mdsmiths

Nottingham Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi Solution

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:19:38 GMT

Nottingham Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi Solution

A Nottingham-based client contacted us facing significant IT challenges. Outdated systems and unreliable network connectivity severely hampered productivity and collaboration across all of their East Midlands.

Our comprehensive site survey revealed critical infrastructure deficiencies including, insufficient network bandwidth, dated cabling (Cat3 in some areas ), and inconsistent Wi-Fi coverage resulting in frequent connection dropouts. Specifically, we found that the existing network couldn't handle the volume of data traffic, and the outdated cabling created bottlenecks hindering data transmission speeds.

Our solution involved the implementation of a new cloud-based cisco meraki network infrastructure.

Our works to complete this project involved the following works.

Full Ekahu wireless survey was conducted.
Design plan was created and present to the customer along with a schedule of works.
Pre-start meeting was undertaken to prevent any interruptions to exiting networks whilst works were undertaken and to review health and safety measures due to some works being at height.
Installation commenced with the upgrading the cabling to Cat6a throughout site.
Installation of additional power supplies here required.
Installation of Meraki MR76 Outdoor AP’s to communication between each other for hard to reach areas where network cabling was not available.
Installation of indoor Meraki MR46 Indoor AP’s to allow for wireless communication throughout the offices.
Installation of Meraki MS130-24XCLD switches, to bring the cloud based systems together.
Once these works were completed, fully testing of the site was undertaken, by the clients IT Department to ensure full coverage was present.
Once testing was completed and coverage confirmed the existing system was decommissioned.

This upgrade enabled secure remote access for all employees, seamlessly integrating their head office with all other sites, and home working staff.

The centralised management platform provides simplified monitoring, proactive troubleshooting capabilities, and enhanced security features.

Our customer was delighted with the results of the new system, and through put of information it is provided.

We are now looking forward to our next project with our customer.

Preston Dilapidation Project

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 13:28:27 GMT

Preston Dilapidation Project

When a long-standing client approached us to assist with their office space in Preston, we were thrilled to showcase our expertise in dilapidation works. The client was vacating their premises and needed to restore it to its original condition, a task that demanded precision, efficiency, and a comprehensive understanding of property reinstatement.

Our team swiftly tackled this time-sensitive project, bringing together a diverse range of skills. The project involved a complete overhaul of the office to ensure the space was safe and compliant with all relevant regulations.

Here is what we did to achieve this

Arranged appropriate waste disposal services.
We knocked down the internal meeting room and removed the door and skirting boards.
Replaced sections of the existing ceiling grid and damaged ceiling tiles.
Removed all blinds from the windows and filled any holes.
Removal of the telecommunications cabinet and all structured cabling previously installed around the space.
Carried out repairs and filling to the walls and redecorated throughout.
Uplifted all old carpet tiles and replaced them with new.
Completed an Electrical Installation Condition Report & the necessary remedial works to ensure the installation complies with BS7671:2022
Carried out a 3-hour emergency lighting test & completed the necessary remedial works to ensure the installation complies

with BS5266-1:2016

Kitchen works were completed by replacing the worktop and rehanging a kitchen cupboard back to the wall.

The client was extremely pleased with the results of our work, praising our professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to exceeding their expectations. We were delighted to have played a part in ensuring that the client's office space was returned to its original condition, ready for the next tenant to enjoy.

Peterborough Lift Refurbishment

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 13:10:16 GMT

Peterborough Lift Refurbishment

Having recently completed several refurbishment projects on the ground floor, our customer felt that other areas of their Peterborough Business Centre would benefit from a little refresh.

They were keen to ensure that their customers and visitors had a good first impression and felt that the lifts were lacking the clean modern look they so desired.

It had been some time since the lifts had been given any TLC. With red carpet in situ at the bottom of the lift car up and painted top half, this gave off a more dated appearance.

We got to work to bring a modern feel in keeping with the building.

Stripping back of old carpet from the lift car walls
Carried out minor timber repairs to the backboard
Redecoration of the lift car walls
Installation of PVC wall panelling to bring a modern feel to the lift’s

There you go, simple yet effective. Giving the lifts a clean and modern look that now blends well with the rest of the building.

Bristol Atzec West Meeting Room Project

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:15:28 GMT

Bristol Atzec West Meeting Room Project

We were contacted by one of our existing customers operating serviced offices within Bristol. One of their tenants had recently moved into a large open-plan office operating as a call centre.

