What is collaboration in business? The definition of collaboration from the Oxford Dictionary is “The action of working with someone to produce something.” But in business, it is more likely to be working with someone outside your team, and potentially with different expertise to achieve a common goal or product. Organisations are now reaching beyond their internal employees and collaborating with external partners to achieve their goals.

Harvard Business Review surveyed business leaders worldwide about how collaboration is changing with their organisations

  • 72% say “effective team communication” has become more important over the past 2 years
  • 54% are investing in easier-to-use collaboration solutions
  • 64% report that collaboration with external parties has increased in importance

(Retrieved from http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collaboration/index.html?stickynav=1)

During our 20 years in business we have supported and collaborated with our industry architects, designers, suppliers and project managers to create high-quality interior solutions for our clients. We have also collaborated with industry groups like the Dubai Chamber of Commerce who has helped guide us on our CSR journey, and The US Green Building Council (USGBC) to achieve our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and LEED EBOM (Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance) certifications. Without external collaboration with other like-minded businesses, we could not meet our client’s expectations or achieve our ‘green’ and CSR goals.

In 2017 Summertown is extending our collaboration with external partners to form a global alliance – The United Workplace Group – which is a much more formal external partnership.

The United Workplace is a network of like-minded businesses, sharing a passion for the workplace– inspiring design, innovation and a culture of collaboration underpins everything we do. All members share common ethics, values and goals bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. The fundamental goal of The United Workplace is to provide consistency of service and local insight on a global scale- to fulfil your workplace design, fit-out or commercial furniture consultancy and installation needs.

Globalisation is accelerating and having the ability to link businesses, exchange best practices and share knowledge is seen as a distinct advantage. The United Workplace consists of a handpicked collection of businesses selected in recognition that each country and market has specific requirements.

Summertown is very excited to be part of The United Workplace Group and we will share more details in the coming months.

Contributed by Sally Jones, Marketing Manager