Case Study: Technology Desking's 20-Year Collaboration with a Global Investment Leader
Our client is a leading global investment management firm that oversees billions in assets for investors worldwide. We have been proud to support them with their trading furniture needs for over two decades.
With offices in financial hubs like New York, Geneva, London, and Hong Kong, the client has grown significantly in recent years. They have expanded their global footprint, adapting to new markets and technologies.
Throughout this period of growth, the client has relied on Technology Desking to fit out their sites with high-quality, specialised desks. These are tailored to meet the unique needs of their traders and support staff. Our desks have become a crucial part of their trading floors. We design them to help productivity in fast-paced settings and adapt to the demands of an ever-evolving industry. This long-standing partnership reflects our shared commitment to meeting the highest standards for workspaces in the financial sector.
Meeting the client's needs
The client required bespoke trading desks that could withstand long hours of use. The desks had to be built with quality materials to ensure durability. They also needed ongoing customer support that covered their locations across the globe.
How the partnership evolved
Over two decades, the firm expanded globally from its initial London base, opening offices in New York, Hong Kong, and Geneva. With each new site, they recruited Technology Desking to install furniture.
Our project management teams oversaw the installation of hundreds of desks for the client at locations worldwide. We shipped the desks and equipment from our UK and US warehouses to the client's bases across three continents. To guarantee seamless setup and integration, we dispatched expert staff to each site. They provided hands-on oversight and support throughout the installation process.
By 2024, Technology Desking had installed over 1000 desks globally for the client. We were able to provide ongoing customer care, however distant the location. We carried out many upgrades and reconfigurations over the years.
Tailored Solutions for a High-Performance Trading Environment
1. Smartarm Monitor Arms: Traders use multiple monitors, so we fitted all the desks with our SmartArm monitor mounting system We designed these specifically to be sturdy enough to carry the extra weight of several monitors. They are also flexible; adding and removing monitors is quick and easy. Users can finely adjust monitor height for comfortable working. Changing the monitor's orientation between landscape and portrait is also simple.
2. PC storage: Trading requires powerful PCs and adequate storage for these is essential. Incorrect storage could cause obstruction or overheating issues. To help with this, Technology Desking designed specialist below-desk PC storage cabinets. These located within the desk underside. They have plenty of ventilation to disperse any heat generated by the PCs via a desk flue located at the centre of the back to back desk. We provided below desk pedestals for convenient personal storage, keeping the workspace tidy and efficient.
3. Cable management: Traders use plenty of tech. Multiple monitors, PCs and gadgets can create a messy tangle of cables if you're not careful. The desks we designed for the client included robust cable management. Below desk cable trays kept the cables discreetly out of the way. Users can access these trays via sliding desktops. Cable chains neatly feed the cables into the PC trolley.
4. Desktop power/data: Quick and easy access to power is essential for traders using a variety of equipment. Reaching awkwardly under the desk for power can interrupt your focus. To help with this, we installed our Technology Links desktop units. We customised these units to the client's power and data needs. Each one had power sockets and various ports, including USB ports, LAN and microphone sockets.
5. Flexible desks: We recently installed our latest DT11 desks for the client. As the trading floor evolves and changes, these desks are designed to change with it. Their scalable frames allow the client to adapt the desk to their needs. They can be adjusted from an admin to a trader desk and back if needed. This is cost-effective for the client as it saves money on buying new furniture as the business grows and changes.
Return on Investment
The desks we provided for the client have a 10-year warranty (actuators 18 months). We designed them for durability and longevity, making them a good investment. Not only can they withstand long hours of use, but their durability means reduced need for upgrades and replacements, saving money. We build our desks in the UK and the US using the best quality materials and craftsmanship.
Our ongoing customer service meant that we could provide skilled staff at locations worldwide. Whenever the client required an upgrade or maintenance, help was available.
The furniture we provided the client with had plenty of ergonomic features. This helped the traders stay focused and comfortable during long hours of work. Height-adjustable desktops allow traders to experience the benefits of a standing desk. Flexible monitor arms mean traders can adjust their workspace to meet their requirements.
Going forward
As our client continues to lead in global investment management, we're honoured to play a role in shaping workspaces that empower their traders and support staff to perform at their best.
This partnership has allowed us to develop desks that meet the unique demands of high-performance trading floors. From ergonomic enhancements to integrated technology solutions, each custom feature reflects our dedication to supporting our client's growth and commitment to excellence.
Looking forward, we're excited to continue innovating alongside them. We aim to develop adaptable, efficient solutions that evolve with their needs.
Are you looking to upgrade your trading floor? Technology Desking provide customised solutions tailored to your specific needs. From minor adjustments to fully bespoke designs, we will always meet our ergonomic design and technology management principles. Check out our range here.