The Business Districts and Areas of London
The Business Districts in London
London and business go hand in hand. Thousands of people travel into the business districts of London every day to make deals and money. However, you may not know that these deals have been happening in these areas of London for hundreds of years. In fact, in certain business districts in London, deals have been taking place for thousands of years. If you work in one of the business districts in London, you may not realise the history that surrounds you every day. Below the beautiful modern building, you work in are centuries of business transactions, just like the ones you make daily. Let's take a look at the business districts of London and find out some of the history of these areas, shall we?
The history of the business districts of London
The City
The City of London is, of course, the oldest part of London. The Romans built the City in the 1st century, nearly 2,000 years ago. There have been hundreds of archaeological digs in the City over the years. One of these digs found evidence of the very first business transactions in London. A dig found a stone tablet that was basically a receipt for some goods that were shipped from Rome to London around 50 AD. Considering that London was founded in 47 AD, this is probably one of the very first business acts in the City and shows that London has been a hive of business for almost 2,000 years! The City of London has also been home to the Vikings, Saxon and Tudors over the years too. The Vikings had a network of trade reaching the silk road and back. The Tudors were one of the wealthiest kingdoms in British history. So business in the City of London has never stopped. From the moment the Romans arrived, the City has been all about business.
Westminster
After the fall of the Romans came the Saxons, who set up shop just outside of the City that the Romans had built. West of the City in what we now know as Westminster. This was known as 'London Village' or 'London Port'. Wherever there is a port in ancient times, there is business. Ports were centres of business because travel back then happened at sea. Goods likely traveled from around the world to Westminster at this time, making it a hotspot for business people and trade.
Canary Wharf
The beautiful businesses of Canary Wharf sit on top of the West India Docks. At their peak, these docks were the busiest in the world. Boats from every corner of the globe would come into these docks to unload goods like sugar, gold and a great deal more. Canary Wharf's legacy in London business stretches back to at least the 1800s and has been an important and valuable site to England and its business ever since. In fact, Canary Wharf is now one of the main financial centres in the world.
Camden & Islington
Camden and Islington may now be a busy business district in London. However, until about 150 years ago, these areas were actually on the outskirts of London. They were small villages that would have supplied London with goods and services. So, Camden and Islington may not have been a hive of business activity back then. Still, there were many villagers supplying London with all manner of things.
Lambeth & Southwark
Lambeth and Southwark have the shortest history of business out of all of the districts in London. This is because, for much of recorded history, Lambeth and Southwark were underwater! There is evidence of Roman life in Southwark, though. There was a bridge built here by the Romans. A bridge that would allow the Romans to take goods to anywhere in England. That is sadly the only connection to business from the history books we could find for this district.
So, when you travel to work in one of the business districts in London next time, just think, someone may have made that journey 2,000 years ago! Maybe not by underground, but they could have certainly been conducting business just like you! The business districts in London are vibrant, busy places, and as the info above shows, they've been this way for hundreds of years.
The Best Areas and Neighbourhoods To Live In Glasgow
Whether you’re new to Glasgow or you have lived here for years, you already know that it is one of the best cities in Europe. Glasgow is the most populated city in Scotland, and as the motto says, ‘People make Glasgow’. It has been transformed from an industrial city that made a lot of Scotland’s exports into a beautiful cultural and vibrant place. The appeal of Glasgow is its wonderful food, nightlife and shopping. However, as you explore the many lovely restaurants and bars, you can enjoy some breathtaking landmarks with the history of Scotland right on your doorstep. If you’re new to Glasgow, you may be wondering where the best places to live are. Running a Virtual Office service in Glasgow, you learn a thing or two about the special areas of the city. so, where can you take advantage of everything that Glasgow has to offer? Well, we’re glad you asked. Here are the best areas to live in in Glasgow.
The Best Areas To Live In Glasgow
Southside
The Southside of Glasgow has everything a family could want. It has some of the best schools in Scotland, brilliant public transport that makes getting into the centre of Glasgow nice and simple and some wonderful places to eat and enjoy an evening or two. However, for most that live in Southside, it is the character of the place that they quickly fall in love with. There is a true feeling of community in the Southside of Glasgow. Sure, the beautiful Victorian homes and wonderful history around every corner is great. However, the community vibe is nearly unbeatable. If you like the sound of Southside, check out Shawlands. Most locals consider it the beating heart of Southside.
Bearsden/Milngavie
Milngavie and Bearsden boast some of the most expensive houses in Glasgow. However, if you can afford the prices, you are in for a real treat. You see, few neighbourhoods in the UK can match the quality of life in this area. It's one of the best areas in Glasgow to raise a child, but there is still quick access to the city centre for all of the night time entertainment you could want. The Bearsden and Milngavie area is slightly quieter than the other areas on our list. Still, that makes it all the more appealing for many folks who call it home.
