Arlington is considering launching itself as an internet service provider, to offer support functions to its tenants. By Marc Lopatin.
The business space developer is planning to introduce a range of business support services in June 2000, available over the internet. These will include payroll, human resources, telecoms, IT support, utilities, office furniture and supplies, reception desking and out-of-hours answering and messaging.
Existing occupiers can access the services through an online directory linked to Arlington’s service desk. Preferred suppliers, chosen by Arlington, can be booked with Arlington taking a brokerage fee.
Arlington’s managing director, Howard Bibby, confirmed: “We are investigating becoming an ISP. We believe it will help us to promote customer loyalty – that is fundamental to growing shareholder value.
“Investing in business support services will help us to embed occupiers on our parks by increasing rates of retention.”
So far, Arlington has invested around £1m in business support services as part of its strategy of shifting from bricks and mortar to business services.
Arlington has altered its focus because many of its 400 UK occupiers are drawn from the fast-growing IT and telecoms sectors.
