NEWCASTLE & STAFFORD COLLEGE GROUP

NSCG is Staffordshire’s leading further education college.

Educating over 8,000 students at any one time, the popular college has some of the best pass rates not just in the area, but in the country as a whole – a testament to the calibre of its staff.

8,000

Students

800

Employees

20,000

Square Feet

About The NSCG Project

 

Newcastle’s largest college group, NSCG, approached Plann:d with a dilemma. They had an open area in their library which they felt was under-utilised and, keen to take full advantage of the space, wanted to install new furniture. Previously, the space had only been used for events like art exhibitions. The idea was to transform the space into something more versatile and useful for students and staff alike.

Over the past decade, the college has grown significantly, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. New facilities are currently under construction, expanding the college’s capacity and further bolstering its enviable reputation for excellence.

Initially, NSCG wasn’t sure what to do with the space. But, when they saw the stunning Orangebox meeting pods we had in stock, they spotted an opportunity. They seemed like the ideal solution, creating multi-functional ‘spaces within a space’ that could be used for all kinds of different activities. We completed a space plan to determine where they would fit into the library and, after viewing the pods in person at our Peterborough premises, the college ordered three and arranged an installation date.

Our office fit-out and installation team faced a considerable challenge. The Orangebox meeting pods selected by the college aren’t easy to install – particularly when they need to be on the first floor!

We’d used Plann:d in the past and they had never let us down. They always supply very high quality furniture, along with great delivery and service. Their customer service is exceptional – the delivery team and the setup team are really friendly and efficient. Zero complaints from us!

We don’t have these pods anywhere else in the building, so we weren’t entirely sure whether they would be well received. The reception has been phenomenal, though. In fact, we had to put the meeting pods on our booking system because they’re that popular!

Plus, the installation had to be done when the building wasn’t in use. The NSCG team wanted to get the project completed without disrupting students and staff, so the decision was taken to book the installation for the summer holidays.

The project was completed without a hitch, and the team at NSCG is already eyeing up their next furniture order: “We will continue to use Plann:d regularly. Everything is very efficient, including finances and invoicing. We have a great relationship with them.”

Once an under-utilised space without a real purpose, the open area of NSCG’s first-floor library has been transformed into a versatile hub of collaboration and study. Ideal for both staff and students, the comfortable meeting pods comfortably house four people, making them perfect for small group activities.

We mainly dealt with Becky in sales. She’s fab. The delivery and installation guys are spot on too – friendly, helpful and willing to go above and beyond. We can’t fault anyone we’ve come across within Plann:d. They’re cheerful, helpful and great value too.

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