Driving Innovation: Alpha Auto Group’s Stunning New HQ in Mayfair, London

When AAG came to us for their new Mayfair office, they needed more than just a one-size-fits-all approach. With varying room layouts, tight deadlines and no onsite IT team, they had some big challenges to overcome.  About Alpha Auto Group (AAG) Alpha Auto Group (AAG), based in Toronto, are the largest Canada-based car dealership group in the world. On October 6, 2023, Alpha Auto Group completed acquisition of Lookers, PLC, a leading auto retailer in the UK and Ireland. Identifying the challenges The client faced several challenges in their new Mayfair headquarters. Their office included a variety of spaces, ranging from small huddle rooms to a large boardroom, each requiring a bespoke solution that integrated seamlessly with Microsoft Teams. Additionally, the project had to meet tight deadlines, involving close coordination with contractors and project managers to ensure everything was ready for the grand opening. Compounding these challenges was the absence of an onsite IT team, meaning the technology needed to be simple to manage remotely to minimise downtime and maintain operational efficiency. Delivering a solution To overcome the client’s challenges, we delivered a fully tailored, end-to-end solution that combined innovative meeting room technology with seamless integration and proactive support. We started by collaborating with their IT team to thoroughly review their specific requirements and analyse the architect’s plans, which provided crucial details such as room dimensions, cable pathways, and power and data outlet locations. Information surrounding room dimensions, acoustics, and lighting, helped us design the ideal setup for each space. Based on these insights, we implemented a customised mix of Poly solutions: Huddle Rooms: Outfitted with Poly X30 systems and TC8 control panels, delivering user-friendly, high-quality video conferencing tailored for smaller spaces. Boardroom: Equipped with the state-of-the-art Poly X70 system and TC10 control panel, ensuring an exceptional conferencing experience in a larger, more complex environment. Each solution was Microsoft Teams Room certified, ensuring flawless integration with Lookers’ existing platforms. To meet the tight project timeline, our team collaborated closely with project managers and onsite contractors, ensuring every milestone was hit without delays. The result was a fully functional, future-proof setup delivered on time for the grand opening. Understanding the client’s need for remote management, we onboarded all devices onto Poly Lens (device management portal) and the Microsoft Teams Room Pro Management portal, providing complete visibility and control over their systems from any location. For ongoing reliability, we included a maintenance package. This ensures swift issue resolution, minimal downtime, and uninterrupted performance, offering long-term peace of mind. With the new solutions in place, Lookers’ Mayfair office is equipped with technology that’s intuitive to use, reliable and perfectly suited to their needs. Looking for help with your own AV setup? Get in touch with us today – we’d love to help!

What is the best technology to have in the boardroom?

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In today’s fast-paced and ever evolving corporate world, boardrooms are where the critical decision-making and strategic planning happens. Investing in cutting-edge technology will help companies  enhance collaboration, efficiency, and productivity in the boardroom. In this blog, we explore the best technologies that can be used to revolutionise the boardroom experience and ultimately drive businesses towards success. Interactive Displays and Content Sharing The days of old fashioned PowerPoint slides and presentations are behind us. Now modern boardrooms require meetings and presentations that can captivate audiences.  Thanks to interactive displays with touch screen capabilities and digital annotation features, meeting participants will be engaged and meaningful conversations can be stimulated. Data visualisation tools take complex information and transform it into visually compelling representations, allowing board members to grasp insights quickly, facilitating data-driven decisions. Furthermore, supporting Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), it encourages flexibility and enhances collaboration, as participants can use their familiar devices to contribute to discussions. Devices such as the Yealink WPP30 Wireless Sharing Dongle allows hassle-free screen sharing at the touch of a button. Alternatively, Poly, Yealink and Logitech VC systems all allow for a direct screen sharing solution with an HDMI cable which can be used by anyone at the table. Video Conferencing The rise of remote work has presented both challenges and opportunities for businesses across the globe. Video conferencing solutions have become a vital part of work activities by enabling seamless communication and collaboration regardless of physical location. High-definition cameras and reliable audio systems ensure that virtual participants feel present and engaged, fostering real-time interactions and facilitating connections. With the emergence of solutions such as Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zooms rooms, users are able to enjoy an extremely simple meeting process in just a few clicks. These solutions are fool proof, allowing users to join meetings with just one touch, scheduling new meetings easily and sharing content into those meetings seamlessly. This enables collaboration between those in the workplace and remote, in a way that was previously not possible. To facilitate seamless teamwork, businesses are turning to collaboration software and tools. These platforms encompass project management, file sharing and communication tools, streamlining workflows and enabling real-time document editing and sharing. With everyone on the same page, board members can make decisions more efficiently and effectively. Room Booking Solutions The management of meeting spaces has become paramount for maximising productivity and enhancing the overall efficiency of a company. By introducing cutting-edge room booking technologies into your business, such as GoBright and Evoko, it  brings an array of invaluable benefits. These solutions revolutionise the way organisations schedule, utilise, and optimise their meeting spaces. Employees can effortlessly locate and secure suitable spaces for their meetings and receive real-time updates on room availability reduce conflicts and eliminate time wasted searching for vacant spaces. In conclusion, the boardroom is much more than four walls and a flipchart. Embracing the best technologies, can help your business to improve collaboration, efficiency and productivity, which will boost your businesses at the forefront of innovation. As companies are always adapting and evolving, the boardroom will continue to be the hub of strategic decision-making and technology will remain a driving force behind their success.