Our Ideas

School halls are busy places. They host assemblies, PE lessons, drama rehearsals, exams and, of course, lunches. For many schools, the challenge is making one...

Despite being overlooked by many schools when they consider a redesign or remodel, the humble school canteen is a key component in the success of...

School cafeterias and multi-use halls serve different purposes throughout the day, and the right dining furniture depends largely on how your school uses its space....

When you are choosing paper, it is natural to go by how it looks or feels. But judging paper by touch alone is not always...

A teaching wall, also known as a media wall or learning wall, is a fixed storage and teaching unit installed at the front of the...

Messages like “Save a tree, do not print this email” or “Go paperless to help the environment” are everywhere. They make it seem like using...

Hours spent shifting in hard, plastic chairs, trying to find a better position is a school memory many of us share. Surprisingly, not much has...

Space in schools is always in high demand, and budgets are often stretched to their limits. While building an extension might seem like the best...

School life moves quickly and sometimes there just is not much time to plan ahead, especially when it comes to your dining space. Perhaps your...

Paper might not be something you think about every day, but it plays a huge role in how businesses operate. It is always there when...

If you are looking for a new office, you have probably come across industry terms like Cat A, Cat B and Shell and Core in...

The push for paperless offices has been a prominent part of the conversation around sustainability for some time now, encouraging many businesses to reduce their...

Take a moment to think about all the different areas in a school. The classroom, library, science lab and even outdoor playground all have one...

It is easy to assume all printing paper is the same, but the type you choose can have just as much impact on the final...

An office should be more than just a place to work. At its best, it is an environment where employees feel motivated, connected and productive....

When many people think of schools, they often picture outdated classrooms, worn-out furniture and uninspiring communal spaces. While this may have been the norm in...

Even with technology at our fingertips, there is something about paper that just cannot be replaced. From jotting down quick ideas to preparing formal presentations,...

The way we use office spaces has changed. With the rise of hybrid and remote working, the days of entire teams being in the office...

The moment students walk into a classroom, the furniture and its arrangement send a powerful message about how they will learn. Desks lined up in...

For many students and teachers, school dining halls often conjure up images of overcrowded, noisy spaces that feel more like a lunchtime chore than a...

We spend a significant portion of our lives in the office, so it makes sense that the environment we work in greatly influences how we...

For students with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities or other disabilities, the dining hall can either be a welcoming space or a source of frustration and...

For many years, traditional classroom layouts, with rows of desks facing a blackboard, followed a one-size-fits-all approach to education. These setups, while functional in their...

The way we use the office has changed significantly in recent years. With the rise of hybrid work models, offices must now offer more than...

We have all been there—you hit print, expecting crisp, clean documents, only to face paper jams, smudged ink or dull results. Whether you are printing...

Looking to spark creativity and teamwork in your office? The right furniture and layout can make all the difference. Creating a collaborative workspace involves more...

As a teacher, you know just how precious classroom space can be. When books, papers and supplies take up too much room, it can be...

Designing the ideal secondary school environment is an important responsibility needing a thorough evaluation of several elements. Creating a useful, pleasant, and visually attractive learning...

The workspace is not just a location to work; it also reflects one’s professional identity and is very important for general wellness and output. The...

The school dinner bell is a welcome sound for many children as it marks a break from class and a chance to refuel for the...

Over recent years, the workplace has seen notable change. Today’s offices are dynamic environments reflecting corporate culture, fostering teamwork, and offering staff wellbeing a priority,...

This is the potential of a well-planned science lab. It expands beyond a room with desks and textbooks to become a platform for discovery and...

Well-designed staff rooms are essential for encouraging social interaction and collaboration in today’s fast-paced education environments. These places serve as hubs for creativity, interaction, and...

A productive learning environment is largely dependent on the design and arrangement of classrooms in the dynamic field of education. Using teaching walls is one...

Businesses frequently use office fit-outs and relocations as two distinct procedures to improve employee environments and streamline operations. Office fit-out is the process of designing...

Schools and universities in today’s educational environment are always trying to accomplish more with less resources. Effective space management is a critical task, especially in...

Are you ready to transform your school’s classrooms into vibrant, inspiring spaces that spark creativity and learning? The classroom designers at Westcountry Group understand the significance of...

In a world where environmental consciousness and corporate responsibility go hand in hand, the design of office spaces is undergoing a transformation. The concept of...