Merchant City
For those that don’t fancy the quiet life just yet, there is Merchant City. It is one of Glasgow’s oldest quarters, and it has been a hive of activity ever since the 1750s. Back then, Merchant City was home to trading warehouses for wealthy traders. The bustling streets would have been filled with workers loading and unloading goods from around the world. Now Merchant City has some of the best nightlife, food and events in Glasgow. It is also home to new apartment complexes with high-end apartments perfect for couples who want to enjoy the nightlife that the area offers. Merchant City is also home to Ingram Street, an exclusive fashion district home to Armani, Mulberry and Ralph Lauren. Merchant City is the perfect place for young professionals who love dressing in their finery and hitting the town as the town (and the finery) is just steps away!
The West End
The West End of Glasgow is arguably one of the most popular places to live in the city. Everything anyone could ever need is in the West End. However, the culture, nightlife and shopping appeal to loads of people. Many students and young professionals move to Glasgow’s West End because of the incredible diversity and fun to be had. But they stay there for museums, art galleries and some of the best schools in Scotland. The West End has some beautiful apartments that any young professional will love. But the area also has some gorgeous townhouses for anyone wishing to settle down as well.
Kingsborough Gardens
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Kingsborough Gardens while we talk about the West End. Kingsborough Gardens is in the Hyndland area of Glasgow and is home to some of the most expensive property in Glasgow. If you have the budget, you could be rubbing shoulders with Scottish celebrities like Frankie Boyle and Kevin Bridges. Both live in the Hyndland area. Kingborough Gardens is in the heart of the West End, too, so fantastic restaurants, museums, food and more are just around the corner.
We hope you found the perfect area in Glasgow for you. To find out more about the best places to live around the UK, and a great deal more, please explore our website further.
4 Epic Co-Working Offices in Liverpool
As a company, we are very much part of the workplace evolution, but we see co-working as part of the new working environment as well. As we have recently opened virtual offices in Liverpool, we thought it would be great to have a look at the co-working options as well. Whether you are an entrepreneur, freelancer or creative that is looking for a workspace in Liverpool, you're in luck.There are 16 co-working offices in Liverpool and below we have 4 of the best where creative people can work together, bettering their skills and their work as they do. These co-working spaces offer fresh, fun and exciting environments to work toward your business goals.
Basecamp Liverpool
https://www.coworker.com/united-kingdom/liverpool/basecamp-liverpool
Basecamp Liverpool is a modern co-working space with a slightly industrial vibe about it. The community that calls this office space home is vibrant, varied and extremely supportive of each other. Currently, the members of Basecamp includes graphic designers, bloggers, copywriters, architects and software developers among many other creative talents.
Starting from just £150 a month, Basecamp is a brilliant space to call home and grow a business from. You will be surrounded by creativity in the creative quarter of Liverpool. Plus, Basecamp also has regular workshopping events, conference facilities and a great deal more that anyone using the space has access to. Basecamp is proud to be home to some of the most talented creative minds in Liverpool, and you can join them right now!
DoES Liverpool
https://www.coworker.com/united-kingdom/liverpool/does-liverpool
DoES prides itself on the community that their space has nurtured. They provide an exciting space that is spacious and comfortable to work in. That's just the tip of a very exciting iceberg, though. DoES has very speedy WIFI, tea and coffee making facilities and some brilliant pricing options that suit any creative person's budget.
As we said, though, DoES is all about the community and wants to create a space where
everyone can work hard towards their goals. DoES wants you to feel a part of their community too, so on your first day at this co-working space, bring some cake in and meet the lovely folks you'll be working alongside, you get your first day free and might just meet a few people that can pushyou towards the goals you want to achieve.
Signature Works at Cavern Walks
https://www.coworker.com/united-kingdom/liverpool/cavern-walks
Signature Works was set up for freelancers that are tired from working home. For creatives that feel disconnected and for entrepreneurs that can't seem to find out about
current trends fast enough. However, what they have created is a community in a co-working space that is connected and often works together.
Signature Works is part of the Signature Group, a fast-growing business in the North West of England. When they need talent, they often call upon the creative minds that use its co-working space. So, Signature Works is a nice and modern office space with very competitive prices per month. Still, they also provide a space where freelancers and entrepreneurs can grow and build businesses together.
Unit3 Design Studio
https://www.coworker.com/united-kingdom/liverpool/unit3-design-studio
Unit3 is a very exciting co-working space that is the perfect space for graphic designers or any other creative mind. Unit3 is a design studio that is seeking creative minds to share their office space. They are a team of 5 and have space for another 6 people. Because of what Unit3 is all about, the creative minds that call it home has access to a massive design resource library, printing facilities up to A1, and unlimited refreshments! Oh, and 24-hour access, unlimited use of meeting rooms, private parking, and so much more!
