Inspiring Business by Sharing Success

Connect Derby gets the seal of approval from tenants in annual business community survey

Connect Derby gets the seal of approval from tenants in annual business community survey

Connect Derby, the city’s leading managed workspace provider, has published the results of its 2022 business community survey – and the statistics highlight the valuable role Connect Derby has played in helping tenants recover from the impact of the pandemic.

The annual survey measures the levels of service Connect Derby provides across all areas of its operation – from the quality of its workspaces and IT services to security and operational communication.

This year, the survey focused heavily on how Connect Derby has helped its 200 plus tenants get back on their feet again as they return to the office following the various local and national lockdowns in 2021.

Connect Derby received an 82% response rate from office tenants surveyed across the seven diverse buildings in its portfolio - Friar Gate Studios, Kings Chambers, Sadler Bridge Studios, Marble Hall, Riverside Chambers, Shot Tower and the iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park.

A massive 97% of respondents said Connect Derby meets or exceeds their expectations for the support it provides, an increase of 7% from last year.

96% of tenants reported that communications from the management team met or exceeded their expectations, an increase of 2% from last year.

The management team maintained communication with tenants to provide support and guidance throughout the lockdowns and restrictions of 2021, assisting them with applications for Covid grants and loans, addressing queries and helping them stay open for business. Connect Derby staff also regularly checked on the health and wellbeing of tenants.

95% of tenants said Connect Derby meets or exceeds their expectations, with 91% saying they would recommend Connect Derby to other businesses looking for managed workspace in the city.

Connect Derby has been supporting tenants return to the office by introducing new, flexible ways of working. In May 2021, furnished offices were introduced at flagship building, Friar Gate Studios in response to the changing working environment brought on by the pandemic. Offices reached 89% occupancy in less than two months.

92% of respondents said Connect Derby workspaces were clean, safe, and secure buildings to work in. Last year a bespoke COVID-19 induction programme was devised and implemented across all buildings. Connect Derby has continued to operate with some Covid measures in place such as hand-sanitising stations and social distancing signage.

84% of businesses said the IT network, internet access and Wi-Fi services meets or exceeds their expectations.

Connect Derby offers all tenants superfast Wi-Fi and telephony services allowing businesses to communicate with customers effectively. This has been particularly valuable to businesses who need to communicate with staff who are working from home.

Commenting on this year’s survey results, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said:

“The last 12 months have been tricky, with many businesses trying to get on their feet again as we come out of the pandemic, so we’re really pleased to have received such positive service ratings.

“I’d like to thank all tenants for being honest in their assessment of our services. We’re committed to providing all our tenants with the highest possible levels of services and support and will continue to work with businesses to help with their recovery in any way we can.

“There are always areas where we can improve, so we will be working with our suppliers and internal council services in the coming months to make improvements where necessary,” added Ann.

The multi-million Connect Derby project includes seven managed workspaces and provides SMEs, micro businesses and entrepreneurs with the high specification working environment, IT infrastructure and business support they need to act as a catalyst for expansion and growth.

For further information about the Connect Derby portfolio of buildings, contact Sonia Kang on 01332 742500, email lettings@connectderby.co.uk.


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