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Rebecca East

Product Highlight: Nest by Connection

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This month, the PSR Team can’t get enough of Nest by Connection!

We’ve loved getting creative with Nest’s reconfigurable seating, storage, and space-dividing features. The hexagonal design has inspired us to create unique, functional structures in our upcoming projects – perfect for everything from solo focus time to dynamic collaboration.

Our Area Sales Manager, @Megan Hind, says: “We have recently secured a project with Nottingham College which we are due to deliver in February, and they have selected this product to create a feature storage wall in their social dining space. This building has particular focus on nature and our surrounding landscapes, and so we thought the Nest product by Connection echoed this theme with the natural hexagon shapes, whilst providing a practical storage and display solution. It reminds me of beehives!”

With its thoughtful design, versatile functionality, and 100% recyclable content, Nest has rightfully earned its spot as this month’s Product Highlight!

Kicking Off February in Style: A Productive Showcase PSR Visit to The Senator Group

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Beginning February in style, the Showcase PSR team came together yesterday for our monthly sales meeting – this time hosted by our longtime suppliers, The Senator Group.

We kicked off the day with a warm welcome from Managing Director, Robert, celebrating our ongoing partnership and exploring new ways to bring even more diverse and competitive solutions to our clients.

Throughout the visit, Senator’s Corporate Sales Director Craig Gunson was on hand to share his incredible expertise, answering all our questions with his encyclopedic product knowledge!

We were also treated to an exclusive sneak peek at some exciting new products set to launch soon – with thanks to brand managers Tom Coxton and Tom Murphy for the demos!

Wrapping things up, we dove into our team meeting – a key time for the team to align on goals, share insights, and energise for the coming weeks.

A huge thank you to everyone at Senator for the amazing hospitality and for giving us a first look at their latest innovations.

Here’s to another great month ahead!

The Sound of ‘Near Silence’ | Showcase PSR Explores Hushoffice Pods

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An Introduction to Hush’s Acoustic Pods
In January, during our monthly Sales Team Meeting – an opportunity to explore new products, discuss industry trends, and stay updated – Showcase PSR visited one of our suppliers, Hushoffice (Hush), for an in-depth introduction to their range of acoustic meeting pods.

Hosted by Clive Kelly, Hush’s Business Development Manager, and Tomasz Michalczyk, Hush’s Export Manager, the session provided a comprehensive overview of the pods’ features and potential applications.

A Modern Showroom in Clerkenwell
The visit began with an engaging presentation and hands-on demonstration of the products, followed by a Q&A session where our team posed thoughtful questions to better understand how these pods could align with Showcase PSR projects.

Located in the design-centric neighbourhood of Clerkenwell, London, the Hushoffice showroom offered a modern, visually striking environment that left a lasting impression. Visitors were able to explore a variety of pod configurations – from single-user focus booths to spacious collaborative hubs – highlighting the versatility of the product line. The Hush team’s hospitality elevated the welcome.

Hush’s Design Philosophy
Before long, it was time to dive into the heart of the visit. Tomasz and Clive delivered an engaging presentation that offered insights into the company’s history and the science underpinning their acoustic pods.

They explained how the rising demand for adaptable, quiet spaces in workplaces and educational environments has shaped Hush’s design approach. From reducing noise distractions in open-plan offices to creating comfortable, private spaces for focused work or sensitive conversations, the presentation highlighted why acoustic pods have become an essential feature of today’s dynamic workspaces.

The Science Behind Acoustic Comfort
The secret, Tomasz shared, lies in reducing typical office noise levels from around 70dB to a more manageable 40dB – a level scientifically proven to optimise focus. He noted that while stark silence can feel unsettling, a subtle 40dB background hum strikes the perfect balance, facilitating productivity without being distracting. This balance is why Hush describes their pods as offering “near silence” rather than complete silence, ensuring a productive yet natural acoustic environment.

