Considerations for a Successful School Dining Hall Renovation
Oct 17, 2024
For many students and teachers, school dining halls often conjure up images of overcrowded, noisy spaces that feel more like a lunchtime chore than a...
Oct 17, 2024
For many students and teachers, school dining halls often conjure up images of overcrowded, noisy spaces that feel more like a lunchtime chore than a...
Oct 10, 2024 • 5 minutes
We spend a significant portion of our lives in the office, so it makes sense that the environment we work in greatly influences how we...
Oct 3, 2024 • 4 minutes
For students with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities or other disabilities, the dining hall can either be a welcoming space or a source of frustration and...
Sep 26, 2024 • 4 minutes
For many years, traditional classroom layouts, with rows of desks facing a blackboard, followed a one-size-fits-all approach to education. These setups, while functional in their...
Sep 19, 2024 • 4 minutes
The way we use the office has changed significantly in recent years. With the rise of hybrid work models, offices must now offer more than...
Sep 12, 2024 • 5 minutes
We have all been there—you hit print, expecting crisp, clean documents, only to face paper jams, smudged ink or dull results. Whether you are printing...
Sep 5, 2024 • 4 minutes
Upgrading your school’s dining hall does not have to break the bank. In fact, simply replacing your old furniture can instantly give it a fresh...
Sep 3, 2024 • 4 minutes
Looking to spark creativity and teamwork in your office? The right furniture and layout can make all the difference. Creating a collaborative workspace involves more...
Aug 29, 2024 • 5 minutes
As a teacher, you know just how precious classroom space can be. When books, papers and supplies take up too much room, it can be...
Aug 22, 2024 • 5 minutes
With the new academic year underway, it is the perfect time to look at your dining spaces. At Westcountry Group, we believe that dining areas...
Aug 15, 2024 • 4 minutes
When tasked with choosing dining furniture for your school, it might seem like a simple and straightforward job at first. After all, it is just...
Aug 12, 2024 • 7 minutes
Designing the ideal secondary school environment is an important responsibility needing a thorough evaluation of several elements. Creating a useful, pleasant, and visually attractive learning...
Jul 24, 2024 • 5 minutes
The workspace is not just a location to work; it also reflects one’s professional identity and is very important for general wellness and output. The...
Jul 23, 2024 • 7 minutes
The school dinner bell is a welcome sound for many children as it marks a break from class and a chance to refuel for the...
Jul 22, 2024 • 7 minutes
Choosing the correct dining tables for a school is critical to establishing a welcoming setting that improves the dining experience for students and staff alike....
Jun 20, 2024 • 6 minutes
Over recent years, the workplace has seen notable change. Today’s offices are dynamic environments reflecting corporate culture, fostering teamwork, and offering staff wellbeing a priority,...
Jun 13, 2024 • 6 minutes
This is the potential of a well-planned science lab. It expands beyond a room with desks and textbooks to become a platform for discovery and...
May 14, 2024 • 6 minutes
Well-designed staff rooms are essential for encouraging social interaction and collaboration in today’s fast-paced education environments. These places serve as hubs for creativity, interaction, and...
May 14, 2024 • 6 minutes
A productive learning environment is largely dependent on the design and arrangement of classrooms in the dynamic field of education. Using teaching walls is one...
May 10, 2024 • 6 minutes
Businesses frequently use office fit-outs and relocations as two distinct procedures to improve employee environments and streamline operations. Office fit-out is the process of designing...
May 4, 2024 • 6 minutes
Schools and universities in today’s educational environment are always trying to accomplish more with less resources. Effective space management is a critical task, especially in...
Apr 18, 2024 • 5 minutes
Imagine a world where children eagerly reach for an apple instead of a bag of crisps, where the dining hall buzzes with excitement over colourful...
Apr 5, 2024 • 6 minutes
Are you ready to transform your school’s classrooms into vibrant, inspiring spaces that spark creativity and learning? The classroom designers at Westcountry Group understand the significance of...
Apr 2, 2024 • 6 minutes
In a world where environmental consciousness and corporate responsibility go hand in hand, the design of office spaces is undergoing a transformation. The concept of...