If you are a graphic designer or artist, Unit3 is a very affordable, yet incredible space where you can grow your business and your skill with likeminded people who love to laugh and socialise too. Check out Unit3 now for a very exciting co-working space for any creative mind!
The Ultimate Guide: Picking Artwork for Your Office
There are many points to consider when choosing artwork for your office: the branding, the use of colour, and practicalities like whether to invest in expensive art work or to rotate art annually using a renting service.
The office space has changed hugely in recent times; what was once sterile cubicles has now been replaced by comfortable designs that make employees feel relaxed and at home.. After all, much creativity and productivity owes to a pleasant working environment – as many companies are discovering!
One of the best ways to transform your office space is by picking a few choice pieces of artwork. Not only will it brighten up the space, adding visual interest and communicating the vision of your brand, but it can actually increase creativity and employee satisfaction. Studies have illustrated that artwork is preferred by employees to other office additions like sleep pods or ping pong tables and it can help with problem-solving, brainstorming and creative discussions.
Evidently, art is key for both the company and its workers – but how do you choose the right artwork? Read on for the ultimate guide to picking artwork for your office, to motivate, inspire and impress your workers and clients.
The Brand
First impressions are everything in business. It can be easy to overlook the importance of good office decor in showing a client you have good taste! Think about what you want your clients to notice when they enter your workspace: your brand, unique company character, and ideas you believe in.
You should always place your best artwork on the first wall that a person sees entering your office (this is called the ‘visual wall’). Think very seriously about what kind of impression this artwork will give a person when they enter a meeting room, office or lobby. Make sure it’s welcoming and fits the company style.
You should try to use colours or commission artwork that includes your brand and it’s values – every company has a story, after all. Use customised art to show your brand’s background and development. For example, you might have artwork of the city (or cities) that your company started in, global locations your company is located, or work from local artists in each office. Maps and cityscapes are good choices.
Using art to communicate your company’s mission is also worth considering – this will vary massively depending on what your company does.
Essentially, art can start small talk with clients – one question about a piece of art can lead to an informative discussion about core company values and your history. These pieces of art can also serve as an introduction to a meeting – so make sure there’s a good story behind each one!
Productivity and Creativity
Think about the colours used in your office space: there is nothing more boring than gray furniture, nothing more depressing than black decor, and nothing more sterile than plain white walls! Use bright colours to create a light and open office space – your employees will surely thank you.
Bold block colours create a positive atmosphere. Choosing opposite colours of the colour wheel will make your office fun and fresh, for example having walls one colour and artwork the other. Abstract art can also inspire your employees – have it placed in meeting or brainstorming rooms for best effects. Meanwhile, common spaces and cafeteria’s should be decorated well with abstract, colourful art – allowing them to recharge in a positive, fun environment.
However, do keep in mind what your ‘brand’ is; as a hospital, you probably don’t want to use gaudy, bright colours like red. Instead, you’ll want to use pastels in blue, green and purple to create a calmer atmosphere. Artwise, a landscape painting is probably more suitable than an abstract piece.
As well as framed pieces, mixed media artwork can be a great addition to an office space. Think about including vases, ceramics and sculptures that appeal to you and your employees. Mixed media artwork can be really interesting and allows for greater creativity! The more comfortable employees feel in their workspace, the more productive and happy they will be. You should also consider including your employees in the choosing of art decor. Art is subjective, after all, and you’ll find them thanking you for asking their opinion!
Practicalities
Not every company can afford to spend 15K in one go on a piece of art – if you’re going to do so, be sure to place it in the reception or somewhere it will be noticed constantly! Otherwise, you may consider renting. This way you can have expensive art at a much more affordable price.
Renting artwork also allows you to rotate annually or quarterly, depending on your preferences. There are now companies that allow you to rotate your artwork every 6-12 months – this stops your employees from getting bored, and of course impresses your clients, who will see new art whenever they visit! You can even list renting in your business’ tax return… A win-win!
It’s worth nothing that not all expensive art is good art, too. Don’t limit yourself to well-known artists with high price-tags: there is a wealth of local, affordable art out there, waiting to be used!
Finally, you can purchase well-known art at a fraction of the price by choosing a replica piece. This is good news for companies who want to decorate their offices with well-known artwork but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars renting it, or thousands purchasing it!
Whatever your company does, artwork will add to the office atmosphere. Good artwork will complement the interior design, impress your clients with your good taste, and speak of your brand’s values and ideas. Your employees will also benefit from artwork that sparks creativity and imbues the office with a positive vibe. There are many options out there, so don’t limit yourself to buying expensive art pieces – you can rent, rotate, and even look for less well known artists to decorate your office space.