Soundproofing in Action
As part of the visit, Clive demonstrated the soundproofing capabilities of their acoustic pods using a straightforward yet effective test. Holding a speaker that was playing music, Clive walked in and out of the pods, closing the door behind him to highlight the difference in noise levels. The results were impressive. While maintaining a steady 40dB inside the pod to optimise concentration, the certified Class A acoustics ensured that noise leaving the pod was virtually inaudible on the outside.

Clive also explained the differences between two types of ISO 23351:2020 acoustic ratings: Class A and Class B. Along with a range of extra features, the Class A range offered superior soundproofing, ensuring that no sound could be heard from outside the pod. However, he pointed out that not all users may choose the more high spec option. For many, the cost effective Class B range still provides excellent noise reduction, effectively muffling any internal sounds to a level that ensures privacy and limits distractions in the surrounding area. While a slight muffling may be audible on the outside, conversations remain inaudible.

Firsthand Experiences with the Pods
After the demonstration, the PSR team was eager to try the pods for themselves – not just from the outside but also to experience the noise reduction from within. Stepping inside the pods, we put the acoustics to the test by taking calls and testing real-life scenarios. The feedback was unanimous: the team were impressed by the acoustics.

Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace
A handout provided by Hush, titled “Everybody Should Feel Free,” delves deeper into how their pods address workplace challenges related to neurodiversity, neuroatypicality, neuroculture, and neuroinclusion through their features:

  • Acoustic isolation and temporary escape from overstimulating environments.
  • Enhanced focus and attention span through sensory control.
  • Support for emotional self-regulation via complete user control over lighting, ventilation, and workspace height.
  • Accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly designs.
  • Thoughtful use of subdued colours and textures to minimise sensory overload, with surfaces designed to limit reflectivity and promote concentration.

A Practical and Stylish Solution for Modern Offices

Hush’s meeting pods stand out as a practical and stylish solution to some of the challenges faced by today’s work and learning spaces. Combining acoustic performance with a sleek design, these pods provide an alternative for employees to focus, collaborate, and even take a break from the hustle of open-plan offices.

Throughout our visit to Hushoffice, the PSR team became increasingly impressed by the strong acoustic properties, inclusivity and thoughtful design. These pods are not just a luxury; they are a genuine solution to the challenges many of our clients face – whether it’s reducing noise distractions, offering private spaces for sensitive conversations, or providing an inclusive environment that supports neurodivergent individuals.

We are proud to have Hush as part of our portfolio of suppliers, offering high-quality pod solutions that, alongside our other trusted suppliers, help us meet our clients’ diverse needs for productive, focused, and inclusive spaces.

Showcase PSR’s Annual Winter Conference 2024 | A Celebration of Teamwork, Sustainability, and Charity

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On Friday, 6th of December, we held Showcase’s Annual Winter Conference alongside Showcase Interiors and Renovo at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor. Each year, our goal is to make the event bigger and better than before… after 18 years of hosting, that challenge has only grown!

However, as we’ve come to realise, the bigger the challenge, the greater the reward. After a weekend to recover from months of preparation, our Events Team returned to the office to a flood of positive feedback, including one comment that perfectly encapsulated the day: “The whole day ran like clockwork, and many colleagues have said this was the best one they’ve ever attended!”

This year’s conference was a perfect example of the aspirations we have each year: to achieve a balance of team bonding, shared learning, and making a positive impact. As our team has grown into the hundreds since the first Winter Conference in 2007, maintaining our core objectives – strengthening teamwork, fostering collaboration, supporting sustainability, and contributing to charitable causes – has become more important than ever. We want everyone to leave the event feeling more connected to their role and colleagues, while also knowing they’ve made a true impact.

The day began with attendees arriving from our offices across the country. Warm reunions quickly set the tone for the day ahead. We welcomed new staff members, inviting them to introduce themselves and participate in a light-hearted icebreaker activity where their chosen partner had to hum a movie song for them to guess. While the participants were initially filled with hesitation, it wasn’t long before laughter filled the air. It was a simple but effective start, demonstrating that teamwork can be built through fun and shared experiences – and that nobody knows the Superman theme tune!