Mar 18, 2024 • 5 minutes
As educators and administrators increasingly recognise the impact of the physical environment on students’ academic performance and overall well-being, it becomes imperative to optimise every...
Mar 11, 2024 • 5 minutes
In 2024, the world of office interior design is undergoing a colourful revolution, embracing natural earth tones that breathe life and vitality into our workspaces....
Feb 20, 2024 • 6 minutes
As the first point of contact for students, parents, and visitors, the school reception plays a crucial role in setting the tone for a positive...
Feb 16, 2024 • 4 minutes
Maintaining school dining tables is not only about preserving their physical condition; it’s also about prioritising the well-being and comfort of students. From preventing potential safety hazards...
Feb 6, 2024 • 5 minutes
The significance of school furniture in impacting learning outcomes is frequently overlooked. The arrangement, flexibility, and ergonomics of the classroom play a pivotal role in...
Jan 23, 2024 • 4 minutes
Are you tired of trying to concentrate at work, only to be constantly disrupted by the sound of ringing phones, chatter from neighbouring cubicles, and...
Jan 19, 2024 • 4 minutes
Importance of a Vibrant School Dining Experience A school dining experience plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s overall well-being and academic performance. It...
Jan 12, 2024 • 5 minutes
As classroom designers, we understand the pivotal role that storage plays in creating a conducive learning environment. From books and supplies to art materials and sports...
Jan 2, 2024 • 5 minutes
The rising student population across educational institutions in Britain has led to a pressing need for strategic solutions to maximise dining capacity and ensure that...
Jan 2, 2024 • 4 minutes
Are you tired of the traditional, bulky furniture that clutters your workspace and stifles creativity? Imagine a world where your office layout is as dynamic...
Dec 6, 2023 • 5 minutes
Step into a modern UK classroom, and you may find yourself stepping into a whole new world of learning. The traditional rows of desks focused...
Nov 7, 2023 • 5 minutes
Collaborative learning is a cornerstone of modern education, offering a dynamic environment that nurtures academic growth and equips students with vital life skills. At Westcountry...
Nov 7, 2023 • 7 minutes
When it comes to the success of your business, the design of your office space is often an overlooked yet critical factor. The layout of...
Nov 7, 2023 • 4 minutes
School mealtimes, where students gather to refuel and socialise, are a pivotal part of the educational experience. However, the daily routines of mealtime staff, from...
Sep 26, 2023 • 5 minutes
School cafeterias and multi-use halls are more than just places to grab a quick bite to eat; they are integral spaces where students gather, socialise,...
Sep 25, 2023 • 6 minutes
Office spaces are more than just four walls – they are dynamic environments where ideas flourish and productivity thrives. But what happens when your current...
Sep 22, 2023 • 3 minutes
As the saying goes, silence is golden. But in a school environment, it turns out that good acoustics are worth their weight in gold as...
Aug 22, 2023 • 4 minutes
When it comes to commercial office refurbishments, many companies face a dilemma: how can they maintain productivity and keep their business open while undergoing necessary renovations?...
Aug 22, 2023 • 4 minutes
In a move aimed at tackling the growing cost of living crisis, Mayor Sadiq Khan unveiled an ambitious emergency scheme to provide free school meals...
Aug 21, 2023 • 5 minutes
The importance of creating a comfortable and inspiring school boarding house cannot be underestimated as it sets the stage for academic success and personal development....
Jul 24, 2023 • 4 minutes
School dining halls play a vital role in ensuring that students stay nourished and energised throughout their day. With the growing importance of healthy eating,...
Jul 21, 2023 • 4 minutes
The significance of ergonomic classroom furniture cannot be overstated. Ergonomic furniture is designed to provide comfort, support, and promote good posture. When students are seated in chairs...
Jul 21, 2023 • 5 minutes
Accessibility is a fundamental right that every employee deserves in the workplace. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their work environment is accessible to everyone,...
Jun 22, 2023 • 5 minutes
Office design plays a crucial role in employee productivity, and it goes beyond aesthetics. The layout, lighting, and temperature of an office can significantly impact...
Jun 22, 2023 • 5 minutes
The school dining experience plays a crucial role in a student’s educational growth. Beyond merely providing sustenance, a nurturing dining environment can positively impact students’...
