Old Trading House, 15 Northburgh
Street, London, EC1V 0PR.
T - 01952 585 828
E - sales@nomique.com
W - www.nomique.com
Last month OE Electrics moved into its new
purpose built manufacturing facility in Wakefield.
The new building: OE House, brings a spacious
working environment, better facilities, more
space for growth and allows for an altogether
much improved base from which to continue
providing unprecedented service and support to
its customers.
T - 01924 367 255
E - sales@oeelectrics.co.uk
W - www.oeelectrics.co.uk
For inspiring, intelligent and innovative
space saving storage wall solutions follow
panelplan.co.uk
T - 01908 270 761
E - sales@panelplan.co.uk
W - www.panelplan.co.uk
For over 70 years, Okamura has been Japan’s
leading office furniture manufacturer and a
benchmark for the industry - recognized for
its high quality products that have achieved
design and engineering excellence. They will
be exhibiting their new chair the ‘Contessa
Seconda’ at 100% Design in September – find
them at booth CP10.
T - 020 3077 5930
E - info@okamura-corp.co.uk
W - www.okamura.jp
Is the current political uncertainty and concerns
over Brexit causing your clients to delay
projects?
Now is a great time to offer leasing as an
alternative way to fund projects and kick start
sales.
Speak to Plus Finance for more information.
T - 01494 783 773
E - sales@plusfinance.co.uk
W - www.plusfinance.co.uk
Solutions 4 have successfully completed a full
design and refurbishment contract for a bluechip
client based in London. The works involved
their designers establishing a bespoke interior
to re-invent the office theme and their project
managers implementing the scheme with
electrically height adjustable desks and acoustic
pods from AcousticPods.co.uk
T - 020 7309 2909
E - sales@solutions-4.co.uk
W - www.solutions-4.co.uk
Southern Office Furniture are pleased to
announce their new website is live!
They are there to help you choose the best
office furniture for your requirements. Why not
take a look at the extensive ranges they have
available to suit every budget.
For further information, please contact them.
T - 0800 731 4592
E - info@southernofficefurniture.co.uk
W - www.southernofficefurniture.co.uk
Are you looking for high quality, client specific,
office furniture solutions with a difference?
If so, talk to Staverton about becoming one
of a select number of Staverton dealers and
discover what makes them so special.
Please contact David:
T - 07989 428 045
E - david@staverton.co.uk
W - www.staverton.co.uk
TCi (GB) Ltd proudly announces the formation
of TCi furniture WORKS: dedicated commercial
office and welfare furniture supply and install.
Specialists in construction site accommodation
facilities and bespoke office setups, their design
team and national delivery and installation
capability make them the premier choice for
your workspace.
T - 01237 470 288
E - sales@tcigb.co.uk
W - www.tcifurnitureworks.co.uk
OfficeChairsUK are a family run
business established in 1971. They
provide expert advice, great value,
discounted prices and a unique
selection of branded products,
including Herman Miller, Boss Design,
Humanscale and Orangebox, to name
just a few.
T - 0845 600 1917
E - ryan@officechairsuk.co.uk
W - www.officechairsuk.co.uk
www.ofas.org.uk
SUMMER 2017
11