Needing a little more privacy for team meetings, we were asked to assist with the creation of a meeting room.

A large unused space within the office allowed us to easily accommodate their needs. We were able to quickly transform this space into a functional meeting room, with the necessary features to provide the privacy the tenant required.

The customer had a tight deadline as they were being relocated out of the office during work, but we managed to deliver the project with careful planning ensuring all of their requirements were met, and that the project was completed on time.

Here's what we did to achieve this project.

Repositioning of ventilation system.
Walls were created using steel framework, fire-rated plasterboard and fully insulated.
New skirting boards installed on the newly created walls.
Installation of fire door with vision panel- allowing for more light to flow.
Relocation of data and power outlets.
Decoration was completed to the new walls and skirting boards.
Fire compartmentation works above the ceiling.
Installation of additional smoke detection.

The customer was delighted with their new meeting room which allowed them to function fully with the privacy they require.

Peterborough Office Refurbishment Project

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:15:27 GMT

Peterborough Office Refurbishment Project

Having recently completed some works for a new customer at a Business Centre located in the heart of Peterborough, we were asked to assist with further works on the ground floor that had been vacant for a while.

This previously large open plan space, had undergone a refurbishment some time ago, but no longer served the needs of our customer.

With new tenants wanting to take a smaller space, we got to work by stripping out flooring, air conditioning, and old radiators.

We created a new corridor and split the space into two smaller offices both with glass meeting rooms.

We relocated lighting and data and installed further emergency lighting and smoke detection to suit the new layout. We also installed check meters to the existing power supply and completed testing of the space to ensure the installation was complaint with current regulations.

Installation of new air conditioning was completed to allow both offices to run independently of each other, and the ceiling was repaired throughout.

To complete the look, bespoke colours were used to suit the new customers brand and new carpets were installed.

Our customer was delighted with the end result and so were their tenants who could not wait to move in and get their new office up and running.

Ashby Garden Renovation Project

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:15:26 GMT

Ashby Garden Renovation Project

One of our customers contacted us for assistance on a local garden renovation they wanted to complete. They envisioned an inviting space all of the family could benefit from, so we set to work putting forward ideas.

Our only brief being, that they loved their trees, and wanted to keep the dogs off the grass unattended, the children would love a seating area and a hot tub was a must for Mum and Dad to relax.

Our Joinery, Landscaping and Electrical Team, all pulled together and have worked very hard to create such a beautiful space, which was once a large and bland area mainly laid to lawn.

We achieved this great look by completing the following works

Installation of picket fencing including easy access gate to separate off the grass. The dogs may not like it but we think it looks great.
Created a lovely seating area at the bottom of the garden by installing some decking.
Our joiner created a lovely gazebo area to house the hot tub on the patio area ensuring they still had some privacy when in use.
The Customer didn’t hold back when it came to the lighting. Wanting to ensure that the nights lasted a little longer, this was achieved by installing colourful downlights mounted around the perimeter of the garden, spike spots to the grass, and inbuilt spotlights to the decking and front porch of the property.

Our customers were so thrilled with the results that they even asked us to add some extra storage and lighting upgrades to the front of their house. This project was a great example of how we can work with customers to create a space that meets their unique needs and vision.

Cambridge – Break Out and Meeting Room Fit Out Project

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:15:26 GMT

Cambridge – Break Out and Meeting Room Fit Out Project

We were contacted by one of our customers, who manage a prestigious Business Centre in the heart of Cambridge. Having instructed another contractor to complete a refurbishment of their entrance and reception area, strip-out works had been partially completed but the contractor was no longer able to complete the project.

With this being the only entrance into the building time was of the essence to bring some normality back to this space that somewhat resembled a building site at the time we were contacted.

We got to work with the customer understanding their requirements alongside the scope of works and specification that had been agreed with the previous contractor.

The vision was clear in that they wanted to maximise the space with a modern look creating separate areas for multi-purpose use and also have a meeting room that their customers could use as additional spaces.

To create this amazing space, our team all pulled together completing the following works.

Clearing and stripping out the remaining space to make way for the new.
Management of waste disposal.
Installation of a large glass meeting room, this allowed the space to flow with light.
Leaving the main space open plan was a must and we worked carefully around this and also provided the designated areas for working and privacy.
Bespoke panelling was installed to provide that modern look.
We created refreshment stations in the areas, with the installation of a kitchenette.
Carried out work to the ceiling to suit the new layout and installed bespoke oak rafting.
Installation of new LED linear lighting & emergency lighting to suit the new layout.
We adapted the fire alarm and installed additional smoke detection to meet fire regulations.
The whole area was decorated using brand-specific colours which really does add the wow factor to this project.
To finish, we laid new LVT Herringbone flooring to complement the colour scheme and bespoke panelled walls that were installed.