In 2024, the world of office interior design is undergoing a colourful revolution, embracing natural earth tones that breathe life and vitality into our workspaces....

As the first point of contact for students, parents, and visitors, the school reception plays a crucial role in setting the tone for a positive...

Maintaining school dining tables is not only about preserving their physical condition; it’s also about prioritising the well-being and comfort of students. From preventing potential safety hazards...

The significance of school furniture in impacting learning outcomes is frequently overlooked. The arrangement, flexibility, and ergonomics of the classroom play a pivotal role in...

Are you tired of trying to concentrate at work, only to be constantly disrupted by the sound of ringing phones, chatter from neighbouring cubicles, and...

As classroom designers, we understand the pivotal role that storage plays in creating a conducive learning environment. From books and supplies to art materials and sports...

Are you tired of the traditional, bulky furniture that clutters your workspace and stifles creativity? Imagine a world where your office layout is as dynamic...

Step into a modern UK classroom, and you may find yourself stepping into a whole new world of learning. The traditional rows of desks focused...

Collaborative learning is a cornerstone of modern education, offering a dynamic environment that nurtures academic growth and equips students with vital life skills. At Westcountry...

When it comes to the success of your business, the design of your office space is often an overlooked yet critical factor. The layout of...

Office spaces are more than just four walls – they are dynamic environments where ideas flourish and productivity thrives. But what happens when your current...

As the saying goes, silence is golden. But in a school environment, it turns out that good acoustics are worth their weight in gold as...

When it comes to commercial office refurbishments, many companies face a dilemma: how can they maintain productivity and keep their business open while undergoing necessary renovations?...

The importance of creating a comfortable and inspiring school boarding house cannot be underestimated as it sets the stage for academic success and personal development....

The significance of ergonomic classroom furniture cannot be overstated. Ergonomic furniture is designed to provide comfort, support, and promote good posture. When students are seated in chairs...

Accessibility is a fundamental right that every employee deserves in the workplace. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their work environment is accessible to everyone,...

Office design plays a crucial role in employee productivity, and it goes beyond aesthetics. The layout, lighting, and temperature of an office can significantly impact...

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, student well-being has become an increasingly important focus. Classroom designers recognise that fostering a positive learning environment goes beyond academic achievement...

Are you ready to create the perfect coworking space? Planning the perfect coworking environment can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it...

Education is the key to a successful future, and a big part of a good education is an inspiring yet practical learning environment. On average, children...

What is a school breakout area? A school breakout area is a designated space within a school that offers students a place to relax and...

As an employer, you have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of your staff while they are in the workplace. This covers...

Independent schools need to perform a careful balancing act between attracting new students to their school and retaining those students until the end of their...

Lunchtime is a key part of the school day. Not only does it provide a break from study for students and teachers alike, it is...

Your reception area is likely to be the first part of your school that any visitor sees. Whether it’s a parent, a supply teacher, or...

As we all know, employee well-being is key when it comes to productivity. The physical and mental health of your staff is fundamental to their...

Your company building has an important part to play in the success of your business. The design and layout of your work premises have a...

Teaching walls are a popular addition to many school classrooms, as they provide a bespoke storage solution that makes the most of available space. Sometime...

With National Storytelling Week (30th January to 6th February) underway, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of school libraries. For many schools and colleges...

Our range of Benchmark tables is among our most popular products with schools, colleges, and universities across the UK, and with good reason. They benefit...

The office environment in 2023 is a different beast entirely to what it was even 5 years ago. Between the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent...

Here at Westcountry Group, we have been providing essential building refurbishments for schools, colleges, and universities across the South West and South East of England for over...

If you’re looking to improve your school building, it’s expected that you would seek advice from trained and experienced professionals. Talk in general terms with...

One of the biggest changes in office interior design over the last couple of years has been the introduction of co-working office spaces. With many employers offering...

Interior design is about more than looking good – the physical layout of a building and its constituent rooms has a fundamental affect on the property’s...

When it comes to commercial office refurbishment, mezzanine floors are a popular choice for many office environments. Mezzanines are partial or balcony floors that often...

Choosing the right classroom furniture for schools is a key part of the interior design process. You need to find tables and chairs that are right for...

Biophilia, as it relates to office interior design, is the act of bringing outdoor spaces into the workplace. Commonly misconstrued as “let’s add some potted...

