My office: David Waddell

Our mission to brighten up your working lives continues - and this time, we're taking a long hard look at your offices.

Take a look at David Waddell's office In pictures

Over the next few months, our panel of experts will be listening to your gripes about where you work, and suggesting ways to make your workspace more efficient, more congenial or simply prettier.

This week, we're hearing from David Waddell, whose market research company enjoys the highly unusual location of a working church.

Click on the link under the photograph to read his story, and then scroll down to see what the panel have to say. And if you want to take part in the series, go to the bottom of the story to find out how to get in touch.

Luke Munro, Home Working Solutions

There is little doubt that this is an unusual (possibly unique?) working arrangement and one that brings both positives and negatives to the table.

In terms of the current scenario with two employees they would seem to have a friendly and relaxed working environment, certainly conducive towards creative and constructive workflow.

In terms of the furniture they would require in an ideal world, then this might be designed with a traditional feel to match with its surroundings, but with the capacity to cope with the demands (such as wiring) of a modern, technologically driven company.

Putting aside any insurance issues that might arise from this specific working environment, one imagines that security would be a consideration. While this may sound strange given that the office is in a church, it seems as though there are potentially a large number of people wandering around.

From this point of view the storage would need to be lockable, and the IT might have to be secured to the furniture in some way.

It's going forward, particularly with regards to the planned workforce expansion, where I have my concerns. These fall around the expense of fit-out (in a way approved of by the relevant body given the working environment), the limitation on access (that spiral staircase might merit a chapter of its own in a health and safety assessment), the lack of security, the insurance implications and the uncertainty about what the new vicar will make of it all when appointed.

These issues combine to make me feel that if, as planned, the success of the company leads to expansion, the business case behind moving to more straightforward office accommodation may begin to mount.

I may be completely wrong, and hope fervently that this is the case, as frankly we could do with a few more offices like this one!

Steve Day, ODB Group

Setting aside Ecclesiastical Law, there are a number of statutory requirements to consider with this project: building regulations, the Disability Discrimination Act, fire risk assessment and planning.

When dealing with a listed building, it is important to establish exactly what is listed and what if any changes can be made. It is more likely that minor interior modifications can be made but elements such as the spiral staircase may come under the listing. A check should be made with the listed buildings section of the local authority.

MEET THE PANEL 1) Larry Mayers is an occupational psychologist with YSC, a consultancy which aims to help companies drive and manage change 2) Luke Munro is managing director of Home Working Solutions, which specialises in ergonomic and safe office furniture and software 3) Steve Day is chairman of ODB Group, which specialises in modern corporate interior design 4) Jon Thorpe is joint managing director of ACS Office Solutions, a leading supplier of total office solutions, including IT products, services and support, as well as furniture and interiors Do you want to take part? Get in touch with us

In trying to create a meeting facility, consideration should be considered to the degree of sound insulation that is required. Generally, full-height walls with a dense quilt barrier above the ceilings are adequate but in this instance I would suggest free standing acoustic panels are used if possible.

Glazed modules and even doors can be fitted, the solid panels being a fabric finish which will allow options for colour and texture. This approach should negate the need for a building regulation application but it is still important to look at the means of escape in the event of a fire.

Wireless technology could be used although if there are very thick walls, it may be necessary still to use cables. These could be integrated into the acoustic panels.

Prior to any work being undertaken, I recommend a discussion with the statutory bodies.

Larry Mayers, YSC

Starting a new business is an exciting and challenging time. There are often many disparate demands that need to be considered and these may lead to compromises and short term solutions. However, in order for a business to increase its chances of success, exploring the longer term in addition to current needs will allow the start-up to be less troublesome.

Should one explore the business and develop a longer term plan, say two years on, it is easier to overcome foreseeable obstacles. Additionally, such planning can allow for different stages to be addressed, using appropriate solutions for each stage.

The first stage will most likely have to do with making a business plan, focussing on what the organisation wishes to offer its customers. Once this has been done it is likely that the focus will turn to developing the product and infrastructure needed to supply the customer. The next point of attention is likely to revolve around networking and finding potential customers. Besides the excitement of this stage, it is also likely to be characterised by scarce resources.

The second stage will be where the organisation can embed its service delivery and focus on both client growth and retention. It is during this stage that the resource squeeze is likely to slow down and expansion will be considered. It is at this stage that I foresee problems arising based on the location of the business.

The church has distinct advantages that it can offer a start up concern, particularly one that is e-based. It is most likely to minimise cost pressure, whilst offering a source of income for the congregation. However, later on its benefits may become its shortfalls.

As the church space is listed, it becomes problematic to install the necessary infrastructure with ease. This will lead to either shortcuts in this regard, or overspend to compensate for the restrictions.

Furthermore, the space constraints will mean that expansion of staff numbers will be difficult, due to space constraints as well as difficulties with access for all.

Additionally, the church as a whole is a multi purpose building which will create some conflict when customers or other stakeholders visits become more frequent. Similarly, it is useful to consider what message is being given to clients and staff when they realise that the location of the business is within a working church.

In conclusion, the location for a start-up is often a compromise. Thinking in the longer term will allow these decisions to be negotiated in the short term, with a long term outlook.

Jon Thorpe, ACS Office Solutions

Checking the condition of the data cabling should be a simple enough task. A reputable data cabling installer will be able to test the cabling with a device called a Pentascanner, which will give a clear indication of the quality of the data cabling infrastructure and provide a written report.

The electrics themselves will require the attention of a qualified electrician. Again, a reputable data cabling installer will normally have suitably qualified personnel to test and, where necessary, replace or upgrade the existing mains cabling.

As you expand, and additional electrical wiring and data cabling is required, make sure that your installer has experience with listed buildings, as there are some cunning ways of hiding cables that they will have learned. They will also be able to advise whether wireless networking will be appropriate for you.

When looking to minimise the visual impact of IT equipment, we've come a long way since the days of the beige box. Ultra-Slim Desktop and Small Form Factor computers offer compact packages that maximise desk space and are very easy on the eye.

Also, good quality Centrino powered laptops are more than capable of performing all the computing tasks that most power users demand. Speak with your IT supplier and express the importance of form - not just function and price!

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