Highland Business Suites is proving that the office isn't dead
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Post-pandemic and one might be forgiven for thinking that the world of offices and Friday ‘cake days’ are long gone. However, a business in the Highlands is championing one simple fact: the office is not dead.
Family run business, Highland Business Suites is seeing the demand from organisations looking to have a space to work in, so much so, it has just filled up a second business centre within a matter of months. Having taken on The Green House in Inverness, eight years ago and having success, this year it was able to add Marr House to its brand.
Highland Business Suites director, Julie Lister said: “We purchased Marr House in May last year and completely renovated the building to bring it up to the high standard we expect for our tenants.”
For Julie there is still very much a desire – and need – for office space.
She added: “I believe there is still a misconception that many people are working from home and that the office is less favourable, but that is not the case here at Highland Business Suites. We have received a phenomenal amount of interest in the last year, which initiated the business expansion with the addition of Marr House.
“Businesses feel more productive and more connected with one another when they are in the same place. We had many who came back in as soon as they could, during the pandemic, and we now have a waiting list for our office spaces.”
It is important to Julie and her team at Highland Business Suites that they offer an office experience that stands out. With the added bonus of outstanding parking and close access to the A9 and A96 both of Highland Business Suites’ business centres are in the perfect location for commuters and those who live close.
She explained: “We provide modern bespoke office space, with a fully manned reception, and a breakout area for all our office tenants to use and it is an impressive space for our tenant events when we get everyone together to network and socialise.
“We had much deliberation about how we provide space for people and making sure that it is a place they enjoy coming to work.
“By having our great front of house team, Marie and Barrie for all the businesses, it ensures that clients always get a warm welcome and an exceptional first impression, it is important that they feel like they are being looked after.”
With the addition of Marr House, Julie and her team felt it was the optimum time to rebrand the business. The business name has always been Highland Business Suites, but people have always known them as The Green House.
“We have just rebranded to showcase Highland Business Suites as a fusion of the two business centres and we are placing ourselves front and centre as the place to go for your office and conference requirements”, commented Julie.
“Our website is now live with all the information you would need about the facilities we offer and all the details about the companies that are housed in our centres.”
Highland Business Suites offers a variety of letting opportunities to businesses, so that those who are just starting out can have more flexibility.
Julie said: “We have such an entrepreneurial spirit here in the Highlands, so being able to offer letting opportunities on shorter term licences for startup businesses has been a great asset to our business.
“We offer smaller offices starting from one year then rolling month to month to allow a new business to find its feet.
“We have had a few businesses within the building that expanded from smaller suites to larger suites as they have grown and it’s great to be a part of that.
“My favourite thing about having Highland Business Suites is seeing the success of other businesses. Being able to see them grow from strength-to-strength is very inspiring and we get to go on that journey with them each step of the way.”
Highland Business Suites is also passionate about the little details and creating a lasting impression for whoever walks through the doors of the building.
“My mum is part of the team and creates beautiful floral displays to welcome people into the reception area every week and everyone always comments on how lovely they are!”, commented Julie.
“It is a professional environment, but at the same time it’s welcoming and homely so it is a place that people want to be!
“We have a great business community and have many businesses that work together through being in the same place.”
Highland Business Suites itself employs four staff, who welcome guests into the venue and makes sure that it is always to the highest standard. It is also trying to future proof itself by making changes that meet Scotland’s net zero ambitions.
Julie explained: “Marie and Barrie head up the reception ensuring everyone gets a warm welcome and Nikki is our finance assistant who joined the team last year and has been an integral part of the running of Marr House.
“Marr House has a video entry system so that each of the businesses can accurately see who is coming and give them a warm welcome to their suite.
“We are also always looking to the future; we have just replaced all the windows at Marr House to give the u value of 1.2 and we have just fitted 142 solar panels to The Green House which will help our energy efficiency. This will dramatically lower our energy costs and will be a huge saving for our tenants.
“We have plans to install electric charging points in next and we will always be looking for ways to future proof our business.”
With 21 modern suites in The Green House, starting from 220 sq right up to 3200 sq ft, there is something for everyone. Marr House has six office suites and the whole building comprises of 3500 sq ft.
Not only do they have office space to rent on short, medium and long term, but it also has a professional boardroom and meeting room for hire. Those who don’t have an office can use the facilities to meet, present to a client, conduct training sessions or just make use the advanced modern conference facilities.
Julie said: “People can hire out the meeting room or board room for as long as they need, we have two hourly slots, half or full day. We have it fully equipped so it is perfect for calls, and as a hub of creativity for businesses.
“We are really pleased that we can offer this space, and it’s a great way for companies to make a professional first impression with their clients who would be greeted by our team and taken through to your chosen room.”
Julie concluded: “We love what we do, and we are looking forward to continuing to provide top of the range office suites, and business space for those across the region.”
Beechwood Business Park North, Inverness, IV2 3BL
W: www.highlandbusinesssuites.com
T:01463 667300
For meeting and boardroom bookings: hello@highlandbusinesssuites.com
For office space enquires: julie@highlandbusinesssuites.com
