We don’t need to tell you the High street is changing. Estate agents across the country are beginning to evaluate their branch network, trying to find the balance between brand awareness, public-facing presence, and bottom line figures.
There is a trend to restructure via a smarter estate agency fit out – not only to save on business rates and rents – but also to offer consumers a different type of estate agency experience. Take Humberts, for example. They are pioneering the hub approach, with regional centres where staff, departments, and resources are pooled, and movers invited to come in and enjoy the surroundings.
As well as offering free drinks and Wifi as part of a first-class, club-style lounge, Humberts wants its hubs to be community centres and networking spaces.
MPL Interiors has already helped agents achieve the hub style of operation – our Heywoods two-floor ‘super branch’ estate agency office design in 2014 was well ahead of the curve. If switching to regional or local hubs is in your business plan, we’d be delighted to be involved in your consultation process.
We can advise on how to achieve a hub that works not only in a branch consolidation sense but also as a customer meeting point. Ask us about:-
- Square footage and what is achievable in any given space
- Layout planning and division so you can bring all your departments under one roof
- Creating a distinction between customer-facing and back room areas
- Branding so a shell, empty unit or space in a serviced office feels like a modern agency