Services
Active Office Seating, manufacturers
of quality office / breakout seating
also offer a re-upholstery service to
the trade which has successfully run
for many years. Should you require
any upholstery quotes, please contact
them.
T - 01268 779 991
E - sales@activeofficeseating.com
W - www.activeofficeseating.com
ACS is a national office solutions provider that
can help you improve business productivity,
office wellbeing and the feel of your working
environment with competitive furniture supply,
space planning and fit-out solutions.
Services include: Furniture supply, space
planning and interior design, cabling and audio
visual together with fit-out and installation.
T - 0844 4815 786
E - info@acs365.co.uk
W - www.acs365.co.uk/workplace
Desk Warehouse are a Belfast based company,
which services a wide range of businesses
and homes throughout the UK and Ireland.
They welcome the opportunity to distribute
products for GB based wholesalers and have a
speciality in buying discontinued, liquidated and
remaindered stocks.
T - 0800 999 6055
E - ajmulligan@deskwarehouse.co.uk
W - www.deskwarehouse.co.uk
Field Interiors Limited has well established
business arrangements with the majority of
the leading furniture manufacturers. They
are able to supply a wide range of products
across all budget ranges, covering desking,
seating, storage, boardrooms, receptions and
break out areas. Field Interiors will match your
requirements and budget to provide the right
products.
T - 07921 929 581
E - sales@fieldinteriors.com
W - www.fieldinteriors.com
Margolis is the exclusive distributor for
ERGOLAIN, an award winning company
specialising in the design, manufacturing
and sourcing of contract furniture for serviced
offices, public spaces, hotels and restaurants.
Together they pride themselves in the service
they provide through dedicated design, project
management and manufacturing teams,
enabling them to deliver your complete project
.
T - 020 7387 8217
E - info@margolisfurniture.co.uk
W - www.margolisfurniture.co.uk
Mobius At Work is dedicated to designing and
delivering innovative and functional working
environments across the country. They offer the
opportunity for you to also experience your next
office space in virtual reality, ensuring that the
design is to your requirements from the start.
T - 01189 406 315
E - info@mobiusatwork.co.uk
W - mobiusatwork.co.uk
Suttons offer a complete cost-effective
renovation and refurbishment service for all
types of office seating. From a single chair to 100
plus chairs, they are happy to survey, assess
and repair your office seating, to help reduce
both your costs and impact on the environment.
Contact Suttons for a FREE estimate and
advice.
T - 01458 252 492
E - sales@suttonupholsterers.co.uk
W - www.suttonupholsterers.co.uk
Office Depot Interiors provides total workspace
solutions; from planning and design to
supply and installation. They embrace a fully
consultative approach and aim to optimise your
available space and budget. They can manage
one step or every step of the process from a
single work station to a complete refurbishment.
T - 0844 412 0042
W - www.officedepot.eu
Rapid Office are a professional furniture
dealership with over 37 years experience and
offer access to a vast array of products. With
their own in-house design and installation
service, they will see projects through from the
beginning to beyond.
T - 01708 755 666
E - sales@rapidoffice.co.uk
W - www.rapidoffice.co.uk
Sapphire Contractors Limited have
a Southern and Northern office to
cover the country for the installation
of partitions, ceilings, flooring,
mechanical and electrical services,
building maintenance, supply and
installation of furniture and storage
facilities for office and commercial use.
T - 020 8665 6226
E - sales@sapphirecontractors.co.uk
W - www.sapphirecontractors.co.uk
Fast Key Services are the UK’s leading supplier
of replacement keys and locks for office furniture
and lockers. Fastkeys cut and dispatch same
day, a comprehensive range of keys for locks
covering all the major lock and office furniture
manufacturers. These include Lowe and
Fletcher, Ronis, Ojmar, Ahrend, MLM Lehmann,
BMB, Hafele, Hekna, Huwil, Knoll, Touch T6 and
many more.
T - 01268 562 562
E - sales@fastkeys.co.uk
W - www.fastkeys.co.uk
Thinking of Revamping Your Office Space?
With the help of professional redesign/
refurbishment services, it’s amazing what can be
achieved within your current workspace. They
can revitalise offices with minimum disruption to
allow you to get on with business as usual.
Interested in how they could help? Visit their
website or contact them.
T - 01509 632 610
E - info@bridgeinteriors.co.uk
W - www.bridgeinteriors.co.uk
“The information in this journal is supplied in
good faith but it’s accuracy is not guaranteed
and no warranty or representation is made
in that regard. Inclusion in the OFAS journal
does not necessarily represent an OFAS
recommendation.”
12 www.ofas.org.uk SUMMER 2017

