London Office Buzz – Page 23 – More than an office blog

Guide to Liverpool Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism

Posted on December 6, 2012

Although inhabited for centuries, the area around Liverpool Street began to gain importance during the Middle Ages, when it was established as an important trading centre and as a convenient stop for travellers and merchants. From the end of the nineteenth century onwards, Liverpool Street experienced rapid growth, which was mainly due to the inauguration of the railway station. Nowadays, Liverpool Street is home to a larger number of corporations, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Liverpool Street’s importance in the financial world

Liverpool Street is considered one of the gateways to the City of London, and it is sometimes considered a part of the capital’s financial district in its own right. There are numerous meeting rooms and conference venues in the area that cater to business people, convention delegates, and employees from nearby blue chip companies. Some important firms in the finance, business, and banking sectors located in Liverpool Street include UBS, Forex Expert, Regus Business Centres, The Japan Bank, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Natwest, Barclays Bank, Panmure Gordon Investment Banking, Shinkin International, Eden Financial, Halifax, H. S. Nordbank, and Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi.

However, these are not the only industries with presence in Liverpool Street. Other renowned businesses that have chosen this area as their base include Marnix Europe (insurance), Marubeni (energy), Wallis Retail, Primus Build Contractors (construction), ICX Europe (telecommunications), Inpex (oil & gas), Calyx (IT), and BP. Continue reading “Guide to Liverpool Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism” →

Christmas Decorations for the Office

Posted on November 28, 2012

Once again, we are in the run-up to Christmas. While most of us have a good idea about how to decorate our homes during this special period, decorating the office can require additional planning. In this article you will find a quick guide to decorating your workspace and making it reflect your company’s character as well as the spirit of the holiday season.

Types of Christmas decorations

Depending on the space available at your office and the budget allocated to Christmas decorations, you may want to go for only certain types of Christmas decorations or for full sets. The most popular decorations are wreaths, garlands, wall florals, desk floral displays, and Christmas lighting. Of course, having a Christmas tree in the office is almost compulsory, and the variety in shape, size, and pricing means that you are guaranteed to find something that is just right for your office.

Wreaths can be placed on individual workstations, on balconies, in the reception area, or on doors. Garlands are the perfect complement to Christmas wreaths but can also be put up on their own to add a subtle festive touch.

Desk floral displays are perfect to have in the reception desk, whereas wall florals are ideal decorative solutions for small workspaces.

Christmas decorations in the office: services available to corporate clients

In many cases, the Christmas period brings an increased workload that makes it very difficult for staff to take care of Christmas decorations. In situations like these, you may want to take advantage of the services offered by companies that are experts in decorating offices and getting workspaces ready for Christmas. Some of the services available include tree hire, installation, decoration and removal, delivery and installation of real and artificial wreaths, indoor and outdoor lighting displays, gift catalogues, and a range of other decorative items, like candles or swags. Continue reading “Christmas Decorations for the Office” →

Explore Fenchurch Street: History, Architecture, Business and Tourism

Posted on November 22, 2012

Located in the City of London, Fenchurch Street runs between Aldgate to the east and Lombard Street and Gracechurch Street in the west. With a predominately urban feel, Fenchurch Street is lined by a number of office buildings. Strongly rooted in the historical evolution of London, today the street is home to several offices, pubs and shops.

_{(Image © Worthing Wanderer)}

History

Much of Fenchurch Street has been gradually replaced with office towers and shops. Originally built where Roman London once thrived, Fenchurch Street has constantly evolved throughout its history. At the western end of the street at the junction with Lime Street, St. Dionis Backchurch once welcomed parishioners. The medieval church was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666 and eventually demolished in 1878. St. Benet’s Church at the southwest corner of Fenchurch Street and Gracechurch has also been removed, replaced by shops and offices.

