Why temporary structures are essential for flexible space management
Adaptability is a key component of any successful business. Forecasts and plans may be in place, but there will always be situations you can’t predict. It’s the ability to respond to these promptly, which allows a company to remain resilient and competitive – perhaps even opening doors to new or increased revenue opportunities.
An example of this is where business is booming faster than you can handle, which is great in many ways. But it may leave you desperately in need of more office or warehouse space to deal with the uptick. The impact of not being able to secure that quickly will lead to unfulfilled or delayed orders, which has a knock-on effect on customer satisfaction.
If lack of space is an issue – whether foreseen or unforeseen – it’s no easy feat to find (or build) more permanent space. It’s a lengthy, time-consuming and expensive process, and once you’ve found what you’re looking for, it’s a long-term commitment, which you may not need. This is where temporary or semi-permanent structures become indispensable for flexible space management.
Put simply, temporary or semi-permanent structures refer to any sort of building that is constructed in a modular design and doesn’t require foundations. They can be easily dismantled after a few days, weeks or months when no longer needed, or can be more long-term. Some of the structures designed and manufactured by our team of in-house technicians can last up to 30 years if required.
Which types of businesses can benefit from temporary structures?
Any. That’s the beauty of temporary structures – they can be completely bespoke, according to your needs. At Mar-Key Group we have experience working across a wide range of industries providing fast solutions that enable our clients to carry on doing business with little to no disruption.
One of the most common uses for temporary structures is to create an almost instant commercial storage space for warehouses. We also have knowledge and expertise in the events, education, retail, film and TV and sports sectors.
For over twenty years we have supported Tesco with its seasonal storage requirements during an operational peak throughout the winter. Our team carries out a phased install between September and November, ready for the client to use to safely store increased deliveries and reduce pressure on the internal warehouse. This creates a much more manageable workspace for staff during one of the busiest periods in the retail calendar.
The National Grid is another client of ours. In Oxfordshire, we designed, supplied and installed a temporary industrial warehouse structure, providing flexible space management across 3,500 square metres. The building is expected to remain in place for up to 10 years, with Mar-Key Group maintaining the structure during this time.
Why should I invest in a temporary structure to create more space?
Temporary structures provide innovative and reliable flexible space solutions that address the spatial needs of individual businesses. Here, we look at the main benefits of temporary over permanent.
Speed of delivery
In many cases, firms need additional space at short notice, whether it’s to capitalise on a spike in demand or respond to an unexpected situation. Traditional construction methods cannot match the pace at which temporary buildings can be installed.
From start to finish, a well-designed temporary structure can be up and running in a matter of days, depending on the size and complexity of the project. This agility allows businesses to seize opportunities as they arise.
One of our clients had their project up and running in just four days – significantly less time than the permanent redevelopment of their existing warehouse they had been considering.
Businesses can have their temporary structure up and running in no time at all if planning permission isn’t required. Temporary structures in the UK are covered by the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939 Part IV – Section 30. Those buildings that are smaller than 100m² and/or are designed to remain in place for less than 28 days will not need planning permission. You can read more about the legal requirements on our blog.
Cost-effective solution
One of the primary advantages of temporary solutions is that they are cost-effective. Constructing a permanent building involves significant investment, not only in terms of money but also time. And in many circumstances, projects are delayed or cost more than the budget allowed. Temporary structures offer a more economical alternative.
Additionally, the modular nature of temporary structures means they can be reconfigured or relocated as needed, extending their usable lifespan and maximising the return on investment. When the need for the building has passed, it can be dismantled and stored for future use, or even sold. This helps to offset some of the initial costs.
At Mar-Key Group, we don’t just build temporary structures from scratch – we also rent and lease them, offering a range of flexible payment options. In the events sector, our temporary structures are almost always hired by our clients because they’re only needed for a short time. Clients have the flexibility of not being tied into lengthy contracts, while the freedom to extend the hire if desired.
One of the most impressive temporary buildings we have for hire or lease is The Horizon, which can be built up to 14m high across a 60m span. Whether used for an event or day-to-day operations, The Horizon can provide an eye-catching flexible space, while fully compliant with building regulations for long-term use.
Reduced downtime
Permanent buildings are refurbished from time to time, often to make them more modern, fit for purpose or visually pleasing (it’s amazing what a decor refresh can do). But this can translate to downtime, resulting in a period where parts or all of your facility are out of action.
In Swansea, Mar-Key Group was chosen to deliver a temporary Tesco store to provide additional trading space whilst the main store underwent refurbishment. It was built in the store’s car park and remained in place for eight weeks, ensuring that trade could continue with minimal disruption during the works.
Maximum flexibility and customisation
Temporary structures provide unparalleled flexibility. Not only can they be erected quickly and customised to suit a wide variety of applications, they can also be scaled up or down based on a business’ evolving needs. The purpose of a space can be changed entirely with little fuss and then the infrastructure dismantled or sold when no longer needed.
Environmental sustainability
In an era where environmental responsibility is a growing concern for businesses and consumers alike, temporary premises offer a greener solution to traditional construction because they are often designed with recyclable materials and can be repurposed multiple times. This reduces the impact associated with construction waste and the carbon footprint of manufacturing new materials.
Temporary structures can also be placed with minimal disruption to the environment. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar buildings, they do not require extensive groundwork, excessive or prolonged noise or permanent alterations to the landscape, preserving habitats and reducing soil erosion and other ecological disturbances.
In conclusion
No matter the reason for needing more space, Mar-Key Group can help by showcasing a range of temporary and semi-permanent structures, which can be bought outright, hired or leased. The benefits make them a fantastic investment whether for the short-term or long-term, with peace of mind knowing your new space is safe, durable and fully compliant with any regulations.
To see the solutions we’ve provided for businesses in your industry, check out our Case Studies page. You can also reach out to our friendly team to discuss your requirements by calling us on 01202 577 111. You can also submit your enquiry to team@mar-key.com or use our online contact form to get in touch.