Services
www.ofas.org.uk
SUMMER 2017
13

Welcometoournewsectioncoveringthe
excitingworldofeducation
We’lbefocusingontipsandguidanceforspecifiersandpurchaserswithinschools,academiesand
universitiesandfeaturingwaysinwhichprovidersaredeliveringsupplysolutionsfortheconstantly
chalengededucationalseting.
We’dlovetohearfrom youwithsuggestionsforpublicationsofeelfreetocontactusonalan@ofas.org.uk
oralison@ofas.org.uk
AestheticsandFunction
When designing an ofice,the
balancebetweenaestheticsand
functionisachalengingone,as
bothhavesimilarimportancein
thedesign proces.When this
balancebecomestippedinfavour
Therightdeskisalsoanecesity.
Extensive surface space is
imperativeasagreatamountof
thisarea can be occupied by
esential stationary and
technology,hinderingmovement
and thus productivity.
ofaesthetics,qualitiessuch as
comfortandergonomicsmaybe
Additionaly,ifyouworkinan
compromised.In manymodern oficeformorethantwodays,
designcases,thebalancebetween whetherit’sathomeornot,you,
aesthetics and function has oryouremployer,shouldstrongly
become so skewed that considerinvestinginasit/standto
functionality is becoming avoidbackpainandestablisha
irelevant.Likely,thisisduetothe healthy and active working
necesity ofmarketability and
how photogenic products and
spacesare.
“movingfromasiting
toastandingposition
helpstheuserfelmore
energised”
To ensure welfare and
productivity, it is vital to
incorporate both stylish ofice
interiors and functional
ergonomics. For example, a
wel-designed chairshould not
onlybeaestheticalypleasingbut
alsohaveadjustablecontrolsand
actionstomanipulatethechairto
fit every body shape whilst
supportingbothbackandspine.
position.Researchhasfoundthat
moving from a siting to a
standingpositionhelpstheuser
feelmoreenergised,aidsimproved
concentration, increases
productivity, reduces back
problemsandburnsuptothree
timesmorecalories.
Whilecamera-friendlyaesthetics
may be compromising the
‘comfortfactor’inmanydesigns,it
isnottosaythataestheticsdonot
stil have a fundamental
importance.
Aesthetic aspects like the
appearance,texture,andfinishof
an object provide important
informationaboutitsfunction,its
quality and the manufacturing
methodused.Therefore,aesthetic
featurescannotonlybeleveraged
toto alow an object to look
appealing,butalso to explain
whatitisandwhatyoucando
withit.
“formfolowsfunction”
Consequently,abalanceofthe
twoisrequiredforasuccesful
result.Theclasicdesignprinciple
‘form folowsfunction’suggests
thatform andfunctionshouldbe
balanced whilstcommunicating
itsmainfunctionalitycorectly.
Let’shopefuturetrendsconsider
thepracticalandemotionalneeds
of the end user, without
negotiatingcomfortforcool.

Tel: 0800 082 1444
Email: sales@abl-uk.com
www.abl-uk.com
Add some
to your worklife

Colourful.
Compact.
Curved.
The new range of power modules offers power when you need it via its selection of smart charge
and power socket ports. Chroma supplied with data and media connections allows the end user to
connect various devices quickly and efficiently. Excellent clamping fixtures and smart charge points
makes this a practical and stylish addition to your desktop! Add some Chroma to your work life!
Bottom fix option
Coloured rings are supplied with
every Chroma power module.
Top fix option

Education Education
Some3,500oficesupplycompanies
arestrivingtopenetratetheschools
sector.Whensomenew schoolsare
thequalityoffive-starhotelsandrun
toextremelycomplexsystems,the
trendtooutsourcingsurelycanonly
grow inimportanceastheinitialand
longer-term costand timesavings
becomeclear.

20-23 September 2017
OLYMPIA LONDON
Elements of design.
The only dedicated workplace
design show in the UK
Register free at
www.100percentdesign.co.uk
#100design 100percentdesign designlondon

R-Rate Whatisthetruecost/price
when compared with its lifetime
expectancy? Withthemoneyyou
spendbuythebestyoucanaford.
Hardwearingmaterialsandfinishes
areavailableto ensuredesksand
chairswithstandabeatingandyou
don’thavetopaytheearthforthem.