Our customer was delighted with the end results and how the space works so well around the businesses that operate within the centre. This has allowed them to maximise their revenue with additional bookings for the meeting room.

Ashby Hill Top Primary School - Library and Music Room Project

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:15:25 GMT

Ashby Hill Top Primary School - Library and Music Room Project

Our customer, Ashby Hill Top Primary School, is just a stone’s throw away from M D Smiths office in Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire, and plays a key part in the local community.

It had been their wish for some time to have a library and music room so that the children had some quiet space for reading and a music room to explore their musical talents. Due to limited funding, this dream had not become a reality.

As a business, we love nothing more than giving back to our local community, and what a perfect place to start with funding such a great cause.

Our brief was to open up some existing areas to create more space to accommodate the library and separate music room, with work to be completed during the half-term week to limit disruption.

With only a week to complete, we jumped to action by completing the following work.

Separating working area to ensure safety and protecting flooring and furniture from ongoing works.
Removal of blockwork wall to open the corridor area- We really did have some muscle behind this task.
Removal of stud wall from a small office that had been used for storage for some time.
Created two new walls with steel studwork, fire-rated boarding, and fully insulated.
New double fire doors were installed to separate the classroom to the library space.
Adaptions were made to the ceiling grid to allow for the new layout.
Electrical works were undertaken to ensure that the space had adequate power and lighting.

Our customer was delighted with the result and the joy this has brought the children.

All of our staff have loved being part of such a rewarding project and we look forward to our next.

Full Floor Fit Out in Delightful Business Centre Set in Oxford

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:15:24 GMT

Full Floor Fit Out in Delightful Business Centre Set in Oxford

Acquiring a new building in the delightful Oxford, some time ago, our customer had been working their way through the building completing refurbishment works to areas floor by floor. Having completed the lower part of the building already, they began a further phase to bring additional revenue to their business.

On reaching out to us for assistance, it was established some works had begun, having had some track work for the partitioning installed. With waiting tenants for this floor, a tight schedule of work needed to be followed.

Plans and designs had already been put in place which meant we could dispatch the team immediately to the site to get the project moving.

We started work immediately to complete the job.

Removing the track work already installed due to incorrect fitting.
New track work, tape and joint boarding and insulation were installed creating 10 new offices.
To keep the flow of light to these smaller offices, side lights were installed.
Our joinery team completed the installation of all doors and ironmongery.
Installation of suspended ceiling with tiles.
Due to insufficient power to the floor our team installed a new distribution board to allow for the electrical services to be completed.
Installation of LED lighting and emergency lighting
Installation of a new structured cabling
Installation of additional socket outlets to suit the new desk layout.
New air conditioning was installed.
The space was fully decorated.
To finish to project we laid new carpet tiles throughout.
Completed sign-off with building control

Our customers were delighted with the results and standard of work completed. Bringing their vision to life has allowed them to maximise their income on a space that has been sat empty for some time.

We completed our own office refurbishment!

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:15:22 GMT

Full Refit Project of M D Smiths Office

Having spent some time in old premises, we knew something bigger was a must to enable us to grow. Larger stock capacity was needed, additional directors’ offices and an operations room that could bear future growth would be ideal. To complete the wish list, we increase the size of the meeting room to give the engineers their own space too that could also be used for staff training, and meetings.

There wasn’t going to be anything meeting all those needs that we could just walk in to, so we knew the hands on hard work had to start.

There’s no shortage of challenges when trying to maintain smooth operational performance alongside moving and fitting out a new space, but we worked as a team and got stuck in together.

Having found an empty industrial unit, and by empty we mean 4 walls with the bare minimum facilities, we turned it into everything we wanted. What’s more, we did all the work ourselves.

Structural walls & a mezzanine floor - we did it
Stud walls, complete with insulation and dry lining - we did it
Suspended ceiling - you get the picture
Floors - ok, one exception, we didn’t do the carpet ourselves
Power & lighting
Data & media
Security & fire alarm
Central heating & AC

It was quite the undertaking, and we were so relieved and proud once works had been completed.

The works have met all our needs and given us that extra space needed to grow into the future.