First mentioned in the City Books in 1276, Fenchurch Street was originally known as Fancherche. Its name is derived from fenny or Moorish ground. The street is linked to many historical figures and events. William Wallace, a leader of the Wars of Scottish Independence, was first imprisoned in London at the home of William de Leyre on Fenchurch Street. According to tradition, Queen Elizabeth had a meal at the King’s Head Tavern on Number 53 after she was released from the Tower of London. A metal dish used by Elizabeth remains on display at the rebuilt pub. Andrew Ramsay, the brother of Viscount Haddington, was killed on the street in 1616. In 2012, Fenchurch Street also formed part of the men’s and women’s marathon races during the London Olympic Games. Continue reading “Explore Fenchurch Street: History, Architecture, Business and Tourism” →

Christmas Charity Gift Ideas

Posted on November 21, 2012

As Christmas approaches, finding the most appropriate Christmas gift for friends and family can turn into a complicated task. Finding the perfect Christmas present becomes even more complex when it comes to corporate gifts for your business partners and customers. Increasingly more, charity gifts are becoming the preferred option for many companies. In addition to helping make a difference for those in need, Christmas charity gifts can help enhance the corporate image and reputation of your company.

Since there are dozens of options available, in this article we aim to provide you with some useful suggestions so that you can choose the most appropriate Christmas charity gift.

Christmas charity gifts for environmentalists

– Buy an Acre of threatened wilderness

By purchasing a gift from The World Land Trust, you can help fund conservation projects and protect endangered wildlife habitats. Each gift pack includes a “land purchase certificate”, which details the amount of land your gift is helping protect, as well as a unique greeting card. Gifts start at £25.

– Plant a Tree

For only £15, your gift will be helping the Woodland Trust regenerate forested areas of the United Kingdom. The charity’s website has an online shop where you can choose from a wide range of Christmas gifts, including calendars, jigsaws, books, stationery, and more. Continue reading “Christmas Charity Gift Ideas” →

Guide to Cannon Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism

Posted on November 14, 2012

Cannon Street runs for approximately half a mile through the southern side of the City of London. There are historical records that point at the existence of this street since the medieval era. At that time, the street was known as “Candelwrichstrete”, literally meaning “Candle Maker Street”, in allusion to the street’s most popular trade. Over the years, and as Middle English evolved and became mixed with local dialects, the name of this street changed into Candlewick Street and later into its modern name. The first mention of Cannon Street can be traced back to the seventeenth century, when the street was still populated by candle makers and drapers.

The street’s location near the River Thames and the installation of the railway station towards the end of the nineteenth century made of Cannon Street an important centre for trade and commerce. At the turn of the twentieth century, the street was lined with warehouses and industrial facilities, some of which remain to this day. Nevertheless, today most of these facilities have been converted into modern office buildings, as Cannon Street is a focal point for business activities within the City of London.

Practical Information on Cannon Street: Famous Architecture and Key Businesses

Visitors to Cannon Street may easily overlook a small boulder located on the northern end of the street. For many years, the boulder was in fact a milestone known as the London Stone. It is believed that some of the most important Roman roads departed from this point, and that the milestone was used to calculate distances. Nowadays, the remains of the stone are protected by a fence but are still visible from the street. Another important historical remain is the medieval steel yard found at the bottom of the viaduct near Cannon Street station. Continue reading “Guide to Cannon Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism” →

Explore Old Street: History, Architecture, Business and Tourism

Posted on November 7, 2012

As its name suggests, Old Street has been a highly transited road for centuries. The first records date from the thirteenth century, when Old Street was part of a Roman road that linked the settlements of Silchester, near Basingstoke, and Colchester. As London evolved into an important metropolis, Old Street became one of the capital’s main thoroughfares. The western side of the street was widened towards the end of the nineteenth century in order to accommodate the increasing amount of traffic and the shops that began to appear in the area.

_{(Image © Jonathan Brennan)}

Old Street’s Silicon Roundabout

Until very recently, the roundabout that marks the intersection of Old Street and City Road had mostly been known for being the location of the St Agnes Well shopping centre. From the beginning of the 2000s onwards, there has been a drastic change in the type of businesses that can be found in the area. In fact, the Old Street roundabout is now known as the Silicon Roundabout, in allusion to the California-based technology centre. This part of Old Street is now a first class technological hub that started with 15 companies in 2008 and has grown to be the base of more than 200 firms by 2011. This is the result of a government initiative that has invested several millions of pounds in transforming this East London area into a premier business address. Continue reading “Explore Old Street: History, Architecture, Business and Tourism” →

Guide to Regent Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism

Posted on November 5, 2012

Located in the trendy West End of London and being over a mile long, Regent Street is one of the most popular thoroughfares in the British capital. Regent Street has been an important landmark since its creation in 1825. The street was designed by architect Josh Nash, who was also the mind behind other impressive buildings like Buckingham Palace or the Royal Pavillion in Brighton.