Editorial
How
office
furniture
can cost
the earth.
The full ‘Sustainability Hotspot Analysis for the Furniture Industry’
report is available from www.fira.co.uk/publications.
The Furniture Industry Research
Association recently released their
latest research, ‘Sustainability
Hotspot Analysis for the Furniture
Industry’, as part of their much wider
circular economy project. (A circular
economy keeps resources in use for as
long as possible, extracting maximum
value while in use, before regenerating
products/materials at the end of each
service life).
The research was centred around
key sustainability and social risks
(or hotspots) which exist within all
furniture supply chains, including
office furniture. These risks show the
need to look to the circular economy
to keep existing furniture in use,
either by recycling for re-modifying,
and out of landfill.
“recycling and reusing
existing office furniture
could reduce CO2
emissions and not cost
the earth”
In the UK alone, Government
statistics on waste estimate that in
excess of 600 tonnes of furniture (and
mattresses) are sent to landfill each
year.
While Friends of the Earth research
suggests that £760 million of recyclable
and reusable sources are sent to landfill
annually. When it comes the recycling
of office chairs, some products can
have up to 400 parts, some of which
will be recyclable, and some not. This
creates a challenge.
In support of the case for the Circular
Economy, the Association’s research
included looking at the impact new
office chairs and desks have on
the environment in terms of CO2
emissions during production.
The average carbon footprint for the
production of an office chair was 73kg
CO2, with 70% of the footprint coming
from just two materials - metal and
plastic. Many office chairs, especially
those assembled from a kit of parts
are mainly plastic in construction,
with metal usually limited to gas
lift cylinders and the seat reclining
mechanism.
However, most design-led chairs
often use metal as style feature,
predominantly in the chair base.
When it came to the production
assessment of office desks (measuring
1600mm x 800mm) the average
footprint was 35kg CO2. The
biggest material contributors to
that were timber/board and metal.
Although significant carbon footprint
reductions could be achieved by
minimising the use of these key
materials, a challenge will arise as the
generic design of desking would need
to be reviewed.
By adopting a circular economy,
office furniture manufacturers could
reduce CO2 emissions by re-using
existing furniture. Although we have
to consider whether the current
marketplace would fully embrace
recycled office furniture.
www.ofas.org.uk
SUMMER 2017
21

BySam Palmer,ProjectManager–CrownSportsLockers

The locker specification process began
two years ago under a larger branding
plan for the Centre that embraced a
refreshed colour palette to identify
different areas of provision.
Anxious to ensure the new provision
met member needs and expectations,
Laurence sourced feedback from the
last user survey then canvassed a
cross-section of customers for their
preferences.
He approached a spread of suppliers
for quotes and chose a British bespoke
furniture manufacturer as the
standout choice.
“We asked for the same look as before
and other suppliers produced plans
for more of the same. This company
offered a different take on things.
Their project manager, Spencer
Grimwood, thought outside the box
to create more floor space so easing
circulation round the rooms.
“We picked up the red and black
theme of the University logo in the
lockers but on paper I wondered if the
plans were right but once in place, it
all worked really well,” he adds.
The scheme was confirmed a year ago
but the supplier was already thinking
ahead, says Laurence. “We preferred
traditional pound coin locking rather
than digital so they ensured that all
the lockers took the new pound coin
as well as the old one. That proved
really helpful as we do not have to
worry about converting the locks
when the old coins cease to be legal
tender.
“Also, people tend to leave things in
their locker for some time while they
use the Astroturf or other indoor
facilities and it gives them peace of
mind to know they have their locker
key with them.”
The changing areas now include 45
two-tier lockers in both male and
Education
female changing rooms. Solid oak
timber slat seating mounted on
stainless steel legs complete a finely
appointed and finished fit-out, along
with hardwearing non-slip vinyl
flooring.
“The lockers are sizeable enough to
hang clothes,” adds Laurence – “many
members use the gym before work so
they have to store suits, shirts and
so on - although we decided against
shelving as valuables such as mobile
phones as these tend to stay with the
individual.”
Installation of the male and female
provision took up just 10 days of
the overall six-week project. “The
installation team had the product
in and out very quickly, arriving
early and working late to complete
everything ahead of schedule. They
certainly knew what they were
doing.”
Post Clerkenwell
in partnership with
CREATE
CONNECT
COLLABORATE
Create smart spaces for collaborative,
flexible working with storage from Silverline
and partitioning combined with acoustic solutions
from Screen Innovations.
London Showroom: 21-22 Great Sutton Street | Clerkenwell | London EC1V 0DY
T: +44 (0)20 7253 7652 | E: enquiries@silverline-oe.com | W: www.silverline-oe.com
Part of Group S : www.group-s.co.uk
www.ofas.org.uk
SUMMER 2017
23

