Project spotlight: wingarc australia

There are certain projects we love delivering at BRM. Often they present a challenge by way of time or circumstance. WingArc Australia was one such project. 

BRM Projects came on board to offer strategic guidance at a time when WingArc Australia was undergoing a period of significant transition. Our involvement in the company’s move to a new workplace reflected the type of guidance we offer and how that guidance can make the difference between a quick fix and a truly successful outcome for the business.

In May 2017 Melbourne based software company Space Time Research was acquired by WingArc, Japan’s leading provider of business intelligence and enterprise analytics software. At the same time the company was facing a fast approaching exit of its existing office space due to the return of its landlord to the building. 

Changes were occurring rapidly both within the organisation and the property in which it was based. Due to the urgency of the situation, WingArc Australia chose to use the consulting services of BRM Projects for guidance in each stage of the property strategy, incorporating search, fit-out and handover of the current property. 

The fast paced nature of the project saw BRM advising the company across each crucial area of the property search, including costs, benefits and risks of each property, before negotiating on its behalf with the preferred option.

The success of the project was not only due to a positive collaborative process with all parties involved, but also due to BRM’s approach and response to the following aspects of WingArc Australia’s situation:

TIMELINE
 
Having moved into the hands of a multi-national, the Melbourne-based team was in the midst of its own transitional phase. Moreover, it was facing a tight deadline. The landlord’s return to occupy the building was fast approaching. In fact, new fit-outs were already being constructed on other levels around them on behalf of the new occupiers. The need to vacate the current offices within a certain time frame set the speed for a fast tracked project that would need to deliver the best outcome despite an overarching sense of urgency.
 
RISK
 
With the lease rapidly approaching its end date, WingArc Australia was faced with a highly stressful decision to make and significant risk in terms of a new property search.  Choosing a property with no fit-out would involve the need for design, permit and construction – processes that would require more time than what the company had available to it. Therefore, to minimise the risk of being left with no workplace at all, WingArc Australia shortlisted three properties, two of which had suitable fit-outs and the third which offered a refurbished floor with a fit-out included in the lease. In the end, the third property was chosen based on the fact that the landlord delivered an integrated project that could be delivered within the timeline. With the fit-out ready, WingArc Australia was able to move right in to its new offices with minimal disruption to its business.
 
COLLABORATION
 
The project successfully adhered to its strict timeline. The speed with which it was delivered can be attributed to a successful collaboration with the new landlord, Dexus, Australia’s leading commercial property group, Ben Christie of Colliers, an example of a high quality leasing agent and commercial fit-out company Topic Interiors that delivered a fantastic result with both speed and communication.
 
PROPERTY SEARCH
 
Finding the right location and look for WingArc Australia’s new offices was paramount to the property strategy. Having recently been acquired by a Japanese company that was expanding its operations globally, it was necessary for the Melbourne offices to reflect the company in both aesthetics and functionality. An abundance of natural light, paired with an elegance in design strongly communicated the brand itself and the type of work it does.
 
For more on this project read our interview with WingArc Australia CFO Indrani Tharmanason
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