Jun 21, 2023 • 4 minutes
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, student well-being has become an increasingly important focus. Classroom designers recognise that fostering a positive learning environment goes beyond academic achievement...
May 30, 2023 • 4 minutes
Are you ready to create the perfect coworking space? Planning the perfect coworking environment can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it...
May 30, 2023 • 3 minutes
When it comes to equipping a school canteen, furniture choices can have a significant impact on the overall functionality and appeal of the space. For...
May 26, 2023 • 2 minutes
Education is the key to a successful future, and a big part of a good education is an inspiring yet practical learning environment. On average, children...
May 24, 2023 • 3 minutes
What is a school breakout area? A school breakout area is a designated space within a school that offers students a place to relax and...
Apr 25, 2023 • 3 minutes
As an employer, you have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of your staff while they are in the workplace. This covers...
Apr 25, 2023 • 3 minutes
Independent schools need to perform a careful balancing act between attracting new students to their school and retaining those students until the end of their...
Apr 24, 2023 • 3 minutes
Lunchtime is a key part of the school day. Not only does it provide a break from study for students and teachers alike, it is...
Mar 29, 2023 • 3 minutes
Your reception area is likely to be the first part of your school that any visitor sees. Whether it’s a parent, a supply teacher, or...
Mar 28, 2023 • 4 minutes
As we all know, employee well-being is key when it comes to productivity. The physical and mental health of your staff is fundamental to their...
Mar 23, 2023 • 3 minutes
As schools head towards their Spring/Easter break, exam season is right around the corner. Your students will already be revising and preparing for their examinations,...
Feb 28, 2023 • 3 minutes
Here at Versa, the safety of our users is at the forefront of everything we do. We know that our extensive range of lunchroom tables,...
Feb 22, 2023 • 3 minutes
Your company building has an important part to play in the success of your business. The design and layout of your work premises have a...
Feb 22, 2023 • 3 minutes
Teaching walls are a popular addition to many school classrooms, as they provide a bespoke storage solution that makes the most of available space. Sometime...
Feb 3, 2023 • 3 minutes
With National Storytelling Week (30th January to 6th February) underway, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of school libraries. For many schools and colleges...
Feb 1, 2023 • 3 minutes
Our range of Benchmark tables is among our most popular products with schools, colleges, and universities across the UK, and with good reason. They benefit...
Jan 31, 2023 • 3 minutes
The office environment in 2023 is a different beast entirely to what it was even 5 years ago. Between the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent...
Jan 10, 2023 • 3 minutes
Here at Westcountry Group, we have been providing essential building refurbishments for schools, colleges, and universities across the South West and South East of England for over...
Dec 20, 2022 • 3 minutes
The Wall Pocket system from Versa is one of our most popular school dining furniture solutions, and with good reason. This innovative wall-mounted folding dining table is a simple...
Dec 20, 2022 • 3 minutes
If you’re looking to improve your school building, it’s expected that you would seek advice from trained and experienced professionals. Talk in general terms with...
Dec 20, 2022 • 4 minutes
One of the biggest changes in office interior design over the last couple of years has been the introduction of co-working office spaces. With many employers offering...
Nov 28, 2022 • 3 minutes
School dining furniture gets put through its paces on a daily basis in most schools in the UK. With hundreds of students sitting down for lunch on...
Nov 17, 2022 • 2 minutes
School dining rooms and cafeterias are more than just a re-fuelling station for hungry kids, they form a key role in your students’ social lives....
Nov 17, 2022 • 3 minutes
Interior design is about more than looking good – the physical layout of a building and its constituent rooms has a fundamental affect on the property’s...
Oct 18, 2022 • 3 minutes
When it comes to commercial office refurbishment, mezzanine floors are a popular choice for many office environments. Mezzanines are partial or balcony floors that often...
Sep 28, 2022 • 3 minutes
Multi-use dining areas have become increasingly popular in primary schools and secondary schools across the UK. With space at a premium in many of the...
Sep 1, 2022 • 3 minutes
Choosing the right classroom furniture for schools is a key part of the interior design process. You need to find tables and chairs that are right for...
Aug 31, 2022 • 3 minutes
Despite being overlooked by many schools when they consider a redesign or remodel, the humble school canteen is a key component in the success of...