Post Clerkenwell
Design, RBM, and Boss Design whilst a range of talks were held
at Morgan, Orangebox and Humanscale.
Due to its popularity, Project was extended to cover two linked
pavilions with a selection of leading contract furniture, lighting
and surface brands. Highlights included Ergotron, LUCTRA®
by DURABLE, and Mobica+, with each showcasing innovative
products ideal for the office.
With so much to see, we look forward to what Clerkenwell
Design Week 2018 will bring.
www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com
CDWfestival #CDW2017
www.ofas.org.uk
SUMMER 2017
25

Post Clerkenwell
Established over a century ago Wagstaff have steadily progressed to
be the largest and most comprehensive independent company in the
Interior Fit-Out and Furniture Industry. And with additional services:
Workplace Consultancy, Interior Design, Move Management, Furniture
Hire and Re-use and Recycle, Wagstaff provides a unique single
sourced project managed service.
T - 0844 375 9690
W - www.wagstaffgroup.co.uk
New Clerkenwell showroom
open for business
Our new showroom in the heart of the capital’s design quarter at
Studio 5, 5 Albemarle Way, Clerkenwell EC1V 4JB is open.
Call in to see our evolutión ® reception desk range along with a
Corian ® desk and some examples of our bespoke
capabilities including specialist joinery and Corian ® bench seating.
Call the Clarke Rendall team on 020 7781 2162 for more
information and to arrange your visit.
bring it to life...
reception | meeting | project
Head Office: 01908 391600 | London Showroom: 020 7781 2162
Email: salessupport@clarkerendall.com | www.clarkerendall.com
Clerkenwell Design Week 2017
KI displayed a range of new MDF/MFC finishes, and RAL-matched steel
paint colours for softer, more natural workspaces. These augment the
existing options available across KI’s comprehensive workstations and
storage solutions and demonstrate how a typical corporate environment
can be easily transformed to create a warmer, inviting, homely space.
T - 020 7404 7441
E - workplace@kieurope.com
W - www.kieurope.com
Sit Stand
Harnser Office Furniture are pleased to
announce their new electric height adjustable
desk range with adjustable widths from 1200mm
to 1800mm and height adjustment from 710mm
to 1210mm.
For more information or for advice on how
Harnser can help you, please contact their sales
team.
T - 01508 532 266
E - sales@harnserltd.co.uk
Osmond Ergonomics have been selling sit-stand
desks for almost 20 years. Their 2017 Motus
desks are about half the price of those they sold
in 2000! With quality products from both Europe
and the Far East, they can supply exactly what
you need with the back-up knowledge and
support to match.
Osmond Ergonomics, 21 Johnson Road,
Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne BH21
7SE
T - 0345 345 0898
E - info@ergonomics.co.uk
W - www.ergonomics.co.uk
OKIN Office Solutions
Health benefits and increased productivity: Sitstand
desks are the ideal solution for modern
workspaces. OKIN offers strong lifting columns
with a sleek design. Together with their smart
control units and various handsets they realise
your individual desk.
Contact OKIN to learn more about their office
solutions.
T - 01296 611 681
E - gjones@pmgb.co.uk
W - www.dewertokin.com/products/office
26 www.ofas.org.uk SUMMER 2017

