Halliwells

Location: 3 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester

Sector: Legal

Project Value: £500k

Programme: Sep ‘07—Jan ‘08

Viewpoint was appointed to build, project manage and install the complete audio-visual package for Halliwells’ new home at 3 Hardman Square in the heart of  Manchester’s  Spinningfields business district. The scope included an extensive client suite, seminar space  and business lounge in addition to meeting facilities on the working floors. 

The Solution

The key drivers for the whole scheme were the successful integration of the technology into the furniture and the ease of operation for the users. The technology solutions are consistent across the scheme to allow Halliwells staff to become familiar with the systems.

Boardroom

Images are displayed in wide-screen format on a rear projection screen via an LCD projector mounted in a rig. Video sources from VCR, DVD, TV and auxiliary video connections can be displayed as well as computer video signals from dedicated PC and laptop with connections in the 11m table. A bespoke lectern also houses a laptop input and microphone. Audio signals and voice reinforcement are mixed through flush mounted ceiling speakers and via table microphones.
High definition video conferencing is delivered through three wall recessed cameras either side of the screen and at the side of the room to capture local video, these can be switched to provide best view.
Table mounted ’look at me’ buttons at microphone positions can be pressed to automatically bring the camera to the current speaker.  In addition, data or video presentations can be made to remote parties from any PC or video source. Presentations/VC sessions can be recorded to DVD. Control of all system functions is achieved using a wireless touch screen control panel.

Meeting Rooms

The general meeting rooms display all images on 50” diagonal plasma screens recessed into the focal wall.  All rooms have similar facilities including , video sources from VCR, DVD, TV and auxiliary video connections can be displayed as well as computer video signals from dedicated PC and laptop Control of equipment can be made with an infra red handset linked to a ‘system switcher’ control device.

Breakout Areas/ Business Lounge

Images from TV are displayed on 50” diagonal plasma screens, with  a TV over an IP system. TV and associated audio signals are distributed around the building over the CAT6 infrastructure. The two designated Videoconference rooms use 60” diagonal plasma screens recessed into the focal wall, with the same Tandberg technology as the boardroom.

Seminar Rooms

There are a number of smaller seminar rooms in addition to the large 130 seater seminar room, two larger  rooms have a split fold dividing wall to allow different presentation spaces, each with their own dedicated AV system. In the 1st and main room, images are displayed in wide screen format on a rear projection screen When the room divide is opened or closed, the system automatically adjusts the audio output and lighting control to the appropriate room configuration
Control of all system functions is achieved using a wireless touch screen control panel.  Video sources from VCR, DVD, TV and auxiliary video connections can be displayed as well as computer video signals from dedicated PC and laptop (with connection at desktop). Audio conference calling is via radio frequency lapel microphones.

The Result

Dene Rowe, IT Director of Halliwells comments:

“The main objective was to deliver an AV implementation that was as buzz-worthy as the new building itself. We wanted to be able to host seminars, deliver high quality visual presentations and enable reliable and efficient videoconferencing to improve the communication medium for clients, internal customers and our supply chain.

The strategy was to achieve this in a quality way, with no compromise on the overall solution whilst also making the technology easy to use and encourage wider adoption. 

The measurements of success were deemed to include customer satisfaction and feedback, the increased use of the technology and the increased use that we were able to exploit with our new internal seminar facilities. In addition to this, we wanted to measure the effectiveness of the increased videoconferencing facilities to improve communication.

One key statistic is that we have seen the use of video-conferencing increase by approx 50%. This is in comparison to our previous facility and also demonstrates the faith that we now have in the technology to use it as a key part of our communications strategy. We also now use the facility to host at least 3 internally run seminars per week, reducing our previous spend on externally held seminars.

We are delighted with the end result—we have managed to implement an environment that combines high technology with usability to derive communication and cost improvement.”