Currently, Regent Street is a protected conservation area and part of the Crown Estate, as every single building along its length is listed.

Regent Street: a premier destination for business and shopping

Although very close to the shopping mecca of Oxford Street, Regent Street is a shopping destination in its own right. It is estimated that the street is visited by more than 7.5 million people every year for purposes as diverse as business, shopping, and entertainment. There are 1.5 million square feet dedicated to retail space in Regent Street, as well as 1 million square feet of premium office space. Some prestigious tenants include international retail brands like Burberry, Apple, Hamleys, Ted Baker, Ferrari, Timberland, Levi’s, GAP, Armani, Benetton, Lacoste, Hamleys, and Godiva. Liberty of London, located a couple of minutes away from Oxford Circus station, is one of the capital’s leading department stores, and has the added interest of being housed in a charming Tudor style building. Continue reading “Guide to Regent Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism” →

Guide to Broad Street: History, Architecture, Business and Tourism

Posted on November 2, 2012

The Broad Street area is located in the heart of London’s financial district and is comprised of two separate streets. Old Broad Street runs from Threadneedle Street to Wormwood Street, while New Broad Street is a narrow passageway just north of the London Wall. Broad Street was one of London’s medieval wards, covering an area that roughly corresponds to the modern EC2 postcode.

Today, the ward still exists as such, and it has preserved the four liveries (trade associations) that historically made up the Broad Street ward. These liveries include the Company of International Bankers, the Company of Furniture Makers, the Carpenters’ Company, and the Drapers’ Company. These associations have evolved from medieval guilds that had strong links with religious institutions to becoming organisations of international standing that abide by the principles of modern business practices.

Famous Buildings in Broad Street

Tower 42, which was previously known as the NatWest tower, occupies a prominent position at number 25 Old Broad Street. The tower was built in the early 1980s, when it became the first skyscraper to oversee the City of London. At 600 feet high, Tower 42 is London’s seventh highest building. The building has 42 floors, which are mainly devoted to premium office space, with some of its main tenants being Daewoo Securities, Hong Kong Airlines, Regus Office Solutions, Samsung, Piraeus Bank, CSJ Capital Partners, and Boston Technologies. Continue reading “Guide to Broad Street: History, Architecture, Business and Tourism” →

Explore Goodge Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism

Posted on October 26, 2012

Historically, Goodge Street was a shopping quarter. It is centrally located to a number of London’s landmarks and attractions, including the University of London to the east, Regent’s Park to the northwest, the British Museum to the southeast, and the shopping district along the world famous Oxford Street to the south.

About Goodge Street

Goodge Street is located in Central London’s Fitzrovia neighbourhood, a traditionally bohemian area that has been home to various authors and poets, including Virginia Woolf, George Bernard Shaw and Arthur Rimbaud. English composer Thomas Linley lived at Number 40 on Goodge Street between 1793 and 1788. Today, the area includes a mix of residential and commercial properties, including a variety of business.

Goodge Street is bound by Tottenham Court Road to the west. To the east, Goodge Street emerges as Mortimer Street following the junction with Newman Street. The street forms part of the A5204 road and is within the London Borough of Camden. The road stretches under half a quarter of a mile in length and features a mix of uses, including residential, offices, retail and grocery shops, pubs, and restaurants.

History

Many of Goodge Street’s original buildings have been demolished or destroyed during the Second World War, with few original buildings remaining. The area near Goodge Street once belonged to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s Cathedral and a 13th century manor house was once found nearby, towards the north-west near Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street. The area that encompasses Goodge Street was known as Totten, Totham and Totting Hall during the 15th century. To the north of Goodge Street was the 18th century manor estate of the Duke of Grafton and the FitzRoys, which now sits near present-day Fitzroy Square. Continue reading “Explore Goodge Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism” →

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