Sit Stand
AFFORDABLE CRESCENT SIT/STAND SOLUTIONS
Autonomy Pro, a highly affordable electric height adjustable solution, is bringing sit/stand working to the masses. Adjust the height of
the desktop from 640 mm to 1300 mm to ensure ergonomic and healthy working positions throughout the day.
Choose one of our desktops, or use your own desktop with our Autonomy Pro crescent frame only.
®
The office
furniture experts
Showroom: Unit 4 Brunel Way l Severalls Industrial Park l Colchester l CO4 9QX
T. 01206 844541 E. sales@century-office.co.uk W. www.century-office.co.uk
New Members
KUBA is BPFs new modular cable management
system made up of articulating cable snakes
for height adjustable desks, articulating floor
trunking and desktop cable ports, which can
all be linked together for seamless cable
channelling around the office. Perfect for the
modern dynamic workplace.
For more details search for “KUBA” on bpfonline.
co.uk
T - 01295 264 800
E - sales@bpfonline.co.uk
W - www.bpfonline.co.uk
Looking for a seating supplier or a new line in
acoustics?
www.ldseating.com and www.silent-lab.com
enjoy huge success in mainland Europe, are
young and forward thinking with ambitious
growth plans. If you would like to grow your
business with them please do get in touch.
Please contact them for further information.
T - 01382 669 174
E - chairs@ldseating.co.uk
W - www.ldseating.com
Steelco was established in 1998 in Rothwell,
Northants. From there, they manufacture and
supply quality office seating to order.
Through their dealer network they are also a
one stop shop for steel storage products and
office furniture.
Their Distribution Centre includes offices,
warehouse and their newly refurbished
showroom.
T - 01536 418 341
E - sales@steelco.co.uk
W - www.steelco.co.uk
Durable have been one of Europe’s largest
business supplies manufacturers for almost 100
years. They are pioneers in producing innovative
solutions for the office, including award-winning
lighting, signage and tablet accessories.
Durable has presence in over 80 countries.
Their UK headquarters, situated in Dorset,
stocks over 1,000 SKU’s and provides a next
day delivery service.
T - 01202 897 071
E - customeroperations@durable-uk.com
W - www.durable-uk.com
DewertOkin GmbH is an international
manufacturer of actuators and system
technology for electrically adjustable furniture,
with their headquarters in Kirchlengern,
Germany. The company is part of the Swiss
Phoenix Mecano Group. DewertOkin products
are used for bedding, seating, medical and office
applications such as desks, beds, armchairs
and nursing beds.
T - 01296 611 681
E - gjones@pmgb.co.uk
W - www.dewertokin.com/products/office/
As a new company joining OFAS, Vital Parts
work with hundreds of Businesses inside
the UK. They provide the largest range of
Chair and Furniture maintenance products
and are happy to work with you to find the
best solution. Based in Maidstone, Kent they
operate nationwide from their head office.
T - 01233 713 581
E - Sales@vital-parts.co.uk
W - www.vital-parts.co.uk
www.ofas.org.uk
SUMMER 2017
27

