Case Study: Relocation of 4,700 Office Personnel

The Challenge

Our client required the relocation of 4,700 office personnel across multiple central London buildings. The project formed part of a wider rationalisation programme and needed to be delivered on time, within budget, and with no disruption to business operations.  Carried out over a period of around 18 months in a phased approach, this case study demonstrates a great example of our core business activities.

A case study for office relocations

Our Approach

  • Detailed Planning
    Our project began with comprehensive site surveys to assess all buildings involved, understand requirements, and map out risks. We worked closely with the Facilities Management team to establish timescales, budgets, and key objectives.
  • Preparation & Security Clearance
    A dedicated relocation team was assembled, with operatives holding the required security clearances. Staff briefings ensured everyone understood the client’s expectations and project scope. Materials, protection, and crates were procured in advance to guarantee a seamless start.
  • Phased Delivery
    Moves were carried out in phases, typically commencing on Friday evenings to minimise disruption. At the start of each phase, our Project Manager conducted job-specific risk assessments, ensuring safety procedures and building fire regulations were fully respected.
  • Specialist Handling
    • Building protection was installed in lobbies, lifts, and high-traffic areas.
    • Staff personal effects and files were packed by employees, while IT was decommissioned, packed, and re-commissioned by our trained specialists.
    • Crates were scheduled only when needed, reducing hire costs.
    • Teams operated in synchronisation: while one team transported furniture and crates, another managed IT packing and labelling and another team were kept busy setting out to plan and unpacking IT, with our Project Manager and Move Managers overseeing the entire operation.
  • Sustainability & Efficiency
    Logistics planning aligned with environmental standards and transport directives, reducing unnecessary vehicle use and fuel consumption.
  • Performance Monitoring

KPI’s were agreed during the planning phase and monitored throughout, records were kept and communicated to the client throughout the project and at key stage ends.

The Outcome

  • All furniture, crates, and equipment were delivered and placed to plan, with desks, storage, and IT ready for immediate use.
  • Porters remained on-site after each phase to assist staff with unpacking, layout adjustments, and crate returns, enabling employees to resume work without delay.
  • Each phase was signed off with client representatives and concluded with a full project debrief.

Results

  • 4,700 personnel relocated successfully
  • Zero business disruption
  • On time and within budget
  • Excellent end-user feedback

This project demonstrated our ability to deliver large-scale office relocations seamlessly, combining careful planning, operational efficiency, and a strong customer focus.

An office before removals