Aug 4, 2022 • 3 minutes
Whether you call it a lunch room, a canteen, or a cafeteria, any modern school dining area should be about more than just filling up...
Jul 28, 2022 • 4 minutes
Biophilia, as it relates to office interior design, is the act of bringing outdoor spaces into the workplace. Commonly misconstrued as “let’s add some potted...
Jun 27, 2022 • 3 minutes
When considering interior design for educational facilities, the performance of the students should be foremost in our minds. On average, primary school children in the UK...
Jun 27, 2022 • 3 minutes
Here at Versa Design, we produce innovative and exciting school dining furniture for primary and secondary schools, academies, colleges, and universities across the UK. Our...
May 31, 2022 • 3 minutes
We are already well into 2022 and, after a shaky couple of years, office life across the country seems to have returned to some semblance...
May 14, 2022 • 3 minutes
As an architect, you don’t want to reproduce the same old tired designs when hired for a new project. You want to create something new;...
May 12, 2022 • 3 minutes
The question of when is the best time to perform school remodelling and renovations crops up over and over again, and there is no easy answer. While...
Apr 22, 2022 • 3 minutes
A recent announcement by Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, confirmed that Free School Meals are going to be made available for all...
Apr 13, 2022 • 3 minutes
Children in the UK spend 32½ hours per week in school – not counting extra-curricular activities – and much of that time is spent in...
Mar 25, 2022 • 4 minutes
The Wall Pocket system is one of our most popular products, and it’s not hard to see why. This innovative, wall-mounted dining table solution helps schools, colleges,...
Mar 15, 2022 • 3 minutes
When students complete their GCSE year many choose to continue their education in sixth form, whether in their own school or at a local college....
Feb 17, 2022 • 3 minutes
Whether you are looking to fit out a single classroom with new furniture and fittings, or you intend to refurbish your entire school, choosing the...
Feb 11, 2022 • 3 minutes
Whether you’re a primary or secondary school, a college or university, state-funded or independent, you’re always looking for ways to maximise your resources. We’re not...
Jan 17, 2022 • 2 minutes
Like all creative endeavours, educational interior design goes through different trends and fashions. Of course, interior design for educational facilities is not an annual occurrence, so these...
Jan 3, 2022 • 2 minutes
Multi-use school halls are an increasingly popular way to utilise space in schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. They allow teachers and students alike...
Dec 1, 2021 • 2 minutes
Many schools are failing to make the most of their dining rooms. Of course, they play an important role at lunchtime, providing space for students...
Mar 1, 2021 • 1 minutes
Did you know that we can install our Versa Wall Pocket and Benchmark dining furniture virtually anywhere? As well as supplying 1,000’s of tables across...
Feb 1, 2021 • 1 minutes
The Wall Pocket dining table system is now available with Revolve-360 casters for added versatility and manoeuvrability. This will enable you to wheel the Wall...
Jan 1, 2021 • 1 minutes
Free Lifetime Warranty Now Available! The Versa Wall Pocket and Benchmark systems have been manufactured and successfully fitted in schools and colleges for over 50...
Dec 1, 2020 • 2 minutes
As schools are increasingly coming under pressure to take on more and more students, so they are required to innovate to ensure optimum use of...
Oct 2, 2020 • 6 minutes
1. KNOWLEDGE: OVER 43 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE With over four decades of experience in the paper market; we provide a specialist copier paper supply service for...
Jun 30, 2020 • 1 minutes
We really hope you, your family and communities are staying strong and safe during these difficult times, so here’s a quick word of encouragement from...
Jun 19, 2020 • 2 minutes
Goodbye open-plan, welcome closed office Radical workplace social distancing will have to begin immediately upon your teams return to the office which means it’s time...
Jun 17, 2020 • 3 minutes
Now, more than ever before schools are having to look at using different areas of their school for other activities. Never has there been a...
Apr 19, 2020 • 2 minutes
Here at Westcountry Group we’re committed to help our customers in the campaign against Covid-19 and have successfully secured a large quantity of Barriguard alcohol hand gel...
Feb 2, 2020 • 3 minutes
Recognise the position or way that individual learners are most productive This equilibrium is achieved when pupils are in their natural learning spot. For some,...