Editorial
Staying safe in the sun.
We’ve seen the beginnings of summer in recent weeks and, as temperatures soar (and drop again!) many workers are spending days in unbearably warm offices or
working outdoors in the blazing sunshine. This is a significant health and safety issue for employers, whose duty it is to ensure staff are comfortable and protected
from harmful UV rays.
In indoor workplaces, when people are too hot, the
HSE advises to help ensure thermal comfort by:
• Providing desk, pedestal or ceiling-mounted
fans
• Ensuring windows can be opened
• Shading employees from direct sunlight
• Sitting workstations away from direct sunlight
or other situations that radiate heat
• Relaxing formal dress code – but you must
ensure that PPE is used if required.
For outdoor workers, the HSE advises:
• Rescheduling work to cooler times of the day
• Providing more frequent rest breaks and
introduce shading to rest areas
• Providing free access to cool drinking water
• Educating workers about recognising the
early symptoms of heat stress.
T - 0333 210 1995
W - www.internationalworkplace.com
IMPARTIAL | YOUR KEY | OUR PASSION
The Furniture Makers’
Company is the charity
for the British furnishing
industry.
Its vision is for a thriving British furnishing industry with a
talented workforce, delivering high quality products and
supporting those- in-need within the industry.
• It recognises and inspires excellence within the industry
with its prestigious Guild Mark awards
• It encourages new talent with its extensive education
programme
• It helps people from the industry when times are tough,
with grants, services, time and support
T - 020 7256 5558
E - hello@furnituremakers.org.uk
W - www.furnituremakers.org.uk
ISSUE 85
1,100
specialist
office furniture
dealers and
resellers
550 human
resource
professionals
300 agents
and distributors
for foreignoffice
and contract
furniture
manufacturers
The OFAS Journal is distributed each quarter to
approximately 7,500 named individuals but we
know of course, that the total readership will be
very much greater than this.
1,800
architects,
and design
professionals
“Circulated to end users,
Facilities Managers and
Precurment Managers of
small and large businesses.”
2,200 top
facilities/
procurement
managers
550 British
office and
contract
furniture
manufacturers
28 www.ofas.org.uk SUMMER 2017

Editorial
The Design Guild
Mark 2017 Award
Funiture Makers’ Company
The Furniture Makers’ Company
announces awardees for the Design
Guild Mark 2017 Award.
“The Design Guild
Mark drives excellence
and raises the profile
of British design and
innovation”
The ninth Design Guild Mark
Awards have been announced for
an unprecedented total of 34 award
recipients.
The prestigious Design Guild Mark
is awarded by The Furniture Makers’
Company, the furnishing industry’s
charity, in order to drive excellence
and raise the profile of British design
and innovation. The award recognises
the highest standards in the design of
furniture in volume production by the
finest designers working in Britain, or
British designers working abroad.
Alexander Gifford, Chairman of the
Design Guild Mark, commented:
“Hosted across our own Furniture
Makers’ Hall and Carpenters’ Hall,
this year’s Design Guild Mark saw
another record number of applicants,
reflecting the high quality of entries
we had hoped for.
Once again, the entries were equally
diverse, from contract to retail,
from residential to hospitality and
workplace, as were the applicants
themselves. Chairing the judging
process for the third year was a great
honour, and watching the great minds
in our industry critique the great
output of British design was a real
pleasure.”
The Design Guild Mark is judged by a
panel of leading industry professionals.
Each member of the panel is from the
furniture, hospitality, commercial,
retail, or media industry. Judges must
ensure that each piece of furniture
meets the criteria of: excellence in
design, materials, manufacture and
function.
www.ofas.org.uk
SUMMER 2017
29

OFAS Summer Quiz
Can you match the equipment used to the following sports men and women?
Please email you answer’s to alan@ofas.org.uk for a chance to win a £50.00
store voucher!
The winner of our spring competition was Jane Ford – Scott Howard Office
Furniture Ltd. Congratulations Jane, we hope you enjoy spending your voucher!
30 www.ofas.org.uk SUMMER 2017

Our new stock and project
range catalogues are on the way.
Pre-order your copies today…
Call us today on 01189 279 734 to pre-order or email us at info@hhsolutionsuk.com
If you’re new to HH Solutions, you’ll be pleased to know that when you register for an account we can give you access to:
FREE unbranded catalogues | Generous margin to sweeten deals or maximise profits | FREE access to our showroom
FREE 24 hour delivery on seating when ordered by 3.00pm | FREE delivery on furniture orders over £500
The potential for even bigger margins on high volume orders
Contact number - 01889 279 734 • Email address - info@hhsolutionsuk.com
Address - Unit 1A, Airfield Industrial Estate, Hixon, Stafford, ST18 0PF
www.hhsolutionsuk.com