Category: News

February 2017– Office trends are changing, and office space is adapting as competition for skilled talent becomes harder. Organisations are fighting to keep accomplished, experienced staff and are implementing some novel ways to increase their employee satisfaction.

Flexible Office Space

Office space has matured from a cramped, hot little cubicle to a more flexible and spacious design. Employers are starting to recognise the results which come from providing employees with a happier working environment. These results include increased productivity and minimal staff turnover, leading to a visible improvement in company profits.

State-of-the-Art Technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) is changing technology at a rapid rate. Smart or connected devices, which depend on wireless network connectivity, are becoming more popular with Millennials and even the older generation. Tablets are replacing laptops and wearable technology that tracks things such as health, fitness and security are taking on more roles in daily life. Any company that does not take this into account when planning new office space or overhauling their existing office design will fall behind in the race for skilled employees.

Private Work Space Within Shared Office Space

Although co-working office space is growing in popularity, there is still room for private workspaces in 2017’s modern offices. Both complement each other and allow employees to concentrate without interruption or to brainstorm and network with others, as the need arises.

Employee Wellness in the Office

More companies are also recognising the benefit to their bottom line by ensuring that their employees are both happy and healthy. Through supporting and promoting healthy behaviour in the workplace, health outcomes improve, and employee absenteeism due to illness reduces.

Types of Wellness Programmes can include;

• Medical screenings
• Weight management programmes
• On-site fitness training
• Health education
• Working flexi hours
• On-site health food vending machines, etc.

Companies also realise that by assisting their employees to improve their lifestyles, not only will the business’s productivity improve, but also company morale and teamwork, leading to a happier environment for all.

More than Just a Landlord of Leased Office Space

The Business Exchange, a provider of flexible leased office space in Sandton, Morningside and Rosebank, is a staunch supporter of this concept and as such, has designed sophisticated and stylish offices which meet and even exceed these criteria.

Tenants of The Business Exchange have access to high-speed, fibre optic internet connectivity, professional reception services and meeting rooms, on-site restaurants and coffee bars, centralised documentation stations and an onsite Business Manager to take the stress out of your physical office issues which interfere with getting business done.

Tenants also have access to a substantial network of investors and are regularly invited to attend free networking events.

The Business Exchange is more than just a Landlord. Management and staff take a personal interest in your business’s success and are prepared to assist you with a number of additional services, not readily available from other rented office space.

For more information on our complete range of services, please visit https://tbeafrica.com

 

WHAT ENTREPRENEURS CAN LEARN FROM THE LIONS RUGBY TEAM

August 2016 – Being an entrepreneur sounds glamorous but in reality it is about having the perseverance to continue, being committed for the long-haul, showing bravery in the face of adversity, believing in yourself and having faith that you will succeed.

The incredible performance by the Lions rugby team against the Highlanders last Saturday is a testament to these attributes. With a 42-30 semi-final win in hand, the Lions showed their commitment and self-belief, along with their ultimate desire to keep winning and beating any team that stood in their path on their way to the Final this coming weekend. This team has come a long way, having put in years of hard work, which every entrepreneur knows is vital to a business success story.

Discipline

The Lions stand out for their bravery and self-confidence, but they have also developed their skills to become a mature and established team. They stick to their game plan, obey the rules and move as a single unit to create a cohesive team which has got them to this point. Their strong self-discipline is an example for entrepreneurs who have to work long hours on their own or within a team and on a very limited budget in the beginning.

Drive

While celebrating their successes, entrepreneurs also need to learn to overcome risks and failures. If, like the Lions, you have a strong drive and passion for what you do, you will quickly learn to handle the challenges in order to reach the goal post.

Bravery

The Lions know that sustained success takes years of careful planning, hard work and most of all, bravery. It is just as daunting starting up your own business as it is to meeting your strongest competitors on the field.

In the beginning, you will need to make a lot of sacrifices and take a lot of risks, as well as make tough decisions which could either make or break your company. This involves a huge amount of bravery which, once mastered, will bolster your business’s chances for success.

Just as the Lions team does on the field, entrepreneurs will need to persevere through the white-knuckled, adrenalin-fuelled feelings of apprehension that will grip them from time to time in order to make their business succeed and meet their objectives.

Commitment

Success stories are filled with people who have a great passion and interest in what they do and a strong sense of commitment to achieve it. It is not easy building a company – or working together as a great team.

If the individual team members of the Lions aren’t committed, they will never achieve victory. They understand that their Coach and their Captain are fully committed to a winning strategy and in turn give their commitment to their leaders.

Perseverance

You have to admire the persistence and perseverance of the Lions in developing their technique to a point where they have a winning formula. Entrepreneurial history proves that if you have the perseverance to maintain your course, despite the obstacles that come your way, you will succeed. Never take your eyes off the goal posts. Learn from your mistakes and use the experience to do better next time.

Belief

Despite the challenges that they have been up against over many years to reach this point, the Lions believed in themselves every step of the way. All companies go through tough periods where doubts start to creep in. Self-confidence and a strong belief in your business idea is a common characteristic which successful entrepreneurs use to drive themselves forward to meet their objectives.

As the Lions make the long trip to New Zealand for the Final, while realising that they are the underdogs, they are equipped with the knowledge and belief in themselves that they can achieve anything. So too should you – as a budding entrepreneur, have this strong belief in yourself and your business, to carry you through whatever life may throw at you along your path to success.

Are You A Successful Start-Up or Established SME? 

We Are Looking for Tenants Like YOU!

July 2016 – The Business Exchange is searching for high-growth, start-up companies and established SME’s who would like to connect with other like minded businesses, South African corporates and a group of influential and successful private investors .

Our current tenant mix includes professional service companies in industries, which include; finance, investment, legal, audit and accounting, management consulting, recruitment, marketing as well as the ICT sectors.

How To Become A Successful Start-Up

• Do you understand your core business?
• Are you and your team experienced in your line of business?
• Are you able to set milestones and reach them on time?
• Do you as a leader have the vision and determination to reach your goals?
• Do you have a high level of self-discipline and self-control?
• Have you successfully managed your company finances, even in lean times?
• Are you currently making a profit?
• Are you able to negotiate finance for your business?

Overcoming Initial Business Challenges

We understand that start-ups all experience a level of discomfort at first. The ones that persevere and overcome these initial issues are more likely to become high-growth start-ups with impact or become a more mature SME.

We are looking for these types of astute business people, who are focused on growth and are experts in their fields, to become tenants at The Business Exchange and to connect with our like-minded entrepreneurs for mutual networking opportunities.

Our tenant profile consists of results-orientated companies who operate with commercial professionalism, according to best practices and who are constantly searching for opportunities to do things better.

Screening Process

Once high-growth, start-up companies and SME’s have matured to where they can add value to other businesses, we encourage them to become part of The Business Exchange where they will be able to develop their businesses even further.

We use a streamlined application process to maintain the calibre of businesses that join The Business Exchange and to ensure that we only attract tenants who are reputable and reliable service providers.

If you are looking for office space to rent, contact The Business Exchange today to find out how we can assist you with more than just office space.