Jan 29, 2020 • 2 minutes
Over the last decade or so, independent schools in the UK have reacted to the competitive market by becoming increasingly businesss driven, focusing on the...
Jan 8, 2020 • 3 minutes
When you think of marketing you most likely think of external marketing to consumers, “persuading more people to buy what you sell”, however another critical...
Oct 7, 2019 • 2 minutes
Boost morale/lift mood A fresh look to your office can have a great impact on team morale as it clearly shows your staff that they...
Jul 1, 2019 • 2 minutes
What is an interior fit-out? ‘Fit-out’ is the broad term used to describe the process of making an interior space fit for occupation. This procedure...
Jan 10, 2019 • 3 minutes
What are the cost, time and space savings with Versa products? (FREE download) As schools are increasingly coming under pressure to take on more and...
Oct 7, 2018 • 2 minutes
What is 4D Virtual Reality? 4D VR is a market disrupting way to experience your interior space plan. Whilst 3D plans allow you to see...
Sep 18, 2018 • 3 minutes
Space-saving product No. 1: Versa Wall Pocket tables Choosing school furniture that stacks or folds when not in use is a brilliant way to save...
May 29, 2018 • 3 minutes
Here are five ways in which an organisation can be eco-friendly while still using the paper products and processes that help its business grow. People...
May 24, 2018 • 2 minutes
New funding available for Academy Trusts The first available is a new pilot by Sport England, alongside the Teaching Schools Council. Its aim is to...
Apr 10, 2018 • 2 minutes
Your employees are crying out for this lounge-come-breakout-area-come-employee-perk! So what exactly is a breakout area? It’s a space to go that’s outside the grind of work...
Sep 12, 2017 • 2 minutes
What is 4D Virtual Reality? 4D VR is a market disrupting way to experience your interior space plan. Whilst 3D plans allow you to see...
Jul 18, 2017 • 3 minutes
Agile workplaces to aid productivity In today’s fast-paced, technology-fuelled workplace, staff are increasingly expected to ‘deliver more’ – bettering their productivity and driving growth throughout...
Jul 17, 2017 • 2 minutes
The photocopier that’s always jamming is the bane of the modern-day office. So, we’ve compiled some quick tips to help you un-jam – and hopefully...
Jul 17, 2017 • 2 minutes
All around us we hear pleas to “Save a tree, don’t print this email”, “Go paperless” and other such expressions designed to make you feel...
Jul 17, 2017 • 2 minutes
What timescale are you working to? Working within a deadline can be stressful but is necessary. We always strive to give you accurate completion deadlines...
Jul 17, 2017 • 2 minutes
The Versa ConverTable is our most versatile table yet Whether you want your room to be a dining hall, a lecture room or an auditorium,...
Jul 17, 2017 • 3 minutes
What timescale are you working to? Working within a tight deadline can be stressful but is necessary – especially if you need your project done...
Jun 17, 2017 • 2 minutes
‘Creative minds need creative spaces’ Recently several members of the Westcountry team attended a conference on the changing scene of education and how we can...
May 17, 2017 • 2 minutes
1. Burn calories Standing burns up to 50 more calories per hour than sitting, so you can have a Kit-Kat every two hours without feeling...
May 12, 2017 • 2 minutes
Westcountry Group recently hit the local headlines for its partnership with Plymouth’s Stoke Damerel Community College. And it’s all thanks to the ingenious thinking by...
Apr 10, 2017 • 1 minutes
Behold: the easiest way to make a paper crane… (as in the bird). Well, after searching the web, it’s what we think is the easiest...
Apr 10, 2017 • 2 minutes
Once again, International Paper has been recognised by the Ethisphere Institute as a 2017 World’s Most Ethical Company®, a global leader in defining and advancing...
Apr 10, 2017 • 3 minutes
1. Give them past exam papers to do. This is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that students know what to expect in...
Apr 10, 2017 • 4 minutes
Positive posture – positive mindset – positive results! “There is growing recognition that if students feel more comfortable and able to concentrate, they are more...
Apr 10, 2017 • 3 minutes
1. Give them past exam papers to do This is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that students know what to expect in...