With the room engaged and spirits lifted, we moved into the presentations from each department, where managers shared updates on their teams’ successes over the past year. From design and marketing to sustainability and HR, each speaker took the opportunity to highlight the hard work and achievements of their teams. The applause and recognition that followed were a testament to the power of teamwork.

Our interactive sessions for the day, focused on sustainability. Staff were split into teams and given prompts related to key sustainability topics like Decarbonisation, Education, Waste, and Procurement. Each team had to create and perform a scene, with the other teams guessing the topic. The props – ranging from inflatable palm trees to fake moustaches – brought a playful and creative edge to the session. Not only was this an entertaining exercise, but it also reinforced the importance of understanding these critical issues across the whole team.

The afternoon’s highlight was our surprise charity team-building activity: constructing performance wheelchairs for More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making sports accessible for people of all abilities. MLCT’s representative, Charlotte Thornton White gave an inspiring presentation, highlighting the challenges faced by the organisation and the pressing need for updated equipment. It was made clear that the wheelchairs we were preparing to build would have a huge impact, enabling MLCT to launch a wheelchair basketball team and give more individuals the opportunity to participate in physical activities.

The activity was fast-paced and energising, as teams raced against the clock to assemble their wheelchairs. In addition to constructing the wheelchairs, teams participated in mini-challenges to earn the wheelchair components. The challenges included creative photo tasks and high-energy wheelchair simulations, where teams competed in 1v1 virtual races. The room was buzzing with excitement as teams worked together to complete their tasks.

The event reached its peak during the wheelchair relay basketball finale, which was judged by Charlotte from MLCT, a wheelchair user herself who saw some very interesting techniques! The cheers of encouragement created an atmosphere of both camaraderie and friendly competition. The winning team was announced, the celebration was joyful – but the true victory came from knowing that the wheelchairs would help empower individuals with disabilities and create lasting change in the community. The winners were awarded sustainable reusable medals that could be planted into wildflowers. Our sustainability initiatives were also extended by planting a tree on behalf of each attendee, making sure that the positive impact of the conference continued to grow long after the event had ended.

Reflecting upon the impact of our donations, Charlotte Thornton White said: “Thank you again for the donation of the 10 multisport wheelchairs, I cannot express how much of a difference these will make for disabled people accessing physical activity…”

To conclude the day, we changed into our best dress and we reconvened in the venue’s stunning 1870 chapel, where we enjoyed a three-course meal. To the team’s surprise, the evening featured a performance by ‘singing waiters,’ adding an unexpected twist to the evening. The festivities continued with singing and dancing, bringing the day to a fun and lively close.

As we reflect on Showcase’s Annual Winter Conference 2024, we’re proud of what we achieved together throughout the year. The success of the event is a direct reflection of the dedication and passion of our entire team.

We look forward to continuing our growth, taking on new challenges, and making next year’s all-round efforts even greater! Until then, we’ll cherish the connections we’ve strengthened, the lessons we’ve learned, and the positive change we’ve made together in the spirit of teamwork and community.

Harvesting Support | Showcase PSR Harvest Festival

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In October, our teams launched a Harvest Festival Collection to gather food items and toiletries for food banks local to our sites, including Portsmouth Foodbank, Chorley Help the Homeless, Three Pillars: Feeding the Homeless, and our long-term charity partner, Cardinal Hume Centre.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our teams and support from our neighbours, we’ve been able to supply meals to those facing challenging times. We’re especially grateful to each organisation for their warm welcome during our drop-offs and for taking the time to share the powerful impact of these contributions.

The Showcase PSR team completed our final Harvest Festival delivery  at Cardinal Hume Centre.

We were so proud to see the rooms our designers had previously transformed, and to assist by performing a stock check of our donations and reorganising the Centre’s stock shelves.

Across the group, we are proud to have donated nearly 400 food and personal care products, making a meaningful impact on those in need.

The Showcase PSR Harvest Festival has been a project of collaboration, and we’re excited to continue supporting impactful causes. Well done, team!

Whisking Up Support for Macmillan Coffee Morning

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A huge well done to our Chorley, Farlington, Kimbolton, and Portsmouth offices for each hosting their own fantastic Macmillan Coffee Mornings this year for Macmillan Cancer Support!

