Holborn Projects, one of the UK’s leading providers of commercial air conditioning services, has completed work on a new Technical Operations Centre for Daisy Group.

An independent provider of end-to-end business communications and managed IT services, Daisy Group decided to invest in the new centre at its West Yorkshire site.

Originally appointed to strip-out the existing office infrastructure in readiness for the re-development, Holborn’s role quickly grew as explained by sales director, Michael Price: “The client’s property consultant Vic Crespin, asked if we had the capability to undertake the entire project, not just the agreed strip-out.

“Happily, the design and build elements of the project, including the project specification and associated drawings were well within the capabilities of our experienced team. As with most jobs of this nature, speed and cost would be deciding factors in the decision to appoint us.

“Daisy had set a clear, precise budget for the entire project and as our costs were within budget, there was no need for a time-consuming tender process and we were contracted to undertake the re-development of the 600m² first-floor offices near Bradford.”

Technical property development director at Daisy Group, Steve Benns commented: “This was an important project for Daisy Group. This new centre increases our capabilities to manage the requirements of our customer base and gives us added capacity to meet the expected demand from our current growth strategy.

“Speed and quality is central to everything we do at Daisy and this office re-purposing was no different, with a tight delivery schedule of just 14 weeks agreed with Holborn. Mike and his team really stepped up. They impressed with their professionalism and ability to cope with any unforeseen problems, whilst co-ordinating a host of contractors on site.”

The project required new suspended ceilings, new walls constructed using an aluminium partition system and floor coverings throughout. Fresh air is provided by four Hitachi heat recovery units, with swirl diffusers and carbon filters fitted to remove any odours. Cooling and heating is provided by Hitachi ducted fan coil units, with all condensers mounted on the existing external concrete plinth.

Holborn installed new lighting and power, using basket trays in the ceiling void and surface mounted dado trunking, which also includes all the data wiring and sockets.

A new modular uninterruptible power supply was installed in the re-fitted comms room, along with wall-mounted fan coil units located at either side of the room to ensure all the equipment stays cool and keeps working even if there is a power outage.

Security and fire control systems were installed, with cameras connected to a network video recorder that can be accessed and monitored via any smartphone, for added peace of mind.

Mike Price concludes: “Despite the tight schedule, the requirements of the contract played to our strengths - from technical air-conditioning specification to electrical fit-out and designing the office layout, to installing the new toilets and kitchen.

“There is no better result for Holborn Projects than winning contracts with businesses the stature of Daisy Group and not only completing the works to their expectation, for the price agreed, but beating an already tight deadline. And in this case, by three weeks.”