When considering interior design for educational facilities, the performance of the students should be foremost in our minds. On average, primary school children in the UK...

We are already well into 2022 and, after a shaky couple of years, office life across the country seems to have returned to some semblance...

The question of when is the best time to perform school remodelling and renovations crops up over and over again, and there is no easy answer. While...

Children in the UK spend 32½ hours per week in school – not counting extra-curricular activities – and much of that time is spent in...

When students complete their GCSE year many choose to continue their education in sixth form, whether in their own school or at a local college....

Whether you are looking to fit out a single classroom with new furniture and fittings, or you intend to refurbish your entire school, choosing the...

Like all creative endeavours, educational interior design goes through different trends and fashions. Of course, interior design for educational facilities is not an annual occurrence, so these...

Did you know that we can install our Versa Wall Pocket and Benchmark dining furniture virtually anywhere? As well as supplying 1,000’s of tables across...

1. KNOWLEDGE: OVER 43 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE With over four decades of experience in the paper market; we provide a specialist copier paper supply service for...

We really hope you, your family and communities are staying strong and safe during these difficult times, so here’s a quick word of encouragement from...

Goodbye open-plan, welcome closed office Radical workplace social distancing will have to begin immediately upon your teams return to the office which means it’s time...

Now, more than ever before schools are having to look at using different areas of their school for other activities.  Never has there been a...

Here at Westcountry Group we’re committed to help our customers in the campaign against Covid-19 and have successfully secured a large quantity of Barriguard alcohol hand gel...

Recognise the position or way that individual learners are most productive This equilibrium is achieved when pupils are in their natural learning spot. For some,...

Over the last decade or so, independent schools in the UK have reacted to the competitive market by becoming increasingly businesss driven, focusing on the...

When you think of marketing you most likely think of external marketing to consumers, “persuading more people to buy what you sell”, however another critical...

Boost morale/lift mood A fresh look to your office can have a great impact on team morale as it clearly shows your staff that they...

What are the cost, time and space savings with Versa products?  (FREE download) As schools are increasingly coming under pressure to take on more and...

Space-saving product No. 1: Versa Wall Pocket tables Choosing school furniture that stacks or folds when not in use is a brilliant way to save...

Here are five ways in which an organisation can be eco-friendly while still using the paper products and processes that help its business grow. People...

New funding available for Academy Trusts The first available is a new pilot by Sport England, alongside the Teaching Schools Council. Its aim is to...

Your employees are crying out for this lounge-come-breakout-area-come-employee-perk! So what exactly is a breakout area? It’s a space to go that’s outside the grind of work...

What is 4D Virtual Reality? 4D VR is a market disrupting way to experience your interior space plan. Whilst 3D plans allow you to see...

Agile workplaces to aid productivity In today’s fast-paced, technology-fuelled workplace, staff are increasingly expected to ‘deliver more’ – bettering their productivity and driving growth throughout...

The photocopier that’s always jamming is the bane of the modern-day office. So, we’ve compiled some quick tips to help you un-jam – and hopefully...

All around us we hear pleas to “Save a tree, don’t print this email”, “Go paperless” and other such expressions designed to make you feel...

What timescale are you working to? Working within a deadline can be stressful but is necessary.  We always strive to give you accurate completion deadlines...

The Versa ConverTable is our most versatile table yet Whether you want your room to be a dining hall, a lecture room or an auditorium,...

What timescale are you working to? Working within a tight deadline can be stressful but is necessary – especially if you need your project done...

‘Creative minds need creative spaces’ Recently several members of the Westcountry team attended a conference on the changing scene of education and how we can...

1. Burn calories Standing burns up to 50 more calories per hour than sitting, so you can have a Kit-Kat every two hours without feeling...

Westcountry Group recently hit the local headlines for its partnership with Plymouth’s Stoke Damerel Community College. And it’s all thanks to the ingenious thinking by...

Behold: the easiest way to make a paper crane… (as in the bird). Well, after searching the web, it’s what we think is the easiest...

Once again, International Paper has been recognised by the Ethisphere Institute as a 2017 World’s Most Ethical Company®, a global leader in defining and advancing...

Positive posture – positive mindset – positive results! “There is growing recognition that if students feel more comfortable and able to concentrate, they are more...

1. Give them past exam papers to do This is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that students know what to expect in...