ResponseTap surprises staff with new office
Manchester-based Sheila Bird Group has completed the office design and project management for ResponseTap's move within Furness House, Salford Quays.
The call tracking and call analytics agency moved from its original office in the same building on the fourth floor to a larger 7,000 sq ft office on the second floor. The building is owned by Bruntwood.
The fit-out was completed in six weeks with none of the designs shown to staff prior to the unveiling.
ResponseTap provides helps companies monitor and maximise online and offline advertising spend. It recently received £1.6m of funding from Eden Ventures to help fund expansion, growing from 22 to 66 members of staff.
Atul Bansal, co-founder of Sheila Bird, worked with ResponseTap bosses Ross Fobian and Richard Hamnett over several months to design the space. Hamnett said: "When discussing designs with Atul, we felt it was vital that the new space not only physically allowed us the space to increase our talented team, but that it also reflected our future ambitions and the values of the brand. We wanted a space that our staff would enjoy working in.
"We are delighted with the result, particularly as we had kept all the designs and ideas a complete surprise, the reactions of the team on the first day using the new office were brilliant and it already has that buzz that we were after."
Bansal added: "When Richard and Ross approached us we were excited by their passion and energy that they have for the business, which is something we wanted to reflect in the design, creating space to engage away from desks and work stations. It was important to the guys to use the space as a way of recognising how fundamental their team is to the growth and future of the company, we therefore made the breakout zone at the heart of the office, incorporating padded window seats and comfy sofas to encourage interesting downtime. We also, for example, included a stable door to one of the meeting rooms, as this unusual element is fantastic to dissuade obstruction, allowing conversations to flow and support communication. And the addition of the telephone box as the entrance to the comms room, was just a great thing to do! We are confident that the space will work well for the business and evolve as it continues to grow and develop."
ResponseTap was established in 2008 and is used by RAC, TUI Travel, Thomas Cook and British Gas.
Venture funding for media start-up and fake grass in shiny new office – it’s like 1999 all over again
By Bubblehead
This is one of those ‘genius or rubbish’ ideas. So much for consultation, who is the main shareholder, SHB?
By Ted Europa
In answer to the comments, we (the founders) are the major shareholders. I suppose the point of the article is that Atul’s design expertise allowed us to achieve a great looking office on a meagre budget resulting in a pleasant environment for our staff – as long as they’re happy we’re happy.
By Richard
I’m not happy
By dave
In fairness these guys are a little bit more than just a start up, they’ve been going for four years, they have a tried and tested model, a great product (respected online marketers whose opinion I value have waxed lyrical about it) and their proposition is software that allows marketers to track the success of online campaigns. A bit more than Clickmango or somesuch. Melbourne server hosting have offices that look like Alton Towers compared to this lot, but they’re also a solid business anchored in the real world and there’s been very little sneering. Fair play to them I say, the guys who’ve invested the development capital (not "start up" capital for those who can’t tell the difference) won’t have done it on a whim.
By Outsidejob
How Btitish we all are, we always have a go at anybody that moves forward. Why can’t we say well done for a change and support people who are growing and taking on more people? Surley this is good for Manchester! Both Richard and Ross really care about their company and the staff that make the company what it is. As for the fake grass, it makes people smile and there is nothing wrong with that.
By Atul