Overview
Location
Glasgow, Scotland
By the Numbers
94,430 sqft
Client
Cadworks, Fore Partnership
Client Type
Operator
Summary: Cadworks sought to maximize its impact beyond sustainability by creating a robust tenant experience and thriving community. While being one of the UK’s most innovative buildings, it still struggled to effectively communicate some of its key messaging. Through the integration of the HqO platform, Cadworks effectively addressed these challenges, enhancing tenant engagement, reinforcing its commitment to wellbeing, and solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable and tenant-centric real estate.
The Property
Cadworks stands as Scotland’s first net-zero carbon building in operation, setting a new standard for sustainable and modern office space in Glasgow. The building aims to provide more than just a workplace; it seeks to foster a thriving ecosystem centered on tenant wellbeing and community engagement. Cadworks is committed to being a technology-forward leader in the real estate sector. Cadworks was initially struggling to effectively communicate and activate its values to tenants and the wider Glasgow community, particularly in differentiating itself as a leader in technology and tenant experience.
Challenges
Several challenges were encountered when implementing a tenant experience platform. Initial tenant hesitancy towards work-related apps on personal phones, coupled with a diverse tenant age range and varying levels of smartphone usage, hindered early engagement. Operationally, there was a need to streamline communication, simplify access to building services like car booking, and better showcase sustainability initiatives. Cadworks also wanted to leverage technology to reinforce its status as a leader in sustainable practices, as well as ensure it could communicate these values to tenants.
The Solution
Cadworks selected HqO for its strong market reputation, positive case studies, and proactive support, contrasting with slower response times from previous experiences. HqO has provided a comprehensive platform tailored to Cadworks’ needs, including booking systems for car spaces and scooters, push notifications for canteen menus and offers, and user-friendly content management, offering the functionality needed to enhance communication, engagement, and streamline operations.
As Adam Dunlop, Cadworks Community Manager, said, "Implementing HqO was key to showcasing Cadworks' commitment to technology and innovation. It's not just an app; it's a digital experience that enhances how our tenants interact with the building and its services."
Key Features
- Sustainability Information: Highlighting Cadworks' net-zero status and environmental initiatives within the app.
- Booking Systems: Seamless management of electric vehicle charging spaces and scooter bookings, supporting active travel.
- Push Notifications: Regular updates on canteen menus, events, and exclusive offers.
- Content Management: Easy-to-use platform for updating building information and organizing content, including event sections and tenant information.
- Community Features: Integration of local discounts, events, and charity initiatives (Social Bite, Refuweegee, and Beatson Cancer Charity).
- Email Functionality: Recent addition of an email function to enhance communication.
Upcoming rollouts/future vision include expanded utilization of the email function, enhanced community integrations, such as walking distances to local businesses added, and app demonstrations for new tenants to maximize engagement. Also upcoming is personalized content based on tenant interests in wellbeing and sustainability.
Results
Quantifiable Outcomes:
- By the end of 2024, 854 users had registered for the app across 94,430 sqft of space, with 90% of users actively engaging with content, particularly in response to the weekly canteen menu notifications, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
- Streamlined booking processes for car spaces and scooters, reducing manual administration.
- Enhanced reach and participation for charity events and initiatives through push notifications.
- Increased engagement with sustainability initiatives as tracked through app interactions and event participation.
- Higher adoption rates for active travel options (cycling and scooter use), influenced by the booking system and promotional content.
Qualitative Benefits:
- Stronger sense of community among tenants through food/drink discounts from local businesses and pop-up events.
- Positive feedback from tenants regarding the app’s utility and ease of use.
- Reinforced Cadworks’ reputation as a leader in both net-zero operations and tenant-centric practices.
- Enhanced support for local businesses through app promotions, driving footfall and visibility.
- The app's use as an "exclusive club" with perks and discounts contributed to high uptake by new tenants, ensuring immediate engagement.
- Reduced paper usage through paperless information dissemination.
Key Takeaways
Cadworks’ successful implementation of HqO demonstrates the vital role technology plays in amplifying sustainability efforts and fostering tenant wellbeing. By addressing initial challenges and leveraging HqO’s features, Cadworks not only improved operational efficiency but also strengthened its core values of sustainability and community. As Dunlop also added, "HqO has streamlined so many of our processes, from booking car spaces to sharing important updates. It's made our operations much more efficient and freed up our team to focus on providing the best possible experience for our tenants."
Key learnings from the HqO rollout included the importance of understanding tenants’ diverse needs, tailoring communication to maximize engagement, and dedicating resources to ensure the app remains dynamic and relevant. This experience offers a blueprint for other commercial real estate owners seeking to integrate technology, sustainability, and tenant wellbeing.
Client Testimonial
"Tenants have consistently told us how easy the HqO app is to use. It's made a real difference in keeping everyone informed and connected to what's happening in the building, especially around our sustainability initiatives."
Adam Dunlop, Cadworks Community Manager