As a business grows, it’s only natural that its workspace does too. Providing ample room for staff to work productively, collaborate effectively and feel comfortable plays a vital role in creating a positive work environment that builds morale and supports ongoing success. For our customer 4Tel, they have achieved just that. As their portfolio expanded, so too did their team, leading to the need for a fresh office build with fit-out. Working closely with Georgia Martin, Office Administrator at 4Tel, our resident furniture expert, Greg Gibbons delivered a functional and inviting workspace for their Newcastle head office.
About 4Tel
For over 20 years, 4Tel has been a family-owned software engineering company, providing an extensive suite of digital solutions for the rail and transport industry. They take a proactive approach to client problems by creating modular solutions designed to increase safety and efficiencies across an organisation’s network.
Creating a stylish new functional space
Once a warehouse, the site has been transformed into a modern, two-storey office designed to support a growing team of 28 staff. The space incorporates a mix of open-plan workstations and private offices, along with dedicated areas for meetings and breaks. Designing a warm, functional environment required careful planning, with a strong focus on space, comfort, privacy, acoustics, and overall aesthetic. Greg delivered these priorities through thoughtfully selected furniture and layout solutions, including:
- Optimised meeting spaces
A narrow boardroom table maximises available space, paired with plush leather seating to maintain comfort and a professional feel. - Flexible breakout areas
Modular bench seating complements café-style furniture in the lunchroom, offering both comfort and flexibility for meetings or larger team gatherings. - Cohesive colour palette
Consistent upholstery tones across breakout and meeting spaces create a polished, sophisticated look. - Functional open-plan workstations
Height-adjustable corner desks support dual-monitor setups while maintaining clear desk space. These also promote better ergonomics by allowing staff to alternate between sitting and standing. Slimline pedestal drawers provide practical storage without cluttering the workspace. - Enhanced privacy
Privacy screens help create defined zones, allowing staff to focus while still benefiting from an open-plan layout. - Balanced acoustics and connectivity
Mid-height, desk-mounted Eco Panel screens help manage sound while subtly dividing workstations—striking a balance between collaboration and concentration. - Practical, mobile solutions
Accessible storage and mobile whiteboards make it easy for staff to organise materials and collaborate when needed.
For Georgia and the 4Tel team, the “knowledge and experience that Greg offered us, as well as the clear communication and openness regarding products, installation times, expectations, and deliverables” made partnering with Sharp Office an easy one. The result is a workspace that not only meets their immediate needs but also supports their continued growth.
For businesses experiencing growth, it’s worth reassessing your current workspace and considering how it can better support productivity and efficiency. Whether it’s updating key areas or undertaking a full fit-out, the right environment can add real value to your organisation as it has for 4Tel.
Partnering with a local office furniture specialist like Greg Gibbons at Sharp Office is a great place to start, offering expert advice and practical solutions tailored to your business needs. Contact us today.