Thank you to everyone involved. Together, we’re truly baking a difference!

If you’d like to join us in support of this wonderful cause, you can donate here.

Every small act of support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families.

Showcase PSR Unites for Childhood Cancer Awareness

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Throughout September, the Showcase PSR team has united in support of Children with Cancer UK, a cause that means so much to us all.

Alongside Showcase Interiors Ltd and Renovo Services LLP, we have proudly worn yellow ribbons to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Whether in the office, performing site visits, or even walking our office pups, we’ve made sure to be loud and proud in raising awareness and sparking conversation about this vital cause.

If you’re able, we invite you to join us this September in donating to Children with Cancer UK to support children battling cancer: https://lnkd.in/dxguxi4s

Every small act of support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families.

Showcase Summer Conference | Dubrovnik 2024

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Early doors on 6th June and the entire Showcase group set-off on the 10th Annual Summer Conference. Departing from Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester airports to celebrate, destination Dubrovnik, Croatia. Known for its medieval architecture, laid back culture, and paradise surroundings bordering the Adriatic coastlines, Dubrovnik was the perfect place to set the scene for the celebrations of a milestone year.

Having briefly touched down in Dubrovnik and the team’s first surprise was revealed as the coaches pulled up alongside the picturesque quay side, where a fleet of ten ‘Showcase’ yachts awaited. Leaving the still of the river, the impressive 10 strong yacht fleet dominated the open seas, creating another milestone moment. Mooring up in several scenic spots, some went for a dip, while others lounged on deck, soaking up the sun, often boat hopping to mingle. It was a fantastic way to bond, with laughter and conversation flowing freely as the yachts cruised side by side.

Replacing traditional team building tasks and challenges, Showcase’s approach fostered greater space for genuine conversation and new introductions perfectly matched by the calming surroundings.

Returning back to the hotel, it was time for the long-awaited BBQ on the hotel’s exclusive sunset terrace, with views of Dubrovnik’s old town and mountains. Traditional Croatian dishes were served as the sky turned to sunset. Teams mingled, making new friends with recent recruits and reconnecting with familiar faces. The evening ended on a high note with a lively disco, making the perfect end to a perfect day.

With an early start on the second day, we began our largest summer conference yet held in the hotel’s conference hall. With over 100 attendees, team managers shared updates and successes from across their teams with an outline for future ambitions and goals. Reports of the growth and achievements across Showcase, Showcase PSR, and Renovo outlined the group’s collective progress; with highlights being our expanding departments, sustainability targets, and project milestones.

Moving onto the conference’s breakout sessions, it wasn’t long before the competitive spirit present reappeared. The first challenge took place outdoors, and involved navigating bouncy balls down a track, only using one arm. The first challenge of the day sparked creative solutions, and admittedly, some cheating! The second challenge, a brainteaser, guessing team members’ names from a series of pictures.

With the conference closing, it was by no means the end. Back on the coach, the team received their first hint of the second activity. Receiving the ‘Dubrovnik Team Photo Challenge’ booklet made it evident that they were about to embark on a scavenger hunt through Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town. The challenge presented the opportunity to explore Dubrovnik through its enclosed streets and alleyways, capturing images of famous landmarks such as the gargoyle head and the Jesuit Staircase. As well as learning about Dubrovnik’s culture, the task provided unforgettable memories that will be remembered through all the photos collected.

The team enjoyed some downtime after the challenge, with some returning to the hotel for a splash in the pool whilst others stayed on at the Old Town to explore the quaint shops. Before long, it was time to meet for our farewell dinner at the distinguished Posat, one of Dubrovnik’s top fine dining spots with open terrace views. It provided the perfect set-up for a relaxed and enjoyable evening, filled with great food and time to reflect on our experiences.

The warm hospitality and beautiful scenery were unforgettable, but it was the opportunity to connect with the team that made the truly special. Whether it was chatting on the yachts, competing in breakout sessions, or exploring the city, the event brought everyone closer after a busy six months.

