Mozilla Moves In as Workspace Operator Receives Best-in-Class Internet Rating

Published on August 31, 2016 - By Jo Meunier (née Disney)

In today’s competitive workspace industry it pays to invest in first-class Internet connectivity, especially in key cities like London.

That’s why Workspace Group Plc, a commercial property and flexible workspace operator in London, has secured a proven best-in-class Internet connectivity rating — one of only a handful of UK office buildings to do so.

That level of differentiation and investment has certainly paid off. According to Workspace, this has allowed the company to attract leading digital businesses including web giant Mozilla, creator of the Firefox web browser, who has taken 3,200 sq ft of space at Workspace’s Metal Box Factory in Southwark.

The Internet certification comes courtesy of WiredScore UK, part of the New York-based WiredScore Certification programme launched in 2013. WiredScore evaluates the speed, security and reliability of Internet connectivity in office buildings and makes this data public, thereby enabling businesses to make smarter decisions on their choice of workspace.

Workspace Plc’s Metal Box Factory in Southwark is now a certified ‘Platinum’ Internet hotspot, the highest WiredScore UK rating available, which has allowed it to attract digital-savvy corporate firms including Mozilla.

Metal Box Factory’s infrastructure includes managed connected services delivered in partnership with Excell Group, a Dot11 platform providing building-wide Wi-Fi, and dedicated fibre connectivity to each client.

In addition, WiredScore UK’s stringent Platinum requirements include:

• At least 4 Fibre/Fixed Wireless providers with the addition of multiple copper/coax options
• Fibre cabling that is easily accessible throughout the whole building
• Protected and secure dedicated telecom closet to minimize interruptions
• 2 points of entry for cabling with room for growth
• 2 diverse risers that traverse the building with room for growth
• Streamlined legal contracting process with carriers

“Connectivity is a top priority for fast growing, digitally dependent businesses,” commented James Friedenthal, Head of Corporate Development at Workspace. “This fantastic recognition from WiredScore is testament to our commitment as a business to providing our customers with the highest quality workspaces.”

The WiredScore initiative was launched in a bid to raise the profile and quality of digital connectivity in commercial office buildings, providing any occupier – including flexible workspace operators – with a connectivity standard benchmark.

Workspace Plc’s Metal Box Factory might be in the distinguished minority when it comes to top grade connectivity — but it’s not the only flexible workspace building with a Platinum rating. And more are likely to join them soon.

WiredScore UK’s current list of Platinum office buildings includes Tower 42, home to Regus; The Shard, with The Office Group; and The Leadenhall Building, which accommodates Servcorp UK.

Furthermore according to WiredScore UK, WeWork now insists on Wired Certification reports when evaluating all new property acquisitions.

As flexible workspace operators react to client demand and raise the bar on vital elements like fast, reliable Internet connectivity, they are serving to better market the industry’s capability to serve not just SMEs but also world-leading corporates, including Mozilla. This is excellent news for our industry and also, of course, for the businesses using the space, who now have access to top-grade technology and a greater support infrastructure in which to further their business prospects.