Returning to our offices, the positive energy from our Summer Trip has remained, with team morale remaining high. Dubrovnik 2024 has reinforced the importance of team spirit and quality time, especially important amongst a growing team. As the team look forward to our next adventure, we continue working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the upcoming experiences can be even more memorable.

An Unforgettable Christmas Conference | Triumphs, Laughter, and Heartfelt Giving

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Showcase Christmas Conference 2023 | Spreading Joy in the Streets of London  

Our recent Christmas conference brought together the vibrant spirits of Showcase, Showcase PSR, and Renovo in a conference that transcended the ordinary. From morning to night, we celebrated our year’s successes, shared laughter, and embarked on a heartfelt mission to spread joy beyond the walls of the workplace! 

The day kicked off as managers from each team took to the stage, telling of their triumphs, highlighting collective achievements of the past year, and sharing the aims for the coming year. But it wasn’t all serious business – jokes and laughter flowed, setting the tone for the day ahead. 

Team building took a hilarious turn with activities such as guessing the employees whose faces were morphed together. The competition was on, as teams tried to unravel the comical combinations before them.  

The highlight of each year is undoubtedly the charity portion, and this was our most ambitious yet!  Working closely with The Cardinal Hume Centre, a wonderful organisation devoted to helping families and young people overcome poverty and homelessness, we gave our teams several challenges to complete. 

A super team were gathered to embark on a ‘Revitalise and Build’ mission at The Cardinal Hume Centre. This challenged the group to transform the centre’s dated counselling rooms into welcoming and comfortable spaces. The garden received a makeover, lit with twinkling lights and a newly built playhouse assembled by the group. A Christmas tree stood tall, decorated with care by our hard-working elves. 

Meanwhile, other teams were sent on a scavenger hunt around the streets of London, collecting items to assemble Welcome Packs and Hostel Move Packs. From saucepans to slippers, the essentials were gathered to create a sense of home for those transitioning to The Cardinal Hume Centre’s accommodations. The competition was in full swing, with certain teams causing a stir as they raced to the stores, clearing the shelves ahead of the others.  

The final group remained at the conference venue, packing school backpacks to the brim with essentials and goodies for the young children at The Cardinal Hume Centre.  

Once all teams had returned, it was all-hands-on-deck for our teams to pack the vans to the brim with all the kits, which were delivered directly to Cardinal Hume Centre for immediate use. 

After a day of hard work, success, and giving, we shifted gears to the approaching evening. With a black-tie dress code, the team did not fail to impress. We reconvened for a Christmas dinner and an evening filled with festive spirit!  

Our Christmas conference was not just an event; it was a testament to the power of collaboration, consideration wrapped in laughter, and joy that comes from making a positive impact in the lives of others. Here is to our incredible team during the festive season! 

Showcase PSR Scores Big with Local Fire Services

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In keeping with our growing commitments to developing our social values, we are pleased to announce that Showcase, alongside Showcase PSR and Renovo, are proud sponsors of our local Emergency Services Football Teams, including: 

  • Essex Fire Service Open Age Football Team 
  • Essex Fire Service Veterans Football Team 
  • Cambridgeshire Fire Service Football Team 
  • Hampshire Fire Service Football Team 

It is a joy to see our branding emblazoned on the stellar teams’ kits, worn by exceptional players, both on the pitch and in their respective workplaces. This sponsorship serves as a testament to the Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Hampshire Fire Services for the unhindered support they show our local communities, which we are extremely thankful for

Many thanks to Ongar Fire and Rescue services for kindly inviting us for an action-packed visit to meet the crew and gain insights from inside their station (and fire engine!). Though our team may look like naturals in their fireman’s gear, rest assured they will not be quitting their day jobs!   

Showcase, Showcase PSR, and Renovo highly anticipate the seasons of triumph that lay ahead. Our teams look forward to attending future matches together and sharing our unwavering support.  

Head Office:
Paslow Hall Farm Estate
King Street
High Ongar
Essex CM5 9QZ

T: 08458 336 517
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